The closer I get to the ending of all this, the more disturbed I feel.
It’s unusual for me to ache for home.
That apartment was always empty. I used it only when I needed a break from my work—just enough to clear my head and get a better view.
But I dread leaving this morning.
Maybe it’s because I am overworked.
Luther is not an easy pawn to have on your table. Or on your bed.
He’s unpredictable. Stubborn. Invasive.
But my final goal isn’t Luther. How very dull a dream that would be.
I need to make the world a safe place. A place where me and those like me can finally breathe.
All the years of research, all the crimes, killing, torture- all for a better world.
All for scums like you, mom, to finally die.
Why are you standing still in front of me so commanding?
You can’t even remember your own son.
Lucrezia Akna, today is the day hell’s gates open for you. Mother.
"Where is Clara?"
My voice echoes throughout the empty deposit. Too large and too filthy for my taste. Unnatural for her as well.
Neutral ground.
"I didn’t bring her."
Lucrezia’s voice was sharp. Enraged.
Good. Very good.
Hope you like your Valentino’s outfit today. Your little Tiffany jewelry. Your Chanel shoes.
I think it will look pretty as well when you crawl in your own shambles, begging me not to kill your "daughter".
"The contract states that you had one week."
"You cheated.", she said dryly.
Oh?
"And how did I do that, darling?"
She pressed her lips together. The same gesture she used to do before forgetting to feed me for days. Before using her designer belts on me.
When she was upset.
"You had Luther the whole time. We both know you made a deal that you know I had no chance of winning."
"That’s not true, dear. Yes, I had Luther in my possession when the deal was made. Nonetheless, I gave your nephew the chance not only to get Luther out, but to give him to you. Six hours. "
The dust flowing in the air, the machines cracking in the background from the next door factory- none of that could ruin this moment.
"I would say that is more than enough time for business to be done. You were inefficient."
"Watch your language."
"Did I say something untrue?"
I take a step towards her.
She is still taller than me, but-
This. This moment. This glorious victory of mine made her look like an overdressed kitten that got rained off.
So beautifully tragic.
"I have no obligation to give Clara to you. Look at you. A pathetic little alpha who crawled his way up from whatever sewage your mother dumped you in."
Well, she is not wrong about that.
But how is that an insult? It made me let out a low, guttural giggle.
"Yes. I built everything myself. But what change does that make?"
Like a hungry vulture, I started to circle around her.
My hands behind my back, my spine straight, only my head tilting to meet her gaze once in a while.
"Let me give you a bigger picture, Madam Akna. I possess the drug that will give every toxic omega a chance at a normal life."
The clinking of my shoes accompanies my presentation. The feeling is making me drunk with power.
This is what I’ve been waiting for-
"I also modified it for the black market. It can make any omega accessible. A lot of gardens would benefit from adding toxic ones to their collection."
"My nephew has a version of that too", she scoffed.
"Oh, baby, let’s be honest with ourselves. Killian doesn’t have anything."
I came closer to the back of her ear, leaning just enough for her to hear my whisper.
"He gave it all to me in exchange for your gift- little perfect-like omega Damian."
A shiver. Just strong enough to make her golden earrings swing.
This is so much fun.
"So you have nothing."
"And?"
Another scoffed. Yet, this one seemed to be almost stuck in her throat.
"You’re an intelligent woman. I don’t have to explain what will happen to your company if I give that drug to your adversary. The fall of your company is so clear I could almost see it in front of me."
Trembling.
Heavy breathing.
Fear.
Good. Fear me, mother.
"I will not be threatened by a snotty brat."
"Redundant of you to insult me. The situation is what it is. Clara or the fall of your life’s work."
"Choose something else. Everybody has a price."
"You are not wrong about that, madam Akna. I do indeed have a price. Since you caught me in such a good mood."
Her red lips could now almost touch her ears. Such a wide smile. So unladylike. And such an eerie expression for a face full of botox too.
"Great. I knew you were a rational businessman. Clara wouldn’t serve you any role. So? What do you want? Money? Fame? Status?"
She’s rambling.
"I can erase your beginnings", she continued." Dismiss your peasant start. Make you a respected mark of wealth."
I didn’t intend to laugh in her face, but-
Peasant? Status? Fame?
Are we still in the 1800s?
My laugh threw her balance away. She looked at me in genuine shock.
I think. Hard to tell since she couldn’t even move her eyebrows up.
"I am proud of not being born entitled j—z of high class. No. I want something only you can give me."
"Oh."
Oh?
"I understand. After all, you’re a man. I didn’t took you for the type driven by lust, but it’s all alright, honey. Should I feel flattered you conducted this complex scheme just to have your way with me?"
What?