Year Four (Kingmakers, #4)

by Sophie Lark

“In fact,” my father tells Dominik, once we’re all back at the hospital in Almaty, “I think it’s time you considered it your own. You’ve been Pakhan in all but name for a long time.” Dominik frowns, the scar on his right cheek crinkling where it runs past his eye. “I don’t care about a title, brother. The monastery will always be your home.” My father shakes his head. “It belongs to you, Dom. St. Petersburg belongs to you. I raised my children in America. I made that their home.” He turns to face Dean Yenin, who’s sitting next to Leo’s bed, a book open on his lap, trying not to listen in though of course he can understand everything being said in Russian. “You owed two years to Danyl Kuznetsov?” my father asks. “I did,” Dean says. “I’ve agreed to pay a stipend to Danyl’s widow to compensate for the loss of her husband. Your service transfers to me,” my father explains. Dean nods slowly. “You helped my son to find me,” my father says. “I consider your service completed in full. If you want to join us in Oregon, we’d be glad to have you. But you’re free to choose.” A look of stunned relief spreads across Dean’s face. I know those two years weighed heavily on his shoulders—especially once he fell in love with Cat. He wanted to be free to start his life with her, and he hated the anvil around his neck, impossible to shake off. “Thank you,” Dean says. “I’m honored by your offer. I’ll consider it carefully.” My father nods, then turns to Hedeon. “I offer the same to you, if you ...