The Mafia Boss:The Gang War

Chapter 18: The Blood Oath

The scent of burning wood and the metallic tang of sweat filled the air as Luca Moretti entered the compound. It wasn't the first time he'd crossed paths with mercenaries, but this was different. This was Viktor Drago, the leader of one of the most feared private armies in the world. The man who had terrorized entire regions, wiping out entire militias for sport, and the same man who was about to decide whether or not Luca would live to see his empire expand any further.

Luca's reputation had spread like wildfire through the underworld, but there was one thing that could still halt his rise to power: the lack of muscle. He had managed to take control of key territory, expand the Moretti Family's grip on the city, and wipe out competitors one by one, but in the world of organized crime, you needed muscle to maintain that power.

The Viper Syndicate, a rival gang that had been nibbling at the edges of Luca's domain, had recently escalated their attacks. They were becoming more brazen, more daring, and Luca knew he needed an army to take them down. His network had led him to Viktor, a brutal mercenary leader who had the kind of men Luca needed: seasoned soldiers, killers with no fear, and a loyalty that came at a steep price.

The compound he entered was imposing, a stark fortress in the wilderness just outside the city limits. The high iron gates loomed ahead, and two armed guards watched him intently as they motioned him inside. They didn't ask questions; they had been expecting him. Inside the walls were an array of men, some lounging, some cleaning weapons, others exercising or strategizing. They all had one thing in common: the cold, steely demeanor of professionals who had seen the worst the world had to offer and thrived in it.

Luca wasn't intimidated. He had built his empire from the ground up, outwitting and outmaneuvering his enemies with a combination of brains, charm, and ruthlessness. But Viktor Drago wasn't the kind of man who could be outwitted. He was a force of nature, a man who lived and breathed violence, a man whose reputation preceded him.

Viktor's office was a minimalist room, but its simplicity was deceiving. Every item in the room seemed to speak of its owner: the well-worn leather chair behind the desk, the map of the world on the wall marked with pins indicating past operations, and the bookshelves filled with military strategy and historical texts. The only thing out of place was the large oak table in the center of the room, where Viktor was waiting.

The mercenary leader stood as Luca entered, his massive frame blocking the light as he rose. His eyes, dark and sharp, locked onto Luca with an intensity that could have made any lesser man flinch. Viktor had the aura of someone who didn't need to speak to command respect. His presence alone was enough to silence any room.

"You must be Luca Moretti," Viktor's voice was low and gravelly, tinged with the Eastern European accent that was unmistakable. "You're even more impressive in person."

Luca didn't waste time with pleasantries. "I'm here to offer you a deal, Viktor. An alliance. Your men, your skills, my empire. Together, we can crush the Vipers and anyone else who dares to cross us."

Viktor chuckled darkly, the sound like gravel scraping against stone. "You think you can just walk in here and offer me a deal? What makes you think I need you?"

Luca met Viktor's gaze head-on. "Because your men are soldiers, and soldiers need someone to pay them. I can offer you more than just money. I can offer you power, Viktor. With me, you'll have control of the city. You'll have territory, resources, and protection for your men. You'll never have to fight for scraps again."

Viktor raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. But Luca knew that words alone wouldn't seal the deal. Viktor was a man of action, not one for empty promises.

"I've built something here, Viktor. An empire. It's not just about money," Luca continued. "It's about loyalty, strength, and family. That's what I offer you. You'll have a place by my side, a role in shaping the future. But if you don't take this offer, if you don't stand with me, you'll find yourself on the wrong side of a war you can't win."

Viktor leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "You talk a big game, Moretti. But words don't matter. Men like you, men like me… we only care about one thing. Power."

"I can give you that power," Luca said, stepping closer to Viktor, his voice quiet but certain. "But it comes with a price. You're not just buying into my empire. You're buying into a blood oath. We swear loyalty to each other, Viktor. We seal this deal with blood, and if either of us breaks that bond, there's no going back."

Viktor stared at him for a long moment, his gaze unreadable. The silence between them was thick, but Luca stood firm, showing no fear. He wasn't asking for something small. He was asking for everything—an alliance, a blood oath, and Viktor's men at his command. It was a gamble, but it was one Luca was willing to take.

Finally, Viktor stood up, moving to a nearby table where a sharp ceremonial dagger was placed. "A blood oath, you say? There's no turning back once it's made. You swear yourself to me, and I swear myself to you."

Luca's eyes flicked to the blade. It was a simple weapon, but it symbolized the gravity of what they were about to do. He had taken blood oaths before, but this one was different. Viktor wasn't just a partner; he was a force of nature. Breaking this oath wouldn't just mean the end of their alliance—it would mean death.

"I swear to you, Viktor Drago," Luca said, his voice unwavering. "My loyalty is yours, as long as you stand with me."

Viktor nodded and took the dagger. He pricked his finger, the red blood welling up from the small wound. Then he passed it to Luca, who did the same. The blood, now mingling together, sealed their bond.

"The oath is made," Viktor said, his voice low and serious. "If you betray me, Moretti, you'll regret it."

Luca nodded. "And the same goes for you, Viktor. If you turn your back on me, you'll find out just how deep the Moretti family's reach really goes."

With that, the deal was struck. The blood oath, sealed in the most sacred and dangerous way, would bind Luca and Viktor together. Their mutual interests would guide them to untold power, but there would be no room for failure, no room for betrayal. They would either rise to the top together, or they would fall, their empire crumbling in the bloodshed that would inevitably follow.

For Luca, the alliance with Viktor was more than just a business transaction—it was the final piece of the puzzle. With Viktor's mercenaries at his side, he now had the muscle to protect his territory, execute his plans, and eliminate anyone who dared stand in his way. The Viper Syndicate, the city's other criminal factions, and anyone else who thought they could challenge the Moretti Family were about to find out just how much power Luca had acquired.

As Viktor's men began to integrate into his operations, Luca felt a surge of confidence. He wasn't just the head of a criminal family anymore. He was a king in the making, and with Viktor's blood oath binding them together, there was nothing that could stand in his way.

The city would bow before him, and the Moretti Family would rule it with an iron fist.

But as Luca left Viktor's compound, the weight of the blood oath settled heavily on his shoulders. He had made his choice. He had formed an alliance that would shape the future of the city. But loyalty was a dangerous game, and in the world they inhabited, the line between ally and enemy was razor-thin.

And now, Luca had to prove he was worthy of the blood that had been spilled for this alliance.