After Their Story Began

Chapter 7

Aleksandr's POV

"I'm so tired." I let out a shaky breath

It's nine in the morning and I'm alone in grandfather's hospital room. His room is the only place I feel I can let out my deepest thoughts. It feels like no matter where I go there's someone talking in my ear or behind my back.

The elders are pushing so heavily towards a war I want to avoid for the kids' sake. A war on the scale those old bastards want would force us to move back to the safety of Russia for a while. The kids are happy in New York and I don't want to displace them.

My own inner circle is being overly cautious and questioning my every move. Now they're all too terrified to speak their minds including Dima. I've been trying to tame my temper but I'm back to being referred to as the Tsar again.

On top of all of that I have my own fucking kid shit talking me. My know it all is convinced she has a greater grasp on the situation than I do. Truth be told if she had all the information I possess her little brain would explode. Intelligence can only do so much. If she were older I'd let her help but she's just too inexperienced to offer any peaceful resolutions.

"I swear you only come in here to complain. Can't a man enjoy his coma in peace?"

My head snapped towards my sarcastic grandfather

I jumped up to grab him some water

"Maxim gave me water early. I'm fine Al."

"How long have you been awake?" I asked while hugging him

"I woke up yesterday. I asked Maxim to keep it a secret from you so it would be a surprise."

"The kids are going to be so happy when they hear."

"All but one."

I frowned at his comment

"Elijah and I just finalized an agreement with the Greek mafia. In two days we'll be free to roam their land but not a second sooner. We've already begun preparations to rescue the boys."

"They're in Greece?"

"Yes, Silas was able to weasel his way onto their soil to pull this stunt. That's why the Greeks are willing to let us help exterminate their rodent problem."

"Why two days?"

"They have to convince their mafia we're not attempting an invasion. They just need to see we can be trusted to keep our word. You were pretty bad at that in the past."

"I too was young once."

"I know. I'm glad I get to continue seeing you in old age."

"I'm glad I get to see the fine leader you've become. Now go get my great grandkids. I want to see them now."

"I'll wake them up with the news."

I stood up and walked to the room the twins and Milo were sharing. I went inside and swung open the curtains. The boys groaned and pulled the covers over their heads

"I know it's early but I have a surprise for you three."

"Did Adriana make it back with Xander already?" Alessio let out groggily

"What are you talking about?" I felt my mood instantly sour

"You fucking blabber mouth. She just left for Greece. How would that make sense?"

"Dude I don't know how long I've been sleeping." Alessio argued back

I walked over to her bed and yanked off the blanket to find deliberately arranged pillows.