All right of the characters, setting and plot, all belong to Ally Carter and everyone else who help her write the series. The series which this fanfic is based on.

*Drum Roll* Alexei's POV is in this chapter...yesssss. You will possibly get to see how far up he is in the Mafia rank. Also possibly go on some "jobs" that he has to do.

I'll be responding to some comments from the last chapter.

A New Look: Thanks I'm glad you are loving the book so far. This chapter is a little insightful about the workings of the Mafia.

Smartiegirl800: Thanks of the input. Also Alexei being dark is something I really want to tap into so there will be some dark moments.

WARNING: Foul language, and possible murder/torture will be in this chapter. There is a descriptive toture scene, and Alexei is alittle sadistic. Please read at your own discretion. There will be more of these type of scenes in the future, just a fair warning.

Bigger Warning: Sorry all you who loves Alexei (I do) baby boy gotta do what he gotta do. Don't want to make him sadistic but here we go.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

You Got To Be Strong Mentally

Alexei's POV

" Well that is great to hear, goodnight and be safe Gracie." I take one last look at her, before I walk out of the door. How come she became even more pretty in 5 years? I rub my neck walking to the front door, where my father and everyone, except Grace stood. I just hope she didn't see the marking on anyone's neck. Mine would be harder to see because all mine is, is a outline basically. I'm not even technically apart of the group yet, not until I turn 20, which is in about a month from now. Also it is sort of a protective measure for me, since when I do join I'll be far on the rank.

Further that any new comer will be right from the start.

" Alexei, how was your dinner?" Mr. Blakely ask, while holding out his hand for me to shake.

" I liked very much, sir. Also I didn't know that Grace was going to here." That's true right there. Jamie hadn't texted or even called to say anything about her coming. We still tried to talk and keep in touch, but it's kinda hard when you have almost every message and call monitored. My father never has been fond of Grace and Jamie's family, because on a couple reasons. Number one possibility the biggest one, they are American. Second he said that associating with them would bring the fear of us down. The Russian Ambassador and also Leader of the Mafia, thinks the total opposite from my father. He said that having connections with them will build up more power we have. He is very good friends with Ambassador Blakley, even though they don't really show it a lot.

" Let us get back to the Russian embassy, we have some business to attend too" My father stated, while looking down at his phone.

" Goodnight and have a safe trip next door!" Mr. Blakley exclaimed and shook each of our hands before shutting the door. We each decease the steps, with Mikhail leading us and my father bring up the back. The Russian Ambassador puts a hand on my shoulder and leans in a whispers in my ear.

" When we get back to the embassy in need you in my office so we can speak about next month, your birthday. Also some other topics, including relationships. " I nod my head slowly, because I knew he was going to possibly talk about Grace. We reach the gate of the Russian embassy when my phone starts ringing.

" Sir I need to take this call, I'll be in your office right after." The Ambassador nodded in understanding, and motion for Mikhail and my father to follow him in and leave me alone. I walk to the back garden of the embassy, while picking up the call.

" Is it time for another breakout, Noah?" I heard muffled laughs come from the other end.

" It always a good time to break your guys rules." I know I shouldn't let him do this, but he is a close friend of mine. Plus I know he is calling in behalf of his twin sister. Lila talked about having a gathering on the cliff above the Iranian embassy to me. I say it's a gathering or they wouldn't let them get away with it anymore.

" So what's the special occasion that you are calling for a pass for the rules, and who is the special person?" Noah always makes up weird situations why they need a pass. Last time it was for a surf lesson at night on a cliff.

" Ohh you know how Lila is with her Kung Fu lessons, she needs this class to happen, Alexei. Also you should come and check it out, it will be quite fun. The person this time is the new girl in town, my mom and Ms. Chancellor were talking to me about trying to be a friend to her. Her name is Grace Blakley...I'm pretty sure that is what Ms. Chancellor said was her name." At the mention of Grace I freeze, why does it have to be her that he is taking. The thing that is bad about these gatherings is there are dangerous people at night, not including our people. If those people knew that we allow them to breaking the rules, then they would become hostile towards Noah and everyone. I can't even think about Grace possibly getting hurt.

" Well be extra careful, now that you have another Ambassador's family member there. I have some stuff to get straighten out then I might come for a little. Talk you later Noah."

" Pleasure doing business with you Alexei."

