Multiple POVs

Italy: Kota's POV:

"Where is my wife?" Jackson demanded again as he strained against the ropes that held him against a high-back chair.

"I have no idea who you are talking about, Mr. Porter," Leonardo said with a blank expression. "I didn't realize you were married."

Jackson grunted, "You old bastard, you know exactly who I'm talking about! Where the fuck is Marissa? What have you done to her?"

I'd had enough. Stepping from the shadows, I spoke. "You don't have a wife, Jackson. However, my fiancée, Marissa, is just fine - assuming that's whom you are referring to." His eyes went wide, mouth gaping for a few moments before he howled in anger and began thrashing.

"I swear if anything happens to her, so help me, I'll kill each and every one of you! The Academy will destroy you and every person you've ever loved," he raged.

Corey stepped forward and grinned at him wickedly, pulling hard on his jaw. "Your precious Academy won't be doing anything to anyone after today. By this time tomorrow, every dime they have will be gone, assets vanished, and board members mysteriously gone. All. Of. Them." He punctuated the last three words with a hard jerk to Jackson's jaw each time. The man just stared in shock. Corey was often misjudged based on his appearance, much like me. But when someone threatens what we love, we can match Raven and North's rage easily. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a corrupt organization to dismantle," he said and strode out of the room.

"We'll let you and Dominic finish your interrogations," I told Leonardo and followed Corey from the room as Jackson began protesting again. The last thing I heard was a loud slap as I closed the door behind me. "Is everyone in place?" I asked Corey.

"Yes, North and Silas arrived in Athens last night. Your mom and the girls are here now, Victor and Axel are in New York. Owen and Sean are in Japan and Marc and Brandon are in Dublin. Nate is already in Cuba as well. Luke and Gabe are staying with Marissa for now, but can leave for another location if needed. I just want to keep her as far away from all of this as possible." He frowned, "Raven and his father arrived in Russia a short time ago as well.

"Why didn't you travel with Raven? I mean, you can do the tech side from anywhere, why stay?" I asked. I could see the worry rolling off of him.

He stopped mid-step and spun to meet my gaze. "We still have no leads on where Murdoch is. If I leave and he comes here, then I'd never forgive myself." I saw the tears rimming his eyes. "We, I, walked away from her once before, and look at all that happened. I...I can't be away from her anymore. Damn, I freak out just being across the compound from her, Kota." He ran his hand through his hair, groaning. "I failed her. I should have found her, saved her, protected her."

I put my arms around him and pulled him into a tight embrace, "We can't change what happened, Corey, and no one is blaming you. Hell, we're all too busy blaming ourselves to blame each other, but we need to stop. What matters now is that she's here and we need to stop the Academy so they can't hurt her or anyone else ever again." He leaned into me, his body sagging slightly. "She doesn't blame you," I whispered as I gave him a soft kiss. That was all it took for the dam to break as his sobs shook his entire body while I held him.

In all my years of knowing Corey and the entire Toma team, I never would have thought we would become a family. Not like this, not so intertwined and in love with one another on varying levels. Just like my own husbands, Corey's family had become just as precious to me - all of them. Seeing him hurt this way broke me. He had become a source of strength for me as our relationship had grown. The added dynamic of Nate and Raven growing closer drew the four of us into a tighter bond. For as much as I know he wanted to be with Raven, I was glad he was here with me, and I for him.

"Thank you," he muttered, finally pulling back slightly. "Let's go have a family meeting," he added with a sly grin.

Greece: Silas's POV

North practically had to drag me onto the jet and away from Marissa. Ever since Murdoch's little demonstration, I had clung to her like a newborn. I know it was unfair, but we had spent every night in each other's arms, terrified we would find ourselves back in that scene. I dreaded being here without her. So far the nightmares were mild, but the longer we were apart, the more worried I was becoming. Lily sat down with me yesterday to discuss it. I was surprised she was still willing to help us after the whole incident in Athens.

"Hey, I just got a text from Kota," North said, coming into the room. "Says Dominic and his dad have Jackson quarantined in their interrogation cells. He's demanding to see Ris, but she hasn't asked to see him except that first day after we left." I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

"Do we know if the others have all arrived?" I asked him.

"Yeah, Corey says everyone is in place. Wants us to join a conference call in the next hour." He said, looking out the balcony. "I just want all of this to be over, man. I want our lives back."

I walked over and put my arms around his waist, "So do I," I whispered. He leaned against me for a moment as we stood enjoying what might be our last moment of peace for quite some time. A knock at the door startled both of us.

"Sorry to break up your moment, but I just got some news," Nico said as he poked his head into the room. "Looks like Murdoch is in New York. He just showed up at the home of Judge Roberts," he said with a devilish grin. "Maybe we should reach out to your friends and Arthur Carini."

I chuckled to myself as North placed a quick kiss on my lips. Arthur is going to have a field day with this new development, not to mention what Axel will do if he gets his hands on Murdoch. This was a huge development.

"Corey wants us online in an hour, so we better call before he gets us all in one place," North said and grabbed out his phone. "Hey, Victor, can you get Arthur and Axel gathered, then put us on speaker? We've got some intel."

