Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96417 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 482(@200wpm)___ 386(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96417 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 482(@200wpm)___ 386(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
“I assume he keeps the cages out of sight.” Father gives me a sharp smile and his eyes sparkle. He’s in his sixties, but he’s still sharp as a tack. He’s frailer than he used to be, but I know a lot of his apparently weakness is an act more than anything. I’ve watched that man wolf down massive meals, drink more vodka than should be possible, and wake up the next morning to run four miles. Damir Novalov is getting older, but he’s still a vicious killer.
I look away toward the fireplace. Above it, an ancient shield hangs above the stone mantle. A Russian bear is carved into the wood—the symbol of our family. That’s my father, the big bear, the monster beast of the forest. I scowl at the thing, because I never associated myself with it. The bear is for the Novalovs, and I am a Novalov only in name.
And my father never lets me forget it.
“Do not worry so much about this, Maxim,” Father says. “Once you’ve ascertained whether they’re worth doing business with or not, I will assign someone else to take over.”
“And if I decide they’re not worthy?”
“Then you will find another family to partner with.” Father’s eyes narrow. “We are moving into the flesh trade, boy. You will not resist that any further. Do I have your blood and your loyalty?”
I clench my jaw. It burns, that question. How dare he ask that of me when he knows I’d take a bullet for him? I’d die for any member of my family, even Feliks. “Yes, Father. You have it. You know you do.”
“Good.” He waves a hand. “Return to Bastone and tell him I am very interested in moving forward. Make this happen, Maxim.”
“I will, Father.” I stand and step away.
Feliks, Jasha, even the girls, any of them could refuse an order like this. Father treats them kindly, even gently. They are his children before they are members of his bratva.
But not me. I have to do twice as much and work twice as hard. I am Father’s heir and one of the highest-ranked members of the organization, but my position is tenuous, and I know my brothers will do what they can do push me aside when the time comes.
Which is why I’m trapped. One misstep, and I’ll tumble into darkness. I can’t allow myself to make a mistake. Not when so much is on the line.
I glance at the bear shield again. One day, the emblem will be mine. And yet it doesn’t resonate inside of me at all. It’s only a damn bear.
I leave my father’s library.
“Maxim!” a girl’s voice echoes down the hallway. “Maxim, I know you’re here.” Emiliya comes around the corner and grins at me. She’s small, blonde hair, blue eyes, looks just like our mother. “There you are. Is the old man still in the library?”
“Unfortunately for you, he looks pretty comfortable.”
She sighs and rolls her eyes as she falls into step by my side. “He’s been using the library more and more lately. Doesn’t he have a perfectly good office?”
“Take it up with him.”
“Come on. You know you’re dad’s favorite.”
I let out a snort. “Doesn’t feel that way to me.”
Emiliya bumps me with her shoulder. “You’re always so gloomy, Maxim. How was your day today? Want to talk about it? Mommy’s cooking tonight, are you coming to dinner?”
I soften slightly. Emiliya always manages to make my terrible moods that much better. She’s the kindest of the family and the youngest, and I constantly worry that she’ll be corrupted and lose some of the light that defines her. If I can shelter her from the worst of our family, I will.
“I’m coming to dinner,” I say. “I ran into Feliks and he says he’s too busy.”
“Eh, you know Feliks. Always snorting coke and driving too fast in those stupid sports cars.”
I nudge her with my elbow. “Feliks doesn’t do coke. Also, don’t talk like that about your brother.”
“Yeah, yeah.” She rolls her eyes. “I’m not a little kid anymore, you know.”
“You’re sixteen. You’re still a little kid.”
She stops walking and hugs herself with her arms. She glances over her shoulder, back toward the library. “Hey, Maxim. Can I ask you something?”
I shrug and pause. “What’s up?”
“Is Daddy really going to buy a bunch of hookers?”
I sigh and rub my face. “Where did you hear that?”
“I’m not deaf. Is it true? I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
“Look, Emmie, I can’t talk about this with you, okay? You know better than to ask.”
She chews her lip, concerned. I hate that look on her face. “I know, I know. It’s why I’m asking you and not anyone else.”
“Try not to think about it. Father’s doing what he thinks is best for the family.” Even if I don’t agree with him.