Page 47 of Damaged Princess

According to what I could piece together, Ivanov believes Androff defected because of his wife's murder and the family's inability to protect their own.

For being a mobster, Ivanov has a reputation for not being a monster.

Which is good, I guess, since Soren is involved in his organization.

I've always known Vik had some shady acquaintances, but I never realized how closely related he is to organized crime.

Anastasia pops out of the nest and heads straight for us. She grins when she spots me. I've never quite seen her so docile as she stands in front of me blinking. She's got on Wolfe's huge t-shirt and a pair of Vik's socks that go nearly to her knees.

I seriously hope that was a clean pair.

"Good morning," I say, since she still hasn't said anything.

Ana moves slowly, but climbs right into my lap. She nuzzles her face close to my neck. A wide, slow smile crosses my face.

"Morning," she whispers. "I was hoping you would let me snatch some goodies from your room? The nest doesn't smell right without your scent."

My heart pounds like a drum.

"Of course," I agree, holding her tightly to my chest. "Anything you need. Do you want help with it?"

She shakes her head and the wet ends of her hair fall over my forearms.

"Maybe after I set it up a bit," she whispers, blinking up at me from behind her lashes.

"Okay," I agree.

"Thanks," Anastasia says, marking my cheek. "I promise I won't go digging in your crap too much."

"I've got nothing to hide," I assure her. She brushes her lips over the edge of my mouth, making my heart race. She still smells strongly of Wolfe. It instantly tells my instincts that she's pack.

Anastasia is meant to be my omega. Her blueish-gray eyes stare into mine, and it's a battle to let her go.

"You need to eat something," Vik says, breaking the moment.

Anastasia stands and her hand twitches, but she doesn't do whatever she planned to do. Instead she gives him a nod.

"Still don't like eggs?" Vik asks, scratching at his jaw.

"No, that didn't change in the last month," she replies.

"I'll make you something," Vik tells her.

Ana nods and heads off toward my room. Once the door closes, I look at Vik.

"Did you get her mother's ashes?" I ask in barely more than a whisper.

"I did," Vik agrees. "I set it up so while I met with Androff across town, Merrick and Steele popped in to retrieve the few things Anastasia asked for."

Merrick and Steele are two of the guys Wolfe and Viktor used to do contract work with.

"Why didn't you just have them take Androff out?" I ask.

I know that type. Mercs aren't cheap, but most will do anything for a price.

"It's safer this way," Vik muses. "Ivanov takes out his betrayer. Barrett is much more likely to write off the loss, considering he stole Androff from Ivanov to begin with."

I guess I see what he's saying. It's much less likely any issues will arise for us or Anastasia this way.

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