Page 57 of Tracking Shadows

We step out of the bedroom, the air outside is cooler compared to the steam we just left behind. Irina walks beside me, still quiet, her hand brushing against mine. The silencebetween us is comfortable, but I can feel the weight of what’s waiting on the other side of this moment—everything we have to face once we leave the safe house.

Katya is slouched on the couch, and her eyes flick up to us as we enter the room. She immediately scrunches her nose and lets out an exaggerated sigh.

"I hate lovers," she mutters, her lips twisting into a mock scowl. “You both stink of sentiment.”

I let out a dry chuckle, shaking my head. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you.”

Before Katya can throw a snarky comeback, my phone buzzes in my pocket.

Dmitri.

I swipe the screen and bring it to my ear. “We’re ready,” I say.

“The jet will be there in minutes,” Dmitri says. “Get everyone on board.”

“We’ll be waiting,” I reply, hanging up and slipping the phone back into my pocket.

Katya’s watching us, already knowing what’s coming next. “I’m not going,” she says flatly before either of us can say anything.

“Your cover’s probably already blown,” I say, crossing my arms. “You can’t stay here. Sergei’s men will be coming for you next.”

Katya waves a dismissive hand, leaning back into the couch. “I’ll handle it. I’m not leaving this city just because things got a little messy. I’m fine.”

Irina steps forward. “Katya, please. You know this isn’t something you can handle alone. Sergei’s men will be looking for blood, and they won’t stop until they find it. This place is not safe.”

Katya’s eyes narrow, and for a moment, I can see the defiance in her—her refusal to be pushed around, her need to stay in control. But Irina keeps her gaze steady, waiting her out.

“Look, I get it,” Irina says gently. “You don’t want to run. You don’t want to feel like you’re giving up ground. But this isn’t the time to stand alone. We need you with us.”

Katya’s silent for a moment, her eyes shift between me and Irina.

Finally, she exhales sharply, standing up and crossing her arms. “Fine. But I’m not going to enjoy it.”

I smirk, shaking my head. “No one’s asking you to.”

Irina gives her a small smile, the tension in her shoulders easing a bit. “Let’s just get out of here alive. Then you can hate us all you want.”

Katya rolls her eyes but grabs her jacket, her usual sharpness returning. “You better make sure there’s good vodka on that plane.”

***

As the plane touches down, I feel the tension start to unwind from my chest. It’s been a hell of a ride, but we’re finally back. Through the small window, I can see Dmitri standing outside, flanked by some of his men. Next to him, Valentina stands with her hands resting on her heavily pregnant belly. She’s glowing, even more beautiful than I remember, and the sight of her brings a smile to my face.

The hatch opens, and the men move quickly, dragging Sergei’s bound body off the plane, with Ivan not far behind. I can’t help but glance at Irina, who’s watching Ivan’s limp form with hope and heartache. She hasn’t left his side since we took off.

I make my way down the steps, heading straight for Dmitri and Valentina. As I approach, I plaster on my usual grin. “Ah, Dmitri! Good to see you standing there with that scowl of yours.”

Dmitri’s lips twitch, the faintest hint of a smile breaking through his stern expression. “It’s good to have you back, Alexei,” he says

I turn to Valentina, my smile widening. “Val! You look more radiant than ever.” I step forward, wrapping her in a gentle hug before pulling back to rub her belly. “And you,” I say, speaking directly to her stomach, “I’ve got big plans for you when you arrive, little one. We’re going to have a lot of fun.”

Valentina laughs, a soft, warm sound. “Always the charmer, Alexei.”

I give her a wink before waving Irina and Katya over. “Come on, ladies, there are some people you need to meet.”

Irina walks up beside me, her expression a little guarded but steady. I place a hand on her back, guiding her forward. “Dmitri, this is Irina.”

Before I can even turn to introduce Katya, Dmitri’s eyes flick past me, landing on her. His face changes, something between shock and disbelief. “Katya.”

---