Behind the Mask

Chapter 94

Multiple POVs

Japan: Sean's POV

I saw the color drain from her face when Victor said Murdoch's name. She quickly grabbed her stomach and fled from the room with Gabe and Kota following her. "Shit, I shouldn't have said anything in front of her," Victor muttered.

"She has to know, Vic," Brandon countered. "It won't help to keep her in the dark, especially not now."

"Brandon's right. She needs to be involved with every step now. The more she knows, the more she can process through this entire mess and move forward," Owen added. "Keeping her in the dark could cause even more damage and doubts."

"While I agree she needs to know, that doesn't mean we need to overload her. It will be stressful for both her and the baby," I reminded them. "Make sure she isn't alone, please."

"I'm pregnant, Sean, not made of glass," she said with a smirk as she walked back in holding Gabe and Kota's hands. "Now, tell me how you all plan to destroy those bastards - and more importantly, how the fuck can I help?" She sat on the couch between Luke and Gabe as she sipped water with a determined look on her face.

"Well beautiful, Corey and I have been attacking their finances for weeks now. We've siphoned off billions. Some has been misplaced, the rest has been donated to various charities around the globe to combat some of the evil they've caused." Marissa smiled at his words. "As for the remainder of their funds, they won't exist once Corey and I activate the final computer virus attack. Routing and account numbers will suddenly change to accounts we have control over and be divided between the mafia families to help any members who are injured or their families if loss of life is involved with the physical takedown of Academy personnel," Victor explained. She seemed deep in thought, memorizing each detail as he outlined where all the guys were and what the plans were with each family. My own head was spinning at all the information, and she held up her hand, palm to the screen. "Do you have a question?" he asked her.

"What's the plan for Dr. Murdoch?" Her lip trembled as she asked. I noticed Luke intertwining his fingers with hers.

Axel cleared his throat, "Well, honestly that depends on you and Sean." She cocked her head in confusion and then locked onto my eyes. "If Sean says we need him alive to help you, then I won't kill him," Axel growled. Her pupils widened at his words, but she didn't look away. "Sean?" he asked.

"I need his research and formulas. I'm not sure how to acquire those if we kill him. We haven't had any luck locating an actual lab. Every place we find has been thoroughly scrubbed and only dead scientists are left behind," I told them. "Sweetheart, I don't want the man alive any more than you, but unlocking the serum may be the key to helping you and hundreds of others. You weren't his only, um, assignment." I stuttered. We hadn't told her about the dollmaker cases yet. She hadn't asked about her brand and we were all terrified to broach the subject honestly. Even in her little space, she had been frantic about him and his 'shots'. I watched her lips tighten as if she wanted to say something, but she didn't. She nodded and leaned into Luke's arms.

We finalized the plans as everyone began to close their connections. Before Corey disconnected, Marissa spoke up, "Sean, can I talk to you, alone?" she asked. The others nodded and left the room. She came and sat closer to the screen and camera. I could see the tears in her eyes. "I miss you," she whispered. "I...I'm scared. I'm scared you're going to get hurt and never see us again." Her hand went to her swollen stomach as she spoke.

My heart cracked at her words.

"Marissa, sweetheart, you can't think like that," I said, choking on my own words. "I'm coming home to you and our daughter. We all are, my love. There isn't a force strong enough to keep us away from you, haven't you learned that yet?" She gave a tearful laugh and nodded at my words. "I love you, Marissa," I said, placing my hand against the screen. "When all this madness is past us, I'm going to put a ring on that beautiful hand, my future Mrs. Green."

She raised her hand and put it over mine on the screen, giving me a weak smile, "I can't wait. I love you so much."

I heard Yasu call to me from the other room. "I have to go, my beautiful love. Stay close to Luke and Gabriel, they will keep you safe. We will be home soon," I promised her as she nodded and then the screen went dark.

"You will see your child born, cousin. I promise I will get you home safely to her," Yasu said as his hand clapped my shoulder.

Lifting my head, I replied, "I know I will. I just hope we all make it through this in one piece. Now, let's end this."

"Shōri e! (To victory!)," Yasu roared and we both headed toward the main house to begin our plans.

Cuba: Nate's POV

It was times like this that I hated being the only member of my family to speak Spanish. I'd traveled to Cuba alone to coordinate with Anton Morales. He was the most vocal about his concerns about facing the Academy and I wasn't sure he wouldn't betray us. I had a couple of Dominic's men with me, but I still felt alone and definitely outnumbered here. When Corey had put us all on the conference call I was relieved to see Marissa. When I caught her checking out Luke my heart skipped a beat. It was just like old times and relaxed until Victor mentioned Murdoch.

In an instant, the shadows returned to her eyes and her body almost seemed to shrink. I'm glad Axel is the one facing him because I'm not sure I could keep him alive no matter what Sean needed him for. The day Marissa's little persona showed us her brand, I wanted to kill someone. How could any human do that to another? The bastard was beyond twisted.

Kota: How are things there? Should I come? I grinned at Kota's text for only a moment before replying.

Nate: Do you really think there's time for that? I mean, I'd love to make you come, but shouldn't we focus on the mission? I snorted at my own sarcasm as I hit send.

Kota: Little boy, I'm going to fuck you raw for that comment! You know what I meant - ohh, I'd riled him up now.

Nate: Yes, Master. I look forward to my punishment. Seriously, I'm a bit worried about Morales - he's acting a bit sketchy. I didn't let him listen in on the conference call. I think he's playing both sides. I'd had my suspicions for a few days now, especially after one of Dominic's men spotted his personal vehicle outside a known Academy meeting area. He had tried playing it off as a recon mission, but that was laughable. That man wouldn't know how to do recon if his life depended on it.

Kota: I don't have a good feeling about this. I'll be there by morning, but don't tell him I'm coming. Stay safe, Nate. I love you.

Nate: I love you, too, Kota. See you tomorrow. I hadn't wanted to worry him, but far too much was on the line for us to ignore Morales' behavior. I'd feel better with some backup.

I was just about to put my phone up when I heard shots come from the hallway. The door flew open and Diego, Anton's lead man gave me a menacing smile and lifted his gun. "Maldito traidor, voy a disfrutar esto. (Fucking traitor, I'm going to enjoy this.)," he smirked. I pressed the redline button and wiped the messages with a single swipe. I had no idea if I'd live long enough to see Kota, but I sure as hell didn't want him walking in unaware.

The shock to my hand let me know the line was open and they all could hear. "Should have known your boss couldn't be trusted to keep his word," I yelled.

Diego snorted, "Oh he kept his word to the Academy and now you will be handed over, but not before I have my fun. You get to be my new toy"

"Fuck you, Diego!" I yelled.

"When Doc finishes with you, fucking me will be one of your favorite things to do," he laughed, then pulled the trigger.

It was as if everything went in slow motion. I felt the bullet hit my shoulder and knew I was falling backward. The only thing I could focus on was Kota's last text and how much I was going to regret not kissing him again. Then everything went dark.

Author's Notes: Cliffhanger...

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