Page 65 of Dimitri

“You are certain?”

I narrowed my eyes. “Is there a reason you do not wish for me to return to Italy? I am sure I will be fine with going. I can talk to Caspian through our bond, and it has worked out well so far.”

Dedushka stared at me a moment before nodding. “I only wish to be sure.” Dedushka glanced over my left shoulder before his eyes returned to me. “I do not wish for you to become injured. It has not been announced yet. One of Vincent’s vampires was killed by Riccardo before he could be bound. Sebastian will be sore for a few days most likely, as will Lukan.”

I looked at Dedushka with concern. “If it is going to be an issue for the council, I do not need to go. But it is my job to go on assignments. I hope you remember that.” By council, I meant him specifically. I knew he would never forbid me from going, as it would cause issues within the council. I understood his position though. He was all about family, and he never wished for any to be put into a position of danger.

Dedushka sighed. “I do. I also know that your mate is pregnant. Marco is more ruthless than his cousin, and I am only trying to ensure your safety.”

I thought about it a moment before shaking my head. “I will go,” I told him. “It is my job to do so. I will not back downbecause there might be a fight. I could not live with the fact that I used my position of being your grandson as a way to get out of an assignment and another of my fellow enforcers was hurt in my place. That is not how I was raised. That is not the family values you have instilled in us.”

Dedushka smiled. It looked as if he didn’t wish to, and was fighting it. He did anyway. He took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and began to nod.

“You are right. It was wrong of me to even contemplate suggesting it. I am thinking of a worried grandparent, and not as the person in my position. I overstepped and let my fear think rather than the rational side.”

I moved in and gave Dedushka a hug. “I understand. I am not upset, but I cannot stay behind. I will be extra careful though,” I told him quietly. When I stepped back, Dedushka nodded at me. “I must go see what my team needs from me. We will be leaving soon.” I would need to spend as much time with Caspian as I could. He would need to know what had happened, if he didn’t already. Dedushka said that Sebastian would be sore for a few days. Did that mean he was wounded severely? How would my mate take that news? Sebastian was his baby brother.

I decided to reach out to Caspian while on my way back to the office I shared with the rest of my team.

“Caspian?”

“Hmm? What do you think you would like for supper? Steak? Chicken? Lamb?”

I was incredibly thankful he was feeling better. In all ways. My dragon was happy to be able to eat meat around our mate once more.

“My love, I will eat whatever it is you feel up to having. I needed to know how you were doing. Have you heard any news from your parents?”

“News? About what?”

Caspian had not been informed.“I do not know as of yet. I heard that half of the duo we are looking for has been captured.”

“That’s wonderful. But why would I have heard about that?”

I took a deep breath.“I heard that your brother was slightly injured during the situation.”

“Oh, that. Yes. Sebastian had a rather large and powerful ball of magic thrown at him. He’ll be fine in a few days. He saw it coming and was able to block most of it. He was thrown backwards though, and I think the landing hurt more than the impact.”

I stopped in the middle of the hallway. There was nobody around, and I took a moment to digest what my mate had told me.

“You act as if this isn’t an issue.”

“When warlocks are first learning to master their powers, part of our training is to understand what we can do if we are ever up against another warlock. Sebastian and I grew up throwing balls of magic at each other. We didn’t do it to try and kill one another though.”

This was…not expected.“You are sure you are not upset about this?”

“I don’t wish my brother any harm. But he is fine. His ass hurts, as does his hip from what I’ve heard. Drew is fussing over him, and Papa looked in on the two of them. He took Flora for a bit so they could spend time together without having to worry about the baby.”

I bit my lower lip to keep from snorting and my mate could hear it through our bond. I had no doubt what Sebastian and Drew would be doing. I couldn’t say I blamed them. I would need to reconnect with Caspian if anything of that nature ever happened to me or him.

I pushed away from the wall and continued on to the office.“I am glad you are not more upset about your brother.”

“I cannot let my emotions run away. I of course am happy he wasn’t seriously injured. If I dwell on it, I will only worry about you. Especially since you are about to return to Italy.”

I felt the worry sneak in through our bond. I felt for my mate. There wasn’t a whole lot I could do at the moment.“I will be home early,”I told him.

“Sounds wonderful. I will see you then.”

I stopped just outside the office and tried to tell myself it would be all right.“I love you, Caspian. We will talk this evening.”

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