Web of Shadows

Enzo's POV

"Get out!" Claudia yelled. 

"Hello, mother," I responded calmly., walking towards her. 

"Don't call me that!" She screeched. 

"Why? Does it make your ear bleed? Or you're just pained, you're an old barren witch?" I spat. 

"How dare you?" Claudia hissed, slapping me on the face. It echoed, leaving a stinging heat on my cheek, but I didn't flinch. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction. 

"I must have touched a nerve," I muttered, staring at her with so much hate. Mom's face had started to show little signs of wrinkles. Her blonde hair was packed in a low bun. 

"Now, I can see where Seraphina got the attitude from," I mocked. 

Her face turned pale, and anger flashed in her eyes. "You have no right in this mansion. Stay away from Seraphina, do you hear me?"

I became angry. "Stay away? I'm your real son. She's not."

"I don't care! She's never brought shame on this family's name. What have you ever done? Always humiliating this family. Do you expect me just to stand by and watch you ruin it?" Claudia asked in a loud voice filled with hate. 

I scoffed, sizing her up. "You mean I humiliate you? Father would never…"

"Your father was weak. That's why he's dead. You're a disgrace. Seraphina is much better than you," she continued. 

"You mean much better to control than I," I replied. "You talk like you care, but you're the devil. You just want to use her until you get what you want. You are a miserable old witch who doesn't love anyone but herself."

She raised her hand to hit me again, but I stayed still. Her hands dropped when she noticed the anger in my eyes. "Get the hell out of my house! You don't have the right to barge into my life or Seraphina's."

I stepped closer, smiling. "Yes, I do."

"And I intend to make you pay, mother," I growled. "How does it feel to lose control, mother? Or should I call you Claudia?"

Her lips pressed in a thin line. I had reminded her of her failures. "Don't forget I took the fall for you because you were a coward."

My heart danced in pleasure as her eyes widened. She stepped back, panting. "You're pathetic. What do you want, Enzo?"

I smiled. "Now, you're talking. I want the same thing everyone in this house wants. I want my rightful place at the Calabrese seat."

Claudia swallowed, and I continued. "It was always mine to carry, not Seraphina's. You and your petty games with the Vitales won't change that."

Her eyes flickered for a moment then she laughed. It was cold, sharp, and haunting, but I could still detect the fear. 

"You think you are strong enough to take on Luca? He'll destroy you before you even get the chance."

"Maybe, you're right," I admitted, shrugging and walking closer to her. "But I'd rather go down fighting than live as a shadow of myself. Unlike you, Claudia. I still have a spine."

Her face twisted, but she didn't respond. I turned away, already bored with her attempts to intimidate me. I wanted to go through the house again. I had missed this place a lot. 

"Enzo," she called as I reached the door.

I stopped and glanced over my shoulder, raising my eyebrow.

"Don't think I'll stand by and watch you ruin everything I've built," she warned. "I am your mother, after all."

I smiled, knowing I had pushed her to her breaking point, but she was still weak. "You're not much of a competition. And I'll be waiting."

I chuckled, faced the door and left the room, slamming the door behind me. 

I'll get rid of you, Mom, when you least expect it. 

I knew Claudia wasn't as strong as she claimed. She was panicking, and panic always made people sloppy. She'd slip up very soon; when she did, I would be there to take advantage of her. 

Once I was outside, I sighted Marcus. He was waiting by the car. He straightened as I got closer, his expression always unreadable. 

"Well?" He asked.

 I turned to look at the house once more and back at Marcus.

"She's rattled just like I expected. It won't be long before she makes a mistake. For now, we focus on Luca," I said and opened my car's door. 

"Don't forget your promise. You'll keep missing Seraphina safe. She doesn't deserve the family drama," Marcus lectured. 

"She's my sister, too. Related or not. I won't let harm come to her," I said and wore my sunglasses. 

Marcus nodded and continued, "We have someone inside Vitale's estate. The Vitales shipment will be on the docks tonight. When you're ready, you'll give the word."

"Good," I said. "Make sure everything is in place. We'll make our move by tomorrow night."

I looked away, facing the wheel, while Marcus stepped back while I drove my car out of the mansion's gate. 

*******

That night, I stepped out of my air and entered the boat. My men were behind me. Marcus was waiting and came out of the shadows near the dock. I smiled; the Vitale shipment was going to arrive any minute, and my men were already in position. 

"Everything's set, Sir," Marcus murmured, scanning the area with his eyes. "The guards are light, just like the intel said."

"Let's pray your intel isn't double-crossing us," I replied, taking out the gun holstered under my jacket. 

"He can't. He knows what he'll lose," Marcus said, smiling. 

"Good. When the shipment arrives, we move fast. I want no mistakes," I ordered.

We settled, waiting, and a convoy of black SUVs rolled into our view some minutes later. 

Now, I have got you.

I signalled to my men, and they silently moved into position.

I counted silently to three and the first shot rang out, shattering the silence. Luca's men were confused and immediately armed themselves, but each was taken out easily. 

My eyes caught one of Luca's men requesting for backup on the radio and I aimed my gun at him. Marcus fired first, taking him out before he could finish the call. 

I nodded and stepped forward, giving my order. "Secure the shipment!"

My men carried the crates and loaded them onto our trucks. We were done before the dust settled and drove away. 

I felt happy driving away. The crates weren't the aim. I hoped Luca understood my message. 

I'd like to see how you hold up.