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“Where the fuck have you been, dipshit?” Danil says instantly. “We’ve been worried sick about you. Thought someone took you out.”
“Sorry, Danil. I had some business…”
“His business he had to attend to was kidnapping Elena Sokolov. Without a plan of what he’s going to do with her, may I add,” Kervyn talks over me.
Danil huffs. “Arseny, that’s not like you. That’s Luke’s style. Acting without thinking.”
“Look, if Emery Sokolov admits he’s trying to worm his way into our territories by purchasing the butchers, then I’ll back off and return Elena. I just want him to admit it,” I explain. “I want the cloak and daggers bullshit to come to an end. Believe me, babysitting this princess is not all it’s cracked up to be. She bitches about everything.”
“Yeah, well, that’s what you get for kidnapping people. What did you think would happen?” Danil chuckles.
“Danil, it’s not funny,” Kervyn chides our brother.
“Arseny,” Danil says after a moment. “Have you got this under control?”
“Yes. And I’m formulating a plan. I will let Emery know that Elena is safe and will continue to remain so, provided he doesn’t start a war with anyone,” I explain. “I’ll get word to him tonight.”
Kervyn sighs and mumbles something in Russian.
“What was that?” I ask.
“I said that Mama is going to be sad when you’re dead because I’m going to kill you,” he snips.
“Come on, Kervyn. I’m doing this for the family.” I pause. “All for the family.”
“Fine, but you better not screw this up, Arseny, or it’s more than your head on the line here. Check in with me as well. Don’t go radio silent again.” Kervyn hangs up.
Danil chuckles. “You really know how to piss him off. What were you thinking?”
“I wasn’t, but I am formulating a plan now. I need you to trust me.”
“I trust you,” Danil says. “But do you trust her?
“No, of course, I don’t trust her. I’m not an idiot,” I say. “What do you think of me?”
“I think you’re a fool for kidnapping a well-known Mafia princess over some butchers her father has bought,” Danil sighs. “Do you need anything? Any supplies?”
“No, I have someone bringing in supplies. However, I think I’ll ask him to stop for now because, no doubt, Kervyn will have him followed. I’m surprised he hasn’t already.” I look out into the dark night. It’s a clear night—perfect for hunting.
“Kervyn probably did, especially if you’re referring to your guard. Man won’t give up anything about you. Well trained.” Danil moves his phone away. “I’m almost done. I’ll come to say goodnight shortly.” He moves the phone back. “I have to go. It’s Jade’s bedtime, and I’m going to be out all night, so I want to say goodnight before she falls asleep. Keep me updated.” He hangs up.
I snort. All my brothers and their soft hearts for kids. I wouldn’t say they’ve lost their touch. Kervyn certainly hasn’t. If anything, having children has made him more ruthless than before. He’ll do anything to protect Samuel and Penny.
Frowning, I send a text to Emery Sokolov. My words are plain but firm and give nothing away. I turn my phone back on silent and tuck it in my pocket. Now, we wait for his reply.
I look back at the cabin door and decide to go hunting. I know a clearing not far from here where deer like to graze, no matter how many I hunt from there. It’s not like I come here often.
I go around the cabin to a little shed hidden in the shrubbery. I unlock the shed and go in. It’s practically empty except for a shovel, a bucket, a wheelbarrow, and some rope. I move the wheelbarrow and kneel beside it. I push on a plank, and a whole square of the floor lowers so I can slide it to the left.
Before me is a steel door with a handprint reader on the front. I put my hand against it, and once it reads my print, the door hisses as it unlocks. I swing it open and descend down the stairs.
The lights automatically come on in my little bunker. There’s more food stored here, a place for two people to sleep, toilet facilities, and a mini armory in an adjoining room with enough stock to see me through a small war—grenades, semi-automatic guns, automatic guns, endless rounds of bullets, smoke bombs, rifles, and special sights for each rifle.
I pick up my hunting rifle and fit it with a night scope. Then I don my black hunting gear so I can move through the forest silently, deadly for any animal I cross paths with.
I paint my face dark green, and once I’ve loaded up on ammo and water in a backpack, I leave, locking up behind me.
I feel excited that Kervyn has somewhat approved my decision, even if it’s not willingly. But now I need to blow off some steam, and there’s only one way for a predator like me to vent my frustrations.
