Snippet #2145203

Tommy's gaze flicked up to the source of the voice. Gianni De Luca was a long standing member of the family. He and Tommy never really saw eye to eye on a lot of things but Gianni always gave Tommy his due respect due to who his father was. With Anthony Castellano gone Gianni apparently was feeling brave. Tommy glared at Gianni with a wicked stare that could break stone. His body flexed in anger as he worked to restrain himself from smearing the walls with Gianni's blood.

"So... My old man's death got you a pair big enough to talk like that to me huh? Let me explain something to you, you piece of shit. You mouth off like that again and I'll rip you to pieces myself. We clear?"

Tommy's voice exhumed the danger of a caged lion. Gianni faltered as he looked at the new head of the Castellano crime family but seemed unwilling to give up his only chance to vie for power.

"Listen Tommy you-"

Tommy shot to his feet, cutting him off. A black tendril materialized and darted forward before wrapping around Gianni's neck. Black essence pooled off Tommy's body in a smokey cloak of terrifying dark ichor.

"No... You listen. I am the head of this family now. This ain't up for debate. I ain't askin you shit. I'm tellin you. You ever talk about her like that again and I'll send you to hell in chunks. Got it?"

Nobody moved. Nobody spoke. They all just looked on in fear and respect as Tommy dealt out the punishment to his subordinate. Gianni croaked in pain as he struggled to breath but coughed out two words.

"A-Alright b-boss."

With that the shadow disapated and Gianni dropped to the floor, clutching his throat. Gianni rubbed his throat in pain as he coughed before taking his seat. Tommy remained on his feet, his gaze fixed on Gianni. He stared until Gianni averted his gaze. Tommy looked around at every face in the room before speaking.

"Let me clear up any confusion before going forward. Cataleia is with me. You will all treat her with the respect due to the lady of this house. She is to be treated the same way my mother was when she was alive. Anyone who has an issue following that will deal with me."

The warning was not up for negotiation and the members of the family knew that. None said a word as their bosses terrible power was on display. Finished with this unsavory message Tommy took his seat with before looking around at the faces in the room.

"Now Gianni may be a dumb fuck but I'm sure you all are wondering alot of the same things he was. I mean to answer your questions here and now."

Tommy took a second to collect himself. The darkness had subsided and in it's place was the vulnerability of a child who lost a parent, a fatherless son.

"I wasn't kidnapped. I didn't go to the feds. I wasn't in wit pro.... I ran.... I ran because of what I could do.... You know now that I'm a mutant. I... I thought my father was a lesser man and it cost him his life. That mistake is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life and I will NEVER forgive myself for it."

Tommy allowed his words to sink in for a few moments as he struggled to keep the pain of this fresh loss in check.

"I was at the Xavier Institute seeking refuge but old habits die hard. I had to kill a drug dealer who framed me. That's how I ended up on the outside. That's when I reached out to Frankie. He is the one that brought me in, told me about my old man. I promise you all I'm gunna run this family and make him proud. I'm gunna do right by all of you, if you're ready to follow me."

Tommy's gaze scanned the room and everyone seemed to be in agreement as many of his family members smiled proudly at the strength Tommy was showing. The show of silent support swelled Tommy's heart with pride.

"I'm gunna find out who ordered the hit. First order of business though is to make sure everyone knows that the Castellano family is back and as strong as ever, stronger. Send the boys out in force. Make waves, I want to send a message."

The order was well received as several people voiced their agreements.

"Fucking A boss!"

"Shit yeah Tommy!"

"We're behind ya Tommy Gun."

Tommy got to his feet.

"Good, now get outta here ya mooks."

There were a few chuckles but everyone filed out except Lou, Frankie, Cat and Tommy's Aunt Sara. She walked over to Tommy and took his face in her hands before kissing him on either cheek.

"Oh sweetheart, I know this can't be easy coming back to. How you holding up?"

Tommy just shrugged trying to bury his pain.

"I'm fine Aunt Sara."

His Aunt stared at him unconvinced, her intuition evident on her displeased expression as she took a step back and pointed a finger in his face.

"Hey, don't pull that shit with me Tommy. You never could lie to me worth a damn."

Castellano chuckled and shook his head.

"I'm just trying to keep my head above water. Bout all I can do now."

Aunt Sara seemed satisfied with his response and her warm smile returned.

"Wanna hear a big secret? You're father used to say the same thing to me all the time. Now whose this beautiful girl whose too good for my little Tommy?"

She asked walking past Tommy to Cataleia. She held her hands out to embrace Cat in a hug as Tommy came in behind her.

"This is Cat. Cat, this is my Aunt Sara."