Page 62 of The Pakhan’s Accidental Bride

These people, they're a family. A real family. They argue and fight and drive each other crazy, but underneath all of that is love. Honest, real love. The kind that makes them show up unannounced because they're worried. The kind that makes them willing to fight a Pakhan to protect their sister.

I've never had that.

I grew up in a foster home, raised by Luca's parents after my own were killed in a Bratva power struggle. Luca is the closest thing I have to family, the only person I trust completely. But this? This messy, complicated, beautiful thing the Walkers have?

I've never experienced it.

Watching them now, seeing the way they look at Kiera with concern and frustration and love all mixed together, pulls at something inside me. Some unknown desire I didn't even know existed. The desire to have this type of relationship. To belong to something bigger than myself and my empire.

To have a real family. Not just one born of blood and fear-induced respect. The thought is so foreign, so unexpected, that I almost don't recognize it for what it is.

"Look," Kaleb says, his voice the voice of reason. "We're not trying to control you, Kiera. We just want to make sure you're safe and happy."

"I am safe," Kiera says, her tone softening slightly. "Emil has guards everywhere. No one can get to me here."

"And are you happy?" Devin asks quietly.

Kiera hesitates. I watch her carefully, waiting for her answer. Wondering what she'll say.

"I'm getting there," she finally says.

It's not the declaration of love her brothers probably want to hear. But it's honest. And it's more than I expected.

The brothers seem to relax slightly. Kevin uncrosses his arms. Jack's jaw unclenches. Devin and Kaleb exchange a look that might be relief.

And then Kiera drops the bomb.

"Besides," she says casually, "Emil and I are getting married in a month. So you might as well get used to it."

Chaos erupts.

All four brothers start talking at once, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of disbelief, anger, and concern. Kevin looks like he might have a stroke. Jack's hand moves instinctively toward where his gun would be if he were on duty. Devin and Kaleb both stand, their bodies tense.

I'm happy to sit and watch. This is better than any show I've ever seen. I glance at Luca, who's standing by the door, and see him struggling not to laugh. His shoulders are shaking slightly, and he has to turn away to compose himself.

I have to turn my head too, hiding the huge grin tugging at my lips. If her brothers see me smiling right now, they'll probably lose their minds completely.

"A month?" Kevin's voice cuts through the noise. "You're getting married in a month?"

"Yes."

"That's insane," Jack says. "You barely know him."

"I know enough."

"No, you don't." Jack rounds on me, his cop's instincts taking over. "What are your intentions with our sister?"

The question hangs in the air. All four brothers turn to look at me, waiting for my answer. Kiera looks at me too, her expression unreadable.

I could lie. I could tell them I'm madly in love with their sister, that I've never felt this way about anyone, and that I'll cherish and protect her for the rest of my life. They might not believe it, but it would be what they want to hear.

But I decide on the truth instead.

"My intentions," I say slowly, "are to marry your sister, keep her safe, and give her everything she could possibly want. In exchange, she'll be my wife. She'll stand beside me, represent my family, and eventually give me heirs."

The silence that follows is deafening.

"Heirs?" Kevin's voice is barely above a whisper. "You're talking about her like she's a business transaction."