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ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 22
The distant blaring of the sirens haunted Ghost's ears, forcing him to glance at the Cartier wristwatch, firmly wrapped around his left wrist.It was a very distant sound, incapable of being heard by normal hearing ability. But his acute hearing brought the sounds to his ears, making him grow impatient.He hated being teamed up with amateurs who didn't know how to carry out swift missions. Coming out here had been a chivalrous act on his part, since he wasn't busy. Also, it was an important mission and he had to secure the files.A couple of the Rino cartel bosses were hosting a night party in the gigantic nightclub building across the street, from where his car was packed. The Rino family was one of their rivals here in Sicily. Not much of rivals, 'cause the Carianno dominated more than half of the city. Still, they were a bit of a threat.Just recently, they had erected the biggest casino, a tad bigger than theirs. Don Carianno had felt insulted and wanted ownership of the casino. O
Last Updated : 2024-10-29ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 23
Staring at the splitting lookalike of Jason, Ciara was terrified. The man was nothing but Jason's doppelganger, a cold-blooded doppelganger. Recalling that day in his apartment, and how vicious he'd been to her, she had every reason to be terrified by his presence. Nah, scratch that. She had every reason to be terrified by everyone here. She's been through hell and never had she imagined humans could be so vicious. Growing up, she was taught that only rogues had this great level of viciousness. But these monsters just showed her how wrong she'd been taught. They were literal beasts. And she was fucking lucky to still be breathing. "What are you doing here?" Deep and hoarse came the voice, startling her again. His bluish-grey eyes were in a dark squint."I'm working." Ciara cleared her throat, regaining her senses. She took the bottle of brandy from his hand and filled the two glasses."Here?" Ghost blurted out again. It made no fucking sense that she was behind that counter. Who the
Last Updated : 2024-10-29ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 24
Torn between rashly taking off his hand from Ciara and gently letting her go, Ghost was static for the next few seconds. The slow, definite steps of Don Carianno behind him heightened his sense of defense and his grip on her wrist tightened, against his will."Son." Don Carianno's voice echoed next to him, gripping his shoulder and forcing him to turn around. There was no lying and denying more. He had to face his complicated truth.The brief distraction made Ciara able to wring her wrist away from his hold. She bent again for the shards of glass and this time, Ghost couldn't stop her. He forced himself to watch her in silence. Everyone did. She barely made it up when Rasta bounced forward and smacked her face."Crazy bitch! How dare you create such a sick mess??!" He grabbed a handful of her hair, and her cries echoed. He dragged her back behind the counter, ignoring how deep the glasses pierced into her skin.Ghost winced slightly. His body stung like he'd been the one who got hit
Last Updated : 2024-10-29ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 25
The starry night sky echoed Ryder's sullen mood as he stared up at the stars, deep in thought. Distant wailing of kids and lowkey chattering were the background sounds. Somehow, they synched with his misery, creating a sore in his heart.A half-filled glass of whiskey was loosely gripped by one hand, and the other hand was wrapped firmly around the rails. His shoulders were sagged, indicating just how troubled he was.Tomorrow, he would be visiting different Packs in hopes that they would ally with him in his fight against the Mafia. It was a drastic step, one that wasn't insured. If they do agree and ally with him and the war ends badly, he will suffer an incurable loss. Every damn thing he had would be gone.The Mafia would sweep them out of existence, and the other Packs would suffer losses that they knew nothing about. If that happens, he'll spend the rest of his life feeling guilty.But if things work out right, then Jason would be back home, where he belongs. Surely, it would be
Last Updated : 2024-10-29ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 26
26Ghost had his legs placed on the table as he listened half-assedly to the men who seemed engrossed in their conversation.It was supposed to be a four-man meeting. But he hasn't said as much as a word since he arrived here — It was one of Don Carianno's condos — he couldn't proudly say he was listening either. Not until someone swatted his feet with a folded paper."Take them down, Ghost. This table cost me a fortune." Don Carianno said with a bit of irritation. "And would you please, show a bit of interest here?"Ghost took down his feet with a sigh. "I can't. I just can't seem to develop any shitty interest in this conversation. I'm flatly sitting it out,""Why not?" Don Carianno puckered his brow. A ring of smoke covered his face from the cigarette between his fingers."Because it's fucking stupid and pissing me off. So what if the Chinese Mafia lost a man in the underground fights? So what if the Triads are mad and reeling with anger? We didn't kill him. It was just a fucking a
Last Updated : 2024-10-29ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 27
27"I don't bloody care," Camilla seethed, tugging her arm off his hold. "Ghost wouldn't tell me his address, so I can't visit him at home. And he's been avoiding my calls. So I'm sorry, but this meeting is over. I need to talk to him."Don Carianno stood and went to her. Calmly, he said. "Camilla, have some bloody manners, please. This is a meeting. Now, you're welcome to wait for him in any of the rooms in the building but not in here,""You caused all these, Don Carianno. Why the hell did you give that bitch to him?" Camilla retorted. Bratty, as always."It's just for two weeks. What's the big deal?" Don Carianno tried reasoning with her. Camilla wasn't just any Mafioso's daughter. Her father, Riccardo Dante was a big shot caller in the Mafia world. It gave her more rights to throw silly tantrums than any daughters of the Mafiosos. If only Ghost wasn't always trying to upset her. If only he'd learn how to treat her right."Ghost hasn't touched me after the day he returned. It's bee