There was a bit of shuffling on the other end of the phone then Axel's voice came through, "Alright, we're all here now. What do you have?"

Nico cleared his throat, "I just sent Victor the footage. One of our men spotted Murdoch at Judge Roberts's estate. I know Corey is about to have us all move forward with the plan, so I wanted to make sure someone kept an eye on Murdoch."

Axel growled, "More like a laser sight."

Arthur chuckled, "I'll keep Axel in check, well, at least I'll keep him safe. Kristoff has a crew in Texas to take out Senator Diggins when the signal goes."

"Silas, how are you holding up?" Victor asked.

I chuckled, "I'm hanging in there. Ready to get back to our wife." North, Victor, and Axel all agreed.

Italy: Marissa's POV

I've been staying in the loft with Luke, Gabe, and Victor for three days since the others left. Silas and I had been attached at the hip, both still reeling from Murdoch's experiment. For three days I've struggled to keep my mind straight. I've had moments where I feel safe and remember all the wonderful moments with them, then other times I stare at them with no recognition or memory of who they are. Luckily, I only became violent once. I'd woken up in bed next to Luke and freaked out, screaming for Jackson and Kyle. No matter how much they tried, I couldn't remember them and tried hurting Luke. When I finally came out of it, I felt horrible. I'd punched Luke so hard that he was now sporting a huge bruise on his jaw.

"How are you feeling this morning, spitfire?" Gabe asked, handing me a cup of hot tea.

I took a sip and sighed, "I know who I am today, so that's a plus." He gave me a 'seriously' look and I giggled. "How is Luke feeling? I still can't believe I punched him."

"I count myself lucky all you did was punch me," he said, coming through the door in a towel, his hair still wet from his shower. "I've seen how you fight, sugar. A bruised jaw is nothing compared to your other talents." He leaned over and kissed my cheek.

I gently reached up and traced his jaw, "I'm still sorry," I said. He winked and leaned in for another kiss, but I quickly turned my head and pressed my lips to his. In seconds, his hand tangled in mine as he leaned in closer. He nipped at my bottom lip making me whine.

"Ahem," I heard Kota clear his throat and pulled back. "Sorry for the interruption, but we need to get this show on the road folks."

"Cock blocker," Luke muttered as he darted his tongue along my lips one last time before heading toward the bedroom to get dressed.

Gabe and I laughed as Kota leaned over and kissed the top of my head. "How are you today, kitten?"

"Everyone keeps asking me that," I grimaced. "I'll say the same thing I told Gabriel, I know who I am today. For now, I'm considering that a win." Kota nodded and didn't press the matter. I watched Corey as he attached a cable to the big-screen TV and then his laptop. "Should I leave for this meeting?" They had made a point of keeping me in the dark about their plans, and I didn't want to interfere.

"No, little one, you need to be here now," Corey said as he took a seat at the table and started the computer. "Today is the day we are taking down the Academy once and for all."

"What if I do something?" I whispered. "Are you sure it's safe?"

"That's why we are all here," Dominic said as he walked through the door with his father, Leonardo. "No one is carrying weapons in here, and I for one, have faith that you will be okay Flower." He smirked at me as he plopped next to me on the couch. "Ready to come back from the dead, Gabe?" Dominic gave Gabe a sly grin.

"Fuck yes," he exhaled. "I'm in serious need of a night on the town with my best girl and a fucking massage." I giggled at his dramatic tone and leaned into his shoulder.

"Well, I may not be a professional, but I'm happy to give you a massage," I batted my eyelashes at him as he grinned wickedly.

"I think some little girl is feeling a bit fucking bratty today," he purred in my ear. "Your timing sucks, but Daddy would love a massage later. I'll even let you pick which flogger I use on that fucking pretty little ass."

I shivered and whispered, "Yes Daddy." Gabe chuckled and kissed me roughly on my lips.

Leonardo clapped his hands together, "As much as I love seeing my principessa happy, I think we should focus." I buried my face in Gabe's chest as I blushed. Turning back toward the giant screen, we watched as one by one Corey connected all of us together. Luke came back into the room, dressed in shorts and a tank top. I swear he looks ready for the beach all the time.

"Someone give doll a napkin, she's drooling," Nate chuckled on the big screen. I blushed that I'd been caught checking Luke out.

"That shade looks good on you, sugar," Luke teased as he kissed the top of my head and then took his seat.

"Before each of you asks, I'm okay today. No disassociation, no outbursts," I told them. Most of them gave me a smile, and a few like Sean and Owen seemed to want to ask more, but hesitated.

"Victor, are you ready on your end?" Corey asked.

"Yeah, we've got everyone in position here and in Texas. We also have some news," he replied. "Murdoch is in New York with the Judge."

I felt my stomach clench as a wave of nausea hit me and I dashed to the bathroom. I felt hands holding my hair and rubbing my back as I threw up. When I leaned back, Kota wiped my mouth with a towel, then pressed a cool washcloth to my forehead as Gabe handed me a cup of water. "Sorry," I muttered.

"You don't have to apologize for fucking anything, spitfire," Gabe said, "You have every damn right to get upset."

Author's Notes: I apologize if my writing is delayed.  Sadly we had a loss in our family.

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