Page 5 of The High Priestess

Immediately after the alliance was formed, Dominik acquired a large island off the coast of Chile, which has since been converted into a safe haven for all its members. We all have our own homes, and there’s a half army to provide protection and a hospital should any of us need medical care. Last I heard, Dominik and his wife, Grace, were moving to the island because she’s pregnant, and they’d like to have the baby there.

Mom nods. “Just be back in time for Eleni’s birthday.”

“What about my birthday?” Eleni asks as she comes into the kitchen.

She’s seven years younger than me, and there’s a huge party being held for her twenty-first.

“I’m just telling Cassia to be back in time for your party,” Mom replies.

Eleni takes a seat at the table. “You better not miss it. I want to show off my badass sister to everyone.”

A smile tugs at my mouth as I sit down beside her. “I’ll be there.”

I wish I was as badass as my sisters think I am. Even though I’m trained in combat and how to shoot a gun, I don’t think I have it in me to kill someone. I’m the furthest thing from badass.

Kiki comes in, and as she takes a seat opposite Eleni, she steals a carrot stick and swipes it through the tzatziki before eating it.

Mom playfully slaps her shoulder. “Wait for your father.”

Eleni looks at Kiki while she asks, “Have you decided what to wear to my party?”

A mischievous expression settles on my youngest sister’s face. “I’m wearing my usual jeans and T-shirt.”

When Eleni glares at Kiki, a chuckle escapes me, but the sound quickly dies away when our father stalks into the kitchen. His mouth is turned down, and an angry expression darkens his face.

Gripping hold of a chair, he yanks it backward, making a noise as the legs scrape over the floor.

When he sits down, his eyes lock on me. “Cancel your trip.”

A light frown forms on my forehead. “Why?”

He lets out a huff and snaps his fingers at Mom, so she’ll bring him a glass of wine. She shoots him a glare before carrying out the order.

The way he disrespects Mom aggravates me to no end. Actually, he treats everyone like crap.

His eyes flick over the food on the table as he answers, “Because it’s a waste of time. There’s nothing those bastards can do for us.” A disgruntled snort follows the words that drip with disdain, then he adds, “They’re all talk and no action.” He lets out a huff. “And get back the hundred million I paid.”

Dad keeps muttering orders while I stare at him as if he’s lost his mind.

I’ve worked so hard to form an alliance with Enzo, Leo, Santiago, and Dominik. I’m going to need those men more than ever once I take over as the head of the Greek mafia because it’s a million times harder for a woman to rule in our world.

Also, Dad’s men, Michail, Savvas, and Arthur, are accustomed to doing things the old-school way, and I’ll have to replace them with people who will support my plans for the future.

I’ll definitely need the alliance going forward.

“Are you listening, Cassia?!” He slams a fist down on the table, making the plates, cutlery, and glasses rattle. Eleni startles, her eyes flicking between Dad and me, while Kiki and Mom exchange concerned looks.

Even though I’m worried and feeling anxious, I lift my chin and school my features into a serious expression. “I’m listening,” I murmur, my tone much calmer than I feel. “I disagree, though. The alliance is important, and I won’t withdraw.”

Dad’s face reddens, and his eyes narrow on me. “I’m still in charge, and you will do as you’re told.”

Mom places the glass of wine on the table near Dad, and as she takes her seat, she says, “Let’s try to enjoy the meal.”

Dad and I keep staring at each other, and I know if I back down, it will be a show of weakness. But damn, it’s much more difficult to refuse to give in to his demands than doing as I’m told.

My tone is firm as I state, “We need the alliance.”

“We don’t!” He levels me with a dark look that intimidates the hell out of me. “We need nothing from those fuckers. We have to focus all our resources and attention on organizing an attack on the bratva before they strike at us.”

---