Last Updated : 2024-10-29ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 28
28."I don't know what to do about that broad, bro. She's gonna mess up my life if I don't do something about her," Ghost grumbled, squeezing his eyes shut briefly. "I don't understand. Didn't the boss permit you to have her for two weeks? What are you so worked up about?""That sick permission. It's gonna be my doom!" Ghost was all shades pissed, and he badly needed to vent it all out. It was boiling up in him. "You lost me," Scar said after seconds of trying to make sense of his words but couldn't. He ordered another drink instead. The night might just be a long one, so they needed as many drinks as they could get. Ghost sighed, taking a deep breath. He had to explain in simpler terms. He needed Scar to understand what mess was going on in his head."You know how I got addicted to killing?" Ghost puffed, turning his head in Scar's direction, trying to clear him. "Slit a man's throat, and it felt fucking exciting. Had the urge to do it again, and Don Carianno passed the next vict
Last Updated : 2024-10-29ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 29
29"Grazie (Italian for " thank you"). The random Italian man smiled at Ciara as she placed his drinks on his table. He had a girl with him, and her head rested on his shoulders as she beamed at Ciara too.Feeling weird, Ciara nodded nervously and strolled back to the counter. She got behind it, taking a few seconds' break. The hushed whispers of her co-workers infiltrated her ears — they were going off about her again. She threw them a glance, and they fell quiet, avoiding her gaze and pretending to be busy.Weird. They never avoided her gaze. On the contrary, they always blasted her for making eye contact with them, and if she looked a second longer, they're gonna walk up to her and hit her face. It's always been that way.But lately, they've been acting very differently. Not just them. Everyone else. Imagine serving a drink and getting thanked for it. That's never happened since she came to work in the bar.They usually blast her, and some uncouth bastards would go as far as grab
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
Latest chapter
ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 83
“Did she sanitize this?” Ranya asked, wearing a puzzled look as he stretched the empty paper towards Valerie. She took it and brought the blank sheet to her nose.She coughed slightly, perceiving a deeper scent than expected. “It’s sanitized, sir. The card is too,” she replied, handing the sheet back to him.He accepted the blank sheet, bewildered by why she would send it along with his keys.“Sir, are there any threats of any kind? Should I inform the police?" Valerie asked, watching her boss intently. She couldn’t help but wonder what business he had with the lady in shades.She did not say anything when she arrived because Mr. Windsor had already informed her that a lady would be returning his card, and she was to take it.“I thought I gave her a week?” he asked, walking into his office, scanning through the sheet in his hands to see if she left any hidden message. Valerie watched her boss walk away with surprise overly written on her face. She had never seen that look on him before
ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 82
“Mr. Ranya Windsor,” Damian said confidently as he walked towards Ranya, his face no longer masked with anger but replaced with a smile. Ranya looked up from the system as the well-dressed man in a blue suit approached his table.“You’re not kidding me, are you?” Ranya asked, gesturing towards the system on the table. “This is a cafe, not your office.”Ranya scoffed loudly, shaking Damian’s outstretched hand, and whispered, “The last time I checked, we were supposed to meet for work. I agreed to this cafe meeting because I know you brought him with you. I can only avoid unnecessary drama by choosing to meet in public.”Damian laughed and took a seat across from his friend. Damian Lillard was Ranya’s cousin, and he chose to work for him due to his political agenda. Being the Prime Minister’s personal assistant had many advantages for a politically minded person like Damian.“I see you’re avoiding questions about Vivian,” Damian remarked, staring intently at Ranya, whose expression turn
ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 81
The beeping sound of the elevator distracted her thoughts yet again.She vividly remembered the first time she had come here. The elevator had opened, and she had walked out, feeling repulsive with each step she took towards the apartment.After entering the passcode, the one he had asked her to choose three months into the contract, he had wanted her to have access, warning her always to wear a nose mask whenever she visited. Those rules she had adhered to diligently over the years.The door beeped, and it opened. She pushed it open and as she stepped in, the familiar smell of him hit her sense of reasoning, and for some minutes, she felt like breaking down.He had made it clear that it was a contract. A contract with no strings attached. It was so unfair she had to feel this way, and with determination, she decided she was not coming back to his apartment again.The living room was extremely spacious and lively. It used to be gloomy and depressing until she couldn’t bear its emptine
ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 80
