Page 167 of Stolen Empire

"But now I am claiming what is mine by blood. And I need your support to do it."

Artemy's gaze shifts to me.

"So why are you here, Vetrov? Are you her lapdog, or does this serve your family's interests as well?"

His eyes narrow like he has no clue why I'm here, but I know damn well Rolan has spoken to him.

The pushback won’t stand with me.

We have an alliance that he benefits from and if he wants Katya, he'll agree to upholding it.

"Both," I say.

I don’t look away from him.

The steel in his back will bow to the fire in my veins.

"I protect her because I care about her. And I offer resources, men, and strategy because the Vetrov family benefits from this alliance. Don't forget Lyovik's pact, son. It benefits you as much as us."

"Poetic," Artemy says.

He is not being complimentary.

"Tell me about this alliance?"

"Your uncle discussed the terms with my father, sealed it in blood. You know what it's about. Stop playing with me."

My fingers twitch, ready to grab my gun at any second.

Meetings like this are always tense, and I'd never have told Katya I was on edge about it too.

If she'd have known, she'd have been too scared to show up.

Artemy walks to the edge of the porch and lights a cigarette.

He smokes in silence for a moment, his eyes moving between Katya and me.

"You care about her," he says finally as he puffs smoke out into the frosty air.

"Yes."

"That makes you vulnerable."

"It makes me committed," I correct him.

"I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her alive. If that aligns with your interests and your family's goals, then we work together. If not, then we find another path. But I won’t abandon her, regardless of what decision you make."

Artemy takes another drag from his cigarette, then flicks it onto the ground and crushes it beneath his boot.

"Come inside. We'll talk properly."

He turns and walks toward the house. Katya and I follow.

The guards on the porch step aside as we pass, their weapons visible but not threatening.

Inside, the hallway is narrow and cold.

We are led to a dining room where a long wooden table dominates the space, surrounded by empty chairs.