Page 144 of Sweet Dominion

Tension gathered in my shoulders.

Once I killed my father, I would have a lot to fix in the days after.

Dima’s man checked my pants and I moved my view from the daggers.

But, if the West gave TT permission to get the daggers and she solved it, our problems still would not be over.

Any treasure discovered would be more than just a valuable artifact—it was a symbol of power, legacy, and perhaps even survival. The history of the Killer Crows, their ancestors’ bloodshed and their exodus during theWeek of Bloodall added layers of complexity to this situation.

They might not even want us to look for it.

Dima’s man finished with checking me and nodded. “He’s clear.”

I headed over to my chair and lowered into it.

Next, Chen stepped up for his turn. He seemed more relaxed about the whole process, his posture casual as Dima’s guards went through the same motions. They examined his jacket and pants with the same care, occasionally glancing at each other to signal that there was no findings.

Dima spoke, “You are a lucky man, Lei.”

“Am I?”

“You’ve gained three new sisters today and each one I must say is absolutely fascinating.”

Banks spoke from the other side, “He didn’t gain anything yet. He still has to go through me.”

I’ll never give her back.

Marcelo moved to take his seat across from me.

Dima’s men began their inspection of Banks.

I scowled at Moni’s cousin. “Do you know that your calling for this little unofficial meeting is pathetic?”

“That’s not the question you should be asking.” Banks opened the front of his green jacket. “What you should be asking, is if I give a fuck whatyouthink?”

“Naw. I already know the answer to that.”

You’re lucky that Moni’s blood runs through your veins or you would be on borrowed time just like Marcelo.

Banks glared at me as if he heard my thoughts.

Meanwhile, the security check on Banks was anything but routine. It wasn’t long before they uncovered a collection of concealed weapons and items.

First, they pulled out a pair of gold-spiked knuckles from one of Banks’ pockets. The gleaming metal caught the light and I could see Dima’s eyes narrow slightly, though he remained outwardly composed.

Next, they retrieved a small axe, its handle wrapped in worn leather. The axe was sharp and menacing, clearly intended for more than just decorative purposes.

I smirked. “An axe? Really?”

“Just to cut ribs.” Banks’s expression remained impassive as the guards continued their search.

The men moved on to find a pistol, expertly hidden in a compartment of Banks’ jacket.

"Wow.” I shook my head. “A bit paranoid. Don’t you think?”

“Never that.”

Dima stopped petting the cat. “You called this meeting, Banks, a meeting that you knew that you could not have weapons at.”

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