“You’re not doing that, are you?” Emily asked, her voice a little high-pitched, as they were currently in one of the biggest lounges in Texas.She owned a lounge called ‘The Place.’When she decided to name it THE PLACE, Calista laughed out loud, wondering why she chose such a weird name for a bar. What she didn’t know was that her friend actually meant it; she wanted everything to stand out, including the name.Emily’s smartness caught her attention when she went to a friend’s party in college. She knew just how to attract the right person, and her friendly gestures towards everyone captured her attention.“How did your family take it?” Emily asked, nodding her head at the loud music. “I mean, it will be a lot, given the time frame.”“I didn’t give them enough time to process it, Emmy. We’re moving out the day after tomorrow, and that’s it.”“I kind of find you cruel,” Emily added, her voice sounding displeased. “You can’t snatch off a life because you’re afraid he might not come loo
ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 79
Echoes of the Past“Ranya,” Vivian called impatiently. “I’m sorry, but I can’t refuse. Yang proposed to me, and you expect me to turn him down?”“Vivian, please,” Ranya begged, holding her wrist pleadingly. “I promised I would be so good to you. I would take over Father’s company if that would make you stay. You can’t leave me.”“And to think you thought I was leaving you because you were still struggling is annoying. I’m telling you this because I don’t want you to see it in the news. I love Yang, and I’m marrying him!”Her voice echoed in his head, especially the last word. Now she’s back, and he’s still hopelessly in love with her. The reason he couldn’t move on or open his heart to another was because of her. She had returned, making many promises never to leave.A slight knock on his door interrupted his thoughts. He turned slightly towards his secretary, who silently walked in and dropped a file on the table.“The prime minister booked an appointment, sir,” she announced, steppi
ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 78
Bargaining with FateThree Years EarlierCalista stood before the imposing doors of the Windsor Law Firm, her hands trembling in the cold air of the waiting room. Her father’s future hung in the balance, and Ranya Windsor was her last hope. Lila, her father’s colleague, had assured her that he could help.The firm was one that loan sharks found quite intimidating. She desperately wanted to save her father from jail, not only because her family name and image would be tarnished but also because she couldn’t bear to watch them take him away. She knew he was not responsible for the allegations imposed on him by Lewiston Corporation.“Miss Calista MacQuoid, Mr. Windsor will see you now.” The receptionist’s voice jolted her back to the present. She took a deep breath and stepped inside, her eyes meeting the icy gaze of Ranya Windsor for the first time.“Don’t mind his cold demeanor when you meet him. He can help you.” Lila’s voice echoed in her head as she walked into the room, the recepti
ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 77
Fading Echoes of DesireThe weather was nice and fair, especially after the heavy downpour the previous day. There was nothing to worry about as she made her way to the massive building belonging to one of the wealthiest bachelors in Texas, Ranya Windsor.Three years ago was the first time she had visited this place. She was in distress, desperately seeking a way to prevent her father from going to jail. She was troubled and extremely poor. But today, she held her head high, feeling a sense of belonging as her heels made resounding steps toward the receptionist. Despite being a law firm, the building felt more like a suite for people of high status.“Good morning, miss,” the blonde receptionist greeted, smiling sweetly at her. The last time she was here, the receptionist had a curt expression, unlike the friendly one now.“Good morning,” Calista replied, giving her a smile that lit up her face. “I have an appointment with Mr. Windsor.”The receptionist nodded and checked her system fo
ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 76
EpilogueCiara crouched below and peered into those sad grey eyes. She pulled at his cheeks playfully, "Asher, don’t you just look dashing?"He tugged at his bow-tie and began to whine.Hara walked by carrying a huge cake that shielded her face, "See Asher, Aunt Ciara thinks you look handsome in that shirt. I agree with her."Ciara chuckled. It had been more than a year and a few months since she moved back to the pack, and it was more than she expected it to be. She had felt so much raw pain when Ghost was driven away in that car. She didn’t have a clue of what she was supposed to do. It was just like the first time she ran away from the pack, confused, exhausted. She had known the pack all her life, grown up here, made friends here. Suddenly she had to run from it, from her safe haven, from everyone she knew. Somehow she had managed to pick up the pieces of her life, find some sort of balance, and then Italy happened. She lost her freedom, lost the reins over her life, lost her happ
ONCE A BETA, NOW A MAFIA 75
In a heartbeat, Ghost swung his arm towards Sergio and pressed the trigger. Sergio didn’t have time to react, his face was frozen in shock as the bullet sliced through the air and into his forehead. Before his men could react, Ghost pulled out another gun from inside his shirt and fired at them.Scar was firing from two guns from behind. Ryder leaped into the air and transformed into a wolf, tearing through the remaining men, ripping them apart. His paws with sharp claws sliced through the air as he sunk his teeth into the neck of one of the men, snuffing the life out of him instantly.Three other men emerged from behind the shadows, dragging Ciara, Hara, and Blair.Hara and Ciara exchanged a look, and on Hara’s cue, they elbowed the men in the groin. Ghost fired instantly, and Ryder jumped on the man holding Blair, knocking him off. He tossed him to the side, and Blair ran towards him, pulling him into a hug. He wiped her tear-stained cheeks with his nuzzle. Hara joined in on the gro
