Page 23 of Emperor of Havoc

I stare at him, my pulse pounding. I’ve always known my father was a master strategist, but this… This is madness, even though a small, traitorous part of me understands his rationale. Marrying Takeshiwouldend the Cold War between the Ishida-kai and the Mori-kai and stabilize the delicate balance of power in Tokyo’s underworld. And itwouldsecure my place as the leader of the Ishida-kai.

It would also chain me to a man who has already torn me apart in ways I can’t admit to anyone.

“This isn’t just about the Mori-kai,” Papa says, interrupting my spiraling thoughts. “It’s about you. You’re my heir, Katarina. This world…” He gestures vaguely, his expression tightening briefly. “This world is not kind to women who lead alone. You know that. Thecaptainsknow that. If you want their loyalty, you need to give them something they can’t question. A husband. Even if he’s an obvious lunatic and an even more obvious puppet.”

“I don’t need a husband to lead,” I sign viciously.

“No,” he agrees calmly. “You don’t. But you need one if you want to be followed without question.” He sighs. “This thing we don’t like to talk about… It’s still going to happen,Koshka,” he says quietly.

This time, I like that he used my nickname.

“You have the best doctors on earth working with you,” I sign. “You’re going to be fine.”

“Goddamn right I am,” he grins. “But, this tumor on my spine… It’s complex, and the doctors have cautioned me as such. I’m notdying, Katarina. But I may be incapacitated for longer than we’d like. If that happens, this empire cannot be left without someone helming the wheel. That someone needs to be you. And the realities of our world dictate thatyou won’t be able to do it alone.”

I look away, my gaze landing on the bookshelves lining the walls, on the heavy curtains drawn tight over the windows, anywhere but on Papa. He’s right, and it infuriates me. I’ve spent my entirelife fighting to prove myself and earn my place at the table. And now, it still comes down to this. To needing aman.

“Why him?” I sign finally, my brow furrowed. “Why not someone else? Someone less…unhinged.”

“Because he’s a perfect wildcard,” Kolya says simply. “He’s dangerous, yes, but also strategic. He’s already proven that tonight. You marrying him would do more than end the war. It would keep our enemies guessing. No one would dare move against us if they thought the Mori-kai were in our corner. Much as I loathe to admit it, they’re arguably the second most powerful family in this city.”

I shake my head, swallowing the lump in my throat. “This isn’t pretend, Papa. It’s my life. My future. You’re asking me to attach myself to a man who…” I trail off, unable to find the words.

“Itispretend,” Papa growls. “You’re smart enough to know that. This isn’t about love or commitment. It’s aboutpower. You play your role, he plays his. That’s all.”

I look away. “If he tries to fucking touch me…” I sign angrily.

Papa's eyes narrow slightly. “He won’t lay a goddamn finger on you, I promise you that,” he hisses.

Except he already has, I think.Three of them.

I rise from my chair, the anger bubbling inside me threatening to spill over.

“I need to think about this,” I sign stiffly.

“You know I love you, right?” Papa says quietly.

I nod glumly.

“Don’t ever forget it,Koshka.”

He doesn’t stop me as I turn on my heel and leave the room, the door shutting behind me with a heavy thud.

The hallways of the estate feel oppressively narrow as I make my way to my room. Furrcules is already curled up at the foot of my bed, his striped fuzzy belly rising and falling with each slumbering breath. I smirk when I see the scraps of meat littering the floor.

Yeah, Nina wasdefinitelyin here earlier, buying his love and getting some quality cuddles in with steak tips.

I pick up the bits, toss them, then sit on the edge of the mattress, my mind a storm of emotions I can’t sort through.

Kaiju is Takeshi Mori. Takeshi is Kaiju.

Fuck. Me.

The man who chased me through the shadows, who touched me in ways I can’t forget…

Is the man who now wants to claim me as hiswife.

I press my hands to my face, trying to steady my breathing.

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