Chapter 33 Jo
thirty-three
Jo
Istare at the Vasiliev brothers, wondering if I heard right. “You want to speak to the omegas we just rescued from an illegal testin’ facility…about a job?”
When my doorbell rang five minutes after I walked back into the house from my conversation with Dec and his pack, I was not expecting the twins to be waiting on the front porch, twiddling their thumbs like they were about to ask their mama if a friend could spend the night.
“Just to gauge interest,” Luka says quickly, raising his hands. “Remember that little side project we said you inspired?”
Brows furrowing, I nod. “Yes?”
“They would front as dancers or sex workers,” Illya arches a brow, “but in reality, they would be trained as assassins to take down certain…persons of interest.” He shrugs.
“If they are not interested in killing or that particular brand of work, we could always use more waitresses. We have the best security, and the tips are crazy good. We only allow patrons of the highest prestige and with the best…manners.”
“What they need is therapy.” I cross my arms. “Like…loads of it. And what about their families? I don’t think jumpin’ into a sex work job opportunity would be the best thing for any of them.”
“That is their choice to make though, right?” Illya tilts his head. “We provide full benefits, and we can fully cover any therapy appointments they want to make.”
West lets out a low whistle next to me. “Damn. Do you realize how expensive that’s going to be?”
“We were actually considering hiring one to work for us specifically,” Luka grins, waggling his eyebrows. “We thought a certain beta might be interested in the position. It would pay very well.”
I hold up my hand. “Hold up just a minute. Let’s say that they are interested. Then what?”
“Then, when they are ready, we would take them back to our compound. We have started building an omegas-only apartment complex just across the street from the club. When construction is finished, they can move in and be a short walk from work. They will not have to pay for housing—rent is part of the compensation package, no matter what position they work in the club.”
Fuck. That’s…impressive.
“We did not have to come to you, you know.” Illya tilts his head. “But since they are under your protection, and we greatly respect you, we wanted to give you the courtesy of asking permission first. And…we have dug into father’s records and questioned Alexei extensively.”
“About what?” My brows furrow in confusion.
“Cian did not have anything to do with your mother’s death.” Luka’s tone is dead serious.
My heartrate picks up. “What…what do you mean?”
Illya looks at me with empathy. “Someone in our father’s ranks was hired to complete a job. The records are heavily redacted, but we can pass them off to Aidan. See if he can get anything from it.”
I swallow, my throat dry. I can’t believe it. After thirteen years, I might have some answers. “Thank you.” My voice trembles slightly. “Really. I don’t know how I can ever repay you—”
A set of matching grins has me stopping mid-sentence.
“You could…let us talk to the omegas?” Illya offers.
Of course.
“Fine.” I sigh. “But I’m comin’ with you. Give me one sec.” Stepping back inside the house, I close the door and slip my shoes on.
West watches me, arching a brow. “You sure about this, Siren?”
Shrugging, I grab a jacket off the hook by the door. “The omegas deserve to make their own decisions. I trust Illya and Luka to make the right choices. Even more so with someone like Alexei watchin’ their every move.”
“Where are you going?” Kole asks, coming down the stairs, his hair wet from the shower.
“Your brothers have a proposition for the omegas, and I’m gonna…supervise.” I slip my jacket on, pulling my hair out from the collar.
“Would you like me to come with you?” He walks over to me, his brow furrowed in concern.
“Thanks, Sugar Bear,” I grin, standing on my tip-toes to press a kiss against his jaw, “but I can handle it. I’ll be back in a little bit, yeah?”
Kole nods, and I don’t miss the glare of warning he gives his brothers when I open the door and step back outside.
“Do not worry, we will take good care of her, bratishka,” Luka laughs as I shut the door.
“Don’t poke the bear,” I mutter as we fall into step side-by-side on our way to the omega housing.
“Don’t you mean don’t poke the ‘Sugar Bear’?” Illya quips dryly.
I can’t help but laugh. Kole’s daddy may have been a prick, but at least his brothers are decent.
“Let me do the talkin’,” I insist, pulling ahead. “Then if they have any questions, they can ask you.”
When we reach the house with the omegas, it’s Maeve who answers the door. Her eyes light up when she sees me, though they do dim slightly at the sight of the twins. “Jo,” her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes, “what a surprise.”
