The Wild, Wild Anybody's Guess: Aloha!

by Jayha Leigh

  Chapter Thirty

  Ianikut lay beside his angel and watched her sleep. Caressing her with gentle touches, he laid his hand protectively over her stomach. Leaning down, he kissed the top of her forehead and rearranged her blanket before leaving their bed. Retrieving his clothes he quickly dressed and left the room. Stopping outside of the door, he smiled noting Jack, a few berserkers and a few shifters standing guard in the hallway. Before he had a chance to say anything, Jack spoke.

  “We got it. Go do what you have to do.”

  Smiling, he walked downstairs to find his father. Zhenechka met him en route and dragged him to the kitchen. It was obvious that Silana had been in one of her baking moods because the kitchen was full of baked goods…and males enjoyed those goods.

  “Where’s father?”

  “Still getting told off by mother. He’ll be along in a bit. She’s bound to run out of insults to sling at him.”

  “In what lifetime? It takes a lot to move her to anger but once you do, so not pretty.”

  “I’m going to find him because I’m ready to end this and return home.”

  Ianikut stood still and listened for his father. Locating him, he walked to the library and knocked firmly and waited for him to bid him to enter. Vampires were a frisky lot and he didn’t need the trauma of seeing his parents in an intimate position.

  “Come, Ianikut Maksim.”

  “King, judge me so that I may take my family and leave.”

  “We are not being formal now, son. You don’t need to address me as King. Papa will do.”

  “And will you call my zhena, daughter?”

  His father didn’t speak but his silence was answer enough.

  “Until such time as you can, I will call you King. Judge me now please.”

  “When are you leaving?”

  “I’ve already called for the limos and alerted my pilot. I’m waiting for your judgment.”

  “You are my son. Nothing will change that. I don’t like that woman and I don’t know if anything will change that, but I admire the way that you fight for her. And I also admire the way that she’s willing to fight for you. You’ve changed. I want to blame it on America, but I know that you’re not easily influenced. I also know that you’re too powerful to kneel at another vampire’s feet ‑‑ even if I am that vampire. It’s unprecedented for a vampire to amass such power so quickly. Go back to your America and rule as leader of that continent as practice for the day that you will rule as King over all vampires.”

  “I have no wish to rule over all vampires. I simply want to be left in peace.”

  “I will leave you in peace, but today you have created a legend not just in vampire lore but in paranormal lore. If you want peace, you have to be willing to fight for it. This morning you just became the most dangerous vampire in history and you will remain so if you continue to keep good company.”

  “I will not return here. There are too many variables that I cannot control.”

  “Then I will come to you, son.”

  “You will not upset my zhena, or I will end you.”

  “I expect no less but I will mind my manners. You mind what I said about power, son. Secure your empire and you secure your woman. If even one man thinks that he can hurt your woman, she will be in constant danger. Remain just, but when necessary do not hesitate in your retribution.”

  It startled him to hear his father talk to him thusly but he did not show surprise. He remained calm, bowed and took his leave.

  I look forward to the day that I can again address you as father.

  And I look forward to the day that I have earned that honor.

  Ianikut quickly returned to his woman. Even brief separations caused him anxiety and it was even worse now that he knew that she carried his child. He was going to be a papa. His heart damn near beat out of his chest with that revelation. Bowing his head, he thanked God for this blessing then prayed for the safety of his woman and his child before settling down to watch her wake.

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Aloha woke slowly. For a moment she didn’t know where she was but upon feeling the familiar comfort of her husband beside her, she smiled and snuggled into him being careful not to pull his hair too hard. She loved that man’s hair, but not as much as she did the man. Sighing, she replayed the events of this morning. Ianikut had honored her in so many ways. The realization of what he had surrendered for her humbled her. Though he’d told her the possible consequences, the scene in that great room had brought it home for her. This man loved her. Regardless of how long she lived or how senile she became, she would never forget his impassioned speech about seeing her. Tears filled her eyes and though she didn’t make a sound, she knew Ianikut knew she cried for he held her tighter.

  “I love you, angel. Ya tebyA lyublyU, angel moya.”

  “I know, Ianikut. I really, really know now. I love you,” she cried.

  “Why do you cry?” He asked as he kissed the top of her head.

  Turning over, she looked him in the eye as she answered. “Because I’ve never been so honored and after this morning, I know without a doubt that I have never been so loved. Ianikut, you looked your father in the eye and gave it all up for me.”

  “I told you, Aloha. You are my destiny. Vy ‑‑ moja sud'ba. I need you. I love you. I can’t live without you. Ti nuzhnA mne. Ya tebyA lyublyU. Ja ne mogu zhit' bez vas.”

  “I was so sick when I saw with my own eyes what I was costing you. When I looked in your eyes, all I saw there was love and determination. There was no regret, no hesitation, there was only me. And I knew in that moment, that I would gladly die for you.”

  “Thank you, angel. Speaking of that, you will never again place yourself in danger.”

