Page 34 of Dark Obsession

Lev is the first to speak, his voice firm and unwavering. "Back inside, Elena."

“Not a chance,” I shoot back, stepping forward with my chin raised. “I’m in the middle of this, and I’m going to be a part of solving it.”

My brothers exchange glances, frustrated but resigned. Alexei, of course, is smirking like he’s enjoying the show. He always finds a way to be amused, even in the middle of a crisis.

I approach the group, my boots sinking slightly into the wet ground as the rain continues to pour down. Among the officers, I recognize Detective Barnes—middle-aged, graying at the temples, and one of the cops we’ve kept on the payroll for years.

“Barnes. What’s the status?”

He looks at me with a sigh, his eyes tired. “Both of your bodyguards are dead, Miss Ivanova. CPD is combing Shaw Park right now. You’re lucky as hell that you got out of there alive. This Sanchez guy? He’s as ruthless as they come.”

I hold his gaze, refusing to let the fear creep back in. “He didn’t want me dead,” I say confidently. “He wanted me as leverage. A bargaining chip.”

Barnes frowns. “That tracks. He’s not the type to kill a valuable asset outright. You’re worth more alive than dead in this game.”

I glance around the group. “Has anyone heard from Grigori?”

Headshakes all around.

My stomach tightens, and I open my mouth to ask another question, to push for answers. But before the words can leave my lips, a wave of dizziness hits me. The world tilts, and I reach out,grabbing at anything to steady myself.

“Whoa,” Alexei is at my side in an instant, his arm wrapping around my waist to keep me upright.

Barnes steps forward, his expression softening. “Look, I’m no medical expert, but I’ve been around enough traumatized people to know what’s going on here. You’ve had a hell of a day, Miss Ivanova. I appreciate the spirit, but you need to rest.”

I want to snap at him; to tell him I don’t need rest. What I need is answers. But the truth is, my head is spinning, my body betraying me. The adrenaline from the park is fading, and the reality of what I’ve just survived is crashing down on me all at once.

Before I can argue, Lev is there, too, his hand firm on my shoulder. “He’s right. We’ll keep you in the loop. I promise.”

I look at him, torn between wanting to stay involved and knowing I’m about two seconds from passing out. “Fine,” I mutter, begrudgingly giving in. “Just don’t leave me out of this. I mean it.”

“We won’t,” Lev assures me.

Alexei guides me back inside, his arm still steady around my waist.

As soon as I get my bearings, I pull away from him.

“I can walk myself. I’m not an invalid.”

He grins. “No, but you are someone who has a hard time accepting help. And I noticed you’re limping a bit.”

I roll my eyes, refraining from arguing as we head to a nearby bathroom. But he’s not wrong; I landed awkwardly when Ijumped over that wall and my ankles are throbbing. Once inside, he gestures for me to sit on the edge of the tub while he rummages through a med kit he grabbed from the cabinet.

“You even notice these?” He lifts my hands, showing me the scratches along my arms. They’re covered in bruises, cuts, and scrapes I must’ve gotten while running through the trees. One of the cuts is fairly deep and could probably use a stitch or two.

I glance down, surprised. “Guess not.” The adrenaline must’ve kept me from feeling any of it.

He shakes his head with a chuckle as he opens the kit and gets to work. The sting of the antiseptic is nothing compared to the rush of fear and adrenaline I’ve just been through. I watch as he carefully cleans and bandages the scratches, his usual sarcastic demeanor replaced with something a little more gentle.

After a moment, Alexei looks up at me, his expression serious. “Can I ask you something?”

I nod. “Shoot.”

“Are you scared?” He pauses for a beat, gauging my reaction. “I know our family has been programmed to never admit when we’re scared, like it’s a sin or something, but it’s okay if you are.”

I give him a wry smile. “No.”

He laughs softly. “Figures.”

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