Once I hang up I walk into the embassy, straight to the leaders office. I knock on the door and hear come in, in russian. Turning the nob I push the door open, I notice that Mikhail is there too...where's my father? The Ambassador looks up and smiles warmly at me, and Mikhail does the same.

" Thank you for coming in my dear boy, please take a seat." I walk over a sit in the chair in front of the Ambassador's desk, beside Mikhail.

"Are we going to wait for my father in join us?"

"I do believe I only wanted one Volkov here, and that is you. We need to discuss what position you will be receiving with you are fully integrated. Also some other topics along with it."

" Yes, I understand sir." I thought that we would be having the position talk closer to me birthday, but apparently I'm wrong. I knew that the other topics are going to be more personal and possibly involve Grace. So I need to try and push those talks back later.

" So you know that it is about time that I need a successor to take up my rule. I have no sons or even daughters to think of placing. No man in my family that is old enough or are too old for it."

" Are you thinking of placing me in the position sir?" I was confused, why me not my dad. Then I remember the Mafia king needs to pass off the title to someone not too old and not too young. I was the only person that the Ambassador was close enough to, that fit that age range.

" Why yes, that is exactly what I was thinking. Alexei you have something about you that I always admired. You have a kind heart with the people you care about, but a cold with the people that wrong you. I saw how you looked a acted around Ambassador Blakley's granddaughter. You want to be there for the family. That is why I never had your father take my position. He thinks to highly of himself and doesn't care about people around him. You are like me, make good connections with everyone. That is how you become powerful. But there is sacrifices that will have to be made. Do you understand?"

I sit further back in my seat, my head was spinning. So is his friendly attitude toward Mr. Blakely only a play. An act, just to get a good connection. Connection is the top priority for a Mafia, stronger the connection , more the person is willing to do things in your benefit. I can't see myself just using Grace and her family for gain. The Ambassador is, by his look waiting for me to put in my input. I swallow down fear.

" Can we talk about the rest of this discussion later on? I do believe I have a job tonight." I said in a blunt manner. The job thing wasn't a lie, I did have a deal to attend to, to make sure it ran smoothly. That was going to happen before I went to Lila's party.

" That is fine, Alexei but I will say I will not want a poor excuse if but some chance, you decline this offer. When you fully agree the sacrifices will be discussed."

" Goodnight, sir."

I move quickly to the door and down the stairs. I text my friend Nik to meet me out front of the embassy. He's Russian but his family lives in the city, to patrol better. I walk out of gate, and hear some voices. It sounds like it was coming from the U.S. embassy. Curiosity got the best of me so I walk over, and see Noah and Grace talking to a guard. I walk closer to the gate, and even in the dim light I see the shield drawn on her hand. Thank goodness Noah chose to use my symbol.

"Well she doesn't just need his symbol." The guard said and nodded in my direction. Noah turned with a shocked face plastered on his face. It felt like it took an eternity for Grace to turn. It pained my to see the split second of fear in her eyes, before she noticed it was me. I decided that she wasn't going to speak so took it in my hands and said...

" Hello, Gracie." I saw a split second of relief before the barrier to her emotions was put up.

" Hello, Alexei." She said back, timidly. She took a step forward, like she wanted to make sure it was really me. The guard went over a unlocked the gate so Noah and Grace can walk through. After they filed through the gate was locked and the guard was back to looking straight ahead.

" So you coming to the gathering earlier then you said, want to walk with us?" Noah was asking as we walk to the half way point between the U.S. and Russian embassy. Grace was looking around like at any moment she would be pick up out of thin air. I wanted the comfort her, but it was too soon and out of bounds for me that do that right now.

" No, I have some business to attend to before I get to show up. But don't worry it shouldn't take long." Grace flashed her eyes to me for a second, before looking away. Noah told her about it, didn't he? I sadly couldn't really get mad because knowing Grace she probably was too stubborn to take the no speak of this act. That I do believe is something I always admired and feared about her. In the line of work I am in sometimes could get you killed.

" Let me guess it's just a walk in the park for you." Noah is trying to diffuse the silence that landed very heavily after my words. Grace was standing slightly behind Noah and looking at me from head to toe just to try and see anything to has changed. I do have to say that I'm a very different person when it comes to the jobs I do, but I would never be like that towards my friends. Headlights show up and stop pointing straight at us. I moved to block Noah and Grace when i realized it was Nik.

