Chapter 41

My Mother's WarningAlexei"Stay away from my son."My mother's words sounded through the monastery. I couldn't move. For years, I had imagined meeting her. Sometimes I imagined anger. Sometimes tears. Sometimes nothing at all. I had never imagined this."Mom?"She looked at me. Her eyes filled with tears. "You shouldn't have come here." I stepped closer. "You're alive.""Yes.""Why did you let me believe you were dead?"Her lips parted. No answer came out. I felt something inside me break. "You left me.""I was trying to protect you.""By disappearing?""Yes.""Do you know what happened to me?"She lowered her eyes. "I know.""You don't."My voice rose. "I was alone."She flinched. "I know.""No, you don't."Lucien moved closer. My mother immediately raised her hand. "Don't." Lucien stopped. She looked at him. "I know who you are." Lucien's face remained calm. "Then you know I'm not here to hurt him.""I know what men like you do.""And I know what mothers like you do."She laughed.

Chapter 42

The Truth About My FatherAlexei"Your father wasn't your father."The words didn't belong together. "What does that mean?" I asked. She looked at Arjun. He lowered his head. "You knew?""Some of it."My voice sharpened. "Some?" Lucien stepped beside me. "Let her explain." I turned to him. "Everyone keeps telling me to wait.""I know.""But I'm done waiting."My mother nodded. "You deserve the truth." She sat on the edge of the old wooden bench. "Your biological father was named Nikolai Volkov." I laughed, because the name didn't make any sense."Volkov?" I repeated the name. "Yes.""Then who was the man who raised me?"She hesitated. "Your father." I moved closer to her. "That's not an answer.""He raised you. He loved you. But you were not his biological son." I looked away.My entire childhood suddenly felt like a lie."Did he know?""Yes.""And he still raised me?""He did.""Then why hide it?""Because your biological father was connected to the Cham." I looked down at the ring i

Chapter 43

The Devereux SecretAlexei"Damien Devereux."The name stayed in my mind. Lucien hadn't moved. His face was unreadable.But I could see the tension in his jaw. You're certain? he asked my mother. Yes.My uncle died. He disappeared. That's not the same thing. I know. Lucien turned away. I followed him outside. Snow covered the monastery steps.Lucien. He didn't stop. Did you know about him? No. Not even his name? I knew I had an uncle. He stopped. My father never spoke about him. I stood beside him. Why? I asked. I don't know. You believe my mother?He looked at me. I believe she believes what she's telling us. That's not an answer.No.He looked toward the forest. But I don't know what to believe anymore. I understood that feeling. My entire life had changed in less than a day. Do you think your father killed mine?Lucien's eyes met mine. I don't know. If he did? I'll find out. And if he did? Lucien didn't hesitate. Then I'll give you the truth, even if it destroys my family.I studied

Chapter 44

The Real ViktorAlexei"It's Viktor."The man's words echoed through the chamber. I stared at him. The face was familiar. The scar. The gray hair. The cold smile. But something was wrong. I looked at Lucien. He hadn't lowered his weapon.Prove it. The man smiled. Still careful. Prove it, Lucien repeated.Viktor reached into his pocket. Slowly, he removed a small metal pendant. My mother gasped. I recognized it immediately. It was identical to the pendant she had shown me earlier. But Viktor opened his. Inside was a tiny photograph. Two young men stood outside the monastery.Arjun. And Viktor. Arjun stepped forward. That's him. My mother shook her head. No. Everyone looked at her. She pointed at the photograph. That's not Viktor. Arjun's face changed. You're certain? I knew Viktor before you did. The man laughed.She always was difficult. My mother stared at him. Who are you? The man's smile disappeared. I am Damien. Lucien's weapon moved higher. You're my uncle. Finally. Lucien took o

All Chapters of The Capo's Devotion: Own by the Don: Chapter 41 - Chapter 44

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44