BLOOD AND HEART

71 | DECLARATION

Z    A    Y    N

The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows that danced across the walls, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. My secondary office was nothing like the polished, modern space where I conducted most of my business. This place was utilitarian, almost spartan, with bare concrete walls and minimal furnishings. It was a place meant for serious discussions and strategizing, far from prying eyes.

A large, sturdy table dominated the center of the room, surrounded by a group of men I trusted with my life. Ace, my right hand, stood to my left, his expression unreadable but his eyes sharp and alert. To Ace’s right was Hunter, Roman Scar’s son, who had chosen loyalty to me over his father’s tyranny. Next to Hunter was Octavio, a man of few words but immense strength and unwavering loyalty. Four other trusted men completed the circle, their faces grim, knowing the gravity of the situation.

I myself felt a mix of emotions—anger, frustration, and a steely resolve. I had called this meeting because the stakes had never been higher. The room buzzed with a quiet tension, each man waiting for the words that would set their next course of action.

Adrian stood at the far end of the table, looking somewhat out of place among my hardened men. He had always been an outsider, but today, he had information that could tip the balance in their favor.

“Speak,” I commanded, my voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

Adrian swallowed hard, glancing around at the faces staring back at him. He knew this was his one chance to prove his worth. “Roman is planning to dismantle everything you’ve built,” he began. “He’s furious about what happened with David and Skylar”

I nodded, urging him to continue. His gaze flickered to Hunter, who remained stoic but I knew the mention of his former lover stirred deep emotions within him.

“Roman wanted David to marry Skylar to solidify an alliance,” Adrian continued. “But with David under your protection, that plan fell apart. Now, Roman’s decided to take drastic measures. He’s rallying his forces, strengthening his team. He plans to strike at the heart of your operations, destabilize your control, and reclaim what he sees as his.”

I clenched my jaw, the anger simmering just below the surface. “What specifically is he planning?” I demanded.

Adrian took a deep breath. “Roman’s strategy is multi-faceted. First, he intends to spread misinformation to create distrust among your allies. He’s already planted seeds of doubt in certain circles. Second, he’s planning coordinated attacks on your key businesses—places where your influence is strongest. Third, and most dangerous, he’s put a bounty on your heads, offering a substantial reward to anyone who brings him information or evidence of your vulnerabilities.”

My men exchanged uneasy glances. The weight of the threat was palpable.

“Why now?” I asked, my eyes narrowing. “Why go to such lengths?”

“Because Roman sees this as a personal vendetta,” Adrian explained. “Our actions at the wedding were the catalyst, but it’s more than that. Roman feels humiliated and betrayed. He believes taking you down is the only way to restore his power and pride.”

I looked around the table, meeting the eyes of each of my men. “We need to be ready,” I said, my voice filled with determination. “Roman thinks he can break us, but he’s wrong. We’ll strengthen our defenses, double our efforts to protect our interests, and find those who are spreading his lies. Adrian, you’ve given us valuable information, but make no mistake—you’re still on the outside. Prove your loyalty, and maybe that will change.”