" Hey Alexei, you got bored waiting so you got people to talk too?" Nik rattled off in Russian, he knows English but he doesn't trust enough people to use it around them. I know he doesn't want to be really introduced so I just look back at Noah and Grace and give them a farewell, and tell them I will see them after this business. I get in the car and give one last look at Grace, our eyes lock as Nik drives away.

"So who is the girl?" Nik asks after 5 minutes of driving.

" Someone." He gets the memo and continues to drive without another word.

--

We pull up to a building close to the middle of the city. All I know about this job is a gun shipment. What I do is go in talk to the seller and see hopefully they are still on the same track as us. I look at the weapons and see if they are real. Then we leave. Nik gets out first to talk to some of the men there, our men. Mikhail is there like usual, he always was kinda protective over me and wants to make sure i stay alive.

" We are ready to go in if you are Alexei." At those words I go instantly into work mode the persona I dislike but need. The bulding is a old abandoned office that we have taken kinda as a dealing place. We get to the back part of the first floor, and there is weapon crates lining the walls three crates high. The man who is standing in the middle is a middle aged man, 34, and British. There were about maybe 18 other men around the room.

" Alexei nice to be doing business with you again." He has said that he likes me more than the rest that do these jobs. He also knows that if even one of his men act up, it game over. I don't tolerate messing around during this time. I grab the folder that was brought out, it showed the amount and types of each weapon. This was a smaller deal only 125 in total. Some of the deals can be up to 200-400 just in guns. I was half way through the last crate that I definitely needed to look in, I didn't look in all of them. When I find something I'm pretty sure Mr. Haines wasn't going to like.

" Mr. Haines! Question about this crate." The sudden tone of my voice startled him over to me in a second. He had a faint look of fear, I knew he was trying not to show it. I grab the "knife" out of the crate.

" What is the matter, Mr. Volkov?" His voice faltered a little at the end. He was looking at the thing in my hand, knowing things weren't right

" What is this shit, this isn't a knife. This is a toy." The plastic blade bends in my grasp. This is pathetic to think this could get past me. I motion Nik to count the plastic blades because there is more than one. Well tonight is going to be a fun one, is it?

" Alexei... sir I can assure you that I did not know about this."

" Isn't it your job to make sure that all of the shipment is authentic and count for." Nik holds up ten fingers, ten plastic knifes.

" I swear on my life that I went through all these crates. I'll do anything to make it up to you." That made me smirk, Mr. Haines started to back away from me. Before he can get far Mikhail was there to take hold of him, and keep him still. Out of the corner of my eye I see one of his men coming up. He begins to swing at me, when I catch his hand and punches him in the gut. Nik grabs him and puts him on his knees next to Haines.

" Well there is something you can do to make it up to me. According to my commrade there is ten fake blades. How about five slashes each for you and your man here. From a real blade of course. Also, if that is easy how about you say thank you after every time." I look over at the man that tried to make a move on me.

" As for you I want for you to ask for each one, and thank me after each one." I look at them each one last time before saying... " Do I make myself clear?"

Both men, even the one that tried to jump me had fear stricken on there face. I take the knife out of my belt and walk towards Haines. I grab his left arm and trace my blade up his skin, not really touch his skin. I get to his shoulder and ever so slightly push my knife to his skin. Feeling the tiny give of his skin as soon as the blade touched, brought a smile to me face. I make a inch cut across his shoulder. My gaze flicks to his, and I wait for the words...

" Thank you Mr. Volkov." He said in a strained voice, fighting the pain smart. I walk slowly a few feet over to the other. Wiping the blood off with a cloth as I go. I stop in front and smirk. Why do I act so different outside of this scene... I always ask that and I never find the answer. Probably never will. The man clears his throat and does the very thing that I want.

" Can you cut me Mr. Volkov?"

" Where do you want it, since you asked so nicely?" I was enjoying this, probably a little too much.

" My face. Where ever you want to put it."

" Good choice I was going to go there anyway."

The tip of my blade goes to his cheek, and I cut from the corner of his eye to the corner of his lip. After I'm satisfied I lean back.

" Thank you Mr. Volkov." He sounds tense but I look over it. He's mad no doubt, but I don't see any threat in it.

