[LUNA]
Loud sounds blared from the speakers as I entered the bar. Lights flashed and people filled the dance floor. The bar, as usual, is always busy, full of people eager to dance and drink. The atmosphere is electric, and the energy is high.
I slipped a wad of cash into the bouncer's pocket, and he grinned at me, recognizing me as a regular. "Thanks, Luna," he said, giving me a nod.
I returned the gesture and made my way deeper into the club. As a Caporegime, it was essential to know how to navigate any situation.
As I scanned the room, I could feel the eyes of the staff on me, all of them aware of who I was and what I represented. It was part of the job, and I relished the power it gave me.
Being a Caporegime meant knowing how to get things done, no matter what. And having the right connections was the key. That's why I made it a point to be generous to those who could help me, whether it be the bouncer or the bartender.
As I made my way to the VIP section, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This was my domain, and everyone knew it.
"Hey, Luna, How you doin'?" Tyler Turner greeted me as I made my way to their table. Tyler was one of my most trusted crew members - tall, dark-haired, and devilishly handsome. With his impeccable suit and cigarette in hand, he certainly looked the part of a mafia member.
"I'm good, thanks," I replied as Tyler handed me a cold beer. Despite what many people assumed about me, I wasn't cold or hostile by nature. I was a kind person, but I also knew how to protect my interests. Cross me, and you'll quickly find out what I'm capable of. It's a trait that all Camorra members respected, and it's why I held a high position in the family.
"Travis Carter wants to talk to you," Tyler said, his voice dropping to a murmur. My interest was piqued. Travis was the owner of this bar, and I knew he wouldn't summon me without good reason.
"Why?" I asked, taking a swig of my beer.
"They're planning to smuggle thousands of bottles of wine out of Italy, and they need protection," Tyler explained.
I glanced over to where Travis was waving at me, and I nodded my head in acknowledgment. It was an interesting proposition and one that could be lucrative for both me and the family. But as with all things in this business, I knew there were risks involved.
I caught up with Travis midway, and he led us to a secluded area of the pub where we could talk. Tyler followed us. He was one of my most reliable subordinates for this type of business, and I trusted him to have my back.
"I believe Tyler already gave you a heads up?" Travis asked me.
"Yeah, you want us to cover you while smuggling those wines?" I confirmed.
"Not only that, I want us to be partners; business partners," he explained, "so if I have problems with invoices, checks, delivery, customers, or anything else, you'll deal with it. And those things we can't let the cops know."
"What's in it for us?" I asked, taking a drag of my cigarette.
"I was thinking 20% if that's okay?" he offered. I laughed, and he seemed perplexed by my reaction. I could sense his uneasiness from where I was standing. His avarice was reeking all over him.
"That's too small. We'll take 50%," I said firmly
"That's too high—“ he retorted. I sneered, cutting him off. I glared at him. His eyes widened as he stared at mine. His insides began to shiver as I began to show him a glimpse of hell - the eternal torture and suffering. Lucky for him, it was just 5 seconds. He felt terrified and traumatized. I smirked at his reaction. His body continued to quiver before he spoke, "Stop! Stop! Alright, 50! If that's what you want."
"Good. You made the right choice," I said, allowing a faint smile to play on my lips. "We'll take care of everything, from the smuggling to the logistics. Just make sure you have the money ready when we come calling. And don't worry about the police. We have our ways of dealing with them."
He nodded, still looking shaken from our exchange. I didn't blame him. It wasn't every day that someone got to see the full extent of my wrath. But I didn't feel bad about it either. In my line of work, you had to be tough and unrelenting. It was the only way to survive.
As he scurried off to attend to his business, I turned to Tyler. "Make sure we have everything we need for the operation. And keep an eye on Travis. I don't trust him completely."
"Got it," he replied with a nod, his loyalty unwavering.
I took a deep breath, closing my eyes to tune in to the atmosphere of the pub, sensing the emotions and desires of every person in the room. But before I could delve deeper, my phone rang, and Kylie's name flashed on the screen. I answered quickly and stepped into the restroom for privacy.
"Hey," I greeted her.
"Baby, are you at the bar?" Kylie asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Yes, I had some business to attend to," I replied, lighting a cigarette and taking a deep drag. I don't even know why I'm smoking in the first place when I couldn't even feel or taste anything at all.
"I have a problem," Kylie said, her voice shaking.
I frowned and exhaled slowly. "What kind of problem?"
