by Aliyah Burke
Okay. Not sure what that means but we have to smile. People are approaching.
Dane reined in the tiger and smiled at Isolde who still traced the scar on his wrist. Slipping his free arm around Aida, he breathed deeply when she curved into him.
“I’ll be right back,” Aida said before walking off.
He followed her with his gaze and watched her sit by Isolde’s foster mother. The women chatted, and he saw the green-clad woman look at him. Dane nodded at her. Do not touch that woman, mate, he snarled.
After a bit, Aida stood and came back to them. Her eyes flashed reproachfully. “Hey, Isolde. I asked Mrs. Jones if you could come to dinner with Dane and me tonight. Since it’s my last night here and I haven’t had much of a chance to spend time with you. What do you think?”
The child’s hand tightened slightly on him. “Really? You wouldn’t mind having a kid along?”
Dane smiled gently at her. “Not at all.” Looking at Aida, he said, “Maybe a fair?”
“I know just the place.” Aida licked her lips. “I’m going to say good night to people.”
“We’ll be right here.” Dane looked at the girl again. She had medium brown skin and her hair up in braids. Despite the fragile and small look about her, he could sense deep within she had a core of steel. A fortitude which hid her true persona. A puzzle for him to figure out. “Something on your mind, little one?” Dane asked softly.
Her big brown eyes dropped quickly from his. She shook her head. A deep voice crossed the air, and he could feel Isolde shiver all the way to the marrow of his bones. His tiger snarled and paced, ready and waiting to attack.
“Who’s that?” he asked, forcing his tone to remain calm.
“Mr. Jones.” Her reply was hushed. The finger on his scar moved faster.
He’s a dead man. “Your foster father. Do you have siblings?”
Isolde pursed her lips and shook her head. “No.” Her gaze lifted, and he was mesmerized by the sparkle in them. “If you had kids, I could play with them though.”
She was good, very good, at hiding her feelings.
Aida said, breaking into the conversation, “She’s right, Dane. Why didn’t you think of that?”
Funny, Aida. He winked at Isolde. “I guess I’m just slow. Shall we go?”
Chapter Fifteen
Aida shivered. From a multitude of things. Dane being there for one but also the way he watched her. It was different from before. It was more. More intense, more everything. Just more. While part of her wanted to rail at him, she refused to do anything of the sort in front of the child. So she would wait until it was just the two of them.
She truly liked Isolde. The child was new to her, but Aida had met her the first day she’d arrived and had spent a good chunk of time with her during church activities for her parents’ anniversary. Dane and Isolde were at the ring toss, and the girl was busy picking out her prize. Aida drank some lemonade as she observed them. He was so good with her. They carried on their own private conversation, and Aida had no intentions of interfering. Dane looked at her and sent her a subtle wink.
You’re not feeling neglected are you, Aida?
Not at all. But I would like a prize. She walked up to them.
“Did you see what he won for me?” Isolde asked, her eyes bright and cheerful. Her thin arms wrapped tight around the silver-gray wolf with the charcoal black mask.
“Yes, my goodness, the wolf is bigger than you.”
Isolde hugged the stuffed animal close. “I love him.”
“I think,” Dane said, “Aida needs one, too. What do you think, little one?”
“Yes.” Isolde smiled up at her. “He’s really good. He can win anything you want.”
Aida grinned over the way Isolde showed complete confidence in Dane. The man had a devoted admirer.
“Yes, solnyshko moyo, anything you want. I’m really good.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Maybe something in the way of a tabby.”
Dane gave a warning rumble, and she fought not to laugh.
“Sure you don’t want something more impressive?” He looked pointedly at the white tiger along the back before staring at her.
She tapped her fingers on her lips. “Hmmm, could you win another wolf?”
He bared his teeth, and Aida shivered from the lengthened canines. She skimmed her knuckles over Isolde’s cheek. “I believe you said something about some rides.”
Aida hung back while Dane spoiled Isolde. There was something else going on there, and she longed to ask him. Lord knew they had things to discuss but the furious way he’d sounded when claiming Isolde under his protection told her it was a volatile subject. So that fact alone made it a topic for another time and place. Despite the anger she could feel coiled tightly within him, none of it showed with Isolde. He was so open and giving to the child.
By the time they walked in the dark through discarded popcorn containers and cups, Aida stifled a groan. She was exhausted. Dane carried Isolde cradled protectively in his arms; the child appeared almost asleep herself. Aida carried the stuffed animals, a large plush silver-gray wolf and the white tiger.
“Here you are, little one. You can sleep just as soon as we get you in the car.”
On the other side of the backseat, Aida positioned the wolf on the seat next to Isolde while Dane buckled her in. Her heart near stopped when Isolde’s sleepy voice broke the silence.
“My angel was right.”
“Your angel, little one?” Dane asked.
“Yes. He said you would come, and you’d keep the bad man away. He even told me about your scar. Said I never had to be afraid of you, that you’d always protect me.”
Aida knew her mouth was open. She looked at Dane who touched Isolde’s face while watching her with an unwavering stare and said, “Your angel was absolutely right. I will always protect you.” Such conviction laced his tone but even that couldn’t hide the deadly edge in his words.
