King of Hearts

Chapter 46 – Setting Up Shop.

Don Pitch Robotnik's POV, Robotnik compound, New York.

I'm getting used to the feeling of having an armed guard outside my door waiting for me in the morning. It's weird to think I'm important. Back when Shadow...my dad was Don, I was never really a concern. Besides me getting into trouble every now and again, I always assumed after high school was over that I would just be the same old kid to the most powerful man in the states. Guess I was wrong. Why did he do this to me though? Why not get Johan to control the family while he's off with mom? I don't understand.

Making my way out of my room, I proceeded outside to find it was particularly shity. Looks like rain may be coming.

"Don Robotnik sir?"

Looking off to my left, I matched eyes with one of the soldiers who was coming my way.

Stopping in front of me he said.

"News of Reaver's death has reached Don Skier as of this morning. He has yet to try anything, but should I have men on alert just in case?"

Nodding I replied.

"We can't be too safe. Tell the men out there to keep an eye out for any trouble and to call here if anything arises."

Nodding the soldier replied.

"Yes sir."

Watching as he made his way further out into the compound, I looked back to the gray clouds to let out a sigh.

"Hey kid?"

Hearing the voice of Lace coming up from behind, I glanced back to see she was wearing a nice, firm black latex top with a pair of tight pants to match. God was she beautiful.

"Damien needs you at your office real quick."

"Okay." I replied with a smile as she let me take the lead.

As I passed my interior guards with ease of pace, I soon found Damien and Rover sitting in front of my desk. Rover looked calm, but Damien seemed upset. The second I entered he got up to say.

"Listen Pitch. Before I tell you what I got to tell you, I want to apologize for last night. I wasn't thinking right."

Nodding once, I replied.

"It's okay. Forget about it. Just say what you got to say."

Nodding back, Damien retook his seat as Lace got behind Rover.

After taking my place behind my desk, Damien said.

"Tomorrow you meet with the rival five families. Every Don, Underboss, and head Capo should be present. Which means two things. One, you need to assign an Underboss for the family or at least a potential candidate for the future. But seeing as we are at war with Don Skier this decision will be final till ether he or she dies, or is pulled from the position."

"And two?" I wondered as he looked right into my eyes.

"Every Don will be pounding you with questions. Each looking for a right answer. It's no secret Don Soul and Skier are aware it is you who took over the family, but the others. Morgue, Cora and Verno have no idea. Chances are you will hear a lot of shit coming from them. Well maybe just Morgue. Verno and Cora might be too busy yelling at one another. Ether way, be prepared. The person you need to look out for the most is Don Skier. He's bound to try and make you feel threatened. Cause after the meeting it's all out war between us. There will be no talks, no negotiations. Do you understand?"

Nodding I replied.

"I got it."

Giving Rover and Lace a look, Damien went on to say.

"Back to number one. An Underboss should be a Caporegime. Which leads you with Lace or Rover as your choices; seeing as they are the most qualified for the role."

Giving the two a look, I mumbled.

"Ohhhh."

Sensing my concern Lace assured me.

"The choice is yours Pitch. Nether one of us will be upset if you don't pick us. Being an Underboss means more work for that person anyway." Giving me a smile, I looked to Rover.

"An Underboss will be your go to guy for everything. That person must be willing to do almost everything for the family and when shit hits the fan at home, that person must be prepared to protect you with their life over everyone else. An Underboss is your spear and shield as a Don. Without them you die." Stated Damien as I looked back to Lace.

The choice was easy.

Don Robert Skier's POV, Skier compound.

Reaver was dead. Killed by Robotnik and his pathetic family. How could this have happened? How did my best get beaten by a teenage Don? Where did I go wrong? Was I underestimating him?

Sitting at my desk in deep confusion of how to proceed, I knew two things.

I needed a new Underboss for tomorrow and I needed them now.

This war only gave me so much time to do so, and I don't have anyone who can possibly fill the gap Reaver was in. All I can do is try and see what happens.

"Guards!" I shouted as my door opened and two men entered to see me in my conundrum.

"Yes sir?" One asked as I ordered.

"Go fetch Jackson for me. I need to speak with him right now."

Nodding their heads, I watched as they left my office. Jackson was my only option. My head Caporegime and I knew he was not ready for the role as Underboss, but I'm left with no choice. He's going to have to do for now. Yet I am aware he will probably get killed early on. He's not fit, but he's loyal enough to say yes.

