Page 201 of Vexatious Queen

“Well, I guess today is as good a day as any to die,” I said.

Vlad glanced at me in the mirror once more.

“That was not your most comforting speech,” he teased.

The two other SUVs holding my men were right behind us, but I really hoped we didn’t end up in a shootout because of a twitchy finger.

The iron gates at the end of Eddie’s property rose out of the snow like something ancient and unforgiving. Eddie’s estate loomed beyond them, all warm lights and illusion. Little white lights still lined every tree, and I knew that he would’ve left them up for Ren.

She had always loved little twinkly lights, and Christmas was her favorite time of year.

The SUV slowed and then came to a stop. A guard dressed all in black stepped out of the shadows and walked over to the driver’s side window.

“Name?”

“Yulianna Mikhailov,” I said from the back seat.

He touched his ear and relayed the name. He looked at us and the other SUVs, assessing the danger.

“Please wait here a moment,” he said, and walked away. Vlad’s fingers tapped along the top of the steering wheel.

The gate opened slightly, and a man I would recognize anywhere stepped through.

“Stay in the vehicle,” I ordered and climbed out.

Cold air hit me in the face, sharp enough to sting, so I pulled the hood up on my coat.

Marcus. Eddie’s right hand and my old friend moved closer. Recognition replaced doubt, and he went very still.

“Yuli,” he said slowly, like he wasn’t sure the word would hold shape in his mouth. “You really are alive.”

He gave me a little smile and then held his arms open. A tiny bit of the worry I’d been holding inside my chest eased as I stepped into his embrace.

“God, you are a sight for sore eyes. I’d hoped it was true, but to see you in the flesh.” He pulled back, smiling. “The world feels right again.”

“How has Eddie been?”

“You know Eddie. He shares very little, but believing you died…it tore him apart.”

I looked down at the ground.

“I know. I never wanted to hurt him or Ren.”

Snow fell more heavily, blanketing the space between us. For a moment, neither of us moved.

“Yuli, I’m not sure this is the best time. There are…guests,” Marcus said finally.

“I know exactly who’s here,” I replied. “It’s why I’ve come.”

His jaw tightened.

“You can’t start a war inside the house.”

“I only intend to finish one,” I said.

“You know what I mean. I think it will be best if you leave and come back tomorrow,” Marcus said, though there was no conviction in it.

“I’m not asking permission, Marcus.” My voice stayed calm, but there was steel threaded through every word. “Open the gate, it’s time that I came home.”