"Thank you," I manage, shaking her offered hand.
"Yury is waiting in his office. But first—" She turns to someone behind her. "Charlotte insisted on being here."
A smaller woman appears, blonde and smiling with genuine warmth. "Hi! I'm Charlotte. Vitali's wife. I've been dying to meet you." She strokes a hand over her rounded belly.
"Hi," I say weakly. “It’s nice to meet you.”
"Don't be nervous. Everyone's much less scary than they look." She shoots Zakhar a look. "Except this one. He's exactly as scary as he looks."
"Charlotte," Zakhar says, but there's affection in his tone.
"What? It's true." She loops her arm through mine like we're old friends. "Come on. Let's get the intimidating part over with, then we can have tea and I'll tell you everything you need to know about surviving this family."
Before I can protest, she's steering me deeper into the house. Zakhar follows, close enough that I can feel his presence even without touching.
The Pakhan's office is exactly what I'd imagine, dark wood, expensive furniture, an air of authority that's almost suffocating. And behind the massive desk sits a man who radiates power despite his calm demeanor.
Yury Dubovich. The Pakhan.
"Lily," he says, voice smooth. "Welcome to our home."
"Thank you for having me," I say, proud that my voice doesn't shake.
His eyes assess me, sharp and calculating. I resist the urge to squirm.
"My nephew speaks highly of you," he continues. "Says you saved his life."
"I did what anyone would do. Besides, the injuries weren’t so severe."
"No. Most would have called the authorities. You brought him inside. Treated him. Protected him." He leans back in his chair. "That says something about your character."
"Or my judgment," I mutter before I can stop myself.
Jasmine laughs, a bright sound that cuts the tension. "I like her."
The Pakhan's mouth curves slightly. "As do I. Zakhar, you chose well."
"I didn't choose," Zakhar says from beside me. "I claimed."
The Pakhan waves a hand dismissively. "Semantics. The point is, she's family now. Which means she's protected. No one touches her. Make that clear to everyone."
"Already done," Zakhar replies.
"Good." The Pakhan's attention returns to me. "Do you understand what you're agreeing to, Lily? This life, this family, it's not simple."
“But worth it, Jasmine says as she comes to stand beside Yury. Their age difference is striking, yet it somehow it suits them.
"I'm starting to realize that. On both counts," I add, offering a weak smile to Jasmine.
"And you still want this?"
I look at Zakhar. At the certainty in his eyes, the promise that he'll keep me safe no matter what.
"Yes," I say. "I still want this."
"Then welcome to the family." He stands, extending his hand. "You have my protection. And my word that Zakhar will take care of you."
I shake his hand, feeling the strength in his grip. "Thank you."