After some time my guards returned with Jackson at their six who was curious enough about why I had my men find him. This had to be only his third time in my office.

"Here you are Don Skier." My guards said as I nodded and replied.

"Leave."

Nodding back, my guards went back to standing outside my door. After shutting the door on us, I looked to Jackson and said.

"I'm in a tight spot here Jackson. With Reaver killed and the war coming into full swing, I'm left open and defenseless. Seeing as you are the only one left with more then a few years put into the business and having the most experience with combat, I decided you will replace Reaver's spot as my Underboss."

His eyes went wide as I went on.

"Being an Underboss is a demanding job. If you will accept it now, I can't even say if you will survive the ordeal with Robotnik. I can't guarantee anything other then the rank." Nodding, Jackson let me go on.

"As an Underboss, I need you to do whatever I ask. Failure is unacceptable and death is beyond the call of duty. You must be willing to die for me and this family as wills strength. You must never question and must never hesitate. If you do you will die."

Jackson seemed aware, but I knew inside he was afraid. He's nowhere near ready for this.

"The guns will be going off. I will be counting on you. Our family's future will be depending on you. Understand the weight this carries Jackson. The last thing I want is for you to blindly say yes to the job. Understand right now you will most likely die."

"I understand Don Skier sir." He replied as I then asked.

"Do you want this? Are you prepared to die for us?"

Nodding, he replied swiftly.

"Yes sir, I am."

His tone sounded true, but I'm not convinced. Yet what choice do I have but to believe him?

Getting up from my desk, I approached the lad to reach for his light brown collar.

Jackson was nothing special. Five foot seven, maybe one hundred and fifty pounds. A fox his size was laughable at best. Yet I'm left with nothing else. He's all I got.

"Then you are now my Underboss. Leader to all the men below you and fate of this family. I will have the word spread about the promotion and I expect you to treat it right."

"I promise sir. You won't regret this."

Giving him not even a nod to respond, I replied.

"Your first task is to be ready tomorrow by around noon. We have a meeting to go to with Robotnik and I expect you to be ready to present yourself."

Giving me the nod, I released his jacket and ordered.

"Now get going. I have a lot to think about."

"Yes sir." Replied Jackson as he left my office.

Letting out a thick sigh, I retook my seat and looked at the clock.

The day was moving by so slow. And now I have to find a replacement for head Caporegime. I'll be lucky if I find one by tomorrow.

Don Brock Verno's POV, Saint Monica Hospital.

Claire was okay the doctor said. The injuries she took were minor and the blank Ross shot her with was nothing more then a welt. With some time and some rest, she'll be back to playing with her toys in safety, cause I will never let her be unguarded again. This nightmare taught me that much.

As she slept in the bed, I ran my hand through her hair and got up to kiss her on the forehead.

A smile was hard to muster at this time, but I should know to be grateful for her safety. I don't know where I would be right now if she was gone.

Gently and quietly making my way out of the room, I found my personal guards waiting out in the hall. As I stopped to let out a breath of relief, one asked.

"Is she okay?"

Nodding, I replied softly.

"Yeah. Doctor said she'll be fine. She just needs to rest."

The men smiled as I continued to only feel as if I was a horrible father. I don't think anyone here can understand that emotion.

"Are you staying over the night sir?" Wondered my guards as I nodded and replied.

"Yes."

Slowly making my way towards them, they then asked in response to my answer.

"Do you want us to set up a perimeter?"

Nodding once more, I replied.

"Yes please. Make sure no one who looks like trouble gets through those doors. The last thing I can take is any more problems today."

With an understanding, my men proceeded with the plan. Of course one guard stayed with me as I looked to him to urge.

"Let's go find Twig. I need to see how he's doing."

Obeying my command, the guard took the lead leaving me behind to think in utter confusion and anger for myself and Ross. I meant what I said. Ross will not get away with this. He won't just enter my life and exit with my daughter at gunpoint. I trusted him and now I get stabbed in the back like this for what? Money? Who does he think he is?

