Page 60 of The High Priestess

I leave the bedroom, and when I enter the living room, everyone freezes. Some look at me with fear, and others have angry expressions they don’t bother masking.

To avoid any further bloodshed, I say, “If you attack me, Knight will kill you. If you go against me in any way, shape, or form, Knight will kill you.”

“Cassia,” Savvas exclaims while gesturing at Michail’s body. “You’ve known us all your life. We should be banding together, but instead, you threaten us…kill us?”

If I show any sign of weakness, I’ll lose the war right here and now.

My mind races and the only thing I can think of saying sounds cold and wrong in my mind, but the words still leave my lips. “The instant Michail grabbed my weapon, he became a threat to my life. Knight has been ordered to kill anyone who tries to hurt me.” I lift my chin, and even though I don’t believe it, I add, “I asked Michail twice if he was the traitor, and he refused to answer. If he had nothing to hide, he would’ve set my mind at ease instead of attacking.”

Tobias surprises me by stepping forward and saying, “Cassia is right.” He locks eyes with me. “I might have failed you during the attack, but I swear I’ll stand by your side and protect you with my last breath as we fight the bratva.” He takes a deep breath. “I lost brothers during the attack and want the chance to avenge their deaths.”

I stare at him while his words make me feel a little stronger.

“Thank you, Tobias.” I walk to Knight, and taking the spare machine gun from him, I give it to Tobias as I sign of faith. “You report only to me.”

Tobias nods, his mouth setting into a grim line while pride shines from his eyes. “Yes, boss.”

I glance around the room at the other people and repeat the words Dad said to me two weeks ago, “Are you with me or against me?”

“What if we choose to leave?” Savvas asks. “My daughters have never been a part of the organization.” He gestures at the man and woman. “Neither have Arthur’s children.”

They’re Arthur’s family?

My eyes settle on them as I demand, “What are your names, and where’s your father?”

The man who can’t be much older than twenty-one steps forward. “My name is Andrew, and this is my sister, Alexa. Our father stayed behind. He said he was going to infiltrate the enemy to bring them down from the inside. I haven’t heard from him since he got us out of Athens.” Even though Andrew looks scared and unsure, he says, “I don’t have much training, but I can handle a gun. I’ll fight with you if Alexa can stay here. I don’t want her anywhere near Greece until the war is over.”

When I consider Andrew’s request, Savvas gives his opinion by saying, “We can use the extra man.”

“Okay.” I nod at Andrew. “Alexa can remain here.” My eyes flick to Savvas’ daughters. The twins are the same age as Kiki was, and I know they’ve been raised as socialites, so I say, “Along with Ophelia and Lydia. But we can’t spare any men to guard them.”

“I’ll give Alexa a quick lesson on how to handle a gun.”

Right after Andrew’s words, Cole steps forward. “I’m with you. So are Nico, Luke, and Jonas.”

The three men nod in agreement.

That gives me five men.

My eyes flick to Savvas, and his features tighten with emotion. “Of course, I’m with you, Cassia. You’re like a daughter to me.”

My throat strains, and I have to suppress the urge to dart forward and hug him.

Sucking in a deep breath, I look at the younger men and order, “You all report to Savvas. I have arrangements to make before we can return to Greece so lay low for the next couple of days.”

“How do we stay in contact with you?” Savvas asks.

My mind races, and remembering the burner phone in my bag, I say, “I’ll give you a phone you can use to contact me.”

I glance down at Michail’s body. I can’t leave him here, but I have to arrange a private jet and meet with the mercenaries before we can leave.

“I’ll take care of Michail,” Savvas says, his tone sad.

I meet Savvas eyes, wanting to apologize on behalf of Knight’s rash actions that cost us a valuable friend and asset but that will show a rift between me and my guard in front of everyone.

Instead, I just murmur, “Thank you, Savvas.” As I start to walk to the front door, I say, “Come get the phone.”

Tobias and Knight follow me and Savvas out of the house. I lean into Savvas, lowering my voice so only he will hear, “I’m sorry about Michail. Knight perceived him as a threat.”

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