"Can you come over to my place? Please?" she pleaded.
I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "Sure, I'll be there soon. Just hold on."
I'm curious as to what her problem is. Well, she's not my girlfriend, but she is my best friend and a member of Camorra. And based on Camorra’s rule, the family should always be there for each other, especially when it comes to our co-caporegimes.
I got on my motorbike and rode right over to Kylie's place. Their mansion is as large as ours, with several rooms reserved for all Camorra’s high-ranking officials. It has a classy design with magnificent landscaping. As I walked in, one of their maids in black and white uniform greeted me.
"Where's Kylie?" I asked.
"Miss Kylie is inside her room, Ma'am," she answered. I nodded and went the extended stairs towards her room, which is the third room to the right.
I knocked first, then turned the knob and pushed the door open. I could already feel her presence. Her entire being was filled with lust and desire.
"Kylie?" I called as I peeked my head inside. I knew her problem was.
I decided to enter after not receiving a response. Kylie kissed me as soon as she placed her arms around my neck. I wasn't surprised in the least. This was something I expected to happen. She moved her lips, and I let her kiss me. I could feel her blood streaming through her veins and the sound of her heart racing.
"So this is your problem?" I smirked against her lips.
"Yes. I miss you. That's my problem."
I chuckled, and I kissed her back. Her scent excites me, but it's not enough to make me lose control.
I am not an ordinary human being, and this is no secret to the Caporegimes. My thirst for blood is undeniable, but my dad instilled in me a code of ethics that forbids me from feeding on human blood. Instead, I have learned to subsist on animal blood, and through years of practice, I have gained the necessary control to resist the temptation of human flesh.
Unlike me, Kylie is a human. The same goes for the other Caporegimes. Only my dad and I are vampires. However, we do not resort to hunting and killing people to sustain ourselves. My dad has lived for nearly a century, and I myself turned 28 years old this year.
As a vampire, I possess extraordinary abilities such as seduction and manipulation, as well as superhuman speed and strength that surpasses that of any mortal. Contrary to popular belief, we are not vulnerable to sunlight, although prolonged exposure may result in skin allergies.
Despite these powers, I have never used them to manipulate or harm members of the Mob. I remain committed to the principles instilled in me by my dad and continue to uphold them to this day.
Moving back to Kylie, she is not my girlfriend, but she loves me. I already told her that I'm not into relationships. I don't want to give my enemies a card to play against me. As a result, I never let my emotions get the best of me. If I ever fall in love, the Sinaloa Cartel may use that person against me. I don't want that to happen. So this is all I have to offer Kylie.
We had sex many times, but I never told her I loved her since my feelings for her aren't as strong as hers for me. I only love her as a best friend. But as I mentioned before, my brother Jacob loves her, and that caused the beef between us. It was known to all Caporegimes. Even though Kylie was aware of it, she had never given my brother a chance.
[ABBIE]"Abbie, it's been six months since our last session. How are you feeling today?" my therapist inquired, noting my prolonged absence. My sister Mia had encouraged me to attend therapy again, but I had been avoiding it for fear of facing life without Xanthe."I'm... alright, I suppose," I responded uncertainly, feeling lost and stuck in a state of limbo."If you were really fine, you wouldn't be here, Abbie. Please tell me how you really feel," my therapist gently prodded, sensing my hesitation."I feel lost... and I miss her," I whispered, my eyes welling up with tears as memories of Xanthe flooded my mind."Grief is an unavoidable and natural part of life. At some point, we will all experience the pain of losing someone we love, often in circumstances that can feel overwhelming and devastating," my therapist offered, her voice soothing and empathetic.As I struggled to contain my emotions, my chest tightening with the weight of my grief, I took a deep breath and let out a heav
[ABBIE]As I stepped into the house, my sister's warm embrace enveloped me. "Abbie, where did you go? I was so worried," she exclaimed.I flashed a small grin and settled into a chair at the dining table. With my parents still at work, Mia must have been the one to whip up tonight's dinner. "Just went to the museum," I replied."The museum? Did you go to see your painting?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.I nodded slowly, my mind still lingering on the canvas that had once held so much promise."I needed to find some motivation, some inspiration to paint again," I confessed. "I lost it all after Xanthe passed away. She was the only one who ever truly believed in me."As I twiddled my fingers, a sense of sadness crept over me. How was I supposed to paint again?Mia's hand reached out and grasped mine, halting my fidgeting. "I'm sorry, Abbie. I know I haven't always been the best sister to you," she said, her voice laced with regret. Normally, I might have grown irritated, but I fel