Twig had to be taken to the ER. Doctor said he's even lucky to be alive after all he's spent in energy to stay awake. Their not even sure if he'll survive the operations they have to do to save him. And I'm for one still shocked he did what he did for my baby girl. He's hasn't even known me for a week and he's done more then any Caporegime could ever hope to do for their family in a lifetime. I've never met someone who's thirst for revenge has led them this far. I pray to god he pulls through. I wouldn't know how to go on if I couldn't say thank you for what he has done for me. Upon entering the ER to find Twig's room still under operation, I took a seat outside to wait for the doctor. Time would only tell if I get the chance.

Six hours later.

With my guard tiring out and my nerves sitting on end, I widened my eyes and jumped out of my seat as the doctor finally came out from behind the door. Our eyes locked as I waited for the outcome to all I had been praying for.

Giving me a smile, I felt my heart burn with joy as even my guard reacted with happiness.

Don Vincent Cora's POV, Cora compound.

"Sniffffffffff! Oh fuck!" I shouted as I retracted from the cocaine to feel the rush to my brain coming in force.

Gently resting back in my seat, I shouted.

"Fuck yes! God this is fucking amazing! Whoooooo!"

Quickly shaking off the chills from the burst of power I felt. I made my way for my office door to run out into the halls where my guards asked.

"What do you need sir?"

Looking back to them in confusion, I asked.

"Where's Lilith?!"

"She's out by the range sir."

"Good!" I shouted as I made my way for the exit to my kingdom.

Everyone who worked for me knew not to question my condition. I'm living the fucking life and I plan too for as long as I live. But to make sure that happens I need to have someone who I can trust guard my every side. With Verno on the defense and the war about to go loud to the public, I need someone who can kick his doors in and deliver my will as the most powerful family in Los Angeles. I will not be denied my destiny.

Speeding my way out to the range where any of my men could enjoy the scent of gunpowder. I found Lilith setting up shop with a sniper rifle.

A tall and fucking hot, black quilled hedgehog killer. Beautiful tight ass and a firm rack I just wanted to get in between every night.

Stopping in my tracks to stare at her ass even more, I grew wanting of her presence even further.

Lilith was one of the few who could do anything I ever asked. She could kill anyone and anything. She was currently only a Caporegime, but that changes now.

Walking my way up behind her as she took aim with the rifle, I quietly bent down to place my hand on the scope

"BANG!"

Jumping up from her position as the round miss completely, she turned to shout.

"Who they fuck wants to...?!"

Stopping as I stood with a smile in front of her, she went to throw a punch.

Grabbing her wrist, I pulled her in to whisper.

"Ohhhh yeah. That's what I want to see you fucking bitch."

Staring into my eyes and pulling her arm free, she asked.

"What do you want Cora? Can't you see I'm fucking busy here?"

Giving her a wide smile, I replied.

"Nothing too important I hope. Unless you don't want to hear some good news for once?"

In confusion, Lilith questioned.

"Good news? You finally find your balls under all that coke?"

Grabbing her by the neck, I leaned into her face to reply.

"Your lucky I love you. Otherwise I would have had you killed a long fucking time ago."

Once again getting out of my grip. She replied to my statement.

"Go fuck yourself Cora. Now are you going to tell me the good news or would you prefer to keep wasting my time?"

Giving her a nod, I answered in quick succession to her question.

"I finally decided to give you the position you always wanted."

Giving me an instant laugh, I ordered.

"Be my Underboss Lilith."

Gently turning away from me, I once again grabbed her by the wrist to yank her body right back into mine. Our eyes locked and silence was thick as some of my men watched in interest of the conversation we were having.

Getting straight, she ordered back.

"As I said before Cora. Go fuck yourself. I'm not your bitch."

"Could have fooled me." I replied as she threw her free hand across my face getting all my men to widen their eyes in shock.

The sting of her palm felt so good, as I slowly smiled and looked back into her eyes to ask.

"Is that a yes then?"

Looking towards the ground, Lilith carefully brought her eyes back up on me to ask.

"Can I kill that bitch Robotnik has working for him."

"Who?" I questioned as she calmly replied.

"Lace."

Giving her a nod, I replied.

"Become my Underboss and help me kill Don Verno and you can kill anyone you want."

"Even you?" She questioned as I nodded.

With some thought she soon looked back at me to say.

"Okay. You got yourself a deal. Just make sure I get Lace when this is all done."

Leaning in on her lips, I replied.

"I promise."

Letting me kiss her after that, Lilith soon retracted to order.

