Chapter 1 : The Delicate lie

The fancy bedroom smelled weird. Like strong cleaning stuff mixed with expensive perfume. In the middle of the room, on the huge bed, lay Kyrian Volkov. He was buried under piles of silk sheets. Out cold. Not moving.

A doctor was checking his pulse, but his hands were shaking. He looked scared. Nearby, a man in a sharp black suit sat on the velvet couch. Ivan Volkov. He was watching everything closely. Like a hawk.

The doctor finished up. He turned around, looking super nervous.

"Mr. Volkov," the doctor fixed his glasses on his nose. "He passed out again. It’s the Alpha pheromones. Being around such strong ones for too long... well, his body just couldn't take the pressure. It was too much."

Ivan didn't say a word. His face was blank.

"I gave him the medicine," the doctor added fast.

"He'll be back to normal soon."

Ivan looked at him. Nodded once.

"Thanks, Doctor," he said. His voice was heavy with a thick Russian accent.

Suddenly, the big wooden doors flew open.

"Ivan!"

Arina Volkov rushed inside. Her heels clicked loud and fast on the floor. She ignored Ivan completely and ran straight to the bed. Her face was pale.

"What happened to Kyrian? Why didn't you call me right away?"

"Relax, Mom," Ivan stood up calmly. "Calm down.

He is fine. The doctor said it was just a sudden spike in Alpha pheromones at the party. He’s stable now."

Arina let out a shaky breath. She brushed some hair off Kyrian's sweaty forehead and sat gently on the edge of the bed.

"This boy is going to be the death of me one day,"

she whispered, holding his hand tight.

A low groan broke the quiet room.

Kyrian squeezed his eyes shut. He flinched at the bright chandelier lights.

"Rian... open your eyes, baby," Arina said softly.

Kyrian blinked his eyelashes open slowly.

Everything looked blurry.

"Mom?" his voice sounded scratchy.

"You scared me again, baby," she said, kissing his head.

Kyrian tried to sit up. Felt weak.

"I am fine, Mom... don't worry. Just a little dizzy."

"You need rest," she insisted. She tucked the blanket around him tight like he was still five years old. "I am going to make some porridge for you.

Don't you dare move."

As soon as Arina left the room, the silence came back. Then Ivan broke it.

"You can't stay away from a doctor for too long, can you, little brother?" Ivan chuckled. He leaned against the doorframe with a smirk.

Kyrian rolled his eyes. Rubbed his temples. "Shut up, Ivan."

"This is the fourth time this month," Ivan teased. He counted on his fingers. "Are you planning to make a World Record for fainting? Because I think you're winning."

"Get out!" Kyrian groaned. He was annoyed. He grabbed the nearest pillow and threw it hard at his laughing brother.

DOWNSTAIRS - THE LIVING ROOM

The air in the big hall felt heavy. Suffocating.

Sitting on the main armchair was Kirill Volkov. The head of the Russian Mafia. Usually, he was calm, but today he was dead silent. That silence was dangerous. It meant something was bothering the man who controlled everything.

Ivan walked down the stairs. He went over carefully.

"What happened, Dad?" Ivan asked, standing in front of him. "Something bothering you?"

Kirill let out a long, heavy sigh. He stayed quiet for a second before speaking in that deep, rumbling voice.

"How is Kyrian?"

"He is fine," Ivan answered fast. "Sleeping right now."

Kirill nodded. He looked relieved. Then his face got hard again. Business mode.

"I want you to join the meeting in Monte Carlo," Kirill said. His eyes were sharp. "It's at the Moretti Casino. Vincenzo's older son will be there."

Ivan narrowed his eyes. "The Morettis?"

"Yes," Kirill went on. "You have to talk to him about the place near the sea. We need to secure that spot for our new lounge. It's crucial."

"Don't worry, Dad," Ivan buttoned his suit jacket. "I will talk to him. I’ll try to sort it all out just by talking."

"Hmm." Kirill leaned back. He looked grim. "Make sure to take the full security team with you. It’s neutral territory, but shady stuff happens under the table. Be careful."

Ivan nodded. "Consider it done."