Heart of My Monster (Monster Trilogy, #3)(10)

How he came up with that correlation is a mystery, but I’m not going to ask. In fact, I’m ready to punch him to the next planet, except for the small fact that I need him today.

Finally, the Pakhan calls for a closed meeting in my office. No guards are allowed inside. It’s just the leaders of the Bratva.

I linger in front of my office where all the senior guards are gathered and whisper to Viktor, “Keep trying to reach Maksim.”

He nods. Apparently, Viktor got a similar text from Maksim—again, with no specifics as to whether or not the mission was a success or if he’s really safe.

“And find Yuri. Tell him to pump himself with medication and get his ass here.”

He nods again.

My expression is cool and collected as I walk into my office. The Pakhan sits behind my desk, and Mikhail and Igor are settled on the two chairs opposite him.

Vladimir stands to his right and Adrian to his left, leaning against the bookshelves, legs crossed at the ankles.

Rai and her husband Kyle sit on the sofa, both cradling her very pregnant belly.

Damien, on the other hand, is opening and closing, then throwing down books that his illiterate mind doesn’t understand. I’m going to bet that he was looking for some images and is personally offended when he finds none.

The moment I close the door behind me, Damien chucks the book in his hand to the floor. “Fucking finally. Let’s get this over with, Pakhan. I have shit to do.”

Sergei stands with difficulty, his attention on me. I smile back so charmingly, I trigger a snarl on Vladimir’s face.

I can tell Sergei isn’t one hundred percent down for this option, but he, Igor, and even Adrian know that I’m the best choice for the leading position. Damien and Mikhail are too volatile. Adrian and Vladimir are anti-leadership. Igor works best when he’s in a support position. Rai is a woman. Kyle is a new addition who has a long way to go to prove his loyalty.

I’m the most balanced and lucrative of the bunch, and that’s a fact.

Sergei addresses everyone in the room, “As I announced at the beginning of this year, I’ll be stepping down as Pakhan due to illness. It’s time to bring new blood into the brotherhood, and while I planned to reserve this position for my son-in-law, my daughter went and married some lawyer who doesn’t belong in our world. As a result, I nominate Kirill as the next Pakhan.”

“You can’t be serious!” Rai stands up with Kyle’s help. “He’s too manipulative to lead, Granduncle.”

“Manipulative or not doesn’t matter. Kirill brings in the most deals, money, and success to the Bratva, and he’s managed to do that in only a few years since his return from the military. Not to mention his pure Russian ties who have been in the brotherhood for generations. I believe he’s the organization’s best option for survival, but I won’t make a final decision on this until a vote is taken.” He pauses for effect. “Those in favor of Kirill becoming the next Pakhan, raise your hand.”

Sergei is the first one who does so, followed by Igor. Mikhail watches the other two, then focuses on me. He’s always been a follower of Igor and Sergei, but at the same time, he’s suspicious. However, I did promise him a hefty reward, so he puts his hand up.

It's still three to five, though.

I stare at Adrian. His poker face remains the same, and while he wasn’t a fan of this idea, he’s smart enough to slowly raise his hand.

Four to four.

“Damien?” I pin him down as he throws another one of my books aside.

This asshole has been promised more than anyone else, including any war he’s in the mood for.

I didn’t bother with Rai, because she’d never approve. Her husband is of the same opinion. Vladimir is a gray area that I would rather not count on.

So my only other option is this unpredictable motherfucker.

“I don’t give a fuck that you’re the Pakhan,” he says as he raises his hand. “You’ll fight me.”

I think the vote is over, but then Vladimir raises his hand. I’d say that’s a surprise, but it’s not, not really. Vladimir might be this giant bearded mule, but he’s logical enough to realize I’m the best choice.

Or, after Damien cast the deciding vote, he realized his side was losing and he jumped ship so as not to be cast aside by the new Pakhan.

Six to two. Seven, if we’re counting mine.

Rai purses her lips and glares at me. I smile back, showing my teeth.

“Please join me in welcoming the new Pakhan,” Sergei says. “Kirill.”

It’s all going according to plan.

By the time the meeting ends, I’m in the mood to kick everyone out, but I don’t. One, I’ll have to get used to them being in my space, considering that my house will be the base for all future meetings.

Sergei will go on a family trip with his daughter and son-in-law and is fully retiring. Adrian stays behind to fill me in on the special meetings he always has with the Pakhan, all while trying to convince me to step down before it’s too late.

Damien is asking for a fight right after the inauguration.

Vladimir grunts but does fill me in on the security detail since he’s the one in charge of that.

Rai wants to call me names but knows she can’t. She no longer has her granduncle’s support and, therefore, if I decide to prosecute her for the insolence, no one will stop me.