They made a deal with Eliza’s father before I blew his brains out. It’s time to make sure they honor that deal.
* * *
The Shamrock is packedfull of men, but it’s easy to slip in with practically no security on the doors.
I decided to bring Eliza with me since she is my claim to the crown, but she’s being less than compliant this evening. A week since I let her out of her cage and she’s becoming increasingly bratty. It’s like dragging a bag of sand around as I force her to follow me into the pub.
We split from the Cartel men I brought with me, and I signal for them to take their positions.
Rourke Callaghan is currently in the middle of some bullshit speech. I pause behind a giant of a man, ensuring I can’t be seen and listen.
“We are here to announce a truce and agreement between the Callaghan Clan and the Morrone family.”
Interesting.
“Killian, my brother, will marry Mia Morrone next Saturday. All of you are, of course, invited. The following territory will switch to Morrone territory effective immediately.”
There’s a wave of tension that spreads through the surrounding crowd. The Irish have gone soft if they’re giving away territory.
“Bridge Port, Armor square, Douglas, Fuller Park and Grand Boulevard.”
Men next to me moan to each other, anger clear in their voices.
“Silence,” Rourke growls.
To my surprise, he commands them effortlessly, although he’s revealed he’s a fucking pussy, giving away territory instead of holding onto it like a leader should.
“Our organizations will live in harmony from here on in, including the Volkov Bratva, as we all have a common enemy we need to overcome.” I smirk as I know he’s talking about me, and although I can’t see Rourke over the giant guy I’m stood behind, I sense his hesitation before he continues. “The cartel is threatening all of us and our existence in this city. Their new leader, Adrik Volkov, is ruthless and wants to take over the entire city.”
Silence fills the air and I can’t help but laugh at the ridiculousness of what he said. It’s my cue to reveal my presence. Everyone turns to look in my direction as I move through the crowd to come into view. “Is that right?”
“Show yourself,” Rourke demands.
I stroll into view of the Irish leader with Eliza on my arm. “I guess you all forgot to invite me, but that’s alright, I came anyway.” I narrow my eyes at him. “Perhaps it’s because you’re spewing lies about me to your men.”
The men I brought with me are cartel. I couldn’t risk my higher ranking men, as this could get ugly quickly. Bringing Eliza was a difficult decision, but one I made to ensure no one could refute my claim to the throne.
My uncle looks like he wants to throttle me. “We didn’t invite you for good reason.” He attempts to move toward me, but Maxim holds him back.
Rourke clears his throat. “I haven’t lied about a thing. You’re the one that murdered Hernandez in cold blood.”
My uncle frees himself from Maxim’s hold and strolls toward me. I can’t deny my heart pounds a little harder and faster standing in front of him. “What do you want, Adrik?”
“I want in on the action. After all, you can’t deny the power our organization holds over all of yours.”
“And what power is that?” he asks.
“I control the borders. If I want to stop your product coming through, I can.” I smirk at the rage building in my uncle’s eyes.
Uncle Spartak moves suddenly, grabbing me hard and pressing a knife to my throat. I saw it coming, but I know better than to fight him physically. He’s a beast I can’t beat. “Give me one good reason not to bleed you out right here and now.”
My men cock their guns and point them at my uncle.
I chuckle and look him in the eye, wondering if he’s finally learned the error of his ways. Never underestimate the black sheep of the family. “I’d like to see you try, but my men will shoot you dead in the process.”
Eliza is still standing next to me, but I’ve no longer got a hold of her.
His nostrils flare. “You will regret this, Adrik.” The pressure of the knife eases, but he doesn’t let me go yet. A small edge of panic creeps in as I wonder if I miscalculated bringing her here and the danger I may have put her in.