Page 38 of Blazing Embers

It is my grandfather’s distinct handwriting:Ruslan. I hope you are ready for this. Remember there is always more toeverything than first meets the eye. This is the first test of many you will go through before you’ll receive the breath of the dragon. You were taught that to become the Dragunov you had to be baptized by fire. I’m sure you realized that wasn’t literally fire. And trust me, my grandson, by the end of these trials you’ll wish you had rather walked through real flames. As our family has my secrets to learn, and the way you react to or handle those secrets will define how you did on the test. Being the Dragunov is not just about being a Bratva boss or having power or wealth. It’s about being a true leader—a king. There is so much more to your legacy but the truths you will uncover as you progress will test you like nothing has before.

Just remember—nothing is ever as simple as it seems. There is always another side to a story. Take in the entire picture before you burn any bridges. And forgiveness isn’t for the person you’re forgiving but for yourself and your own peace of mind. Being a true leader is much like being a parent. There are many burdens we bear in silence and alone. Never be too proud to ask for help and choose your Widow and right-hand man wisely. The only advice I can give you on that is, look for the one that may not always agree with you but would never let you down no matter what.

I know you are the one that will make the Dragunov great again. And if you’re reading this. I know I won’t be around to see it. But I have every faith in you. I love you and am so proud of you.

Grandfather Vasiliy.

The limo pulls to a stop. I’ve regained some feeling in my legs as the door opens and I climb out. I slip the envelope into my inside pocket and the chauffeur hands me a phone.

“This is for you,” he says. “Keep it on you at all times.”

I shove it into a pocket. “Tell your lady, I won’t be taking calls or more abductions in alleyways. The next time we meet, it will be on my terms and this time, I won’t be blinded. And if she dares to poison me again…” I let the threat linger.

Without letting him reply I turn and force my legs to stride into the hospital, my mind ticking over. I need to get out of the city with Tara. There is no way in hell I’ll let Clyde take her so she can disappear again. I’m still as much in the dark about the miscarriage as I was when I went to meet that fucker and I need to figure out who the bitch is that claims to be my grandfather’s most trusted advisor.

My pace quickens as I head to Tara’s room. I can’t help the sense of urgency. I don’t trust what that bitch told me about Tara being okay. I need to see it for myself.

As I reach her room I stop short at the small window that looks into it from the hallway. The blinds are drawn but I can still see through the slats and my heart jolts as I breathe a sigh of relief. She’s there. Sleeping soundly with Konstantin sitting beside her looking at his phone with one earphone in. He’s probably watching the YouTube shorts of news clips from around the world that he enjoys.

I open the door and step in. Konstantin is out of his chair and hugs me. “Jesus Christ man.” He pushes me away. “Next time don’t go meet black ops agents on your own and get abducted by someone in a blacked out limo.”

“By the sounds of it, I wasn’t on my own,” I point out, stepping past him and moving to Tara’s side. She looks so peaceful. “How is she?”

“She woke up and this time was more coherent,” Konstantin fills me in. “They haven’t sedated her this time.”

I nod, reaching for her hand. I pull it up to my lips and kiss her knuckles. She stirs, her eyes fluttering open and my breath catches as a smile spreads across her lips when she sees me through sleepy eyes. “You’re back.”

“Of course,” I reply. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I’ve had my insides ripped out.” She gives a soft, weak laugh. “I’m sorry for all the trouble.”

“Jesus, Tara. You had no control over that.”

“I’m going to get some coffee,” Konstantin says. “Can I get you a cup?” He looks at me.

“Thanks.” My eyes don’t leave Tara. “Has the doctor been around again?”

Tara nods and her eyes darken. She knows!

“He told me everything.” Her voice is barely a whisper. “I…” She swallows. “I need to tell you something.”

Her eyes mist over with unshed tears and her voice wobbles.

“Don’t!” I lean down and kiss her forehead. “I already know about what the procedure entailed.” My eyes meet hers. “It’s going to be okay.”

“No.” Tara hiccups and sucks in a shaky breath. A tear rolls down her cheek and I wipe it away with my thumb. “It’s not. Not until…”

The door opens interrupting her and a new doctor I’ve not seen before steps in.

“Mr. and Mrs. Dragunov?” He is a lot younger than the last doctor and if at all possible seems a lot sterner. “I’m Doctor Sokolov. I’ll be taking over from your last doctor who had a family emergency and has taken a leave of absence.”

Suspicion hits me like a ton of bricks. That just seems too convenient.

“When can I take my wife home?” I ask him. “I would like to do so tonight.”

“That’s a bit soon,” the doctor balks. He glances at the one drip. “Although, Mrs. Dragunov’s antibiotics are almost finished.” He glances at me and then at Tara. “How are you feeling, Mrs. Dragunov?”

“Like I want to go home,” Tara tells him. “I hate hospitals.”

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