Page 8 of Beneath Scarred Vows

"We're here now," he says firmly. "Offering an alliance that benefits us both."

Theo finally speaks. "An alliance requires trust, Stavros. Trust is earned."

"We've been allies for generations?—"

"When it suited you," I correct him. "When it didn't, you stayed out of it."

Stavros exhales through his nose, his patience thinning. "What would you have us do to prove our loyalty?"

I lean forward. "Tell me what you're offering."

"Full integration of our operations in the eastern territories. We control five ports that would complement your shipping routes. Our men become your men. Our resources become Kastaris resources."

"And in return?"

"Protection. Security. A seat at the table when decisions are made."

I exchange a glance with Theo. It's not a bad offer on the surface. The Petrou family does control strategic locations that would strengthen our position during this vulnerable transition.

"There's something else," Stavros adds. "Something more permanent to bind our families."

"And what would that be?"

"Marriage."

Stavros only has sons, so…

"You want our sister, Calli?" I ask. "Absolutely not."

Stavros waves his hand.

"No, my niece, Katerina."

"Your niece?" Theo's voice cuts through my thoughts.

Marriages have sealed alliances in our world for generations. The proposition itself isn't surprising.

"Katerina is twenty-seven. Beautiful. Well-educated,” Stavros spreads his hands. "A perfect match for someone of your stature, Ares."

I take another sip of whiskey. "I don't need a wife."

"With respect," Stavros counters, "you do. You need stability. You need heirs. A marriage between our families would send a clear message to everyone in Greece and beyond, especially the Zervas family."

Theo leans in. "He's not completely wrong."

I shoot him a glance. My brother is my right-hand man, always thinking multiple moves ahead. He means well, but overthinking destroys him at times.

"Why would I want your niece?" I say finally.

Stavros hesitates, then chooses his words carefully. "Because she understands our world, not just from growing up in my family, but from what she's been through."

I pause mid-drink. "What do you mean?"

Stavros shifts in his seat. "When she was fourteen, her parents and younger brother died in a house fire, leaving her the only survivor."

My interest sharpens despite myself. "A fire?"

"Yes. A terrible tragedy." He nods, his expression arranged in sorrow. "She came from the US to Greece to live with me. She keeps to herself. A little meek, reserved, but you can mold her into whatever you want."