Underworld Submission (book 1)

Claiming What's His

The early morning sun had barely started to filter through the heavy curtains of Dominic's office when his best friend, Angelo, arrived. The room was still in disarray, evidence of Dominic's earlier outburst scattered across the floor, but neither man paid it much attention. There were more pressing matters at hand.Angelo had known Dominic for years, long enough to recognize the storm brewing behind his friend's composed exterior. The events of the night before had pushed Dominic to the brink, and Angelo could see the toll it was taking on him. Dominic sat behind his desk, staring at the documents in front of him, his mind churning with a thousand thoughts. The room felt heavy with the weight of what was to come."Dom," Angelo began, leaning against the edge of the desk, his tone both serious and understanding. "We need to talk about this. You're running yourself ragged, and if you keep going like this, you're going to burn out before you can protect Adrian or yourself."Dominic looked up, his eyes dark with exhaustion and frustration. "I know, Angelo. But what am I supposed to do? They're targeting him because of me, and I can't let that happen. I won't lose him like I lost my mother."Angelo nodded, understanding the deep pain and fear driving Dominic's actions. He had been there that night all those years ago, and he knew how much it haunted his friend. But this situation was different, and it required a different approach."You won't lose him, Dom," Angelo said firmly. "But you need to think strategically. These people, they're playing a game, and they're expecting you to react emotionally. If you want to protect Adrian, you need to be smarter than that."Dominic leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples as he tried to think clearly. "So what do I do, Angelo? How do I protect him without playing into their hands?"Angelo looked at Dominic, his expression serious. "You need to claim him, Dom."Dominic's eyes snapped up, a flicker of confusion and surprise crossing his features. "Claim him? What do you mean?"Angelo smiled slightly, knowing that Dominic hadn't fully grasped the concept yet. "I mean you need to make it clear to everyone—your allies, your enemies, the entire world—that Adrian is yours. If you do that, he becomes untouchable. No one will dare lay a finger on him without risking a war they can't win."Dominic frowned, considering Angelo's words. The idea of publicly claiming Adrian was both appealing and terrifying. It would solidify their connection, make it undeniable, but it would also put them both in the spotlight in a way that could be dangerous.Angelo could see the hesitation in Dominic's eyes, so he pressed on. "Dom, listen to me. These people are cowards. They attack from the shadows because they're afraid to face you head-on. But if you make Adrian yours—officially, publicly—they'll think twice before coming after him. You'll be sending a message that says if they touch him, they're touching you. And that's a line they don't want to cross."Dominic stared at his friend, the weight of the decision settling over him. Angelo was right; claiming Adrian would protect him in a way that nothing else could. It would be a declaration to the world that Adrian was under Dominic's protection, that any harm done to him would be met with the full force of Dominic's wrath.But it was also a deeply personal step, one that Dominic wasn't sure Adrian was ready for—or if he was ready for it himself. The connection between them had been growing stronger, more intense, but it had always been something private, something they were still figuring out. To bring it into the open, to claim Adrian as his, was a move that could change everything."Do you think he'll be okay with it?" Dominic asked quietly, his voice betraying his uncertainty.Angelo shrugged, his expression softening. "I don't know, Dom. But I think you owe it to him to be honest about what's happening, about what you feel. If he's the man you believe him to be, then he'll understand. And if he doesn't...well, you'll cross that bridge when you get to it."Dominic nodded slowly, his mind made up. Angelo was right—this was the only way to protect Adrian, to keep him safe from the dangers that were closing in around them. It wasn't just about power or control; it was about ensuring that Adrian had a future, that they both did."Alright," Dominic said finally, standing up and straightening his jacket. "I'll do it. I'll claim him."Angelo smiled, clapping Dominic on the shoulder. "Good. Now, let's plan this out properly. We need to make sure that when you make your move, everyone is watching."Dominic nodded, his resolve hardening. The time for hesitation was over. He would claim Adrian, not just as a means of protection, but because it was the truth. Adrian was his, in a way that went beyond words, beyond any simple explanation.As they began to discuss the details of how to make the claim, Dominic felt a strange sense of calm settle over him. The decision had been made, and now it was just a matter of execution. For the first time since the ambush, he felt like he was back in control, like he could finally see a way forward.But deep down, he knew that the real test would come when he told Adrian. Would he accept it? Would he understand what it meant, not just for his safety, but for them?Dominic pushed those doubts aside for now. There would be time to worry about that later. For now, he had to focus on making sure that when he claimed Adrian, the world would know that he was off-limits—untouchable, protected by Dominic's power and determination.And heaven help anyone who tried to challenge that claim.