Wolf with Benefits
Page 93
Hes not? Toni asked, surprised. But hes the team coach.
He is coach. And he is important. But he is not who you should be negotiating with. In shifter sports in Russia it is who pays the bills who controls the team.
And who pays the bills?
Genka blew out a long plume of smoke, her dark brown eyes on Toni before she finally said, Ivan Zubachev.
What? But we talked to him. He met us on the first day.
Right. And you didnt know him. You didnt greet him as the one in charge. So now he plays games. Hes very wealthy, so he has little else to do but fuck with the Americans.
The Zubachevs have run this territory and this team, Barinov explained, since Vadim Zubachev told Stalin to suck his dick.
Toni thought a moment and finally asked. Wait, Im sorry, but . . . does the Russian full-human government know you exist here?
Theyve known for centuries at least, Genka said.
And theyve never said anything? Theyve never come after you?
They tried. She held up her forefinger. Once. Sent an entire army to wipe us out for being different. For being who we are. The men never came back. She smirked. But we ate well that winter. Like kings.
Ricky nodded. All right then.
So its Zubachev I need to negotiate with? Toni asked.
It is. Like most bear, he is difficult. Stubborn. Like most Russians . . . he is difficult. Stubborn. He wont make it easy on you.
So what can I do to make it easier on me?
Gifts always help. But, my little darling, your problem is, Ivan Zubachev and his entire family are rich. Like they-can-own-your-Manhattan rich. There is little you can offer him that he does not have or cannot buy, so youll have to come up with something unique. That only you can give.
Great. Toni sighed.
What does he like? Ricky asked.
Genka shrugged. Hockey. Women. Although, she said, looking at Toni, youre not his type. Too small, like bird.
Hey.
Hair too messy.
I like your hair, Ricky reminded her.
Not helping me.
Ricky loved watching Tonis face when she was forced to down a shot of vodka. It was considered rude in Russia not to drink during a toast. So shed winced and cringed her way through it, but managed well enough. The woman was definitely determined. He liked that about her.
After a hearty lunch and a good-bye filled with hugs and a promise to the wild dogs that theyd get a private audience with Bo Novikov himselfWe havecousins in Mongolia who want to meet him, too. We bring them, Genka had promisedtheyd headed back to their vehicle.
Ricky had just pulled the back passenger door open to let Toni in when Barinovs phone went off. He smirked at the caller ID and answered.
Barinov. After a moment, he walked around the car until he reached Toni. He handed her the phone. Its Ivan Zubachev, maam.
Taking the phone, Toni answered. Yes? Oh. Hello, Mr. Zubachev. Did I? I missed todays appointment? Oh. I am so sorry. I dont know what happened. So much going on, I guess. But dont worry, Ill be there tomorrow. Ready to negotiate away!
Ricky and Vic chuckled at her tone.
Yes. Of course. Tomorrow then.
She disconnected the call. He is pissed.
Russians hate lateness, Vic explained. And not showing up at all . . . considered very rude.
Then he shouldnt play games with me. I deal with that every day with my family, but I love them so I put up with it.
Then tomorrow were on. Vic grinned down at her. You ready for that?
I cant wait. She got into the car and Ricky closed the door and faced Vic.
Here. Vic handed Ricky the keys to the car.
Where are you going?
Ill walk back. Work off the vodka. He pointed to a road that shot off from the main one theyd traveled. Go that direction and itll take you to Lake Baikal. The shifter-only portion. Its open to all breeds and species.
You dont want to come?
Seen it. Eyes like a cats glanced at Toni and back at Ricky. You guys have a nice time. Ill see you back at the hotel.
Ricky snorted. Seriously?
I know how you canines are, Reed. You say its nothing, but its everything. Just suck it up already.
Laughing, the big hybrid walked off, and Ricky didnt bother to argue with him. Instead, he opened Tonis door.
Out, he told her. She immediately stepped out.
Whats wrong?
Nothing. He closed the back door and opened the front passenger side. Since weve got the rest of the day, were going to sightsee.
Blinking, appearing surprised, Toni said, Really?
Dont you want to?
Yeah. She thought a moment, and a bright smile bloomed across her face. Yeah. Id really like that.