[LUNA]"Come on, Fight me!" I taunted, wiping the blood from my split lip. "Is that all you've got?"I had been fighting Jacob for what seemed like hours. Despite being a vampire, I was struggling to keep up with his attacks. Jacob had found a way to weaken me by using silver knuckles, a weapon that caused excruciating pain and left permanent scars on my skin.I dodged another one of his punches, feeling the wind rush past my face. I knew I had to be careful, one wrong move and I could end up dead. Jacob was not holding back, and neither was I.I lunged forward, aiming a punch at his stomach. He doubled over, gasping for air, and I took the opportunity to step back and let him catch his breath. As much as I wanted to win this fight, I didn't want to kill my brother."Who's a weakling now?" my mouth stretched into a smug smile. He rose up, but I struck him across the face with a powerful blow; he stumbled back, but he quickly regained his balance and retaliated, grabbing my arm and sla
[ABBIE]I woke up with the smell of something cooking downstairs. It must be my mom. I feel like slowly, day by day, I'm starting to be comfortable with reconnecting again with my family. Despite the warmth I felt, a hollow feeling lingered within me. It was as if something was missing, and I couldn't pinpoint what it was. Nevertheless, I was grateful for my family's efforts to understand me.Night after night, my dreams were haunted by Xanthe's presence, but never in a positive way. Every time I saw her, a feeling of dread consumed me. But then, out of nowhere, Luna appeared, wearing a smug smile on her face. She'd wrap me in a warm embrace, and it felt odd because I barely knew her, except for the fact that she shared Xanthe's face.Ever since that night in the museum, I couldn't shake off the recurring dream. However, in this nightmare, Luna always tried to rescue me. It was strange, because she ran away from me in the Museum. I shouldn’t be dreaming about her rescuing me."Good mo
[LUNA]I revisited the museum, eager to buy the painting that the crazy woman made. I know it's a sudden change in my decision, but I couldn't be at ease. I kept on having a nightmare that the painting was gone. So I finally decided to buy the painting. However, as if my nightmare turned into reality, the painting was nowhere to be found. I approached a member of the museum staff and inquired about it."Excuse me, Miss. Do you happen to know where the painting of the night sky is located?" I asked.The staff member smiled and glanced behind me before responding, "Ah, you must be referring to the painting by Abbie Gomez."Abbie Gomez? So that's the crazy girl's name."Yes, that's the one. Do you know where it is? I was hoping to buy it," I explained."I'm sorry, ma'am, but that painting is not for sale. Ms. Gomez has already taken it back," the staff member informed me.I was taken aback and almost raised my voice in frustration, drawing the attention of those nearby. "What do you mean
[RUBY]"The art of seduction, have you heard of it?" James asked, still trying to explain what he meant.I was still confused and hesitant about what he was trying to teach me, as I was afraid he might ask me to become a prostitute."You mean the book by Robert Greene?" I asked.James smirked and nodded in response."Yes, I know the book, but what does it have to do with the Camorra?" I asked, feeling my patience wearing thin. I knew I needed to learn something, but I needed to know what it was.James stood up from his seat and slowly walked towards me. He stopped behind me and placed his hands on my shoulders before whispering, "You're going to need to learn that."I gulped nervously as my body stiffened in my seat. "If you want to join the Camorra, you need to be useful to them," he added, emphasizing the importance of what he was teaching me."You really want me to become a prostitute?" I asked, still feeling confused and uneasy about what he was proposing."No, Ruby, you'll be a w
[LUNA]"Hey Luna, the boss is waiting. You better hurry up," B barked into the phone."Hey! You're over reacting," I heard Kylie's voice."Let her be! She's searching for someone,” I heard V's voice too."What? Who?" B intertupted."A girl named Abbie Gomez," I can hear V's teasing voice."Obviously, you know my whereabouts," I answered coldly."Who's that girl?" Kylie asked. I can hear some random noise as if they're fighting over the phone."It's the girl I met in the museum," I explained curtly. Honestly, I didn't feel like elaborating any further."I know everything Luna!" V yelled."Is that Luna?" it was J."Luna, Dad has been waiting for you. Don't keep him waiting any longer," J's voice had a stern edge to it, but I was unfazed."Yeah. Yeah. Whatever. I'm on my way there,” I replied in a disinterested tone."Yeah! Get your ass here. The Consigliere's niece has arrived. Dude, she's so hot and sexy and pretty!" B chimed in. I can imagine B drooling with the way he described James
[RUBY]James finally broke the silence as we got into the car, his eyes glinting mischievously."What was that all about?" he asked, a grin spreading across his face."What?" I asked confusingly."You were using your charm on Luna."I rolled my eyes, feeling a blush creeping up my cheeks. "I wasn't using my charm,I did that to shut her up," I turned my attention to the view outside the window."I think you made her like you more and I think you like her too," he tried to tease but I glared at him. He chuckled and shook his head."Just because she resembles Xanthe doesn't mean I'm interested," I retorted, averting my gaze."She can come across as arrogant at times," I added."Ah, but that's the very thing that women find irresistible about her," he grinned."Didn't you tell me not to fall in love. So why are you pushing Luna on me?" I asked, crossing my arms defensively and arching an eyebrow.
