Reluctantly, Jack allowed one of the male healers to take Zoe from his arms.
“Go with her,” Jack said to Nan.
Nan nodded and followed them into the house.
Lana translated, “She asks what is your wish? Because you have claimed us, we are under no obligation to heal the Russian injuries. She prefers to let them die.”
“Zoe was the first to fire,” Jack said, giving them both a scathing look. “I won’t subject her to global court.”
More cars pulled up the long driveway. Jack summoned a small fire-vortex as a warning and willed his arm not to shake. The last fight had left him exhausted. He hoped the few standing wouldn’t call his bluff.
A warrior threw a cell phone at Jack. “It's Lord Uragan for you.”
“What are your terms, Fialko?” Gregor spit out his name like an insult.
Jack ignored the tone. “Agree to speak with me, alone, and I'll let my new healers work on your men.”
“Done.”
“Not so fast. I need a temporary truce until we reach an agreement.” A line of over twenty cars lined the driveway and more were arriving, parking along the road.
Gregor muttered an acceptance of the terms and hung up.
Jack motioned to the healer leader with a wave of the hand. The injured were dragged and carried through the front door. The crisis was put on hold, and Jack raced into the main house to find Zoe. She was sitting up on a small couch in the living room, sipping tea.
“Are you okay?” He wiped the sweat dripping off his brow, sat down, and held her until his racing heart stilled.
“I’m fine.” With two palms to his chest, she pushed him away and spoke with a chill in her voice. “What’s going on out there?”
What had he done wrong now?
“Your family is healing the injured. When they’re finished I’ll negotiate a treaty.”
“Another one of those warrior clan things, I suppose.” Her eyes refused to meet his and her frigid tone sent chills down his spine.
“You’re going to have to learn some of these rules. You're lucky I'm not taking you to Berlin for a hearing of the global court.” He cringed at the harsh words. He'd meant to say something reassuring and sweet. Something to make the stars shine in her eyes.
“No more lectures.” She lay down on the couch and turned her back to him.
It came to him like a slap across the face. She’d told him she loved him, but like a fool he had hesitated.
“Zoe, the lights went out before I could explain how I feel.” Jack went to his knees beside the couch.
“It’s easy enough.” She turned with her big sad eyes just inches from his. Tears pooled down the sides of her face and her voice cracked. “I say I love you, then you say, I love you, too. Unless you don’t.”
“But I do, angel.” Jack cupped her cheeks in his hands. “That's what I've been trying to say. Love doesn't even begin to cover how I feel and that’s why I hesitated. I’ve loved you since the moment I first saw you in Olivia’s shop. I just didn’t want to admit it.”
Her eyes went wide, softened, and her gaze fell to his lips. “Really?”
“I love you, Zoe.” He brushed his lips against her. “I can’t live another day without you. You’re everything in the world to me.”
A fresh surge of tears welled in her eyes. “I love you too.”
Her fingers dug into his hair and she devoured his mouth. The addictive taste of her infused his senses. She was safe and so was their child.
Everything was going to be all right.
“Russian whore.”
