“Alive,” I assured her. “He was alive when we left.”
She nodded, seeming satisfied with this. “Then that’s what we tell Interpol. The truth.”
“A version of it,” Mikhail amended. “Simplified.”
“No,” Ella said firmly. “The truth. I’m done with lies and half-truths. They’ve cost us too muchalready.”
I felt a surge of pride at her resolve, at the steel that had always been there beneath her gentle exterior.
“There’s something else we need to discuss,” Mikhail said after a moment. “Arrangements for Nora.”
And there it was—the conversation we’d been circling since the rescue. I moved to Ella’s side, a silent show of support as she straightened her shoulders.
“She stays with me,” she said, no room for negotiation in her tone. “That’s non-negotiable.”
“Of course,” Mikhail agreed readily. “But I want to be part of her life, Ella. I’ve lost eight years already.”
“And whose fault is that?” she asked, though without real heat. “You chose to let us believe you were dead.”
“To protect you,” he countered. “Both of you.”
“I understand why you did it,” Ella conceded. “But that doesn’t change the fact that Nora has grown up without a father. She barely knows you.”
“Which is why I need time with her,” he pressed. “To build a relationship.”
I remained silent, though every protective instinct in me wanted to intervene. This wasn’t my decision to make. It was Ella’s—and ultimately,Nora’s.
“What exactly are you proposing?” Ella asked, finally.
Mikhail set down his coffee cup. “I’m staying in Canada. I’ve already arranged for a house in Toronto. I want Nora to visit regularly. Weekends, perhaps. Holidays.”
“That’s going to be a little difficult because Nora and I are staying at Wolfcreek.”
Chapter 29
Ella
Mikhail looked stunned. “Wolfcreek? But after everything that’s happened—”
“It’s our home,” I said, my tone brooked no argument. “Nora’s home. Her school is there, her friends. I’m not uprooting her again.”
“And what about safety?” Mikhail challenged. “My father may be dead, but his organization is vast. There could still be people loyal to him.”
“Then we’ll take precautions,” I insisted. “Whatever’s necessary. But I won’t live in fear anymore, and I won’t teach Nora to either.”
Jake’s hand found mine under the counter, a silent show of support that gave me strength.
“Besides,” I continued, “we have help.” I glanced at Jake, who nodded slightly. “Jake’s right next door, and Kane, Kori, Lana, and perhaps Caleb are nearby. We’re not alone.”
Mikhail’s gaze shifted to Jake, somethingunreadable passing across his face. “I see,” he said finally. “And what exactly is your role in all this, Brennen?”
The question hung in the air, loaded with implications. Jake didn’t flinch.
“Whatever Ella and Nora need me to be,” he answered.
Mikhail studied him for a long moment, then turned back to me. “And what do you need him to be, Ella?”
I felt heat rise to my cheeks at the directness of the question. “That’s between Jake and me,” I said, my voice steady despite my racing heart. “And whatever it is will be something you will have to accept.”
