Page 1 of Impregnated By the Bratva

Chapter 1 - Makari

My two brothers, Vadik and Pavel, stood by the kitchen window looking out at Vadik’s new car. I wasn’t interested in joining them, so I sat down at the kitchen table. Vadik had his own life now, and what he did wasn’t our concern. Pavel and I were taking the grunt of his choices.

I know he loves us more than anything and has given up so much over the years. Yet, I was disappointed, maybe slightly angry, or even jealous of him. I couldn’t quite place the emotions flowing through me. He had stepped out of this life in a way. He was living the life he wanted.

Thinking about it, I realized my disappointment came from him leaving us with the bulk of the work. This also fueled my anger and created jealousy. I wanted a semi-normal life like he had now.

Staring at Vadik over my cup, I wondered how he could be so levelheaded. We have never before been so deep in the shit, not even after our father’s betrayal. We were already struggling to please the Chernykh Bratva. But now, after his marriage to Tasha Dubow, our problems seem to have multiplied.

The Dubow Bratva is in alliance with the Morozov Bratva through marriages to the Smirnovs. They, in turn, have married into the DeLuca Bratva. There were so many lines and links, it was driving me up the wall. We had stepped into a web of Bratva families.

It is making life a living hell for Pavel and me. We still have a debt to repay to the Chernyks. Because these two Bratva families, the Dubows and the Chernykhs, are hesitant to make an alliance, and we are placed in the middle of the battlefield.

Every day, each job brings a new set of stresses. Not only did our eldest brother marry a Dubow, but our cousin Nadia did, too. I love my brother, cousin, and even Tasha, who is like a sister to me. Yet, the intensity of each day grows, and I fear that soon there will be a volcanic explosion.

“Hey, penny for your thoughts?” I heard someone speaking behind me. Spinning around, half of the contents of my cup went flying. Coffee rained down on Pavel and me, who was standing inches away.

I watched Pavel sitting down next to me. I hadn’t realized how deep I had disappeared into my thoughts until he spoke. “Are you okay, Makari?” Vadik asked as he joined us at the table.

“Yes, yes,” I huffed. “I was just thinking about the new mission and what has to be done.” I wasn’t about to admit that I wanted out of this life, or even just a distraction from it.

“Are you sure?” Pavel enquired arrogantly. “It looked more like you were daydreaming.”

“Daydreaming?” I spat, slamming my fist into the table as I rose. “Who do you think I am, a schoolboy? I have no time for such antics,” I added angrily.

“Okay, enough, you two. Calm down,” Vadik said. His commanding tone always filled any room with silence. “Don’t you have a meeting to get to? You know the professor isn’t always a patient man. His intel is vital to the success of the delivery. The new client only works through him. We can’t afford to botch this one.”

Feeling my stress levels and anxiety skyrocket, I knew I would need to find some release tonight. Partying and the company of beautiful women has become my go-to these days. Pavel has his car racing, but I don’t have time for hobbies or other interests. The work is constant and demanding.

Shaking my head, I stormed out to my truck. Getting in, I took a couple of deep breaths before starting her up. Pulling out, I spun up some gravel, shooting rocks at the house. It wasn’t intentional. But my rough, tumble attitude took over when I got agitated like this. Pulling up to the university, I sat in the truck for a bit, taking some more deep breaths.

I didn’t dare see the professor while in this state of mind. I had to be the cool-headed guy he was used to. There were a lot of students still moving around. Getting out, I straightened my jacket. Feeling a little calmer, I headed in. The professor usually waited for me in his study.

My goal was to get in and out quickly without drawing attention. This errand was important and had to be completed today. Arriving at his study, I saw the note on the door. It read, ‘Meet in the Library.’

This was a bit odd as we never met in public places. I was sure there had to be a good reason for this change. Walking back down the stairs to the second floor, I found a sign pointing towards the library. Glancing around, I assured myself no one was following me. I didn’t know why the professor would change our meeting.

Entering the library, I noticed it was surprisingly empty. There were only about five students. The professor was seated near the back at a small table. Before taking the seat opposite him, I scanned the room. The students appeared busy. No one even noticed my presence.

The professor looked up as I sat down. He slid a book across the desk. “Good day,” he whispered. “Have a look at the section on Earth molecules. You will find it very interesting.”

“Hi,” I replied. Before I could say anything else, he got up, nodded, and left. I wanted to stop him. But as I lifted my hand, I noticed one of the students looking at me. Lowering my gaze, I opened the index and searched for the page number.

Something felt off with his actions. Was he being watched? Why did he leave so abruptly? I knew that I had to get out quickly. I didn’t want to stay and find out what was up. Opening the book to the correct page number, I found a brown envelope. Sliding it towards me, I shoved it into my jacket. Closing the book, I stood and turned to leave.

I had barely taken two steps when a young woman with her head in a book suddenly came out of nowhere. The book slammed into her as we collided before it dropped to the floor. “I’m so sorry,” I said softly as she looked up at me.

Her vivid blue eyes felt like they were penetrating my soul. Something in me shifted. “It’s fine,” she replied, smiling. The room suddenly lit up as sparks appeared to fly around us.

I was speechless. I stood staring at her like she was made of gold. It felt like I was in a trance as I saw her lips moving but couldn’t hear anything. Feeling her soft, warm fingers on my arm shocked me back to reality as she lightly touched me.

Shaking my head, I looked at her hand on my arm. Her hand appeared small on my arm. Her fingernails were long, yet her hands and fingers appeared delicate. I was sure that if I touched it, it would break.

“Hi there, are you okay? It was only an accident. I promise I am fine,” she said, her voice like the wind whispering through the trees, a soft, sweet sound.

Gently taking hold of her hand, I looked into her eyes, those soul-all-pervading eyes. “I am so very glad you are okay,” I stumbled over my words. A smile pulled my mouth up to my ears. I felt silly, but couldn’t pull my mouth straight.

Dating younger women wasn’t something I did. But there was something about her I couldn’t resist. Her skin was so soft, I just held her hand. She smelled like a field of flowers on an early spring morning.

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