Chapter 31

Lev

" I swear, Vanya, I’ll burn this whole damn town down if that’s what it takes to find her and protect my child."

As I barrel down the road, fury courses through me like wildfire, Vanya beside me in the passenger seat, his presence barely registering. My grip on the steering wheel is iron-tight, knuckles white, every muscle in my body tensed with unrestrained anger.

The information I received is fragmented but damning. One of Alexei's lieutenants messaged me that Alexei had been shot, and worse, that Dalia was with him at the time and now she’s missing.

Vanya attempts to offer some calming words, trying to pierce the veil of rage that’s descended over me, but I’m beyond the reach of reason. I don't respond, my jaw set, my mind racing through scenarios, each more violent than the last.

As we race back toward the hospital where I’d learned Dalia had left on her own hours before, my mind is a whirlwind of strategy and fury, plotting the downfall of those foolish enough to target what's mine.

I will do anything, cross any line, to ensure their safety. The entire city will feel my wrath if a single hair on Dalia’s head has been touched.

We pull up to the hospital in full force, my guards fanning out as we hit the pavement.

There's a grim determination in the air as we storm through the doors, my presence commanding enough that staff step aside rather than challenge us.

Vanya keeps pace behind me, updating as we go. "They're expecting us," he mutters, referring to the hospital staff briefed on our imminent arrival. "And Alexei is stable for now."

"For now," I echo darkly. If Alexei had any part in what went down today, his current condition will be the least of his worries. "If he’s involved, I’ll kill him with my bare hands."

Vanya tries to tamp down my fury. "Let’s talk to him first, Lev. See what he knows before making any moves."

We navigate the hospital corridors with purpose, reaching the room where Alexei is being kept. Nurses at the door tense up as they see me approach, but one sharp look from me is enough to make them reconsider any attempts to block my path.

They know who I am and know better than to get in my way.

I push the door open and there lies Alexei, propped up in bed, his shoulder swathed in bandages and held up by a sling. The sight of him, wounded yet alive, stirs a complex swirl of anger and relief in me.

I loom over him and he looks up at me with a dazed, almost resigned expression. His face holds an accepting calm that almost seems out of place, as if he's bracing for the worst—like me pulling a gun and finishing what the assailant started.

"You have to admit, this looks bad," I state flatly, the underlying accusation hanging heavy in the air.

Alexei nods slowly, his placidity unshaken. "I know," he concedes. "It all happened so fast—one moment we were heading to my car, and the next, I'm on the ground, shot."

He pauses, the faintest trace of frustration crossing his features. "I guess the only reason the assassin didn’t finish me off is because their mission was to take Dalia, not kill me."

His explanation does little to cool the fire in me. The mention of Dalia, kidnapped right from under our noses, reignites the fury and the fear, the mixture churning in my stomach. I lean in closer, my voice a low growl.

“Where is she, Alexei? And why the hell was she with you to begin with?”

Alexei shifts with a wince, using sheer will to sit up straighter in the bed. “I offered her protection, and she accepted.”

Vanya interjects sharply, "So you were dealing with her behind Lev's back. So much for a truce."

Alexei shakes his head, his expression taut. "It's not like that," he insists. "She came to me in fear for her life, and I had already made a promise to protect her if she ever needed it. Of course, I was going to tell you," he says directly to me, trying to convey his sincerity.

"I was taking her to a safe house downtown," Alexei continues. "Once she was secure, I planned to call you and tell you what was going on. What, do you think I have a death wish?"

As much as I want to dismiss his explanation, the logic is there, cold and clear. Still, the gnawing suspicion and the raw fear for Dalia's safety overshadow any semblance of reason.

My voice is low and dangerous as I lean in closer, "If you're lying, Alexei, if any harm comes to her because of this, truce or no truce, you'll wish the assassin had finished the job."

"I understand trust is hard to come by in our line of work, but I’m willing to earn yours, if you give me the chance." He pauses, measuring his next words carefully. "Whatever's going on, your organization is only the first target. If they succeed in taking you down, I’ll be next. It's in my best interest to help you."

I stand there, my fury simmering just below the surface, analyzing his demeanor, his words. There’s nothing in his demeanor that suggests deceit, and reluctantly, I have to consider the strategic implications of his position. It would indeed be a precarious situation, having the wife of a rival Bratva head seek refuge with him without informing the man himself.

After a moment of tense silence, I lay down my terms, my voice hard as steel.

"Here’s how you’re going to repay me—all your operations are paused, effective immediately. Every resource, every man you have will be redirected to help me find her and take down those responsible."

Alexei meets my gaze, unflinching, and nods in agreement. "I'm happy to help.”

This temporary alliance might just be the key to unraveling the threat looming over us. But I remain on guard, ready to act at the slightest hint of betrayal.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I glance at the screen, then back at Alexei.

"Vanya, stay here. Work with him on how best to support our efforts.”

I'm about to walk through the door when Alexei calls out, trying to catch my attention before I leave. I pause, turning back to face him. His expression is serious, almost apologetic.

"It's not any of my business, but for what it's worth, she’s just worried about her baby."

The words hit hard and I clench my jaw, holding back the storm of emotions threatening to break free. Without a word, I turn and leave the room, the heavy door closing behind me with a thud.

Once in the hallway, I pull out my phone again, expecting a strategic update from Luk or one of the others. Instead, my heart drops as I stare at what's displayed on the screen, an image that sends a cold wave of dread through me.

It's Dalia, bound to a chair, her eyes wide with fear.

Accompanying the image is a message from an unknown number, the words chillingly succinct.

Come now and come alone.

Whoever is behind this has just made the biggest mistake of their life. They've taken what's mine, and for that, they will pay.