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“Difficult to get hard data because it’s Russia, but it’s not hard to guess why.” Craig’s lips curled.

No, it wasn’t.

That’s where Nikolay Mikhailov, head of the Russian Bratva and their nemesis, lived. Assuming that’s where he fled after leaving the United States.

He was also the reason they were all in this mess. Although he didn’t start it, Nikolay did escalate it.

“I’ve been invited to Washington to meet with POTUS and other world leaders,” Vincent said. “We are waiting to hear details. Obviously, we still aren’t sharing information about the serum, which, if leaked, could be catastrophic for our race.”

“Washington. It’s too fucking dangerous,” Craig muttered.

“And one of the most secure locations on earth,” the king replied.

“Bullshit. It’s the mostvisible.” The huge vampire shook his head and glared at the prince, waiting for him to say something. Clearly, there had been a big debate about this.

Rarely did anyone speak to the king like that, and Mack knew the commander wouldn’t have done so in public. Occasionally lines were crossed in their tight inner circle—which as Brayden had shared was much bigger than it had been in centuries—and while under this kind of pressure, soldiers were bound to shit talk.

Still, Mack noticed the king’s mouth tighten.

“He’ll be protectedifand when he goes. Your job is here with the SLCs.” Brayden told him.

Then Mack was sure he heard the prince addstop sulking.

Craig let out a growl.

It was the right call, as far as he was concerned. The commander needed to remain leading the team. A stark reminder they were in the middle of a war. One that might not look like WWI or WWII as their ancestors had fought, but a different kind.

One with protests, social media, podcasts, and secret meetings. It was a war of thoughts, beliefs, and...potentially violence.

If that happened, no one was sure what it would look like. There was nothing in history to compare to.

Given there were eight billion humans and ten million vampires—despite their strength—there was much debate about how it would end.

“What are the odds of Nikolay getting the serum off the ground and this turning out really badly for us?” Ben asked.

Brayden and Ari exchanged a look.

“Medium to high risk. He’s a selfish and arrogant motherfucker, so likely thinks he can still produce and distribute the serum from Russia.” Ari crossed his arms. “He’ll need help, and from the intel we’ve gained, it looks like he’s destroyed relationships with the other crime families.”

“There are many more on that side of the world.” Mack reminded him.

“Correct.” Craig nodded at the map. “He’ll be looking for other partners. Possibly the Triad.”

They all stared at the image and began listing off the different gangs around the world. The Irish. Cosa Nostra in Sicily. Ndrangheta in Calabria—considered the most powerful mafia on the planet.

There were many more.

“What do we think?” Brayden asked after a moment.

Marcus rubbed his jaw. “The Triad will want an enormous cut, and he won’t like that.”

“The Greeks or Serbians would take a smaller cut, but their distribution capabilities will be limited,” Tom added. “One thing for sure, it won’t be the Ukrainians.”

“Small mercy, I guess.” Mack shook his head.

There were dozens of crime families around the world, so it was a guessing game. He had a conversation recently with Ben and Callan about how the rules could change for humans now a second species had appeared.

It was amazing how a group of foes could put their differences aside and partner for a common goal.