[LUNA]I woke up with a heavy head, the weight of last night’s decisions crashing down on me. I need to remind myself to never drink like that again. But then the memories flooded back—was it all just a dream? I quickly checked for my medallion, my fingers grazing my neck. Nothing. Shit! It wasn’t a dream. Panic twisted in my gut as I found the medallion lying on my bed. Frustration bubbled up inside me; Ruby now knew my secret. I imagined her fear and shuddered—of course she would be scared. I bet she wouldn’t dare step foot in the mansion again, and maybe that was a good thing. Perhaps she would walk away from the Camorra and return to being Abbie Gomez, living a life untouched by the darkness I inhabited.I sighed, feeling oddly empty. What the hell was I so sad about? I shouldn’t be sulking over the fact that I scared Ruby just because she discovered I was a vampire. Kylie had reacted similarly, and look at her now—she was in love with me. So why was I worried at all?Resolutely,
[RUBY]I arrived at the bar, my eyes immediately finding her. She was sitting on the pavement next to her motorbike, her back slumped against the wall. The sight of her like that—head buried in her knees, arms wrapped tightly around herself—made my heart twist painfully. She looked so small, so lost, like a child who didn’t know where to turn. I had never seen her this vulnerable before.I rushed toward her, my footsteps quick and quiet. Kneeling beside her, I gently reached out, running my fingers through her hair, brushing it away from her face. “Luna,” I whispered softly. Her head lifted slowly, and when she finally looked at me, her face was streaked with tears. The sight of her like this, broken and raw, hit me harder than anything ever had. Without thinking, I knelt down fully and pulled her into a tight embrace. Her arms wrapped around me instantly, her face pressing into the crook of my neck. I could feel her shaking, feel her breath cold against my skin as she tried to stif
[LUNA]Here I am again, at the bar, trying to drown myself in liquor. But this isn't just any liquor—this one is different. A darker brew, gifted by the elder vampires themselves. I don’t know what’s in it, but it grips me, sends a shiver down my spine, makes the room spin just the way I want it to. Life as Luna Salvatore isn’t something you wish for. People think they want to be me, but they don’t carry the weight I do. They wouldn’t last a day in my skin. I don’t even know who my mother is—never had the chance to ask. Normal? That’s something I’ve never been. While other kids were playing with dolls, I was given weapons. A gun in one hand, a blade in the other. My father made sure of that. I was trained, forged in fire, taught to be self-reliant, never to trust in others' strength. Wisdom, leadership—those were my toys. I used to watch the other children from a distance, laughing and chasing one another, wondering what it felt like to belong to something as innocent as that. But I
[LUNA] Maybe I should stop thinking about her. It’s the rational thing to do, after all. But the lump in my throat grows thick as I recall the way she averted her gaze, the silent rejection etched in her every movement. Every time she looks at me, she sees Xanthe. And that—it’s unbearable. The worst kind of torture. Foolish of me to fall into her web, only to find myself ensnared by a love that was never meant for me. Now, I’m trapped, struggling in vain to break free. My heightened senses, sharp as a blade, can perceive many things—but not her thoughts. Her heart, though, betrays her. It skips a beat every time I speak Xanthe’s name, a telltale sign of who truly owns her heart. It’s as though her very pulse is tethered to someone long gone. I press harder on the throttle, urging my bike to speed up, as if the rush of wind against my skin could numb the ache festering within. But it’s futile. This strange, suffocating feeling clings to me. I shouldn’t feel this way—I'm a vampire, a
