Page 39 of Feral King

He chuckles, then taps his brow. “Right here. One of my men had his smashed. Long recovery time for that one. Very sad. Very unnecessary.”

He’s not here to discuss the matter of the watcher. As sure as I am that Dobrov is the one behind it, I’m not going to make such an accusation without solid proof. Not to mention, Dobrov isn’t a fool—he’ll quickly understand why I’m so angry that he would pull such a stunt, and Lyra would become an even bigger target.

“They should consider themselves lucky—they were operating on Volkov territory without permission. I sent them back to you as a courtesy, Kostin. I could’ve sent them to the bottom of the Hudson.”

“That would’ve been unwise.” He lets the words hang in the air. “I have to say, you’re being rather aggressive this first week back in town.”

“I’m making corrections. Previous management would’ve let such matters slide. I won’t.”

He leans forward, his grandfatherly veneer thinning just enough to show the venom underneath.

“You have one syndicate aligned against you in the council. The Morozovs declared for me yesterday. You know this?”

“I do.”

“And then you respond by brutalizing my people over a minor territorial violation. That doesn’t look like strength and confidence to me, Julian. It looks like panic.”

“It’s enforcement. If you or anyone else sends men into my territory to interfere with my business, those are the consequences. And while such consequences would apply to anyone who would pull such a stunt, your moves in the council aren’t exactly endearing you to me.”

He scoffs and waves his hand. “Where’s Alexander? He was more fun to talk to. You’re always so serious, Julian.”

“You liked Alexander because you could walk all over him. But those days are over.”

He snorts. “It would seem so.”

The door opens and Ethan enters without knocking—which I’d planned for him to do. I received some news this morning, and I want to make sure that Dobrov hears it.

“Yes?” I ask, playing along as if the interruption wasn’t planned.

“News on the council,” Ethan says. “The Petrov and Zhukovsky families have both confirmed their support for your leadership.”

“Is that so?”

Ethan nods. “Formal declarations, in writing.”

These are two syndicates, both larger than Morozov’s, both with deeper pockets, longer reach, and more influence. Petrov controls port operations in Newark,while the Zhukovsky family runs the real estate laundering network that keeps half of the Bratva’s assets invisible.

I let the news settle, watching Dobrov’s face for his reaction. There isn’t much of one, other than a slight tic in his jaw, before he plasters on his typical knowing expression.

“Congratulations,” he says. “Two very important families. That’s very encouraging for your continued leadership, Julian.” He stands, buttoning his jacket. “It sounds like you’re really shoring up your position.”

He’s not done, of course. I say nothing, letting him go on.

“But know this—and I say it as someone who genuinely respects what your father built—that while you were away, your brother did nothing but have his little parties.”

“Alexander doesn’t concern me. He’s out of the picture.”

“Heshouldconcern you.” Dobrov pauses at the door. “You underestimate him. Everyone does. That’s one of his skills. Alexander can’t run a company, nor can he command a room quite the same way you can. But he does possess possibly the most important skill a man can have—he knows how to make friends, whether real or not. And in our world, friends are votes. Friends are power. Don’t be so quick to dismiss your brother and what he’s capable of.”

The room goes very quiet for a moment.

“I’m not dismissing anything,” I say.

“Good. Because the council is in three weeks. You have two families, I have one. And Alexander has more of them than you might think eating out of the palm of his hand, whether or not they’ve declared anything publicly.”He opens the door, then turns and looks around. “This office suits you. But take my advice—don’t get too comfortable.”

He leaves, clicking the door shut. I clench my fists hard, then unclench them. Dobrov came onto my turf and threatened me, even if the reason behind it was for what I did to his men this morning.

I’ll get retribution. But in a way that matters.