Rescued by Darkness

The Hunt Begins

The tension inside the D'Angelo estate was palpable, every man on edge as Lorenzo's orders rippled through the family. Luciana had been officially adopted, and her status as Lorenzo's daughter was now known to everyone in the mafia network. She was a beacon of vulnerability, the first girl in six generations, and more precious to the D'Angelo clan than any empire or fortune.

But beneath the joy of her arrival was a storm brewing.

Lorenzo moved swiftly through the halls of his mansion, his footsteps heavy, as he prepared to confront the growing threat from the Russian mafia. He was a man of precision, driven by a singular goal: to protect his family. As he approached the underground war room again, his mind was laser-focused on finding the mole, the one person within his trusted circle who had betrayed him.

The Russian mafia had grown bolder in recent weeks, crossing into D'Angelo territory, making moves they wouldn't have dared just months before. And now, with a rat among them, the situation was even more volatile. They had access to key information, but Lorenzo had cut off that lifeline. The Russians were now desperate, making their final move.

As Lorenzo entered the room, Nico, Xander, Leo, Mason, and Cassio were already gathered around the table, reviewing new intelligence. Nico, the eldest, stood to greet his father, a grim expression on his face.

"We've narrowed it down to two possible informants," Nico said, his voice tight. "They've been working with us for years, but something doesn't add up in their recent movements."

Lorenzo's hazel eyes darkened as he took the files Nico handed him. The men in question had been with him for nearly a decade, yet the sudden appearance of inconsistencies in their actions made it clear that one—or both—were the moles. It was infuriating. His trust had been betrayed, and nothing fueled his rage more than betrayal.

Xander, who had been monitoring communications between their contacts, leaned forward, his dark eyes sharp. "The Russians are making their move tonight. We intercepted a message that suggests they're planning something big. They know we're onto them, and they're desperate."

Lorenzo nodded, his jaw clenched. "Let's make sure they're not desperate for long. I want this taken care of before the night's over."

Leo and the twins, Mason and Cassio, exchanged glances. They had been preparing for this, sharpening their skills, preparing to do whatever it took to protect their family. There was no hesitation in their loyalty.

"We'll handle it," Leo said. "The second we have confirmation, we'll move in."

But as the conversation continued, Lorenzo's mind wandered briefly to Luciana. Despite the chaos surrounding the family, she was a constant source of light for him. In the midst of all the blood, power, and crime, she brought him back to the one thing that mattered above all—family.

---Later that evening, Lorenzo found a quiet moment to slip upstairs to the master suite. Luciana was asleep in her crib, her tiny form curled up under a soft blanket. Alessia sat beside the crib, keeping a watchful eye on their daughter, her expression softening when Lorenzo entered the room.

"She's sleeping soundly," Alessia whispered, standing up to greet him. "It's amazing how peaceful she looks, even with everything happening around us."

Lorenzo stepped forward, gazing down at Luciana. The sight of her tiny, serene face brought a warmth to his chest that had been missing for years. His boys were grown, and while they were his pride, Luciana was different. She was the daughter he never had, the one he could spoil, protect, and shelter from the darkness of their world.

"She's perfect," Lorenzo murmured, his voice low and tender, a stark contrast to the ruthless mafia boss he was known to be. "I forgot how small they were at this age."

Alessia smiled, leaning her head against Lorenzo's arm. "You've softened a bit, you know. I've seen the way you look at her."

"I haven't softened," Lorenzo replied, though the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "I've just remembered what it's like to have someone this helpless depend on me."

Alessia reached out and gently touched his hand. "She's a daddy's girl, you know. I can already see it."

Lorenzo chuckled softly, glancing at Alessia. "And all our boys were mamma's boys."

"They still are," she teased. "But Luciana's different. She'll have you wrapped around her little finger before long."

He sighed, knowing it was true. The protective instincts he had for his sons were fierce, but the feeling he had for Luciana was something else entirely. He'd never had a daughter to spoil, to cradle in his arms. Luciana was special—his princess. And now, with the threats looming over their heads, he would do anything to keep her safe.

A soft sound came from the crib, and Luciana stirred, her eyes fluttering open for a moment before she settled back into sleep. Lorenzo's heart swelled with warmth as he watched her.But just as quickly as that warmth came, his expression hardened when he turned away. The looming threat of the mole was a dark cloud over his thoughts. He wouldn't rest until that person was found and dealt with. And the Russians? They were about to find out just how brutal the D'Angelo family could be when provoked.

"I'll check on her again before bed," Lorenzo said to Alessia, his voice low. "But I need to handle some things with the boys."

Alessia nodded, her blue eyes understanding. "Be careful, Lorenzo. We need you here."

Lorenzo leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead before leaving the room. As he stepped out into the hallway, his mind sharpened, the softness replaced by the steely resolve that had made him one of the most feared men in the underworld.

Tonight, they would make their move. He had no doubt that before the sun rose, they would have their answers—and someone would pay for betraying the D'Angelo family.---The D'Angelo mansion hummed with activity as Lorenzo made his way back to the war room. Nico, Xander, Leo, Mason, and Cassio were waiting, along with a few trusted soldiers. It was time to act.

"Let's take care of this," Lorenzo said, his voice dark and commanding.

They would root out the mole, crush the Russians, and ensure that no one ever threatened Luciana—or the family—again. The hunt had begun.