Page 20 of Anton

As soon as I arrive, I make my way to security with my helmet in my grip, and they wave me through without a word. An elevator is already waiting, its doors sliding closed behind me before it carries me to the top floor. I stride toward the conference room at the end of the hall, where my three brothers are already waiting.

Konstantin, the pakhan of the family, sits at the head of the table. Aleksei sits to his right while Kirill leans back, probably wondering when he can leave and get home to his son. All three of them look up the second I walk in, offering nothing more than a nod.

I return it and move to the empty chair, dropping my helmet on the table before settling down just as Konstantin speaks.

“Yusef and his men will be here in a few minutes.”

I know how much this meeting means to the family. Ever since our weapons supply started falling apart, our clients have been disappearing. The new supplier we brought in to cover the loss still can’t keep up with demand, which has only made things worse. And while we’ve been dealing with that, the Whitlocks have decided to make their move, poaching our clients and refusing to back down even after the last meeting we had with them.

They’re either stupid or they think we’re weak. Either way, they’ve made it clear they won’t stop until our supply issue is resolved—and until then, they’ll keep pushing and taking whatever they can get, no matter what it costs.

Yusef enters with four of his men behind him, the door swinging wide as he steps through first. He removes his sunglasses and throws both arms into the air.

“Friends,” he says, his Russian accent thick. “How good it is to see you.”

“Yusef, welcome.” Konstantin rises, and the rest of us follow. “Thank you for making the trip.”

Yusef approaches, his dark eyes sharp beneath thick brows. “For you, of course I make the trip, brother.”

Hands are shaken all around before we take our seats again. His men stay where they are, posted behind him without a word.

Konstantin leans forward. “We wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your business, and that you will have your full supply within the next few weeks. A partial shipment will arrive tomorrow.”

A half-grin pulls at Yusef’s mouth, but it doesn’t hold. “I understand you’re having problems, and I sympathize. But I need my supply in full. I’m sure you understand how serious that need is for me. I do not have the ability to wait weeks.”

Of course not. He has his own war coming with his brother.

Konstantin’s mouth tightens before he nods once. “I do understand. But you know my product is the best on the market, and if you give us the patience to⁠—”

Yusef cuts him off with a small lift of his hand. “Look, there is another seller I am considering. I do not want to insult you by working with someone else, but you have left me no choice.”

Konstantin’s fist curls against the table. I know his patience for the Whitlocks is wearing thin, which is good. We need to kill them all.

Aleksei leans forward, eyes narrowing. “Who is it? The Whitlocks?”

We already know the answer, even before Yusef gives it.

Aleksei mutters a Russian curse under his breath. “They’ve been stealing our business. That won’t stand.” His gaze snaps to Konstantin.

“I don’t know what problems you have with the Whitlocks,” Yusef adds. “And I don’t want to get in the middle of that. All I want is my supply. I do not care who it comes from. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” Konstantin nods. “We understand. But give us a week. That’s all I’m asking.”

Yusef sighs before a full grin spreads across his face. “Fine, brother. One week. If you have my supply by then, we can continue working together, good?”

Konstantin straightens his back. “Spasebo.” Thank you.

“Konechno,” Yusef replies. Of course.

The meeting wraps up, and we lead Yusef out.

“I’ll call you when the rest arrives,” Konstantin says.

Yusef nods once. “One week.”

Then he’s gone. As soon as they’re far enough away, Konstantin’s nostrils flare, his expression hard as he looks at each one of us.

“We will need another supplier, and quickly, or we’ll start losing more business.”