“Sorry for intrudin’,” I grimace, “but Illya and Luka have an…opportunity they want to share with the omegas.”
She frowns, glancing at the guys. “You’re sure?”
“I’m sure.” I nod, giving her a reassuring smile. “That’s all it is. Would you mind gatherin’ the girls in the livin’ room?”
Maeve gives me one last searching look before nodding, and disappearing into the house.
Five minutes later, we have nine omegas, Helaena, and Maeve sitting in the living room.
Helaena has one of the smallest omegas tucked under her arm protectively.
Mabel sits by herself in an armchair—I want to tell her that she doesn’t need to be here, but I’m trying to be better at not being such a mother hen.
The omegas eye the twins with distrust, and before they open their mouths, I clear my throat, drawing their eyes to me.
“Hey, guys.” I give a small smile. “I know I haven’t been around much, and I wanted to thank y’all for all the effort you put into paintin’ my nest.” They relax a little at the sound of my voice, nodding and murmuring things like “it was no trouble” and “we were happy to help”.
“I’m sure you’re wonderin’ why you’re down here, and why it’s these two men who are with me. I’m gonna be completely honest with you—their names are Luka and Illya Vasiliev, and they have recently taken over the Vasiliev crime family as leaders of the Russian Mafia.”
Eyes go wide, and gasps travel across the room. Nina’s eyes narrow. “The same Vasiliev family who originally tried to steal Gemma?”
Gemma, lip wobbling, nods.
“The same Vasiliev family who took the truck to the police instead of its intended destination,” Illya says gently. “We have finally overthrown our father—he was the one who saw omegas as livestock, not us.”
I cringe internally at the term “livestock,” but ignore the hushed whispers going around the room as I keep talking. “It’s true. I trust them implicitly, and wouldn’t be here with them right now if I thought even for a moment that they wouldn’t keep their word.”
“Word about what?” It’s Mabel who speaks up this time, and my gut turns. I do not want her working for them.
Gritting my teeth at her interest, I try to sound unaffected.
“Historically speakin’, the Vasiliev Family specializes in all manners of…
pleasure. Strip clubs, sex clubs, sex work…
but they’re lookin’ to expand.” Some eyes widen with interest while others start to shut down.
“The twins are openin’ up a club that will also serve as a front for… contract killers.”
The eyes that had been shining with interest go dark. All except for Nina, who actually leans forward in anticipation.
“What does that mean, exactly?”
Luka clears his throat. “There are some men in the world that we, and our allies, will need to be taken out discreetly and quietly. Our goal is to train a team of omega assassins posing as escorts, dancers, or call girls. Though, even if you are not interested in any of those options—dancing, sex work, or the actual killing—we can always use more waitresses. The pay would be impressive, and we are opening an omega-only apartment complex across the street. Part of your pay would include room and board, and we would provide full benefits. Heat leave, psychological services, dental…”
Illya jumps in. “No matter what position you’re in, we always have top of the line security guards, and we have a stringent screening process for who is allowed into the clubs. You would never be forced to do anything you do not wish to do, your comfort comes first.”
“The decision is yours,” I state, looking around the room and meeting everyone’s eyes. “If you choose to go with them, you’ll have my number. If someone makes you uncomfortable or you have a single suspicion, you call me.”
“Our offer will always remain open,” Illya gives a gentle smile, “even if you decide to not join us right now, if you find yourself in need of a job later down the line—”
Luka cuts in, “Days, weeks, months, or even years.”
Illya continues, “We will still hire you.”
The expressions on the girls’ faces become a little more open at that.
Nina frowns. “But…we’re not really omegas anymore. No scent…or anything. The only way they’d be able to verify our omega status is a…pelvic exam or something.” Her nose scrunches with distaste—and I don’t blame her.
Illya shrugs. “All of our workers are on scent-blockers. If we sign off that you’re omegas to the complex, they will let you live there.”
Their heads turn to me as I speak. “They will be headin’ home after we take down Thornfield once and for all. If you want to go with them, you’ll stay on their compound until the apartment complex is ready.”
The omega nestled into Helaena’s side sniffles. “Do…do you want us to leave?”
Illya grimaces. “Sorry. No children allowed.”
She frowns. “I’m eighteen.”
Luka shrugs. “Sorry, sweetheart. If you’re still a teenager, it’s a no-go.”
“Where will I go then?” Her voice is shaky.