Ivan nodded in agreement. Kirill edged closer to Luka and placed a hand upon his cheek. “But then you came back. You came back changed, but stronger. You had so much to overcome when you returned that I worried you would never be the boy we all once knew. But you proved us all wrong. Instead, you developed. You became better. You rose with pride and honor. You became the best knayz there ever was.”

Kirill took in a breath, then addressed all of us. “You brought three males back from their personal hells. You did the impossible and united rival families who, in the past, wouldn’t have hesitated to kill each other in cold blood.” I saw Talia rest her head on Zaal’s shoulder in response.

Kirill met each of our eyes. “One week ago I decided to officially step down as Pakhan.” He put his arm around Luka’s broad shoulders and announced, “And I have appointed Luka as my replacement.” Kirill turned to Luka and said, “In the past few years, you have listened and grown as a Bratva brother. But more than that, you have become a better leader than I ever was. You have built this family to be an impenetrable force. You have doubled our income and you have made us great once again.”

Kirill took the Volkov Bratva ring from his finger and placed it in Luka’s palm. Luka swallowed as he lifted the ring and slid it on the third finger of his right hand.

He stared down at the ring for several seconds before raising his head. “Thank you,” he said to Kirill, his voice chock-full of emotion. He next turned to his father, who brought him into his chest.

I couldn’t keep the smile from my face as I watched him accept the honor he so richly deserved. As one, we all readied to congratulate him. Suddenly, Kirill held out his hand. Looking back to Luka, he said, “For decades the Pakhan has ruled with others. It makes his decision making easier. It makes him strong.” Kirill paused and issued an invitation, “Luka, if you will, please choose your Red Kings.”

My heart kicked into a sprint as Luka’s eyes fell on Zaal, Valentin, and myself. The four of us over the three few years had done everything together. We helped guide Luka and enforce rules. Valentin and I were Russians loyal to the Bratva. Zaal was Lideri, partnered with us Russians.

Stepping forward, Luka took a deep breath and said, “I won’t delay my choice. There is no choice. I have three brothers, males I would trust with my life … and my family’s life.” He pointed to Zaal. “Zaal, I know you lead your own people, but my circle would not be complete without you by my side.”

Zaal walked forward and shook Luka’s hand. “I am honored, brother,” he replied.

Luka then looked to Valentin. “Valentin, you are the fiercest solider I have ever known. But equally fierce as your strength and skill is your loyalty. It would be my honor to have you as a fellow Red King.”

Valentin didn’t hesitate. He walked straight to Luka and wrapped him in his arms. He silently stood beside Luka. I looked to Talia and Zoya. They were beaming with pride.

“Finally,” Luka said, focusing on me, “Ilya. Over the past three years you have proved yourself to be one of the strongest and most resilient males I have ever encountered. You have led the males from the pit in their new lives. You are respected and loved by everyone you meet. I would be honored if you would take the final position by my side.”

I blinked, unable to cope with all the events of today. Inessa laid her hand on my back to lift me from my shock. She smiled at me with such pride that I felt ten feet tall. I forced my feet to join Luka, Zaal, and Valentin. Luka hugged me and then looked at us all. He didn’t need words. We all knew why we were here.

The four of us had survived circumstances where most males would have fallen. We had forged new lives with our females by our sides.

We had survived,

We had risen.

And we would never fall again.

LUKA

As evening fell, I stood from our place by the fireplace and signaled to my kings to follow. As I moved to walk into my office, Kisa’s hand threaded through mine. I leaned down to kiss her on her head, then our sleeping son in her arms.

She was proud of me. I could see it in her eyes.

I walked passed Kirill and my father; both nodded at me, signaling their approval. I crossed the hallway to my office and opened the door. I heard my brothers falling into step behind me. I hovered at the door, staring at the seat behind the mahogany desk.

“Go,” Zaal urged. “You have earned it.”

Taking a deep breath, I walked slowly to the leather chair, then pulled it out and sat down. I savored every second of this feeling. Zaal, Valentin, and Ilya sat before me, all beaming with pride.

“How does it feel?” Zaal asked.

I sighed. “Right. It feels … right.”

Pulling my chair farther under the desk, I laid my arms on the desktop and asked, “So, brothers … any new business?”

As Ilya began to brief me about a dispute with the Italians, I let my birthright find peace in my heart. This was the role I was born to fulfill. This moment is what I was destined to grasp. I had the strongest crime organization in the world. I had my brothers by my side and my perfect wife in my arms.

For now, we were safe, secure in our roles. We had all moved on from our pasts. But I knew, if the time ever came, that we four would call upon the savages we were raised and trained to be, the monsters we held at bay deep inside.

If anyone ever decided to fuck with us again, then as one:

We would maim.

We would slaughter.

We would kill.

Together, we would fucking raze hell.