Page 41 of Omega's Vengeance

“Yes. But I don’t see how that would have anything to do with Alessio or I.”

He twists his lips, then says softly, “It has everything to do with you two. Because of what happened between you and Alessio, things are already in motion. Nico suggested that, instead of just jumping off the train, perhaps it would be smarter to take control of the train.”

I wrinkle my brow. “I’m not following.”

He bites his bottom lip. “Well, think about it. You already gave Alessio your bite.”

“Yeah. I’m well aware of that horrible mistake.”

He laughs. “What if we took that mistake and used it to our benefit?”

“How?”

He looks excited as he says, “Instead of looking at it as a mistake, what if we see it as an opportunity? What if you were toembracethe fact that you claimed Alessio?”

“Embrace it?” I mumble, feeling uneasy.

“Yes. What if you were to marry him?”

I bug my eyes.“Marry him?”

“Yes.”

“But,” I sputter. “Why on earth would I dothat?”

“Because then we could absorb the Abella mobintothe Black Knives.” He smirks. “We could merge together and be one big happy family.”

Disbelief rolls through me as I hold his calculating gaze. “Alessio would never go for that. First of all, he wouldn’t want to marry me, and second of all he hates you too much to join with the Black Knives.”

His smile is spiteful. “Of course he won’twantto do it. You’d have to convince him it’s for his own good.”

“How would I do that? There’s nothing I could say that would convince him.” I shake my head. “And for the record,Idon’t want to marryhim. I have no desire to marry anyone, nor do I want to have a kid right now. Not yet. I like my freedom too much.”

Valentino scowls. “It wouldn’t be a real marriage. You would still be free to fuck around. It would be a marriage of convenience.”

“It sounds decidedlyinconvenientfor me,” I grumble. “And once I marry, I won’t cheat. I’m like you about that. I take marriage seriously. Why do you think I’ve put it off so long? I know once I do that, I’m stuck with that omega for the rest of my life.”

“Well, it’s not that bad. In fact, it can be amazing. Look at me and Nico.” Valentino wears a sappy little smile. “We’re as happy as can be.”

“Yes, but you two are different,” I mutter.

“Don’t be closed minded. Look at the big picture.” He laughs. “If you were willing to do this, we’d have control of the Abella syndicate.”

“How? Alessio would still be the boss.”

He shakes his head. “Technically, yes. You’ve forgotten about the Alpha Incipiency Law. As an alpha, when you claimed Alessio, you automatically inherited the right to run any business he ownswithhim. In this case, his business is the Abella syndicate and if you were his husband, you’d have the legal right to run it with him. In essence, we’d have control.”

I wince. “The Alpha Incipiency Law is an antiquated law. These days omegas have the same rights as alphas. I can’t remember the last time I heard of an alpha exercising his rights under that law.”

“Some do. I think you should. The Incipiency Law has never been struck down, therefore it’s still in existence. Besides, I’m sure Alessio’s men would much prefer an alpha was at the helm instead of just an omega. There are very few omegas running any of the powerful syndicates these days.”

“But, Alessio is the rightful head of the Abella mob.” My stomach churns as I meet Valentino’s shrewd gaze. “By blood, that’s his inheritance.”

“I know, but circumstances change. He got himself into this mess and he needs to appease me somehow.”

“Taking his rightful place as head of the Abella syndicate feels too cruel.”

Valentino rolls his eyes. “You only say that because he has your bite. If he were anyone else you’d be fine with my plan. Besides, he’d still be running thingswithyou. He wouldn’t be out entirely.”

---