Page 16 of Revenge
“What now?” I demand.
“Our father doesn’t want funds used for anyone in the lower levels. All soldiers are on their own.”
“Is he losing his fucking mind? We take care of our own.” My anger is at boiling point. This is the shit I’m talking about.
“He isn’t thinking clearly. His relationship with Cillian is growing. Cillian has somehow become his right hand.”
I walk to the door. “Fuck my father. Find a way to take care of his family,” I snap. “I need to take a shower.”
I don’t know where to start. My anger is leaking out all over. My father has always been a hard man, but stooping this low is unprecedented. We have always taken care of our own, regardless of rank or time served in the clan. The minute a man joins the Manarch Clan, he becomes family. No man is more important than the other. We all bleed the same color, the Manarch Clan blood.
In the shower, a million thoughts are trying to break through. This shit is getting out of hand. If we aren’t careful, we’ll have our own civil war. Perhaps that’s what Cillian is trying to accomplish, to destroy us from the inside out. But it’s more than that, I think Cillian is looking to eliminate the Manarch name entirely. I need Ava. She brings the clarity I desperately need right now. I need the strength she gives me. I think back to a conversation we had when things were good between us—before she left.
“Viktor, you can’t do that and not expect some kind of retaliation.” Ava’s mind is incredible. She’s so smart.
“What do you know?” I tease.
“Standing up to your father means creating a greater divide.”
“Yes,” I say, even though she isn’t asking.
“Standing up to him means standing up to your entire family. What happens when people start choosing sides?” I give her a look to continue. “You’ll create a divide that will alter the dynamic of your family. Think about how nothing will get done because you’re in the middle of chaos. You’ll be facing war. You won’t be able to achieve peace. The resolution comes only after both parties find a compromise where both sides get something.”
At that moment, I couldn’t have been prouder or fallen deeper in love with her. She was born to be my partner. It isn’t just love that connects us. She isn’t just a submissive or wife material. She brings a perspective that I lack. What is it they say? Behind every great man is an even greater woman. Being with Ava showed me what I was missing.
I’ve never claimed to be a perfect man, but with her, I am. She’s everything. When I’m with her, I want to be a better man. It’s not just about the Manarch name. There’s more to life than the clan. She taught me about love and how there’s strength in it. With her, I can face anything and conquer everything. Seeing her drive off that night was harder than I could have ever imagined. I just need to tell her the truth, my truth. I’m in love with her, and I need her by my side.
I need to find her and make things right. But I need to stop whatever Cillian is up to first. The longer this continues, the more men will die, and I can’t allow that. My father might not care about the clan, but I do. I’ll not let my father or Cillian destroy the legacy of the Manarch name. This is my legacy too. If my father doesn’t want to end Cillian, then I will.
Chapter Ten
Viktor
The next night…
I’m sitting in my office nursing a drink, thinking about everything that has happened since the night Ava left. I’m a grown man doing his father’s bidding. My father is the reason I am married to Fiona. Things certainly would have been different if I’d never met Fiona.
Looking back, the signs were there about who Fiona truly is. She’s always been self-serving. Everything always had to be her way. She’s cost me everything, because of her Ava isn’t beside me. I drain my drink and stand to pour another one. There’s a knock on the door.
“Come in,” I say.
“Hey,” Oliver says, walking inside.
“It’s late. Why are you here?” I ask, pouring my drink. “I thought you were gone.”
“I thought you might want to talk.”
“Talk about what?”
“How are you doing?” I look at him, confused as to why he would think I want to talk. I’m done talking.
“What do you want, Oliver?” I ask as I head back to my chair.
“I want you to let me carry some of the weight on your shoulders. You’re not alone, and right now, you’re acting like you are.” I take a sip of my drink and run my fingers through my hair. “I’m your brother, let me be here for you,” he adds.
“I’m not in the mood, Oliver. I want to be left alone.”
“Tough luck. I’m here and not going anywhere until we talk. Tell me at least one thing. Anything.” I hear in his voice that he’s worried, but it’s not his place. This is not his problem. “Viktor, I’m your brother,” he repeats. “You need to trust me.” I look at him and take another drink. Oliver has always stood by me. I don’t say it often, but he’s always been a great little brother.
