Bjorn’s unexpected call

Ivan sat in silence, his mind a storm of thoughts, when his phone buzzed. He glanced down, the screen flashing with Bjorn’s name. Instantly, a jolt of tension hit him—Bjorn rarely called him, and when he did, trouble was usually close behind. Ivan’s pulse quickened as he picked up.

“Uncle!” Bjorn’s voice came through, sharp and angry. “Can you come get me? Take me with you—now!”

Ivan’s heart skipped, dread settling in. “Where are you?”

“In Suegra State, Europe,” Bjorn replied, his tone tense. Ivan could hear the frustration, but beneath it, there was fear—a rare emotion for his bold, hot-headed nephew.

Ivan’s eyes narrowed. “You just got there, Bjorn. Why are you trying to come back?”

A pause, and then Bjorn’s voice lowered, laced with panic. “Because Dad wants to beat me to death! I’m locked in my room right now.”

Ivan’s fist clenched, a familiar anger bubbling up. “Why would Gabriel want to beat you? How many times have I told him to get a grip on his damned temper?”

“Well, see, I o