The Volki

Chapter Four, Being A Leader

For many years, I have been hunting the men involved with my mamma's death. One by one, I have been hunting down each and every person who contributed to my mamma's death, even those who may have only played a seemingly insignificant role. I don't care about the life they have now. They destroyed my childhood. They took me away from my family and even took away my Mamma from me.

Buzz. Buzz. My phone vibrates in my pocket, signaling a new message. Glancing at the screen, I see that Asya has messaged me, alerting me that Liam Monti, one of my cousins, has been spotted nearby. I need to retrieve the file immediately. It's essential that I avoid Liam because if he does see me, he will definitely inform my father and brothers.

The list is not complete. Not all of the men are dead, their appendages cut off as their screams fill the room.

I love my family dearly, and their presence in my life means everything to me. However, I have made choices and cannot return to the life I once knew with them. Their innocent little princess is dead, replaced with someone different who has experienced the harsh realities of the world far too soon. While my love for them remains unwavering, I know that I can never go back to being that innocent child they once knew.

I am now the Donna of the Russian Mafia, alongside being the wife of Axton and Amir. I can't just walk away from them; they are my lifeline now, no matter what. Even if I was able to just walk away, I would lose everything—my reputation, my daughter, my job, my family...

Claiming my strawberry croissant and vanilla Latte I ordered at the counter, the barista discreetly slips me a computer drive tucked in beautifully with the napkin. Upon receiving it, I knew this was the information I had been seeking. Pocketing the drive, I leave the cafe with my vanilla Latte.

Walking down the street to my car, I suddenly spot Liam by the traffic light, just around the block. My heart quickens, and I increase my pace, hoping to evade him. But it's too late. "Aliona?" his voice rings out from behind me.

Turning my head, I see Liam dressed casually in a gray hoodie and dark blue jeans, panting as he runs toward me. "Aliona, is that you?" he calls out in Italian, his expression a mix of shock and relief.

"This was inevitable to happen," I mutter to myself, panicking internally about what the hell I am going to do now. "Liam, it's been a while," I reply in English, keeping my tone distant and devoid of emotion.

"Where have you been?" Liam continues in Italian, his voice trembling with emotion. "You know we still haven't given up hope of finding you." There are almost tears in his eyes. "I am so glad you're safe now. We were very worried you had died." He managed to keep the tears at a minimum, not dirtying his hoodie.

"Liam, English, please." I finally interjected, asking to speak in English.

"Uh, why English?" Liam answers back, confused, but pays no attention and continues on. "Never mind, where have you been? We have been looking everywhere for you. You don't know how much this means you're still alive and well." He expresses again but in English this time.

"I have been everywhere, but mainly Russia," I remarked in English, pausing to sip my latte. "Currently, I am on a business trip, which brought me here to Milan," I added, offering a brief explanation of my whereabouts.

"Russia?" Liam questioned, his curiosity piqued. "But why Russia? And why couldn't we find you all these years?"

I sigh, knowing that I can't say anything to him. I can't trust him yet not to say anything to my father. "It's complicated, Liam," I replied, not divulging any information.

"Then simplify it, Aliona," Liam shouts in frustration and a tinge of anger to my face. "We miss you and want you in our lives." He paused, taking a deep breath. "It's not your fault she died th-"