Page 33 of Dark Prince

The room falls silent, save for the crackling of the fire and the beats of raindrops on the windows, as we both grapple with the weight of the situation. “I just want you safe, and I can’t stress that enough,” I add more quietly now, hoping she can hear the sincerity in my words, the depth of my fear for her well-being.

Maura's expression softens, a silent acknowledgment of my concern over the impossible situation we’re in. “I know. I know you're scared. I am, too,” she admits, a truce of sorts.

I linger by her side, every instinct screaming at me to stay. I just want to wrap her in my arms and shield her from the world's cruelty, to allow someone else to handle this and prevent us from being apart. But with a heavy heart, I know what I must do.

“I have to take care of something,” I tell her. Maura looks up at me, her eyes holding a world of understanding. She nods, a silent gesture of support that fuels the fire within me.

“I’m going to summon the Bratva,” I declare. The words are a vow of war against those responsible for disrupting our peace and threatening my wife’s life. “We're going to hold an emergency meeting, and I'm going to find out who's behind this. Whoever it is will be extinguished.”

The promise hangs heavy in the room. I lean down, pressing a kiss to her forehead, displaying tenderness for a moment and proving my sincere feelings for her.

“I'll be back soon,” I say, giving once last whispered promise. Then I turn and stride out of the library, my resolve tenfold as I’m hit with the realization of just how deep my feelings are for her.

We meet in the grand conference room, a space where strategies are established and where the might of the Bratva is rallied against our unseen enemies. The conference room is a testament to old-world Russian elegance—dark hardwoods and ornately carved moldings line the walls, which are filled with framed portraits of Bratva royalty. A large, imposing table sits in the center. The windows offer a sweeping view of the vast property that stretches toward the surrounding forest, which provides additional security courtesy of nature.

I pour myself a drink. The amber liquid is a temporary distraction as I wait for the others to arrive, but my thoughts invariably drift back to Maura and the secret that she's holding so close. I trust her to reveal it in her own time; pressuring her isn't my style.

Soon the room fills with the heart of the Bratva—Lev, Yuri, Elena, Grigori, and a cadre of trusted lieutenants, about ten in total. They file in, each wearing an expression of stoicism and readiness, prepared for whatever directives I have to give.

Once everyone's settled, I stand, my gaze sweeping over those gathered. “The gloves are off,” I begin, my voice firm, resonant.

The room falls completely silent, the gravity of my words sinking in. This isn't just another skirmish, another dispute to be discussed and settled. This is a battle for my wife's safety and peace in our lives. And in this fight, I will not hold back or show any mercy.

“Prepare for war,” I declare, letting the full weight of my command settle over the room. “We will find out who's behind these attacks on Maura, and we will make them pay.”

For Maura, for the peace she deserves, I'll wage this war with every ounce of strength I possess. The Bratva stands united, and under my command, we'll face down any threat. This is our vow, our unbreakable promise of retribution.

Chapter 19

Maura

It’s too quiet in our room as I lie on the bed. Luk's side is empty, and I feel like he's been gone forever. I've been trying to write in my journal, but the notebook just sits there, staring back at me. I keep moving the pen around on the page, but no words issue forth. It's like my brain is too full of everything that has happened, and I’m unable to formulate any other thoughts.

We've only been married a little over two months, yet in that short time, I feel like we’re the main characters in some crazy action movie. Finding out about my pregnancy should feel amazing, but with the threat of danger surrounding us, I can’t help but feel scared. Really scared. I’m constantly wondering how Luk is going to react to the news. The timing of this baby couldn’t be worse. Our enemies are lining up just as we’re about to bring a new life into the world.

But regardless of how frightened I am, I can't sit around and do nothing. It's time to face things head-on. Sharon is at the center of many of my questions, and I am determined to pry the answers out of her.

I put the journal away. I've got to be smart and cautious. I have to dig into my family's secrets without causing a confrontation and without Sharon knowing.

I feel the clock ticking, and it’s driving me crazy, like time is counting down to something big. I've got to make a move, and fast. I'm not going to let anyone threaten our little family. I get out of bed, feeling more determined than ever. I'm ready to take on whatever it is that's hiding in the dark for our sake and our baby's. It's time to find out the truth, no matter what.

The garden is alive with color, each flower basking in the morning sun. Lily is knee-deep in dirt and petals, looking every bit the garden goddess she is. Watching her work is like a hit of calm, something I am in desperate need of.

“Lily,” I blurt out, my heart racing with the news I'd been carrying around. “I'm pregnant.”

She freezes, hands in midair, dirt crumbling from her fingers, then whips around with a smile so big it nearly splits her face. “Oh, Maura! That's amazing! Perhaps it’s not the best timing with all of this craziness, but still, amazing.”

“Right?” I say, laughing, but it sounds more like a sigh. “I haven't even told Luk yet. How does one drop a bomb like this amongst all this mess?”

Lily stands and wipes her hands on her apron before coming over, her eyes shining with something fierce and protective. “Maura, that man cares deeply for you. This baby's going to be a beacon for you both. But yes, we need to make sure that everyone stays safe.”

Her words are meant to lift me, and they do, but they also create a commotion inside me. I’m torn, standing on the edge of a cliff with my family's secrets on one side and my new, growing family on the other.

“I get that and thank you. It's just...” I trail off, my worries too big and tangled to put into words.

Lily steps closer, her warmth cutting through the morning chill. “Hey, whatever you need, I'm here. This place,” she gestures around us, “is your fortress. And that little one?” She smiles gently as she points to my belly, “is going to be the most loved kid ever.”

She wraps me in a hug, providing me with momentary comfort and a promise of support. But still, a battle wages within, hope and fear duking it out.

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