Wolves of Rome

Chapter Twelve: Law & Order

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Chapter Twelve: Law & Order

Our group convened in a large solarium like parlor, the ceiling a gorgeous quilt work of stain glass, sending a rainbow of lights dancing across the polished marble floor. Ilario was laid out on a bench like love seat, his head supported on Marcello's lap while the other boy watched with a waxen, drawn expression as Arlo attempted to stop the wound from bleeding. My stomach twisted at the sight of all that blood. I'd never been good with gore and horror. My heart went out to Marcello, who looked as if his own was being laid out on the table and bleeding away.

"How is he?" I asked quietly as I made my way towards the group.

It was Arlo who answered, his head bowed as he administrated damp rags on the wounds.

"He will be fine. Given time. The cut was deep and clean, the silver will leave burns," Arlo said as he applied more pressure to the wound, causing Ilario to let out a hiss of pain. "To be honest, I think it looks worse than it really is."

"Easy for you to say," Ilaro grumbled shakily. "You're not the one bleeding his guts out."

Marcello was prompt to shush him, gently brushing back the matted tangles of hair that had become plastered to his face. My eyes wandered between the two, gauging their closeness. I hadn't noticed it before now. But now I saw clearly how attached they were to one another, how the two were always together, the way Ilario's eyes would follow Marcello across the room, and the secret glances Marcello would steal in return. My chest suddenly ached with a empathic pain.

A loud bang drew my attention away from the pair and over to the double doors that let out to the balcony, where Michele stood, his expression hard as stone.

"I need to speak to Cianna," he said, his voice held a tremor of rage that sent the hairs on my arm at attention, and my offense switch on.

I crossed my arms over my chest, meeting his glare with a steadiness that floored me; seeing as I was scared shitless on the inside. Michele's striking eyes sparked with electricity, the shock of light gone before it was ever really there. His demeanor slacked, his body language conveying a reluctant surrender.

"Cianna, may I please have a word in private?"

I stiffened at the ice in his voice, as if I were a child who had misbehaved. I rose to my feet and started towards him. A hand clasped my wrist holding me back. I looked down into Ilario's brown eyes, burning with pain and alarm.

"N-no."

I put my hand on his, his skin was so warm, slick with sweat that it scared me. I gave him a reassuring smile, squeezing his hand.

"I'll be right back."

I turned, making my way across the room. Why was it that I felt like that I was walking the plank?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What am I doing here?

Nico prowled just outside of the Del Rossi mansion. He had to be crazy coming into enemy territory without back up. Hell, he was crazy. There was no question. The universe had a screwed up idea of fate-the prophesied girl was also his mate; things didn't get any more crazy than that.

Nico stayed low under the underbrush of the trees, minding not to leave their protective camouflage. He knew exactly what drew him here-it was all about her. Cianna. He could sense her, she was a haunting spectator where ever he went. He'd ran earlier, but here he was-drawn back to her like a lost planet to the sun.

" . . . want now?"

Nico's gut twisted. Cianna. He crept closer until he could see her-them. The fur on his neck rose at the sight of Michele, standing so casually close to her. It took every ounce of self control Nico possessed not to attack Michele where he stood.

"You interfered. I could give you the benefit of the doubt-you only just found out what you are, what we are. That is a lot to take in, cara."

A deep growl began to grow in Nico's chest, his vision darkening.

"Let me guess, you aren't going to give me that benefit of the doubt, are you?" Cianna replied, her green eyes flashing in defiance.

Nico's chest swelled with admiration for his mate. She was not a pushover.

"I am Alpha! You will learn to treat me with respect!"

"I don't give a damn what you are! I am not some lackey you can order about. You can't treat people the way you do!" Cianna shouted, meeting Michele molten gaze. "I don't give a flying frick about what some prophesy says! To quote Star Wars 'no magical force field controls my life'! And certainly no high handed wolfboy!"

Michele stumbled back as if he'd been struck. His eyes narrowed, his hands balling into fists. Nico could smell the raw rage coming off him in waves. Nico rose prepared to attack, to defend his mate.

"Cianna," Michele's voice shook as he fought for control of his anger. "You will be Tried."

Nico's heart fell, agony flooded through him for his mate. No! No, no, no!

"'Tried'?" Cianna whispered, her anger fueled bravery dissipating. "What is that?"

"You will find out . . . tonight."

___________________Author's Note_____________________

Hiya! Long time no see! I'm just updating like crazy! So, what is new with everyone? I know it has been a very, very long time but you see this was my senior year so, sacrifices had to be made. I'm just sorry it had to be W. o. R. That suffered.

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I hope you liked chapter 12! See ya soon :)