--

I walk out of the building with Nik and Mikhail, work persona slow but surely waring off. I don't like that side of me, but it just happens. Its like a red curtain drops and controls my body. I swore to myself I will never let a person out side of the Mafia close to me witness it. I never thought of Grace being at risk, but now that she is here...she is. Speaking of that I look at my watch and see the time 2:04am on the display, I was in there for an hour almost. It won't take me too long to get the cliffs. I bid Nik and Mikhail goodnight and start heading to the party.

buzz...buzz...buzz...

That's my phone, I realise as a reach into my back pocket. I look at the caller ID and kinda tense. Gracelyn. Not Grace but Gracelyn, she was like the royal family's goddaughter. She is related but not the royal side of the family. They adopted her into the main family after her father died and her mom wasn't well enough to take care of her. So basically when her aunt Princess Ann becomes Queen, then she becomes Princess. I press answer and put it up to my ear.

" Hello Gracelyn, what has you calling so late at night?"

Ruffling and breath comes from the other end. It almost sounded like she was out of breath.

" Hello?" More ruffling and giggles came. I was about to hang up, when finally I hear something.

" Alexei sweety, I was wondering if we can go back to how it was between us."

" Gracelyn that isn't a good idea, we didn't work last time. I don't think we would work now." She let out a long sigh, I could sense annoyance coming from her end. This was her fourth time trying to convince me, and I always had the same answer. She misses the whole big three months, and she was the one that broke it off.

" Buuuut Alexei, I miss you. I wasn't thinking when I told you that I didn't want to be together anymore. Please just this one time, I'll make it up to you." I reached the incline to the cliff, and I can hear soft sounds of music coming from there.

" Gracelyn, I'll take to you later go to sleep." She huffs and hangs up. Well that pissed her off I guess. I make it to the top in no time.

" Hello Alexei." I look beside me, and see a small figure walking with me.

" Rosemary how have you been?"

" Good, other than Lila being a little snappy tonight." Lila hated Rosemary and no one knew the reason. Well actually I'll correct myself, Lila hated you if you weren't in her circle or level. She was also sadly another fling of mine, even though we never fully acted on the dating step. Just a whole lot of back and forth innocence flirting and touches. We get to the outer ring of the party. I spot Noah and Megan by some coolers with Grace kinda behind them. She was trying to distance herself I can tell. Noah notices Rosemary and I and wave us over.

" Finally decided to show up, I thought the 'job' was going to be quick."

" Something came up for it to go over a little bit." Noah knows first hand of how I can get because of the saving him incident. He is one of the people outside of the group that I go to for winding down. When I apparently become leader, well if I accept it, I told Noah he could be in the Mafia. What I mean by it is he doesn't have to do the work, but he gets the benefits from it. I look over to my right at Grace, she is looking at the ground. She is shaking slightly. So I try to talk to her, and see if she would calm down.

" Gracie, how has your night been?" She looked up long enough the look at my face for a second before lowering her head.

" She put Lila back in her place a little while go."

" What do you mean?"

" Lila was out right grillin Rosie about not allowed being here, and Grace steps in a tells Lila off. It was funny but also bad at the same time. With Lila being my twin and all. We might hate each other but you know." Noah shrugs and gives Grace a squeeze on the shoulder to say she was okay with him.

There was a loud noise all the sudden, it almost sounded like a gun going off. I tensed and starting to look for the source of the notice. When I spot it I don't like it, Lila standing with a gun that shoots blanks by a unlit firepit. If that is her way of getting people's attention, she better change it.

" Okay everyone the bonfire is going to commence right now!" She turns in the gun for a lighter. Apparently gasoline or something was poured onto the wood before, because it lit up in no time. This is one of the things that possibly will be taken away if I ever allow this to happen again. As I was lost in my head, I was pulled away from Noah, Grace and everyone else. I get ahold of my thoughts, and turn to stop the person. When I see who it is I become way too uneasy.

" Hello Alexei, didn't think you would be here tonight."

--

So chapter four is now wrapped up, and Alexei's first POV was a adventure. Who do you think pull him aside. Lila? Gracelyn? Someone new? Chapter five will answer all of that. Which hopefully I will get a schedule up in my head to post regularly.

But I'll catch you in the next one.

Wait... I just want to know if the scenes I warned about was to over the top. If you have input please comment it.

Love ya'll