Chapter One #3
“How is that any different from me just claiming Sandro?”
Mama makes an impatient sound. “The omegas Kessler recruits have no connections to powerful families. That’s the whole point.
These omegas are usually alone in the world.
You don’t have to deal with buttinsky in-laws because the omegas have no one.
The omegas Kessler contracts are often down on their luck.
Some need a home. Some need money. Some need protection.
Each contract is different and you two decide the terms. The one thing that’s always true is the arrangement must be mutually beneficial to both parties. ”
“Huh.” I rub my jaw. “I like the idea of no in-laws.”
Mama smiles. “I figured you would. And Kessler has been doing this for over a decade. When a powerful alpha needs an heir, but they don’t want the family dynamic that comes with claiming a well-connected omega, they turn to Kessler.”
“How have I never heard of Kessler?” I scowl.
Mama pushes her plate away and presses her napkin to her mouth. “That’s how Kessler prefers it. He picks his clients very carefully. He doesn’t accept every alpha who asks either. But I have no doubt he’d be thrilled to help out the head of the Foschini syndicate.”
“This is the strangest idea I’ve ever considered.” I laugh. “I have omegas throwing themselves at me all the time. Yet, I’m thinking of hiring some strange, down on his luck, omega to carry my child?”
“Contracts keep things neater,” Ginevra says.
Mama studies me. “You’d have to think carefully about what you want your contract to look like.”
I frown. “Meaning what?”
Ginevra answers before Mama can. “I’d guess things like how many kids do you expect the omega to give you. Do you want to live together or have separate homes. Do you require monogamy from your omega, or do you both want to be free to satisfy your… er… needs outside of the relationship?”
I narrow my eyes, considering her words. “I can’t imagine pledging faithfulness to an omega I just met.”
“That’s something you’d have to think about.” Ginevra shrugs. “I’m sure the omega would feel the same way about being stuck with you forever.”
“You’re always so diplomatic, Ginevra,” I say drolly.
She smirks. “I know. I should have worked for the UN. “
Mama ignores us and pushes on. “The first step is to contact Kessler and see if he’ll accept you as a client. As I said, I can’t imagine he’d turn you down, but you never know.”
“I doubt he’d dare reject me,” I say.
“Probably not,” Mama agrees. “It’s really the perfect solution to your problem.”
I nod, warming to the idea. “I do like the concept of claiming an omega who has no connection to our world. No alliances, no family politics, no Lucchese boots on my neck for the next two decades.”
“What about Sandro?” Ginevra asks suddenly.
“What about him?” I frown.
She shrugs. “He still works for us. He just gave you two years of his life. He’s not going to like you bringing in another omega so quickly.”
My lips thin. “Then he shouldn’t have given me an ultimatum.”
“Maybe you should fire him,” Noemi says.
I widen my eyes at my youngest sister. “That’s unusually cold-hearted of you, Noemi.”
Her cheeks blush. “I’m not saying you should fire him out of spite. I’m just thinking it would probably be hard for him to watch you with another omega.”
I laugh. “Ahh, I see. It’s Sandro you’re concerned for.”
“Well,” she murmurs. “He is the injured party here.”
“She’s right.” Mama sighs. “Sandro has been telling anyone who will listen that he’s heartbroken and confused. He insists he still loves you and doesn’t understand what happened.”
I rumble, “Sandro understands exactly what happened. He made it happen by forcing me into a corner.”
Ginevra nods. “Yes, but his ultimatum isn’t common knowledge. Everyone just thinks you got bored and dumped him. I say you eighty-six him. It’s easier that way. Cleaner. He might cause trouble for you if you keep him around.”
“I have no reason to fire him,” I rasp. “He does a great job of running our family’s legal businesses: the restaurants, clubs, and other public-facing ventures that make the Foschinis look respectable. He’d be hard to replace. People respect him.”
“Yes, he is very competent.” Mama nods. “And charming.”
“I’m not saying he’s not,” Ginevra says. “I just think it’s asking for trouble to keep him around. You’re essentially talking about bringing in another omega and giving that omega everything Sandro asked of you.”
I grit my teeth against the guilt. “I think Sandro will accept the circumstances with grace. If he can’t handle it, I’ll move him across country where he won’t have to have it rubbed in his face.”
Noemi winces. “His mother will not be happy if you do that. I would think she’s already not happy with you.”
“Hopefully, I won’t have to move him. Hopefully he’ll accept that it’s over and that I have the right to move on.” I meet my mother’s eyes. “I think I know what to do now, Mother. Perhaps you can get me Kessler’s contact information.”
Her smile is approving. “It’ll be on your desk by morning.”