"Now if you don't fucking mind, I need to practice. Get out of here."

Letting her wrist go and watching as she went back to her rifle, I urged.

"Make sure your ready to leave tomorrow morning."

Looking back, she questioned.

"What?"

Nodding, I said.

"We have a meeting in New York with the other families. I need you dressed and ready to go by nine. "Think you can do that for me?"

Pulling up her rifle, I watched with a small smile as she pulled back on the bolt releasing the shell to the bullet. As it hit the ground, she replied.

"Without a doubt."

Don Ricardo Morgue's POV, Morgue compound, Boston.

"It's done." Stated Shax as he was on the other line of the phone.

Putting my fork down, I replied.

"Good. I knew I could count on you."

"Hash was there." He added as I wondered.

"Did you kill him?"

"No sir."

In confusion, I then asked.

"Why not?"

With a faint tone, he soon replied.

"He wasn't worth it. Plus he wasn't my target, nor posed any threat to me. He would have been a waste for my bullets."

Nodding my head as I cut up the rest of my steak dinner, I replied.

"If I were in your shoes Shax I would have just got it out of the way. Who knows if Hash will pose a threat to you or me at some other time."

After taking another bite of my steak, Shax then replied.

"He's weak. Just like Soul. It's in his eyes sir. And I promise you if he ever does become a problem, I'll kill him like the dog he is."

"I have no doubts Shax."

"Are we done then?" He wondered as I shook my head.

"I have a meeting tomorrow in New York first thing in the morning with the other families. Every Don, Underboss, and head Caporegime will be there. I would like you to be present. Is there any chance your free?"

The line went silent as I whispered.

"Shax?"

After a few more seconds, he came back to reply.

"Maybe."

"Should I wait for you at the airport? Or would you like to call me later? Or...?" Cutting me off, Shax stated.

"If I decide to come I'll show. Don't hold the jet on me though."

"Okay Shax." I replied as I heard him hang up.

Upon putting my phone down, I went back to eating my dinner.

Don Jeremiah Soul's POV, Soul Compound.

Tapping my claws in front of my desk with Hash sitting before me in mixed emotions about how I was going to proceed with his failure, I asked.

"Did he say anything else?"

Shaking his head he replied.

"No. He was just there for the girl. I swear."

Gently looking into his eyes, I said to him in a calm tone.

"It's not like you to get beat Hash. Your suppose to be the best."

In anger, Hash Shouted.

"I had the bitch! She was mine!"

Getting up from my desk in equal rage, I questioned.

"Yet he was the one to kill her!"

Getting the balls to stand before me, Hash replied.

"He had me at gunpoint! That is the only reason I backed down from him!"

Getting before him, I shouted back.

"You have a gun and a fucking brain! You should have defended yourself!"

Hash went silent in anger as I stared into his eyes deeply. Slowly getting into his face. I pointed at his chest to say.

"You let a single man get the better of you. How can you call yourself a Soul?"

Pointing back at me, Hash explained.

"It was Shax."

Immediately feeling my body lose control I smacked his hand aside and sent my right palm around his throat. Dragging him onto my desk, I replied.

"Shax is nothing but an animal in a man's body! He's lost in his own world and he doesn't care who he hurts! All he sees is his target! Same as you should have! I count on you Hash to always succeed! Never once before this have I ever had to doubt you as my Underboss! But if you can't do your job I will have no mercy on you! Do you understand me?! I asked as I choked him.

With his hands around my wrist attempting to pull me off him, I asked once more with an even harder squeeze to his pipes.

Do you understand me Hash?

Nodding as fast as he could, I gave him one more squeeze and then pulled him off my desk and tossed him towards my door to say.

"Your better then Shax. Your the fucking best in this business Hash. Don't you dare make me think twice about any of that again."

Gripping his own neck, Hash replied in a calmer tone towards me.

"I won't."

"Good. Now get out."

Leaving my office with his tail between his legs, I refocused back on my chair and whiskey to think about Shax. If what Hash said is true and he really was held at gunpoint, I wonder why he didn't just kill him.

Taking a thick shot, I put down my glass and stared at the door. Time was now forced to pass. By the end of the night I'll be wondering the same thing.

Lots of fun on the way. Let me know who you think Pitch will choose to be his Underboss. More chapters will be posted as soon as I can. Leave a love and a hug as always.

mT Shadow.