Page 66 of The Bratva's Sextuplets
“You’re right. Just promise me something.” I turn to look at him directly.
“Anything.”
“Promise me that when you go after the Federoffs, you’ll remember that our children need their father to come home.” I place my hand over his. “Promise me you won’t take unnecessary risks or let revenge override good judgment.”
“I promise.” Tigran brings my hand to his lips. “I’ll be smart instead of just brutal. I promise I’ll come home to you and our children.”
“Good.” I settle back against his chest, feeling more secure than I have since six heartbeats filled the room an hour ago. “Six babies are going to need a lot of help, and I can’t do this alone.”
“You’ll never be alone.” He tightens his arms around me.
As we drive through the Chicago streets toward our temporary sanctuary, I press my hand to my stomach and promise them their father and I will never abandon them the way my mother abandoned me, and we’ll never consider them a tool to mold, as Nicky did. We’ll build something better from the ashes of everything that came before.
I still can’t quite believe we’re having sextuplets, but they are six reasons to fight harder, love deeper, and hope for a future that seemed impossible just this morning. We have to make it possible, no matter how we do that.
24
Tigran
The ultrasound images are spread across my desk like battle plans. Six grainy black and white photographs have changed everything about how I see the world because I’m responsible for protecting them before they even take their first breaths.
I’ve faced war, betrayal, and assassination attempts without flinching, but fatherhood, especially the prospect of six children at once, shakes me to my core in ways I never anticipated. Every decision I make from this moment forward affects not just Zita and me, but tiny innocent lives who will depend on my ability to keep them safe in a world that wants to destroy everything I’ve built, and enemies who won’t hesitate to use them against me.
The logistics alone are staggering.
Six newborns.
I can’t just worry about one child getting kidnapped or used as leverage against me. I have to plan for scenarios involvingmultiple targets, coordinated attacks, and threats that could come from any direction.
Viktor knocks on my office door at the cabin, carrying files that contain intelligence reports I’ve been waiting for. “The sweep of Federoff properties is complete. We found evidence of weapons stockpiling at three locations and financial records that show they’ve been coordinating with the Torrino family in New Jersey.”
“Is there any indication they know about Zita’s condition?” I set down the ultrasound photos and focus on information that could affect our immediate security.
“Nothing specific, but they’re definitely planning something significant.” Viktor spreads surveillance photos across my desk. “The increased activity suggests they’re preparing for a major offensive, probably within the next few weeks.”
The timeline chills me. Zita is only eight weeks pregnant, which means we have months before the babies are born, but if the Federoffs are planning to move soon, I can’t wait until after the birth to eliminate the threat. Every day they remain operational is another day they could discover Zita’s pregnancy and target her specifically.
“Double the security at the safehouse.” I make notes on a legal pad while studying the surveillance images. “I want twenty-four-hour protection details assigned to Dr. Kozlova and anyone else who knows about Zita’s condition.”
“Already done.” Viktor’s efficiency is why he’s survived fifteen years as my father’s lieutenant and why I’ve kept him in his position. “I’ve also initiated background checks on every staffmember at Northwestern Memorial who might be involved in Zita’s care.”
“Good. What about the financial tracking on Federoff operations?”
“They’re hemorrhaging money faster than they’re bringing it in. The weapons purchases and recruitment efforts are straining their resources, which means they’re either getting outside funding, or they’re planning something that will generate significant revenue quickly.”
There are several ways they could do that, but I know almost instinctively which one Avgar has chosen. “They’re planning to kidnap someone for ransom, or they’re preparing to take over territory that will provide ongoing income.”
“Both possibilities require getting past us first.” Viktor closes his file. “Which means we’re looking at an all-out war, not just targeted harassment.”
I nod. “He’s not going to be allowed to kidnap Zita.”
“No way, boss.” He heads toward the door. “Those of us who stick by you will die to protect her and your heirs.”
“I appreciate that.” After Viktor leaves, I sit alone with the ultrasound images and the intelligence reports, trying to reconcile the man I need to be as a father with the man I need to be as the head of theBratva. The two roles feel incompatible in ways that make my chest constrict with anxiety I’ve never experienced before.
I pick up my secure phone and start making calls to contacts in Russia, calling in favors that have been accumulating for years. If the Federoffs want a war, I’ll give them one, but it will befought on my terms and end with their complete destruction before my children are born.
“Dmitri, it’s Tigran.” The connection to Moscow is clear despite the encryption. “I need a complete dossier on every Federoff ally, financial backer, and potential supporter. Everything you can find, and I need it within forty-eight hours.”
