Page 74 of Vengeful Embers

“Great. So I’m not just a walking incubator—I’m a genetically modified tomato that got tattooed long before I could walk, let alone drink alcohol or smoke.”

Konstantin actually chokes on a laugh, but catches himself. “You’re not a lab rat or a tomato. But we don’t have time to unpack this here. You need to come with me. Now.”

Sam nods. “Clyde’s going too. You’ll be okay.”

My voice comes out flat. “Sure. Just your average Tuesday—mad Russian dragon lords, hitmen, and a secret Russian genetics project. Let’s go.”

They take me to another cabin—this one older, deeper in the hills. Creepy as hell. My skin crawls as we pull up.

“I’ve seen this movie,” I mutter. “It ends with me screaming and running barefoot through the woods. With an axe murderer chasing me, and his face is covered with a distorted mask.”

Clyde stays in the car. Konstantin leans over me to open the door and places a hand on my back. I yank away.

“Touch me again and I’ll bite you.”

He raises both hands. “Fair.”

He opens the door. I step in—and freeze.

“Hello, Tara. It’s good to finally see you again.”

20

TARA

Damien… no it’s Ruslan.

My body reacts before my brain catches up. Rage. Hurt. Lust. Everything flares to life at once, and it’s almost too much.

I whirl. “Nope. I was hoping for a little old grandmother in a bed, or even some porridge on the table. But I don’t feel like facing the big bad fucking wolf today.”

Konstantin blocks the door. “Please. Just listen.”

“You don’t want me to lose control,” I warn. “You think I’m scary angry now? Try adding pregnancy hormones. You’ve read my genetic profile—explosive temper escalating quickly to rage and strength. I become the fucking She Hulk.”

“I won’t bite, I promise,” Ruslan says. “Konstantin, you can leave us.”

“No, but I might!” I turn and fold my arms across my chest as his eyes travel over me like he’s caressing me. Fuck.

Konstantin hesitates. I glare at him. “You leave me here, and I swear, I will haunt you.”

“I’m sorry, Tara,” he says softly. “This is between you and him.”

“You traitor.”

He closes the door behind him. I stand in the silence, heart pounding.

“Come in, Tara, and please sit.” Ruslan gestures to the sofa.

“No, I’m good standing, over here by the door,” I respond.

He watches me, eyes dark, intense. “You look... beautiful.”

“Don’t.”

“Fine.” He nods. “Let’s talk.”

“No, let’s not. Let’s pretend you talked, but don’t really. You go your way. I’ll go mine.”

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