  “I didn’t know that I was pregnant, Ianikut. I would never put our baby in danger.”

  “I am not talking about our child. I am talking about my wife. You are never to put my wife in danger again. Angel, do you know what would’ve happened had Andrew or any male struck you?”

  “You would’ve been really pissed.”

  “I would’ve left no male in this house alive such would’ve been my anger.”

  “Dude, even your brothers, your father?” she asked.

  “No one, angel. I would be beyond reason. I was beyond reason when I merely saw the danger you’d placed yourself in.”

  Seeing the truth in his eyes, Aloha pushed him to the bed and laid on top of him. Gently tracing the contours of his face, she kissed him gently. “Only if you’re in danger.”

  “Never again. You are a woman, Aloha. I am a man.”

  “Yes, you are. You’re my man and you can demand all you want but I will never sit passively while you’re in danger.”

  “Angel,” he growled.

  “Ianikut, let’s not fight about this. Keep yourself out of danger and in turn, you’ll keep me out of danger.”

  “Angel, I won’t argue about it. Just know that I am your shield and your sword and if danger comes too close to you, I shall destroy it…completely, even if it means wiping out an entire lineage.”

  She gasped and before she could speak, he kissed her protests away.

  Ianikut didn’t want to argue the point further. He simply wanted to love his woman. Growling low in his throat he slipped his tongue between her succulent lips and feasted on her sweetness. Sliding a hand under her shirt he found a breast and kneaded it before taking it into his mouth. Using her moans to guide him, he covered her with kisses and although he marked her, he made sure she only felt pleasure. Though she attempted to take the dominant position, he growled her into submission and feasted on her. Only when she thrashed beneath him did he take her. Sliding home, he hissed and using gentle strokes touched every place within her that gave her the most pleasure. This was for her. His body was not only her shield but a tool for her pleasure and right now he wanted her to lay back and feel how much he wanted her, needed her, loved her.

  “Ianikut,” she groaned through the first wave o
f orgasm.

  “Yes, angel moya?” he whispered thankful that she was his and awed by her beauty.

  “I love you.”

  “And I love you.”

  “Are you ready to go home, angel?”

  “I’m always home whenever I’m with you, Ianikut.”

  Ianikut closed his eyes so she didn’t see his tears. This woman brought him to his knees with her beauty, her honesty, her loyalty. She deserved to see what she did to him so he opened his eyes and showed her his tears. “Thank you, angel moya.”

  “Never thank me, Ianikut. Just keep loving me,” she said as she stepped into his embrace.

  “That won’t be a problem. Get dressed, angel, so that we may take our leave. I am most anxious to return to our home. If you don’t mind, there’s a gown I’d like you to wear. If you don’t like it, I understand.”

  “I’d wear it even if I didn’t like it because you selected it for me, Ianikut.”

  “What if it were a nun’s habit? Would you still wear it?”

  “Yes, Ianikut. I’d still wear it.”

  “After our bath, I’ll send someone in to help you dress.”

  “I want my grandmother.”

  “As you wish, angel.”

  * * * * *

  Both Sojourner and Aloha gasped when they glimpsed the gown that Ianikut had selected. Though Aloha was overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of such a gift, she knew that Ianikut must’ve truly outdone himself because few things made Sojourner Carrington sit up and take notice. Ianikut hadn’t simply selected a dress willy-nilly; it was obvious that he’d selected a world-class designer. She wept when she read the note that was attached to the satin hanger. It read: For you, angel moya. Regardless of what you wear, you will always be my princess. Trust him to remember her admission about finding a dress to make her feel worthy to stand at his side.

  Ivory in color, the gown featured spaghetti straps and a daring décolletage. The lining was blood red and would be visible through the slit that stopped mid-thigh. In shock, she stepped into the gown and sighed. It hugged her body and caressed her skin. And there wasn’t simply a gown, but a silk wrap and matching shoes. The ivory T-straps were decorated with diamonds.

  Standing in front of the mirror, she stared at her reflection as her grandmother oohed and ahed. Surely, that woman in the mirror was not her. This woman was beautiful. A knock at the door drew her attention away from the mirror. Ianikut walked in looking even more devastating than usual. Dressed in a black tailored suit, for once, he wore his hair loose. It wasn’t his unbound hair that made him more handsome. It was the fact that she knew without a single doubt how much this man loved her.

  “Ianikut.”

  “Angel moya, you are beautiful.”

  “It’s the dress,” she said only to be cut off by Ianikut kissing away her protest.

  “It is you,” he said as he turned her around and fastened a diamond and ruby necklace around her neck.

  “Ianikut,” she sighed.

  “Angel,” he purred.

  Ianikut’s mere presence turned her on so good. Neither noticed her grandmother slip from the room, then again, right now all either of them noticed was their desire for each other. “Kiss me, Ianikut. Kiss me,” she begged as she pulled him down and took his lips. They kissed for long minutes. When they pulled apart, Ianikut pulled her tighter to his chest and whispered in her ear.

