Page 34 of Her Courage

"She was wrong, baby girl." I cupped her face, my thumbs brushing away the tears that finally spilled over. "So fucking wrong. We have her on recording. Your phone stayed connected the whole time."

A sob tore from Lottie's throat as she launched herself into my arms. I caught her, holding her tight against my chest as her body shook with the force of her tears.

"I thought—I was so scared—for you—" Her words came out broken, muffled against my shirt.

"Never," I murmured into her hair. "She can't touch us, baby girl. Any of us. But especially not you."

Andrei knelt beside us, his hand on Lottie's back. His face was a mask of barely controlled rage, but his touch was gentle. Reverent.

"She threatened to kill you, kroshka," he said quietly, barely concealed rage making his tone harsh. "Said she's made people disappear before."

Lottie pulled back just enough to meet his eyes. "I know. But I didn't care about that. I only cared about protecting you. All of you."

Something in my chest cracked wide open. This woman—our woman—had faced down my mother's threats without calling for help. Had been willing to sacrifice herself for us.

"That's not how this works," I said firmly, tilting her chin up. "We protect you. Always. You don't put yourself in danger for us."

"But—"

"No buts." Andrei's voice was steel. "We deal with threats together. As a family."

The black Audi pulled up to the curb, Oscar already climbing out. His face was thunderous as he took in Lottie's tear-stained cheeks.

"Who do I need to hurt, Ms. Lottie?"

Despite everything, a watery laugh escaped her. "Kaleb's mom."

Oscar's expression turned murderous. "Say the word, boss. I know people."

"Get in line," Andrei growled, helping Lottie to her feet. His arm wrapped around her waist, supporting her weight as her legs threatened to give out.

I climbed in after her, pulling her onto my lap as Andrei settled beside us. She curled into me, still trembling.

"Take us home," I told Oscar. Not the office. Home. Where we could regroup. Where Lottie would be safe.

As we pulled away from the curb, my phone buzzed. Marshall.

Marshall: Got the recording. This is more than enough. The sheriff is bringing her in for questioning. Will keep you posted.

I showed the screen to Andrei, who nodded grimly.

"It's over, baby girl," I whispered against Lottie's hair. "My mother can't hurt any of us now."

She lifted her head, her stormy eyes meeting mine. "Promise?"

"I promise." I pressed my forehead to hers. "No more threats. No more fear. Just us."

Andrei's hand covered both of ours where they rested on Lottie's lap. "Volkovs stick together," he said quietly. "And you're a Volkov now, kroshka. My grandfather and Babushka would agree. Knowing how much Viktor likes you, we could bring the entire west coast Bratva to her doorstep."

A smile finally broke through Lottie's tears. Small, fragile, but real.

"Wulfs stick together too," I added, my voice rough. "And Colliers. We're a family. My mother doesn't get to destroy that."

Lottie's hand came up to cup my cheek. "I love you. All of you. So much it terrifies me."

"Then we'll be terrified together," I murmured, kissing her softly. "For the rest of our lives.”

Chapter Twenty-Two