Then get in, darlin. Because I have no idea where we are going.
He is coach. And he is important. But he is not who you should be negotiating with. In shifter sports in Russia it is who pays the bills who controls the team.
And who pays the bills?
Genka blew out a long plume of smoke, her dark brown eyes on Toni before she finally said, Ivan Zubachev.
What? But we talked to him. He met us on the first day.
Right. And you didnt know him. You didnt greet him as the one in charge. So now he plays games. Hes very wealthy, so he has little else to do but fuck with the Americans.
The Zubachevs have run this territory and this team, Barinov explained, since Vadim Zubachev told Stalin to suck his dick.
Toni thought a moment and finally asked. Wait, Im sorry, but . . . does the Russian full-human government know you exist here?
Theyve known for centuries at least, Genka said.
And theyve never said anything? Theyve never come after you?
They tried. She held up her forefinger. Once. Sent an entire army to wipe us out for being different. For being who we are. The men never came back. She smirked. But we ate well that winter. Like kings.
Ricky nodded. All right then.
So its Zubachev I need to negotiate with? Toni asked.
It is. Like most bear, he is difficult. Stubborn. Like most Russians . . . he is difficult. Stubborn. He wont make it easy on you.
So what can I do to make it easier on me?
Gifts always help. But, my little darling, your problem is, Ivan Zubachev and his entire family are rich. Like they-can-own-your-Manhattan rich. There is little you can offer him that he does not have or cannot buy, so youll have to come up with something unique. That only you can give.
Great. Toni sighed.
What does he like? Ricky asked.
Genka shrugged. Hockey. Women. Although, she said, looking at Toni, youre not his type. Too small, like bird.
Hey.
Hair too messy.
I like your hair, Ricky reminded her.
Not helping me.
Ricky loved watching Tonis face when she was forced to down a shot of vodka. It was considered rude in Russia not to drink during a toast. So shed winced and cringed her way through it, but managed well enough. The woman was definitely determined. He liked that about her.
After a hearty lunch and a good-bye filled with hugs and a promise to the wild dogs that theyd get a private audience with Bo Novikov himselfWe havecousins in Mongolia who want to meet him, too. We bring them, Genka had promisedtheyd headed back to their vehicle.
Ricky had just pulled the back passenger door open to let Toni in when Barinovs phone went off. He smirked at the caller ID and answered.
Barinov. After a moment, he walked around the car until he reached Toni. He handed her the phone. Its Ivan Zubachev, maam.
Taking the phone, Toni answered. Yes? Oh. Hello, Mr. Zubachev. Did I? I missed todays appointment? Oh. I am so sorry. I dont know what happened. So much going on, I guess. But dont worry, Ill be there tomorrow. Ready to negotiate away!
Ricky and Vic chuckled at her tone.
Yes. Of course. Tomorrow then.
She disconnected the call. He is pissed.
Russians hate lateness, Vic explained. And not showing up at all . . . considered very rude.
Then he shouldnt play games with me. I deal with that every day with my family, but I love them so I put up with it.
Then tomorrow were on. Vic grinned down at her. You ready for that?
I cant wait. She got into the car and Ricky closed the door and faced Vic.
Here. Vic handed Ricky the keys to the car.
Where are you going?
Ill walk back. Work off the vodka. He pointed to a road that shot off from the main one theyd traveled. Go that direction and itll take you to Lake Baikal. The shifter-only portion. Its open to all breeds and species.
You dont want to come?
Seen it. Eyes like a cats glanced at Toni and back at Ricky. You guys have a nice time. Ill see you back at the hotel.
Ricky snorted. Seriously?
I know how you canines are, Reed. You say its nothing, but its everything. Just suck it up already.
Laughing, the big hybrid walked off, and Ricky didnt bother to argue with him. Instead, he opened Tonis door.
Out, he told her. She immediately stepped out.
Whats wrong?
Nothing. He closed the back door and opened the front passenger side. Since weve got the rest of the day, were going to sightsee.
Blinking, appearing surprised, Toni said, Really?
Dont you want to?
Yeah. She thought a moment, and a bright smile bloomed across her face. Yeah. Id really like that.
Then get in, darlin. Because I have no idea where we are going.
