The villa was full of people and wolves. People were outside, and inside, drinking, smoking, talking – it was a party, not a moot. Byron had never seen so many people, crowded all throughout the place. Gev moved among them, talking to cousins and extended family.
Byron hoped there wouldn’t be a test.
Between all the Tonys and the Joeys and the Markys, there were so many names that were passed down from generation to generation. Five generations of Anthony and even Antonia. Byron knew he’d never keep them straight.
For a couple of hours, he walked among them, nodding, receiving kisses, getting pinched cheeks from matrons, back slaps from the men. Then, finally, Gev took his hand. “Come outside, love.”
He went outside, out to the garden. When they came out of the garden to the top of the hill, people had gathered out on the lawn. Byron felt compelled, almost, to go out and join them. Instead Gev held onto his lover’s hand, as they stood at the top of the hill.
“Signore y Signora,” he began, and whispered to Byron in translation: “I present to you my fiance…Byron Davies of Blood Moon Pack.” A cheer went up.
“Our plan is this. We will be married in a year’s time. At that time, I will divest most of my holdings in the company, and will no longer see to the day-to-day running of the pack.”
Byron turned to stare at his lover. “But–”
Gev put a finger to Byron’s lips. “I won’t leave you,” he said to the people out on the lawn after the moment of silence. “I will not be as involved. The Beta will see to the day-to-day running and will speak in my name.” There were murmurs in the crowd. “I will be informed of what’s going on. If you disagree with the Beta, do not come running to me.”
He continued, “These are my plans.” He turned to Byron, “Mio Amore, will you join me?”
In a loud, confident voice, Byron said, “Si.”