The Joy of Revenge

CHAPTER 17 Shadow Joy Xavier and | were driving to a mansion in Beverly Hills for my initiation ceremony. | was nervous and excited at the stime.

| was wearing a white strapless gown while a black ceremonial robe sat on my lap. Xavier was wearing a tuxedo and looked proud aside from handsome.

Aside from being a college graduate, | would now becpart of the Blood Disciples, something | never thought would happen.

Our junior year went by as quickly as our freshmen and sophomore year.

Xavier and | would train after class or during our free time. He taughtself-defense, mixed martial arts and weaponry.

Cristos was my work-out and shopping partner. We would jog together, hike together, work out at the gym together. Aside from that, he was also my nutritionist. | really hated taking those protein shakes, but he would scoldevery the caughtdumping the contents of my glass in the sink.

Since Sebastian needed an assistant to keep track of all his cargo arriving at the ports, he employedto help him. Once word reached the bosses, | was tagged as an associate... | was doing work for the family, but really not part of the family. | had accepted my fate, believing | couldn't do more to elevate my status within the organization.

For our senior year, | continued helping Sebastian. We beca team on the docks and since it was a job, | was earning money.

graduation when one night, while Sebastian and | were manning the docks. he unloading of cargo, a capo from one of the mafia families under the ples unexpectedly paid Sebastian a visit.

While they were talking to each other, | noticed a hooded man, who was covered from head to toe in tattoos, sneaking behind Sebastion.

Since Xavier trainedin using knives and daggers, Cristos giftedwith a hair comb accessory with a sharp needlelike blade in the middle. | would usually wear it when | was working with Sebastian since Xavier warnedto be vigilant at all times, especially at the docks. [x | 1/5 CHAPTER 17 Shadow 1 took the hair comb, inserting the blade in between my halled up fingers and stealthily ran behind the tattooed gang man and quickly inserted the blade into the back of his head, like a pang needle. He collapsed loudly on the ground behind Sebastian alerting the capo who was speaking to him.

Before the capo could grab his gun from under his jacket. | threw my hair accessory at his chest, stabbing him, giving Sebastian enough tto shoot him in between the eyes.

After taking pictures and alerting the organization of the rogue family, Sebastian and his crew threw the men in the sea. While they were doing that, Capo De Luca took off his coat, wrappedin it and hadsit in his car. | was shaking and scared. | had just killed someone.

“You okay, Joy?” Capo De Luca askedtenderly. | shook my head. | couldn't get myself to open my mouth and speak..

“You did the family a great service. The three bosses will be forever in your debt,” he said, taking a bar of chocolate from his coat. “Here, have some. You'll feel better.” | took the bar of chocolate and bit into it. He was right... It did makefeel better.

Sebastian left Capo De Luca to finish overseeing the unloading of the shipment and droveto Cristos’ bar.

Xavier and Cristos were all smiles, proudly waiting forat the door.

They tookby the arms and kissedon both cheeks. When the bartender saw that, he made everyone raise their glasses to me.

“I need to go to the bathroom. | think I’m going to be sick,” | said, running towards the ladies. | threw up, but the uneasiness was still there.

After | rinsed and cleaned up, the three handeda glass of champagne. That's when | becangry.

“How can you guys celebrate when | just killed someone?!” | hissed at them through clenched teeth.

“Woah. No, Joy. You have it all wrong. You SAVED Sebastian, Cristos explained. “Now, the bosses are in your debt, a debt which can only be repaid by blood. You are now family.” “I don’t feel happy and | don’t feel part of the family. | feel sick to my stomach,” | said.

“Normal reaction for your first time,” Xavier said. “Joy, if you didn’t intervene, Sebastian here,” he patted Sebastian on his shoulder, “wouldn’t be standing here and you would be crying your eyes out over his death.” 2/5 my be. Jy Thank you. Sebastian sad, taking my hand and kissing it. The Blood Disciple you a debt. He then kissedon both cheeks and the bartender again called for a tou Sebastians phone began to ring and he showed as who it was it was his father. He answered it and smiled. “He wants to talk to you | took the phone and answered, “Hello, Mr. Domenico. I'm Joy Taylor.” From now on, loy, you can callPapa. An intiation ceremony in your honor will be held after your graduation from university. Welcto the family” Thank you. Papa.” | said.

ou saved my boy, joy, anything for you.” And now here | was about to pledge my life to the family.

As we approached the private driveway, | could already see the multi-level residence ablare with lights. Vallet attendants in uniforms ushered in the numerous luxury vehicles, assisting the guests into the entrance into the entrance of the mansion before parking the cars near the four door cars near garage at the end of the spring property.

v Welcto Cristos house. Joy Xavier said.

This is Cristos house?! | exclaimed, marveling at the modem mansion. It was a work of art. And what about you and Sebastian?” “Nearby,” he answered Actually, Cristos, Sebastian and | are going to move out of our parents homes soon. We found a nice house in Calabasas and we thought all four of us could be that,” | replied, already imagining life together in one house. “New job, new just accepted a job as a rookie sports agent which the three of them were against.

“You dont need a job. Toy. You have us.” Xavier argued.

| want to do this on my own. Xavier. | reasoned. Anyway, since I'll be living with you. I'll be saving on rent “But you'll be bossed around and yelled at. With us, you're the boss,” he said.” “Can't | at least try it out first? Once | start earning the big bucks, | can open an agency of 55) CH. TER 17 Shadow my o. A legitimate business.” How we hand you the capital and you do it now? He asked, stopping at the mansion’s entrance. We got out and walked into the glass atrium entry.

“With no experience and clientele, it will be doomed. No, I'll work my way up. Meet the athletes, gain connections, establish a rapport. | need to make a nfor myself.” We were ushered into the glass-walled ballroom where a stage and numerous tables were set up for guests. Xavier guidedto one of the tables near the stage, took the robe | had been carrying and placed it over my dress. A few of the guests who were already seated, pointed at and clapped their hands.

One by one, the guests lined up and began kissingon both cheeks. Apparently, | was the guest of honor and all of them wanted to pay their respects.

| didn’t see Cristos or Sebastian until the initiation ritual began.

| was escorted by Xavier to a podium facing the stage before he put on his hooded robe and took his seat on stage. There sat in front ofthe three bosses and three underbosses of the Blood Disciples.

Sebastian took a needle and pr icked my finger. A drop of my blood was placed in a small crystal tube shaped pendant which was given to one of the bosses.

| took my oath in front of everyone, solidifying my position in the family. | was then asked to sign a contract by placing a thumbprint with my blood as ink.

“I'am proud to introduce our new family member, soldier Joy Taylor, The Shadow, one of the bosses said. Judging by his blue eyes, | assumed it was Cristos’ father.

vea standing ovation as soon as the ceremony was over. The band began to celebration commenced. It was like a wedding reception.

met Cristos, Sebastian's and Xavier's parents. They treatedlike their daughter, asking to call them Mama and Papa.

While we were lounging around outside beside the massive pool, | asked them why was | given the nicknShadow.

“Your shadow is the last anyone will see before they die,” Sebastian answered.

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