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“We came to pay our respects to the pakhan,” The Wolf intones.
“That’ll do for tonight. But what is your excuse for the last time you made your way onto my property?”
“That was to give you a little bit of reassurance. This job has proved trickier than we expected,” The Bear says from behind The Wolf’s shoulder. “We will need more time.”
I raise my eyebrows. “I was told the Babai never needed such petty things.”
The Wolf smiles. “You shouldn’t believe all that the legends hold. Even if your men do.”
I don’t miss the unsubtle reference to Konstantin’s fears. I know its only purpose is to shake me up, but knowing that doesn’t stop it from working.
That being said, I doubt I’m the only one displeased right now. The imperceptible frown tinging the corner of The Wolf’s mouth says that the Babai aren’t happy at how things have gone.
That makes four of us.
“I want results,” I say at last. “No matter the cost.”
“We will give you what we promised. Our deal will be honored. You have nothing to fear.”
I want to believe in them. In the legends, in the stories that Konstantin holds so dear. But as the Babai themselves just informed me, they are only human.
And humans make mistakes.
52
PAIGE
During my congratulations tour, Nikita slides in next to me. “You look like you could use some backup,” she whispers, slipping her arm around mine.
I hold her tightly. “Thank you.”
I’m even more grateful for her presence when Isidora Gusev makes her way back over to us. Her eyebrow arches in a way that suggests she isn’t so easily impressed.
“He must be thrilled with you,” she remarks when she’s in range. “Two heirs in one go? It’s every man’s dream. If they’re boys, you’ll be set for life. His heir and a spare.”
I glance at Niki just in time to see her eyes roll. Suppressing a smile, I turn to Isidora. “I’m not giving him heirs; I’m giving him children.”
“What’s the difference?”
“The difference is that I’m not interested in creating a family, not a legacy.”
She scoffs. “You might have stumbled into the wrong marriage then.”
Nikita inhales to respond, but I hurry before she can. “If there’s one thing I know about the Orlovs, it’s that family comes first.”
“The Bratva and the family are inextricably linked. Your sons will inherit their father’s crown. Unless…” She looks to Nikita. “Unless of course you’re planning on allowing Maksim and Cyrille’s son to take over after Misha?”
Nikita’s jaw twitches. I have no idea if she’s offended by that question or not. I have no idea if I should be, either.
“I haven’t thought about it,” I admit.
Her smile widens. “It didn’t sound like Misha is willing to pass over his own children in favor of his brother’s. But maybe you can convince him, if that’s what you want.”
Nikita takes a step forward. “Are things so boring in your house that you’ve decided to create drama in ours, Isidora?”
Isidora looks only mildly embarrassed. “I’m just curious.”
“It’s not your place to be curious about matters that don’t concern you,” my sister-in-law says fiercely.
