Page 13 of Meet Odin

"She's not available." Giuseppe was going to dig his heels in.

"She's legal for marriage, and you don't have anyone else that's even close in age," Mr. De Angelis said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The next available granddaughter is twelve."

"Say we agree to Serena, your man isn't even Italian."

"When did that matter in an arranged marriage? He's a Deviant." If they knew I was actually a Silent Syndicate, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Syndicates were the worst-kept secret in the underworld.People knew we existed, but they'd never be able to identify one.

"He's not Italian," Guiseppe held firm, like being Italian was the end all be all.

"You're right. He's not. He's Swedish."

"He doesn't have our values."

"Seriously?" Mr. De Angelis asked. "The next thing you'll say is that he doesn't have a family. " He shook his head in disbelief.

"Well, the thought had crossed my mind."

"You should be thanking whatever God you pray to that someone is willing to even work with you. Your only concern with Odin is that he doesn't fit your perfect aesthetic I shouldn't have to read you his resume. My word should be enough. He's my personal physician. He's a De Angelis Deviant. He serves the underworld as a doctor in his spare time. What more do you want?" I thought he had left out the better parts of my history, such as all the contracts I'd completed.

Giuseppe tried to speak, but Mr. De Angelis leveled him with a look that clearly screamed "Are you fucking serious?"

Eventually, Old Man Lombardo came to the correct conclusion. It was easier to arrange a marriage for Serena than to be on the wrong side of Mr. De Angelis. They gave us a date six weeks in advance for the wedding, but I wasn't allowed to officially meet her. I'd have to take drastic measures to make sure she was safe.

Chapter 7

Serena

I knocked on the door of my grandfather's office. I had been summoned, with no notification on what had prompted this. I wasn't in any trouble that I knew of, and I hadn't disgraced the family name that they knew of. There was only one thing I knew for certain. My life was going to change. Grandfather had never sent for me before.

"Come in," he called.

I opened the door and took a step into the office.

"Close the door and have a seat, Serena." I did as I was told.

He went back to looking over some paperwork, and I sat in silence waiting for something to happen. I wasn't really sure what I was supposed to do. Some time went by before he spoke to me, never lifting his head from his papers. "We've had an offer for your hand, and I thought it was best to accept. You will be married in six weeks from this coming Saturday. That's all."

That's all? I wanted to rage in his office. How could he brush this off like it was nothing? Like I meant nothing? However, on the outside, I accepted my fate. There was no use in complaining. My marriage had been officially arranged.

"To whom, Grandfather?" I asked the top of his head.

"Dr. Odin Nystrom of the De Angelis Deviants."

"Thank you," I said as I stood up from my chair and walked calmly out of the room.

***

IcalledKatalinaassoon as I made it back to my bedroom. I couldn't form the words to tell her what had happened. Every time I tried, I would just spit out half words or thoughts. I must have said enough that she put it together.

"They arranged your marriage?" she asked me.

"Yes. To a Deviant." I told her. "I have no idea who he is. I just know his name."

She made a clucking sound. "Can you meet me at Little Fox's for dinner?" she asked.

I quickly agreed.

***

---