Page 156 of Bratva Knight

“What? We have to document this. It’s a special moment.”

I rolled my eyes.

Father moved to the corner of the room, grabbed another chair and wheeled it over, placing it right beside Aleksandr’s. He looked pointedly at Drea, waiting again.

Drea glanced behind her. “Is he looking at me?” she whispered.

“Duh,” Lukyan whispered back, and Aleksandr cut him a scathing glare that had him snapping his spine straight.

Despite the initial nervousness she’d had upon first entering the room, Aleksandr’s little cartel wife walked over with perfect confidence and took her rightful place beside the newPakhan.

Father nodded, satisfied. He sauntered over and stood in front of Lukyan. He arched an eyebrow.

“I’ll just go sit over there,” Lukyan said, getting up and moving to the couch.

“Father—”

He raised a hand, silencing Aleksandr from saying another word as he sat down gallantly. “During my absence, both youandyour wife proved that you have what it takes to not only fill the role ofPakhan, but fill itwell.” He stressed the last word, pride ringing in his voice.

Aleksandr swallowed thickly.

“I see no reason why that has to change just because I’m back. I’ve spoken with the soldiers, with Ivan and Vladimir, and they did nothing but sing your praises. You held strong in the face of overwhelming uncertainty. Didn’t crumble under the pressure, but thrived. And your wife”—his gaze shifted to Drea—“managed to pull off one of the biggest infiltrations I’ve ever witnessed. She showed where her true loyalties lay, and that she would go above and beyond for you. Which, my son, is one of the greatest gifts men like us can ever hope to get. It’s my time to step aside and your time to shine.Both of you.”

Aleksandr’s mouth dropped open. He looked at me, back to father. He seemed to struggle to know what to say back. I couldn’t blame him.

To say that I was completely and utterly shocked would be the understatement of the fucking century. Based on the looks on Aleksandr and Drea’s faces, they clearly thought the same thing.

“What…uh,” Aleksandr licked his lips. “What will you do now, then?”

“Usually, there’s a transition period when new leadership is underway, but based on what I’ve heard, you don’t need it. I’ll still be here, though, in case you need me or need any advice. But ultimately, you’ll be in charge.”

“Oooo,” Lukyan perked up. “Does that meanhegets to bossyouaround for once?”

A very interesting question.

Aleksandr arched an eyebrow, waiting for Father to respond.

He gave the tiniest hint of a smirk. “I’m nothing if not respectful of the proper chain of command,” was all he said on that matter. “The meeting is yours, son.”

Aleksandr sat up a little straighter, determination stiffening his spine, and cleared his throat. “First order of business, the Cosa Nostra. I’ve coordinated with Arturo and a strike is underway against all of Franco’s establishments to try and draw him out of hiding.”

“Interesting,” Father commented. He’d been brought up to speed on everything that had happened since his disappearance. There was a lot to go over.

“With our combined forces, it will be easy to beat the men he’s left behind,” Aleksandr continued. “The only problem will be who gets to kill him once he’s found.”

“I will,” I growled. “After what he did to Tatiana, that kill ismine.”

“Ordinarily, I’d agree with you.” Sympathy flashed in his eyes. “But after all the trouble he’s caused Arturo, he’s also entitled to a piece.”

“You think I give a fuck about what that fucker is entitled to?” I was still pissed off about the role he played in Tatiana’s capture.

“Hedidhelp rescue us,” Lukyan pointed out.

“So?” The fact that he was part of the rescue party didn’t mean shit to me. I still wanted to see his head on a spike.

“So let the man have the kill. Tatiana is fine—”

“She was almostraped,” I snarled. “By one ofhismen. If anyone is going to kill Franco, it’s going to beme.”

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