Page 132 of Mountain Daddy

Chleo considers this, head tilted. “Sometimes messy is okay,” he decides. “But not for dinosaurs.”

I can't help but smile. The logic of children. Simple. Clean. Black and white in a world of grays.

That's when I hear it. Another car. Not slowing. Coming fast up the gravel drive.

Every muscle in my body tenses. I'm on my feet before I realize I've moved.

“Nikolai?” Lilly calls, sensing the change.

I don't answer. Move to the window. Scan the approaching vehicle.

Red Jeep. Familiar.

Ivan.

Rage floods my system like gasoline on embers. Ignites. Burns.

“Stay inside,” I order, already moving toward the door.

“Who is it?” Lilly asks, coming out of the kitchen.

“Your cousin,” I growl.

I'm out the door before she can respond. Down the porch steps. Across the yard toward the Jeep now pulling to a stop.

Ivan climbs out. Sees me coming. His face hardens, but he doesn't back down. Stands his ground.

“Vetrov,” he greets me, voice carefully neutral.

“You've got nerve,” I say, stopping a few feet away. Close enough to strike if needed. “Showing up here after telling me to leave town.”

“I came to talk,” he says. “Just talk.”

“Nothing to talk about.” My hands curl into fists at my sides. “You made your position clear.”

“Things have changed.”

“Have they?” I step closer. “Or are you just here to threaten me again? To tell me I'm putting them in danger?”

His jaw tightens. “I was trying to protect them. Lilly and Chleo. My family.”

“They're my family,” I say, voice dropping dangerously low.

“Uncle Ivan!”

The voice stops me cold. I turn to see Chleo racing across the yard.

Within seconds, he's already at Ivan's side, arms wrapping around the man's legs in a familiar hug. One he's given many times before.

Uncle.

The realization hits like a slap. Ivan isn't just Lilly's cousin passing through. He's been part of Chleo's life. Part of their family.

“Hey, little man,” Ivan says, ruffling Chleo's hair with easy affection. “You being good?”

“The best,” Chleo announces proudly. “Dad took me fishing!”

Ivan's eyes flick to me. Something passes between us. Understanding, maybe.

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