  “Bare your neck, I want the taste of you filling my mouth.”

  “You just had a taste of me,” she smiled.

  “And it will never be enough. Bare your neck or spread your thighs because I want a deeper taste,” he growled.

  Aloha creamed her panties on the spot. “Ianikut, everyone is going to smell my arousal.”

  “Good,” he said as he sank his incisors into her and took a few sips.

  Exiting the room, Aloha was surprised to see Ianikut’s brothers waiting for them. As soon as they reached the center of the hallway, they surrounded her and Ianikut in an obvious display of protection. Aloha thanked them and placed her hand on Ianikut’s arm and walked down the stairs. At the end of the stairs, she was surprised that every vampire in attendance kneeled as they passed. Instead of heading straight to the door, Ianikut stopped before the dais and took her hand. She had no idea what was going on and tensed up before Ianikut whispered a reassurance in her ear.

  “All is well, angel moya.”

  Trusting his words, she settled down and watched as all of the women descended and walked toward them. Offering her a curtsey, his great-grandmothers each gifted her with a single rose.

  “Treat her well, Ianikut,” his great-grandmothers ordered.

  “I know of no other way, Great-grandmothers,” he answered.

  Next, his grandmothers offered her a curtsey, before they also gifted her with a single rose.

  “Protect her,” they ordered.

  “I can do no other,” he responded.

  Finally, his mother stood in front of her and carefully settled a tiara on her head. “Love her,” she commanded.

  “With everything within me,” he promised.

  “May peace grace your life and your home,” she said.

  “Thank you, Mother,” Ianikut answered before gently kissing Aloha.

  Aloha was speechless. All she could do was nod. She looked to Ianikut for guidance. He wore a pleased expression. Picking up his mother, he hugged her and spoke in Russian. Though she was nowhere near fluent, she knew he spoke of love. Ianikut repeated the process with each of his grandmothers. Finally, he nodded to his grandfathers and father, put his hand in the small of her back and took his leave.

  Once they were settled in the plane, she asked. “What the hell just happened?”

  “We were married, vampire style.”

  “I don’t recall getting to say anything.”

  “Because it is the duty of the male to ensure his woman’s happiness, protection, and well-being. It is I who must promise these things.”

  “What do I do?”

  “Accept my love and protection.”

  “That freaking kicks all kinds of ass! I’m going to love being married to a vampire ‑‑ even one who’s a Duke fan.”

  Epilogue

  The Posse, the vampires, the berserkers, the shifter, and that crazy-ass Southern boy sat around the fireplace in Ianikut’s house and mulled over the king’s words.

  “I had no idea that it would get this big,” Ianikut admitted.

  “Yeah, that’s how Aloha got pregnant in the first place,” Reign tossed out to ease the tension.

  “You are so dead when I get up from here.”

  “Careful, Aloha. You know I’m only friends with you because of your plasma.”

  “Like we’re only friends with you because of your hat collection,” she said, sneering at the conquistador hat that Reign had perched on her head.”

  “I totally understand that. Aloha?”

  “Yeah. I may be friends with you because of the plasma, but I’m your sister because I love you.”

  “Me too.”

  “Yeah, what she said,” the rest of the Posse threw in.

  “So what do we do?”

  “We get some dry erase boards and help you guys plan your empire. I’m going to need a title though, and an office with a ficus tree, a parking space, and one of those globes that has a hiding space inside.”

  “You need property,” Zuri said. “You need privacy and a good amount of acreage.”

  “And escape routes,” Jack added.

  “And traps,” Iain offered.

  “You seem to be taking this well,” Ianikut said.

  “What other choice do we have? Our women come first. They are happy here. They love their sisters. It is our duty to see that they remain happy,” Steele answered. “And since I shall be seeing your face regardless of whether I want to or not, we may as well make the process as painless as possible. And again, we are still not friends.”

  “You’re right, berserker. We’
re not friends, but like the Posse we are brothers. Gentleman, again, I thank you.”

  “And again, it is not necessary,” Steele said.

  The normally silent Hannes spoke. “We need our own men. Men that can be trusted. Not a lot of men, just a handful of dangerous men who aren’t motivated by money, thrills, or prestige.”

  “Finding men like that might prove to be the most difficult task,” Silana stated, not knowing that at that very moment, none other than Andrew Treunmhor was landing at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

  THE END

  Jayha Leigh

  Jayha Leigh uses her actual name as a pseudonym just in case she ever wilds out. She needs her ego stroked several times a day due to a mild case of megalomania. Her hobbies include: indulging her delusions of grandeur; plotting the destruction of all who oppose her. Her favorite color is Carolina blue, her favorite song is the MNF Jingle, her favorite season is football season, and her favorite food is dessert. She loathes luxury boxes at football stadiums, under wire in bras, diet anything, single-ply toilet paper, and people who refer to themselves in the third person.