Page 9 of Knot Their Princess

“I… don’t know what to say.”

“There’s nothing to say. The job has been accepted, and you’ll be going.” Her tone is low, dangerous. As if I’d ever dare to argue. “You’ll arrive on the thirtieth. Mr. Petrov has arranged for proper attire. This is a party of the utmost importance. Speak only when spoken to, and never reveal what you are or where you work. You’re Mr. Petrov’s betrothed. A trust fund baby who dabbles in charities.” Another wave of her hand. “He’ll go over the details on your flight.”

Flight. To New York.

I’ve never been on a plane. I’ve never been outside of Los Angeles.

“Return to your duties. We’ll square everything else away in the next couple of days.”

My stiff body rises from the chair at her command. Lips still parted, brain trying to catch up with what’s just unfolded, I turn for the door.

“Oh, and Sin?”

I freeze mid-step.

“I know what Tasha has been doing.”

When I turn back to her, the murderous intent in Mama’s voice makes my blood run cold.

“She’s being handled. And don’t worry. I’ve told Bert there are no restrictions.”

Bile climbs up my stomach and pools at the back of my throat.

Either someone told her what I said, or she somehow heard me.

The others will think this is my doing.

And that’s exactly what Mama wants.

Chapter Three

Ilya

“You’re not backing out now, Ilya. You will do this. For me.”

I let out a slow breath, doing my best not to let my deep frustration show.

And failing.

Miserably.

My mother raises a pointed eyebrow at me, and my heart aches at the sight. The signature move we both share, arching one brow so perfectly, brings me back to the old days. When she was spritely and strong. When she wasn’t bound to this blasted bed, a silk scarf covering her now bald head.

Despite her circumstances, Anna Solonik is still a powerhouse, and doesn’t fear wielding that power, especially with her son.

American-born and raised, my father always said her independent streak and no-nonsense attitude was what drew him to her the most. His pack brothers, my two other fathers, would tell you it was her fierce beauty and fearlessness in the eye of danger that made them fall in love with her.

I know that it was truly biology, no matter how romanticized they want to make the story.

Biology and genetics are my whole world, after all.

“I will do this,” I assure her. “But I will not like it.”

Mother laughs at me, that old twinkle back in her eyes. “You have to live the life I wish I could. Live to the fullest, Ilya. Not just your business and money.” She grows serious now, her hand resting on top of mine that grips the bar on the side of her bed. “And stop closing yourself off to the possibility of a mate.”

I raise a brow at her fairy tale ideas, then deflect. “You should just hurry up and get well so you can go back to living the socialite life and I can go back to my office.”

Her smile is sad, but I know better than to apologize. She wouldn’t have it.