Page 22 of Relentless Sinner
I doubt he would even be able to make it in.
“The first order of business is the passing of my title to Jaxon. I’ve decided to move up the date.” He cuts me a glance, but I’m already staring back at him in shock.
He was supposed to hand it over a few months after the wedding.
“When will that take place?” Magnus asks. His accent is richer than my father’s.
“Two weeks after the wedding,” Father replies in a stiff tone.
“When did you decide this?” I ask before anyone else can cut in.
“This morning,” he replies.
Must be the doctor’s orders. This is the worst I’ve ever seen him look. I glance at Micah. We share a silent conversation and I know exactly what he’s thinking. That my father’s decision to move things up so soon will cause more backlash from Levka and all the people who wanted him to be Pakhan.
No problem. I’m not against killing any man who thinks he should defy me. Let them come.
“I’ve decided it is in the best interest of the company and the Brotherhood if I complete the handover as soon as possible. That will give me time to do all the necessary things I need to before I head back to Russia.”
He’s going back to Russia?
Everyone looks at each other while I look from him to Eric, who gives me a curt nod. From the look in his eyes I can tell he already knew about my father’s plans.
“Russia?” I ask, looking back at my father.
He glances at me. “We will speak after the meeting.”
“Okay.” Something must definitely be going on. Something regarding his health. And I can see from the peeved look on Magnus’ face that he wasn’t even aware of my father’s decision to go back to Russia.
“Are you going to speak with me, too,Kuya?” Magnus says, referring to my father as the older brother.
“I will.” Father dips his head. “In light of my impending departure I have also decided to allocate the remaining elite positions. So, without further ado, Levka will take Jaxon’s current position and with your agreement, I recommend that Magnus remain the Obshchak and Eric our advisor. Once Jaxon is named Pakhan these titles will come into effect, unless there are any extenuating circumstances that challenge my decision.”
Father looks from me to Levka and we both nod our agreement. I would rather Eric be the Obshchak than Magnus. Eric is better skilled than Magnus to deal with the finances for the company and the Bratva. But I suppose if he were chosen it would cause a greater rift between all of us.
“Perfect. I’m glad you see things my way. Magnus is an asset like none other. He will be able to do everything that I can’t. Eric has been a good friend to me and is the best advisor anyone could ever have. He is qualified to handle everything in the company and the Brotherhood.”
“I do it with honor, Pakhan,” Eric pledges with a deep bow of his head.
“I know.” Father gives him a warm, genuine smile. Only a handful of people get one of those from him. “With that out of the way, I’d like to discuss changes within the company.”
While he launches into that discussion my mind drifts. I’m eager for the meeting to end so we can talk. Usually when my father wants to speak to me in private it’s never for anything good but this time may be different because we’re at the end of the line. Things are changing and so is he. Because he has to.
He's not the emperor anymore. I am.
The meeting ends two hours later. I’m surprised my father lasted that long. Usually we finish after a little over an hour.
When everyone rises to leave, Micah leans across the table to get my attention.
“I’ll catch up with you once you’re done speaking with your father,” he says. We needed to talk anyway but this news means there’s even more to discuss.
“Sure.”
Micah leaves with everyone else and Father and I are left alone.
“I trust everything is in order with the wedding?” Father gives me a firm stare with those sharp, hawk eyes of his. They're pale gray, reminding me of tainted water.
“Everything is set and my bride-to-be has moved into my home.”