CROSSWAYS

Lazar's POV

The sound of gunshot filled the air. We were under attack.

“Duck down.”  Rodosov yelled, pushing me behind the car.

I knew my uncle was crazy but I had no idea he would actually plot an attack against me a few minutes after meeting up with him.

He was courting death and I am definitely going to send him a message.

I pulled out my gun and joined the chaos, shooting everyone who was shooting at my men and I.

“Make sure no one escapes and I need someone alive. Maybe we can get intel on what he is up to.” I yelled over to Rodosov as I tackled one of the men to the ground, shooting him point blank in the middle of his eyes before he realised what was happening.

“Lazar.” Rodosov yelled with a panicked expression, his eyes staring at something or someone behind me.

I turned around to see who it was but it was too late. The sound of gun fire followed by a sharp pain in my chest shoved me a few steps backwards.

I raised my hand ready to shoot the bastard but three shots were fired from behind and the bastard fell to the ground, dead.

Rodosov had killed him. The feeling of satisfaction filled my insides but I suddenly felt weak and exhausted.

“Fuck, fuck you are bleeding.” Rodosov rushed to my side with a panicked expression.

“Huh?” I looked down and saw a deep red wide stain on my chest. I had been shot.

“Well, that does not look good.” I muttered under my breath, suddenly feeling dizzy as the world spun beneath my feet.

“Call the family doctor, clean this mess.” I heard Rodosov yell but I gave into the exhaustion and the darkness that was calling my name.

“I don't know, but it seems like the bullet was coated with poison.” I heard someone say.

Poison? Was I Poisoned?

I tried to move but I could not, I could not even open my eyes, the only thing I could see was darkness, not a single light.

What was happening to me? Was I dreaming? Why can't I move my body?

I don't know how many times I slipped in and out of consciousness, still not able to open my eyes or move my body but I could hear everything that was going on. 

I thought I was actually going to lose my mind.

“Lazar?” A soft familiar voice whispered into my ears.

I slowly opened my eyes and was welcomed with a bright stream of light.

I squeezed my face in discomfort and used my arm to block the light.

I blinked my eyes continuously, trying to focus my vision and that was when I noticed I could open my eyes and move my body.

I was finally awake.

“Mum…. He is awake,” the same voice yelled out.

I turned my head to the side and noticed my little sister Serena, looking at me with a teary gaze.

“Hey, Se?” my voice sounded husky and my throat felt incredibly dry and sour.

“Hey, big bro.” She cried out hugging me tightly but the sharp pain from my chest caused to hiss out loud.

“Oh sorry “ she apologised. But brushed it off, my sister had always been very clingy.

“What happened?” I asked.

“You were brought in yesterday. You have been unconscious for more than twenty hours. I was scared.” 

“What?”

How the hell is it possible for me to be asleep for twenty hours. 

“The doctor said you must have been seriously exhausted. You need to take care of yourself more.” 

“Yes, especially now that you are married.” My mother said walking into the room with a cold look on her face.

Wait, how does she know I got married?

“Mum…” 

“Don't call me. First of all you get shot risking your life and you get married and do not bother to tell me about it.” 

“I was going to tell you, it's just that…” I tried to explain but was interrupted once again.

“When were you going to tell me? When I am six feet underground?” She asked with her usual sarcastic tone, laced with a bit of anger.

“Mum…” Serena and I echoed. 

I hate whenever she makes these little death jokes. 

“And how did you get the information that I was married?” I asked. Could it be I have a snitch and just on cue Rodosov walks in with a handful of chocolate cookies then I instantly know who the culprit was.

“You sold me out?” 

“Well… I did not mean to but she threatened to castrate me and well gave me these cookies, you know I have a sweet tooth.” He said defending himself like his actions were right.

“I am going to kill you.”

I stood up from the bed ignoring the mind boggling pain from my injury ready to shoot the snitch right in the middle of his eyes.

“Lady Elizabeth, save me,” Rodosov hid behind my mum.

“Stop being a pussy and come on out.” I yelled, grabbing the vase on the table ready to haul it to him.

“Can both of you stop? I am having a headache because of your grating voice.” She complained.

I shot death glares at him, promising to punish him severely.

“So when are you going to introduce me to my daughter in law?” My mum asked and that was when I realised.

I haven't talked to her for more than twenty hours. 

Shit.

“Where is my phone?” I asked. Frantically looking around.

“Why, what's wrong?” Rodosov asked.

“I need to talk to Miriam.” 

“Oh, is that the name of my sister in law?” Serena chimed in.

“I am being serious here.” I yelled out.

I can't start to imagine how angry she was right now.

“I texted her with your phone. Told her you were going on a business trip.” Rodosov explained.

“Well I need to go see her now.” I grabbed a shirt hanging in the closet ready to leave.

“And how are you going to explain the gunshot wound?” My mum asked, looking at me like I was dumb.

“I…. I…. I don't know.” I bowed my head in shame.

“Just rest here for some days and then you can go see her.” 

“And I think you need to be extra careful of your movements. The attack that night was definitely not normal. He has information and he seems to be very ready for war. We can't let him know about any of your weaknesses, including Miriam.” Rodosov explained his expression now serious.

It was clear my uncle was making more bold moves now. Which meant he had the backing of someone in or out of the family.

“Set up the meeting as soon as possible. And make sure Miriam is safe.” 

It broke my heart that I can't talk to Miriam now but for her safety it would be best if I stayed far away and ended this mess as soon as possible.