Page 186 of Inside the Sun

As I’m thinking about it, I remember the conversation between Rocco and Luca. They were absolutely sure it was a mistake on Anzo’s part. And they were right. Maybe this is exactly our chance?

"So what happened? It didn’t work?"

Eliano lets out a bitter laugh.

"It didn’t work? Hah! The Ferro family has never failed like this before! The hit went down at a matchmaking agency calledFate’s Choice, where Blue showed up to sign some kind of genetic testing contract with the owner. Turns out the extra bodyguard the agency assigned to him, some random employee, was… wait for it… a purple alpha!"

There’s a short suspense-type dramatic pause after his words.

"Of course, Anzo’s people made sure Blue’s regular guards wouldn’t be a problem. But that extra guy wrecked everyone. Not just one, but two strike teams. They called for backup, opened fire on him, but it didn’t matter. He was armored up like a goddamn tank…"

My jaw almost hits the floor. I suddenly remember the quiet prayer I whispered to Fate, begging for the target to survive. I’m not arrogant enough to think my intervention helped, but still, it looks like someone from my bloodline actually made that miracle happen?

"I can’t believe it!" I blurt out, louder than I should. "My brother, Storm, he used to work for that exact agency. As aguard. And he’s a purple alpha!" I’m in total shock, as I stare at Eliano.

"Did you see what the guy looked like? Were there any photos in the news?"

Eliano raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised too. He scratches his chin.

"Right before they grabbed me, I was watching the news feed. Saw a glimpse of the guy. Tall, burgundy hair, kinda hot. But it was just a flash, not enough to be sure."

"My brother has burgundy hair," I whisper breathlessly, pressing my hands to my temples, still trying to process it.

This is unreal. It’s truly a miracle!

"So what now? Did he kill both teams?" asks Ragnar.

Eliano gives him a crooked smile. "That would’ve been perfect for Anzo. The real problem is that he didn’t kill them. He just knocked them out. There was some kind of electrical surge. I don’t know if he triggered it or if something else happened that they’re not reporting, but all of them were captured. All alive. And that’s a massive fuck-up for Anzo, because it wasn’t just soldiers. Some of the arrested were outside contractors, paid mercs brought in to cover the rear. Sure, they didn’t meet directly with Anzo, but they can pinpoint feds in the right direction. They won’t stay loyal to anyone if they’re offered lighter sentences. Total disaster. It was supposed to be a quick, clean job in some backwater agency with minimal security and public access. Easy cake. Now Anzo’s totally screwed." Eliano says it almost like he’s enjoying it.

Ragnar and I gape at him as if he’s casually announcing the end of the world. My mind is racing, thousands of thoughts every minute.

"What happens now?" I ask, desperate for some hopeful answer.

But Eliano’s face hardens. He frowns.

"Anzo’s mad for real. First thing he did was order our arrest. He found the blog I’ve been running for years, where I’ve been leaking dirt on that bastard’s organization."

Attention: a moment of clarity in my head!

"Is your blog called'The Truth Only I Know'?"

Eliano smirks bitterly, but there’s also some pride in this. "Yeah…"

"Wow. You ran that blog right under his nose? It’s packed with thinly veiled accusations, outright implications… It’s barely even coded."

"Yep, I know! I had a hacker friend who helped me lock it down, but once Anzo found out about it, he didn’t stop until he figured out who was behind it. I’d already suspected for weeks he might be on my trail."

I glance toward his brother.

"And what about Mauro? What did he do wrong?"

We both turn to the man lying on the ground, who’s starting to come around, rubbing his eyes. Looks like he got hit harder than his younger brother.

Eliano sighs.

"Anzo’s always suspected him. He could never find any solid evidence, because Mauro’s good at what he does, but I think Anzo believes he’s been feeding info to the feds."

"But does he have any proof?"

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