The Mafiaso And The AD 1024

Meeting Vincent

Donte's PoV

We arrived at the event with the precision and poise that I always demanded from my team. Amara was at my side, her presence drawing every gaze in the room.

Marcel flanked her other side, his usual grin replaced with a more serious expression, fully aware of the importance of tonight.

"Marcel, I want you to also keep an eye on Amara in case something happens," I ordered, my voice low enough that only he could hear.

Marcel nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. This wasn't just any gathering;

it was a convergence of power and influence, and we couldn't afford any slip-ups, especially with Amara being such a new and visibly captivating addition to the team.

As we entered the grand hall, the atmosphere shifted. Conversations faltered, eyes turned, and whispers rippled through the crowd. All of it focused on Amara.

I could see the subtle tension in her stance as she scanned the room, her senses on high alert.

Then I noticed her focus zero in on a man across the room. She swallowed hard, and I leaned in, my voice a whisper against her ear. "What's wrong?"

"I can just hear his heartbeat pumping so loud... and the scent of his blood..." Her voice was strained, her vampire instincts clawing at the surface.

Not wanting her to lose control, I guided her towards a waiter who was passing by with a tray of drinks. I grabbed a glass of red wine and handed it to her.

"Drink this," I instructed softly. It wouldn't fully quench her thirst, but it might dull the edge.

I then led her towards the buffet table, picking up a plate and offering it to her. "And serve yourself something. Keep your mind occupied."

Before she could respond, a familiar voice broke through the air. "Donte Blackwood, it's been a while."

I turned to see Vincent Don, one of the more prominent figures in the room. His presence was as imposing as ever, a man with the kind of reputation that demanded respect.

"Vincent," I greeted him with a smirk. "How long has it been since we last saw each other?"

"Five years or so," Vincent answered, his tone casual, but his eyes sharp.

"Well, then those five years were the best," I chuckled, lightening the mood as Vincent punched my arm lightly, a gesture of camaraderie between old acquaintances.

His eyes shifted to Amara, who was placing a few items onto her plate, her movements careful and deliberate.

"So, who is this lovely lady?" Vincent asked, curiosity lacing his voice.

I gave a soft smile, keeping my tone measured. "A friend of mine. She's recently joined the mafia, but I want to see if her behaviour can secure a solid spot in my organization."

As the words left my mouth, I noticed Amara's head snap up. "What?" she asked, clearly catching part of the conversation.

I quickly turned to her, my eyes meeting hers with a steady gaze.

"Nothing," I replied, hoping to quell whatever concerns had surfaced in her mind.

The last thing I needed was for her to feel insecure or uncertain in this environment.

Vincent raised an eyebrow, sensing the underlying tension but choosing not to press the issue.

"Interesting," he mused, glancing back at me with a knowing smile. "You always did have a knack for finding the extraordinary."

"I aim to keep things... interesting," I replied, my tone light, but my mind was working overtime.

I couldn't let this night spiral out of control.

Amara was holding her own, but it was clear that the environment was beginning to test her limits.

Vincent gave a final nod before excusing himself to greet others, leaving me to focus back on Amara.

She had returned to picking at the food, though I could tell her appetite wasn't for the delicacies on display.

Her eyes still darted occasionally to the man who had caught her attention earlier.

"Stay close," I murmured to her, my hand lightly brushing her arm in reassurance.

"This is just the beginning of the night. If anything feels off, let me know immediately."

She nodded, her expression determined, but the tension in her was palpable.

I knew tonight would be a test for her, for all of us. And I needed to be ready for whatever came next.