[RUBY] "Welcome to the Camorra, Mia Kaufmann," the Boss finally announced, lifting his glass of crimson wine. The room followed suit, the soft clink of glass punctuating the silence. Mia undergone the ritual, pricking her finger just as I had done before, her face unreadable as the dark liquid beaded on her skin. Of course, this was all for show—an elaborate dance to keep suspicion at bay, especially from Luna’s watchful eyes. Mia was not yet a part of the Camorra. Not until her mission was complete. As the meeting wound down, I leaned closer to her, dropping my voice. "I need to talk to Luna after this," I murmured. She shot me a knowing glance, the kind that said she was already one step ahead. I furrowed my brows. "Stop imagining things. I’m just giving her my painting," I added hastily, trying to keep my tone casual. "Alright. I wasn’t thinking of anything, Ab—" she caught herself, nearly slipping up. "Ruby," she corrected herself. "And for the record, you're the one overthin
[LUNA]Frustration builds inside me as human emotions creep into me, weakening my senses. I need control—craving the strength that makes me who I am. The engine of my bike roars as I head toward the forest, where I trained with my father and hunted for food that truly sustains me. Human food is dull, a weak substitute for the raw power of blood. It's been months since I’ve tasted it, and that’s why I feel this way—vulnerable, almost human.As I reach the forest, I strip off my medallion, leaving it in the bike’s compartment. Instantly, my senses sharpen, flooding back with intensity. I hear everything: the heartbeat of every creature, the pulse of life, the emotions carried on the wind—fear, anger, joy. I am alive again, in control. Swiftly, I leap through the trees, my movements as seamless as the wind. I search for my target: deer, my favorite prey. Its blood will revive me.I spot it, the scent of its fear already filling my lungs. It flees, but I am faster. In a single motion, I d
[ABBIE]As we drove home, my mind spun with confusion. Why would Mia, of all people, join the Camorra? A lawyer, fiercely dedicated to justice, diving into the very world of crime she’s sworn to fight against—it didn’t make sense. I glanced at James, hoping for answers, but he offered none. "It’s not my place to explain her reasons," he’d said. So I let it go, planning to ask Mia myself when I saw her. Lost in thought, I barely noticed when our car stopped at the gate. Another car had followed us in, trailing close behind. My gut churned with a mix of excitement and dread. Was it her? Mia? I hadn't seen my sister in so long, and the thought of her being part of the mafia made my heart pound. What could drive her to such a drastic choice? James, sensing my anxiety, gave me a knowing nod. I bolted out of the car, barely breathing as the door to the other car swung open. "Mia!" I cried, running toward her. She stepped out, and I was in her arms before I knew it, clinging to her like I
[LUNA]I watched Abbie descend the stairs, unable to tear my gaze away even as I cradled Kylie on the couch. I tried to focus on our conversation, pretending I hadn’t noticed her, but the moment Abbie paused halfway down and looked our way, I got nervous. This shouldn’t happen in anyway. I have never felt nervous in my entire life. It must be the medallion’s doing. Her face was a mask of unreadable calm. Was she jealous? No, that was impossible. She’d only used me, played me like a pawn for her own agenda. The temptation to remove my medallion surged through me—just to glimpse her emotions, to know what she was hiding. My fingers brushed the cold metal, but I hesitated. If I lost control, if I went berserk, Kylie—and everyone else in the house—would be in danger. I sighed and let the thought slip away.I refused to hope. Hope was a dangerous thing, especially with Abbie. She’d blindsided me, twisted my emotions, and I hadn’t seen it coming. Or had I? Had I just ignored the signs? I pu
[RUBY]“Have a seat,” Marco Salvatore gestured to the couch with a calm authority that sent a shiver down my spine. His office felt suffocatingly small, as though the walls themselves were pressing in on me. My hands had gone cold, clammy, and despite my best efforts, they trembled in my lap. His gaze, unreadable and unwavering, seemed to pierce right through me as he clasped his hands together in front of him.“Ruby… or should I say, Abbie.” His voice was like a blade, sharp and precise, slicing through the silence. My heart lurched, hammering violently against my ribs, and I felt the blood drain from my face. How did he know? What else did he know?“I’ve known about you long before James brought you to me,” Marco continued, his words deliberate, each one sinking in like a stone. “And I know about your father—once a member of the Camorra.”I swallowed hard and stole a glance at James. He offered me a reassuring smile, one that told me to keep calm and listen. But it was impossible to