I let out a chuckle, then walk toward one of the SUVs. “Come on, let’s do this.”

I open the back door for Ariana, who looks absolutely stunning in black pants and a red silk top. She’s wearing heels and a black coat to complete her Bratva princess look.

Before she climbs inside, I hold a Heckler and Koch out to her. She stares at the gun for a moment, and then her slender fingers wrap around it.

“Remember to take off the safety before shooting and don’t aim at one of us.”

She lets out a chuckle and rolls her eyes at me. “I know.” Then she smiles down at the gun before bringing her eyes back to mine. “Thank you. I feel safer having it.”

I wait for her to climb into the back, then shut the door.

When we’re all ready, Alexei starts the engine and steers the vehicle through the gates, with Damien, Carson, and Winter following behind us.

I should be thinking of the meeting, but I’m worried about Ariana and whether she’ll be able to fit into our way of life. It was easy for Winter because she was born into the Irish Mafia and Damien became her custodian instead of Carson’s.

But with Ariana, it’s different. She has to share me with Alexei, and I’m not sure she’s willing to do that.

My thoughts are inundated with the worry over where things will go between Ariana and me, and Alexei picks up on my tension because he asks, “You okay?”

“Yes.” I nod and scan my eyes over our surroundings.

As we pull up to the warehouse where the meeting will be held, I’m not hundred percent focused. I glance over the area where other armored vehicles are already parked.

Everyone will be heavily armed tonight.

Get your head back in the game, Demitri.

I take a deep breath to ground myself, and as Alexei parks the SUV, I say, “Ariana, stay with Alexei at all times. No matter what happens.”

“Okay.”

I’m on high alert as I push the door open and get out of the vehicle. My eyes meet Damien’s, and we nod at each other. Tonight it’s up to the two of us to keep our group alive.

Winter stays near Carson while Ariana sticks to Alexei’s side. I take the lead while Damien brings up the rear as we walk into the warehouse.

Four groups wait for us, and when I see Ilia standing to the side of Yuri, my eyes narrow. Sergei’s right-hand man already chose a side.

So that’s why he couldn’t leave fast enough earlier.

“Aww… did we keep you waiting?” Alexei taunts them. “My apologies.”

“Glad to see you brought her,” Yuri mutters as he takes a step forward, not even looking at Ariana.

“Coward,” Ariana says, her tone icy. “We’re blood. I would’ve let you have everything.”

Yuri ignores her and keeps his eyes on Alexei. “This misunderstanding can be cleared out of the way, just hand her over.”