Wolf’s Bane

Just then, The Ogre was at the door of the bedroom talking to the bedroom security who was now well enough to return to his post. Well, more like TRYING to talk to Nick, but…

“Didn’t I tell you already that I never wanted to talk to you again, after I did what you asked me to do beforehand?”

“Nick, just hear me out…”

“What could you possibly say that I might be interested in hearing? Look, I agreed to be one of the governor’s bodyguards and join you here in his mansion, EVEN, after what you did to Father. You’re the one who said that in exchange for this favor, I would never have to deal with you. Never again! So, what’s this all about this time, huh?

“Brother, I…”

“You are NOT my brother, LEFT HAND! Not after what happened back at the Arger’s ORIGINAL headquarters. No, I’ll never see you as family, never again. I’m not even part of your precious group of goons anymore, for heaven’s sake!”

“Nick, please…”

“You go on ahead and talk to that motherfucking maniac inside this room instead. The door’s unlocked anyway and I need to go now. Also, my replacement will be here soon. Take care, Hero. It’s the only reminder that I can give your sorry traitor ass, right now.”

And with that, the giant hulk of a bodyguard, who was still nursing a painful jaw, walked away with firm, heavy and furious steps.

He’s still mad at you. That’s a good sign since we can use that anger of his, growled the voice in his head.

“Well, I do understand that he is, Lyon. After what I did to Father, I deserve his hate…”

There was a reason behind what happened, Hero and you can tell him when he’s already amenable to you.

“No. I take responsibility for my actions, wolf. I know the Senyor wanted me to kill him so I could take over The Argers, but back then I was a puppet of the governor as well.”

But that old man knew you that well. It wasn’t for no reason that you could call him father after your parents died. He knew that it was the only way to fight the Governor, Hero. And it feels like it was just yesterday when it happened. Should I remind you how it went back then?

But yes, Hero could still remember…

From the long talks he had with the former Argerlich leader, when he still was a cook in one of The Senyor’s restaurants, to when he was included in the Argers as the man’s personal assistant. He then steadily and swiftly rose in the ranks, taught by him and protected by him. It was a part of his life that no one really knew about…

Except for The Right Hand!Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

On that dreaded day, after meeting with the corrupt politician, Hero met with the younger Camden, so he could facilitate the request of his mentor and father, and also obey the command of the Argerlichs’ sponsor, the governor.

And he did what would need to be done over tea time that day…

“He will get rid of me the moment he doesn’t need me anymore, Hero. I wouldn’t put it past him to cut me down to size if he finds it necessary. Besides, he knows my kryptonite and he will use it when the time is right,” stated his former boss, original superior, and leader of the Argerlich, Senor Antonio Marinetti, as they sat alone in his private suite. “So, if he ever asks you to take me out of the equation, just follow his command. I would rather it be you than anyone else.”

The Ogre took a while to speak since what he had to say was a pretty heavy burden to bear, “I’m sorry Senyor, but I can’t do that to you. I know you have talked with me about this for as long as I can remember, but I respect and love you too much, like my own father, to be the one to end you.”

Once more, Hero paused for a moment, and with that, Antonio knew that the kill order had been given. And his protege was ready and was there to fulfil it…

Or was he?

“I’m truly sorry but I’ve asked someone else to take that honor from me,” Hero concluded decisively with a heavy heart, unable to look the older man in the eye.

At that moment, Hero stood up and walked away from his mentor because he had already seen at the edge of his peripheral vision the man who would be killing his mob leader and surrogate father, already in place to finish the task. The Right Hand showed himself then from behind some drapes and bowed to the elderly man, who was watching his second-in-command turn and walk away.

“I would like to apologize for the ‘inconvenience’ Sir. However, I will be the one taking your life today. Forgive me.”

The Senyor then looked at the younger killer who had just approached him. “Ah, you’re the one my son has talked about so many times. The one he helped to get that specific job in the governor’s staff, I believe. The Assassin, right? I heard you are truly an amazing asset to that damn corrupt politician, as my Hero is,” shared the fifty-year-old man while stirring his coffee.

“Yes, we both believe in doing our best in all of our missions, even the ones that would break our hearts in the end,” was The Right Hand’s sad yet solemn reply.

“And that’s probably just one of your similarities.”

“He’s more like my older brother though, I think.”

“Oh yes, the one who is Alpha of your pack already. I have not seen him for quite some time now. I hope he will attend my funeral when I do die. Oh, sorry for being such a bad host. Would you care for some hazelnut coffee and Earl Grey cake? They are truly delicious. They are my favorite comfort food and it’s quite apt that it would also be my last meal.”

Hero was still inside the room and had stopped by the door, taking deep breaths and making an effort to keep himself together. He could hear everything that was happening and his heightened senses allowed him to see in his mind every detail of the exchange between The Assassin and The Senyor.

And there was nothing he could do to stop what would happen within the next few minutes…

Since Senor Antonio wouldn’t allow it if Hero tried.