Chapter 2 Daughter of a traitor

They moved back fearfully as he approached. He threw me a glance, and I could see his gaze darken. He diverted his gaze to the blonde hair, and with his eyes locked on hers, he made slow steps toward her. I noticed she didn't shrink back or tremble like the rest; she might be someone important to him, I guessed.

He got to where she stood and paused. I watched patiently to see what he was going to do next. Then slowly, he bent down and picked up the knife that had fallen from the third lady. What I heard next was a sharp cry from the blonde-haired lady. I looked keenly to see what he did to her, only then did I notice he'd actually cut her wrist.

"How many times have I warned you to stay away from what's mine?" I heard his intimidating voice. What's his? Me? Or is he actually referring to someone or probably something else? I can't be his; he doesn't own me, never!

The lady's chuckle interrupted my thought. "The last time I checked, she's the daughter of a criminal, so she deserves death. I wouldn't want to think you would actually keep her alive?"

"If I must remind you, Venom, this is my territory. I'm the boss here, so only I get to decide!" So she's called Venom; no wonder she's so wicked.

"But I'm the second in command! I'm your Luna!" He glowered at her, his eyes blazing with fury.

"You were, but not anymore, Venom! You are just like every other member of the clan! I spared you in the past; that doesn't guarantee I won't kill you any time you misbehave!" She battered her lids repeatedly, obviously holding back the tears that were threatening to come out.

"Why can't you just let go of the past and forgive me? I already told you I was drunk; I have apologized countless times. Why can't you just forgive me?" She finally let her tears fall. So she also feels pain, yet she dares toss me around like I was nothing? Deep down, I was happy he defended me even though my fate is yet to be decided.

"You were drunk? You mean the footage captured something different?" He chuckled, then continued, "This is my last warning, Venom! Never lay a hand on what's mine; the wound on your hand should serve as a warning. Now get out!" He then turned to the other two. "100 laps, you two, no stopping. The next time you repeat such an act, I will kill you and feed your bodies to the dogs. Now leave!" Giving me a final glance, Venom stormed out, then the other two followed. Now it's just him and me.

I bent my head to the floor, praying silently for him to leave, but he never did. Instead, I heard him scoff.

"Raise your head," he commanded. I pretended not to have heard what he said. "I don't like repeating myself, Sarah. Look me in the eyes." His voice was calm yet endearing. Slowly, I raised my eyes to meet his gaze. Unlike yesterday, his eyes said something else, something I couldn't tell, but I knew for sure it wasn't hatred. He looked away, and that was it. I chuckled before I could realize it; his soft gaze darkened again.

"Don't you dare. Don't push me, Sarah. I'm not someone you can mess with!" He sneered at me, and I diverted my gaze to the floor once again, feeling intimidated.

After a few minutes of silence, I decided to ask a question. I needed to know what my mom did and why I was brought here.

"Can I ask a question? Please." He towered over me, his presence menacing.

"You only talk when I permit you to! Save your questions!" With that, he stormed out.

MARCO

I heard her chuckle as I walked out of the room but cared less. Yesterday, I had expected her to recognize my face, but funny enough, she didn't even act like she'd seen my face somewhere. In as much as I want to tell her I still love her, I have my legacy to protect. If I let her go without punishing her like her mother signed for, the rest of the clan members won't take the rules seriously.

I made my way into the large hall where all the clan members and my stepbrother, who happens to be the second in command, were seated, patiently waiting for me to show up.

As I walked in, they all stood except Luca, my stepbrother. No matter how hard I tried to make the godfather see reasons why he shouldn't keep my stepbrother as my right-hand man, he never bought the idea, and to this day, I still feel something will go wrong, sooner or later. I ignored him and proceeded to take my seat.

As I walked to my seat, everywhere remained silent; no one dared say a word.

I cleared my throat to get their attention. "You may all sit."

***

"You are in no position to tell me what to do with her!" I snapped at Luca, who suggested he take her as his slave. I felt like strangling him when he suggested that, but I had to compose myself to avoid suspicions. I mustn't let them know she's someone important to me in order to keep her safe.

"She's the daughter of a traitor and deserves to be treated as one!" Venom chipped in. Look who is calling someone a traitor, someone who cheated on me with a common guard.

"Why are you hell-bent on protecting her? Why do I have the feeling you actually want to keep her alive because you have something for her?" I threw a deadly glare at him, indirectly telling him to watch his mouth. He scoffed, then looked away.

"We all know how the rules work; anyone who betrays the clan will have his or her family pay for it. So basically, she should also be punished," Snipper jabbered, giggling. I cracked my knuckles, my gaze fixed on Luca. I know very well that I must act fast before Luca tries any thing silly. I mustn't let her get killed, neither can I take her as my lover at this point in time. I need time to officially claim her as my mine. An idea crossed my mind. A crooked smile found its way to my lips as I glared at Snipper, who was hell-bent on getting her killed.

"Enough of the argument; I have decided what to do with her." They all turned their attention to me once more.