I glanced away because there was just too much of Daniil in that carnal look he gave Ember. It weirded me out a little. I wasn’t sure I would ever get used to it. And it looked like, out of the corner of my eye, he leaned down, whispering something against her ear that I didn’t catch. Which I was happy for since Ember giggled.
Daniil’s dad broke in, stating gruffly, “I think I need to stay here a bit longer, Daniil.”
I heard Daniil growl a little under his breath, but he said calmly, “You are welcome here as long as you like, Papa.” He leaned on the table. “As long as you understand the rules of my home.”
Daniil told me that he had spoken to his dad. He hadn’t gone into detail about what the discussion was about, but it hadn’t taken a rocket scientist to figure it out. Daniil had laid down the law. And his dad didn’t take it well, but he was behaving for the most part.
At least, in front of Daniil.
Now, when Daniilwasn’taround, I still had to practically hide from the man since he was like a fucking bloodhound, tracking me down…to talk. And talk. And talk. Never-ending discussions about how the proper way things were done. Very—extremely—old and strict ways that he grew up with. They weren’t chats I wanted to have…or, from the way he was eyeing Ember…would put on anyone else.
So, I asked her, “Ember, would you like to help me after work today at my dad’s church. Katie, Mary, and I are putting together a party for a couple celebrating their sixtieth wedding anniversary there this evening. We could use the extra hands.” I knew she got off around noon.
Ember glanced at me in surprise, and I jerked my head slightly at Daniil’s dad. She took the hint fast enough and nodded slowly. “Sure. I think I can do that.”
“I don’t have work. I could help, too,” Artur stated.
Yeah. Mention Katie, and of course, he could. He paid attention to everything I said about her.
“I could help, too,” Roman stated, wiping his mouth off. “Artur and I are both tall. We can help with things you women can’t reach since you’re all so damn short.”
I glanced at Daniil, and he was staring at his coffee cup, but his lips were twitching. Had I missed something?
“Okay,” I stated sluggishly. “Thank you. If you guys could be there around one o’clock, it would be great.”
Artur and Roman nodded.
And then, we all got a surprise.
Zane and Stash entered the dining room. I hadn’t even heard anyone enter the house. But…they weren’t dressed in their usual suits they wore for work. They were dressed in all black cargos and long sleeved t-shirts. And were armed.
The conversation cut off abruptly, and Zane stated quietly, “Ember. Grigori. Can we talk to you in private for a moment?”
Ember and Grigori went motionless, but Ember’s eyes went all freaky. She shook her head, slowly standing up. “No.No, no, no, no, no.”
Stash’s face was calm as he walked toward her. I was so damn confused that I looked to Daniil for a little assistance.What the hell was happening?He shook his head slightly, indicating for me to stay quiet.
Stash took Ember’s arm and gently herded her out of the room while Zane stayed mute. Ember broke Stash’s hold, and her hands started fluttering about…and God…tears flooded down her cheeks, freaking me the hell out.
Had someone died?
“No! You can’t be leaving! No!” Ember practically yelled. “It’s been so long! They can’t do this now!”
“It’s our last one,” Stash stated quietly, trying to calm her, but it wasn’t working. She was so overwrought.
Grigori took three long strides and picked her up like an infant, holding her tightly against his chest. She clung to him and balled against his neck while Zane and Stash watched her worriedly. Grigori ordered gruffly, “Papa’s study. Now.”
And they left to go to Daniil’s study.
I waited a beat and glanced down the table at my parents, who were leaning and ogling the four of them as they walked away since they had the better view. When they relaxed—nothing more to see, I turned to Daniil and asked, “What the hell was that about?”
He cleared his throat, and opened his mouth, but shut it. He looked like he wanted to tell me something, but he didn’t. Very fucking frustrating.
Luckily, Eva didn’t have any such compunction and stated dryly, “You know how Brent and Cole went off to do that damn hero shit, and supposedly died?”
I nodded.
She jerked her head toward the doorway. “Zane and Stash are going to go do it, too. Same affiliation. Same stakes. Different mission. Different time.” Her lips thinned. “Ember’s scared they’ll end up the same way, but really dead.” She didn’t look too happy about it, either.
