Page 38 of Legacy

As I approached the restaurant, my security lead, Besa, stepped around me to open my door. Eli’s idea of protection and what I’d lived with for over fifteen years were vastly different.

Arguing about it had only led to the typical Eli way of discussion, meaning I was thoroughly fucked and still ended up with a team of no less than six on my security detail wherever I went.

Upon entering, I spotted Vik in a corner where no one could approach from behind, and he had a view of everyone.

Typical Vik.

He rose as I approached, his standard unemotional mask on his face. Until this moment, I hadn’t realized how much I missed him.

“He’s treating you…well?” he asked.

I nodded and hugged him to throw him off balance. Instead of grumbling, he squeezed me back, opposite to what I intended.

“You did that on purpose,” I muttered as I sat.

“I raised you. I know all of your tricks. Be honest—the Xenos men aren’t within earshot.”

I lifted an eyebrow. “Since our men are mixed in with his, you’d know if Eli wasn’t.”

My marriage required Vik to increase the units in the area, calling in trusted sources with people available for the work. Many Vitalis soldiers had infiltrated the working ranks of every organization, includingEli’s.

“Yes, I hear things.” He shook his head, picked up his drink, and took a deep gulp.

Of course, he’d learn about that aspect of my marriage. However, it wasn’t his business, and we both knew it.

“We’re here to discuss the next step,” I stated, wanting no more of that conversation.

Not having to say that twice, he launched right into business. “Marrying into the Xenos family was incredibly smart.”

“I told you not to doubt me.” I lifted a brow. “We now have access to information that was once completely out of our reach.”

In a tone only meant for my ears, he said, “What use is this knowledge if it hinders your ability to make decisions? It isn’t my place to make them for you any longer. The orders have to come from you.”

“What decisions would you have me make?” I asked in a cool, almost icy way. “It is too soon to move on any of our enemies, and it is foolish to believe otherwise. We are in a wait-and-see period.”

Vik pursed his lips and then smirked. Was that a test? Oh, he was good. He wanted to rile me up and see how I’d react.

“Then we continue as we have until you say otherwise.”

“Correct.” I nodded. “Right now, we only need to draw suspicion about why Eli and I married. We want everyone to wonder what Ozias is planning.”

Vik leaned back in his seat. “Then you accomplished your goal. Our men say the other family heads don’t trust Ozias’s motives behind your union. Some of them wonder now that your marriage legitimizes his claim to the Vitalislands, which means he is preparing to extend his reach into their areas.”

“Things are working out better than expected.” I smiled. “The Vitalis sisters are considered royalty in our world, so claiming one of us gives power, whether we come with land or not.”

Vik snorted, then grew serious, his face growing hard. “Making yourselves commodities comes at a price, Avra.”

“Meaning?” I set my hand on the table, knowing he saw something I hadn’t considered.

Vik would always tell me the truth without filters.

“The vultures are circling. You said it yourself, claiming one of you gives power. It’s much clearer to me that Laya and Cali are vulnerable. The Vitalis name represents money, land, and legacy. You gave it to Ozias through Eli. Others will try to follow his example.”

Goosebumps prickled my skin. “Eli has repeatedly brought this to my attention.”

“Explain.” Vik’s command was more father than adviser. “Since when have you trusted your husband?”

“He doesn’t know anything about our objectives. It’s more about safety. He believes confronting Caras, Bella, and Korba at our wedding wasn’t the wisest of actions.”

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