Page 122 of Blood & Snow
I don’t have a choice but to answer.
"I have to go," I say, not checking the display.
"No." Irina's grip tightens.
"Not anymore. Whatever job you think you have, it ends tonight."
The phone continues buzzing.
If I don't answer, Xander will send someone to collect me.
The thought of his men knocking on our door, of Anya and Mikhail waking to find strangers in our apartment, makes the decision for me.
I will not ever put them directly in harm's way, which means I have to answer.
"I have to work," I say, pulling away from her touch.
"Then don't come back."
Her words feel like a slap to the face.
I turn to face her, seeing tears in her eyes that mirror my own.
"What? You don't mean that."
I search her expression as the phone continues to buzz.
"I do."
Her voice breaks, but her resolve doesn't waver.
"I won't let you destroy this family. If you walk out that door tonight, if you choose them over us one more time, then you're choosing to lose us forever. I won't let you put my children in danger, and whatever you're doing doesn't feel safe."
The phone stops buzzing, then immediately starts again.
Xander doesn't accept delays, doesn't understand the concept of competing loyalties.
"Irina, please?—"
"Choose."
I look around the apartment that has been home since our mother died.
Anya's drawings cover the refrigerator, Mikhail's toy soldiers march across the coffee table.
The tree Xander sent dominates the living room.
Two worlds colliding, both demanding everything I have to give.
I answer the phone but I keep my eyes on her face as it transforms into shock and then pain, and her tears stream down her cheeks.
"Da?"
"I need you." His voice is rough and he sounds winded. “Now."
"Where?" I ask, holding Irina's gaze.
"I'll send coordinates."
