Page 107 of Land of Monsters

“That is ayouproblem.” Warwick held his clawed war hammer in his hand, the only one who didn’t bother with a gun.

“She’s promised them money and higher positions under her.”

“Ah…” Scorpion huffed. “They start going against you and you lose your position as leader.”

“I lose my country.” He held his chin up high.

“I’ve been to your country. That might not be a bad thing.” Warwick tucked his weapon back into its halter, clearly not worried about Kozlov.

“Didn’t you see what she tried to do toourcountry not too long ago?” Ash nodded to his fellow family. “Don’t you realize the snake you worked with to get more power would eventually turn on you? Isn’t there a name for that game? Oh, right… Russian Roulette. You lost at your own game.” Ash still hadn’t lowered his weapon, his glare steady on Dimitri and Eve. “Not sure why you thought coming to us was a good idea. We will gladly let you drown.”

Kozlov raised his chin. “Our common interest is that we all need Sonya dead, including the UFN and Hungary. Working together is the only way to do that. I have the troops, the numbers with which to fight her.” His attention drifted to me again. “And you owe me. You owe me everything.”

“The hell she doe—”

“Yes.” I cut Ash off.

“What?” His head swung to me, the middle of his forehead lined. “No. He’ll kill you the first chance he gets. He’s no better than Sonya.”

“Ash.” I touched his arm, lowering it. My feelings were right there for him to experience, to understand why I had to do this. It would never take away what happened that night. I stole his son’s life. I could never be forgiven, nor could I bring him back, but at least this was in my power.

“Dziubus,” he murmured, agony crossing his expression, yet he lowered his gun with an exhale. “Fine, but if he or shetouches you.” He pointed from Kozlov to Eve, flipping his attention to them. “You make any move toward her, and I will gut you where you stand. Not even Brexley will be able to bring your ghost back from the dead. Do you both understand me?”

“Fuck you,” Eve snapped, stepping forward, but Dimitri’s arm blocked her. Abhorrence flashed in Kozlov’s eyes, his body vibrating with sheer loathing of me, wanting nothing more than to slay me right here, but he dipped his head in agreement.

“Yes.”

“Does she?” Ash flicked his chin to Eve.

“She will not touch her. I give you my word.”

The room was silent with the palpable paper-thin deal.

“Am I the only one still wanting to know why the fuck the president of Russia is here?” Birdie finally spoke, her long blonde ponytail flipping around as she bluntly asked. “Is this the twilight zone?”

“I have no one I can trust in my government.” Kozlov’s jaw clenched like it was a struggle to admit this.

“And you trust her?” Ash retaliated. “She turned on you and was working with Sonya! Sonya’s men may have killed the rest of them, but she turned against you too. Cut a deal for themselves with her instead.”

Kozlov had no response to the one who betrayed him, his expression perfectly even. But then a glint of something passed over his lips.

“You think Sonya had them killed?” His tone was subtle, but it held a derisiveness. Barely a ghost of a response humored Kozlov lips, so subtle you’d have to know him to see it. It was the exact expression Uncle Lars got when he held all the cards, his opponent having no idea they were the mouse, not the cat.

“Yes. Kalaraja killed them. I saw it happen.” Ash’s conviction started to ebb, his mind probably going the same directionas mine. He watched Kozlov and Eve, how relaxed they were. “Fuck,” he expelled. “Kalaraja works for you.”

“I doubt Kalaraja works for anyone,” he responded.

“He owed me a favor,” Dzsinn said. “I needed him in a position to help us.”

“I sensed Nikolay’s allegiance was waning.” Kozlov clasped his hands. “But Eve confirmed what I already detected. I do not let disloyalty slide.”

“It sounds on par for Russia,” Warwick muttered.

“You’d be a fool to think Kalaraja is on your side,” Brexley snarled, her muscles tense, like she knew this Kalaraja personally. “That he won’t turn on you if he has the chance.”

“Ms. Kovacs,” Kozlov said her name with full authority, knowing exactly who she was, which startled me. “Istvan may have dealt more with the human Russian ambassador than me.” His snotty tone suggested he thought far less of humans. “Nevertheless, I knew everything that went on. I know Kalaraja was employed by your ward. Markos’s greed and hunger for more power were always going to be his downfall.”

“Funny to be saying that while standing here, asking us for help because you are losing hold of your country because of your need for power,” Brexley replied contemptuously, her sharp energy even making me shift on my feet. I was a lethal killer, but I suspected she’d give me a run for my money.

---