Chapter 43

Chapter Forty-Three

Viktor

I t's been a few days since I claimed Ava, and she's been avoiding me. She claims to always be busy with the kids, but I know she wants me as much as I want her. Her body demands it every time we're close to each other. I can sense her skin vibrating, aching to be touched by me. At any other time, I would have continued without hesitation, yet something is stopping me. I'm not sure if it's fear of losing her again or pushing her too far. What the fuck has she done to me? I'm a man who takes without exception, yet I'm practicing self-control so I won't lose her. But I need to find a balance, or I will lose her either way.

I don't want to, but I left her and the kids earlier today to show my presence at Manarch Industries. I've been neglecting it with everything going on. But I need to get back on my game. I have a future to protect for the sake of my family.

The clan has always been the only family I've known but having Ava and the kids, I've realized there's more than one kind of family. They need a future beyond the clan. I never thought of this shit before them, but I can't stop thinking about it now. Some might think I'm growing soft, but I'm becoming the man they need me to be. Money and death aren't the only things that matter. The ring of my cell brings my thoughts to a stop. The screen reads Bobby. Why the fuck is he calling me?

"Good afternoon, Bobby," I answer.

"Good afternoon, Viktor. Your father would like a word."

"I'm busy."

"He isn't asking. We're at the restaurant." He ends the call before I can respond. Even though I'll be the boss someday, Bobby doesn't seem to care about rank. It pisses me off. I dial Oliver.

"Hi, Viktor."

"Where are you?"

"I left the guardhouse on my way to Eros."

"Is Angus there?"

"Yes. Why?"

"My father has summoned me."

"We knew this was coming. I'll set everything in motion. Where are you?"

"Manarch Industries."

"I'll swing by and get you. Don't leave, Viktor. Wait for me."

"Last I checked, I'm your boss. I give the orders."

"You are, but it's not just you anymore. You have a family depending on you, so don't move, and I'll be there in twenty minutes."

"Oliver—"

"Viktor, don't be a dick. Think of Ava and the kids."

"Fine." I end the call. He's right. I don't know what I'll be walking into. These aren't times to act on impulse.

We drive to the restaurant in silence. I have a million thoughts running through my head. What could my father possibly want now?

"Is everything in place at the mansion?" I ask, breaking the silence.

"Yes. Marco called in the dozen men we have on standby. Our men are walking the perimeter inside and outside the gates."

"And you can vouch for the men with Marco?"

"They served with him in the Marines. They've been protecting Ava for a long time. They only answer to Marco. In the event things go sideways with the clan, they'll protect Ava and the kids from anyone, clan included." I'm proud of how Oliver runs the clan just like I would.

"You thought of everything. Thank you," I reply.

"No need to thank me. I've had time to plan since she's been in the mansion. I don't want to take any chances. I know if something happened to her or Niko, you'd have my head," he laughs.

"You aren't lying. I would probably forget you're my brother," I agree and chuckle.

"Viktor, regardless of what is waiting at the restaurant, try not to lose control. He's going to try and bait you."

"Oliver—"

"Not this time, Viktor. I swore to Ava that I will always make sure you come home to her and the kids."

His confession surprises me.

"When did you swear to that?" I ask as we pull up to the restaurant.

"It doesn't matter. We're here," Oliver says, stating the obvious as we park. I knew they were close but didn't realize how close. I'm going to demand he tell me, but he opens his door and gets out before I can.

Outside the restaurant stand a mixture of two dozen men from both sides. If I didn't know better, I would think this was a battle cry. Is my father calling because he's going to war and needs me by his side, or is he calling me to my death? When did it come to this? At what point did my father openly become my enemy? We walk in and are met by even more men. If he thinks this will intimidate me, he needs to try harder. I'm not afraid of my father.

"You're finally here," my father says as I enter. He's standing, and Cillian is on his left, where I should be.

"You called. I'm here." I stop, keeping enough distance from him.

"We have business to attend to. Have a seat," my father says, walking to the head of the table.

I take a deep breath and sit at the other end of the table. He might be at the head of the table, but so am I. We're sitting at a table that seats at least sixteen people and all the chairs are filled with his men.

"How can I help you, Father?"

"I've been informed Fiona no longer lives with you. You divorced her and brought your little girlfriend back." He's acting like it's breaking news. He's known since Niko's birth, everyone has. It's not something I've hidden.

"You're acting like you didn't know," I say, sitting straighter.

"I was clear with you, Viktor. She isn't a Manarch, and it's not her place to be by your side. I'm feeling generous, so I'll give you a choice. She can leave quietly on her own, you remarry Fiona, and she moves back in, or Ava leaves in a body bag. Your son is born. There is no need for her any longer." It's the first time he says Ava's name, and I hear the venom in his voice.

"I don't tell you how to live your life, Father. I suggest you give me the same courtesy." I say, trying to control the rage growing inside of me.

"Listen here, you piece of shit. I gave you an order and I expect you to follow it."

"Are you taking orders from the Irish now?"

"I don't take orders from anyone, especially a little dipshit like you. I expect you to follow my orders." I stand as his tirade continues. "If you don't do as I say, you will become my enemy. I won't care that you're my son and heir."

"You stopped caring that I was your son the moment you brokered a deal for me to marry the woman who nearly got me killed."

"Walk out that door, and it means war. Remember, in war, there are many casualties. Are you ready to lose those you can't live without?" he challenges.

I step forward and put my hand on my back, where my nine-millimeter is. I could end this right here. One bullet, and it would all be over.

"Don't," Oliver whispers. I look at him. If I shoot, the probability of us walking out alive is zero. I want my father gone but not at the cost of my own life. God knows what would happen to Ava and the kids if I died.

"Then war it is, Father. Clearly, you have made your choice." I turn to leave.

"I hope you're willing to pay the price," My father rejoinders.

"I can say the same." I leave, determined to fight at all costs. I won't bow down to my father. "Are you ready?" I ask Oliver as we stand by my car.

"Until the very end."

I'm exhausted. It's only been two hours since I left the restaurant, and it feels like years have passed. Oliver and I decided to iron out our plan further at Eros. We can't afford any mistakes. The men will have to pick sides after the first strike.

"Viktor," Oliver calls across the room.

"What?"

"You should go home. There's nothing left for you to do here. Spend time with your family. I got this."

I look at him, knowing I'm not fighting alone to protect my family. My brother is with me, ready to fight whatever comes next.