“I know.” She touched his cheek. “You’re gonna be a great daddy.”
Aida didn’t know how to describe the emotion she saw in Dane’s eyes at Isolde’s touch and words.
“Sleep, little one.”
“We have a long trip tomorrow,” she said softly, but with all certainty. “I get my new name.”
“Yes, we do, and yes, you do.”
Aida frowned but held her tongue. She climbed in the passenger seat. Aida wanted explanations but this so wasn’t a conversation one had in front of a little girl. And she didn’t think she could do it solely in her mind. It shouldn’t’ have surprised her when he pulled off the main road and put the car in park. Getting out, she walked to where he stood, flexing his large hands at the front of the still running vehicle, the heat keeping it comfortable for the sleeping child.
“Wanna tell me what that was all about? Why would you tell her she’s going on a trip with you tomorrow, much less she is getting a new name? You shouldn’t tell her such things. She’s with a foster family. She can’t just up and go with you.”
“She can and she is.” The words were short and crisp.
“You can’t just take her, Dane. She’s—”
“The hell I can’t!” he snarled, his jaw snapping with a ferocious sound.
Aida actually stepped back from the raw fury in his expression. “What the hell is going on?” she asked, not entirely sure she wanted to know. One hand rubbed her heart, which pounded hard and fast.
“That baby will never be subject to those people again. She is under my protection. She is mine now.”
The raw possession in his tone threw her. However, the vehemence gave her a moment’s pause. He was so angry. Why? What caused this from him? Better question, what had the Joneses done for him to act this way?
Aida threw up her hands. “I don’t understand, Dane. I hear nothing from you for five weeks. Five fucking weeks. Then you show up out of the blue, watching me with even more possessiveness—which I gotta tell you, I honestly didn’t think was possi
ble. Now, you’re claiming a girl who you don’t even know is under your protection. Hell, now, she’s yours. From what, I don’t know. I don’t know anything.”
Dane gripped her shoulders. “Look at me, Aida.” She stared up at him bathed in the glow from the headlights, the determined glint in his eyes verified his earlier comments. “Isolde is coming with me. I protect those who cannot protect themselves, especially when it comes to children. I will die before I allow that filth to touch her again.”
“That filth?” She tensed. “Are you saying…” She trailed off, unable to actually verbalize those disgusting words.
“I probed her memories.” His eyes grew colder than ice. “I will be paying that human a visit tonight.”
The deadly edge to his words sent a chill up her spine. This was the Dane who scared her, the one who had no problems killing. Bile rushed up, and Aida forced it back. All that mattered was getting Isolde out of that bastard’s clutches and somewhere safe.
“Is she…will she…?” Lord help her, all she wanted to do is run to the child, hold her close and promise all would be well. To hell with anything else. Legal or otherwise.
“Time will tell.”
Aida stared at him, and Dane held her gaze, unwavering. “Ever the protector, aren’t you?
He shrugged easily. “It’s in my blood. She’s an innocent, Aida. A baby. She should be protected and safe. Her days should be filled with games, fun, and more. Not worrying about who will show up in her room at night.”
“So you’re taking her home with you.” She wasn’t asking. She knew he could do no less. Dane had this infallible streak in him, a need to safeguard those weaker.
He nodded. “She’ll be safe there.”
She sighed. Dane may be pushy and extremely arrogant, but the one thing she couldn’t argue was how well he defended those he promised. “Okay, now suddenly, my whining that you didn’t contact me for five weeks seems so very childish.”
He cupped her jaw. “You were in my thoughts every day, solnyshko moyo.” Dane kissed her until she sagged against him. “Every single day. I’m not sure about our mating bond, you shouldn’t be able to shut me out. Please don’t do that again. I need to feel you, Aida. Even if we’re apart.”
She nodded. There was no reason to block him out. She loved the security it gave her to be able to always feel him with her.
He traced her lower lip with his index finger and took a deep breath. “Now, speaking about children. When were you going to tell me?”
Aida frowned over the slight return of the edge in his tone. “Tell you what?”
“You don’t know, Aida?” He lifted a brow.
She pursed her lips. Her mind was still abuzz over what he’d told her about Isolde’s foster parents, and she was having a hard time concentrating on anything else but the longing and desire to hold the child close to her. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about the fact,” his hand covered her womb, “that you, mate of my heart, are carrying my child within you.”
For the first time in her entire life, Aida fainted.
She stirred slowly and frowned as she looked around. This was a hotel room. Pushing to a sitting position, Aida’s breath caught when Dane walked into the room, clad only in a pair of low-slung jeans.
“What happened?”
“You fainted.” He crouched by her side and handed her a glass of water.
“Where’s Isolde?”
Dane pointed to the side. “Other bed, sleeping with the wolf and tiger.” He nudged the glass. “Drink.”
“How come you’re so sure I’m carrying your baby?” she asked after taking a sip. It hadn’t even crossed her mind she could be pregnant.
“Your scent.”
Aida groaned. “What a way to make me feel even more self-conscious. Now, I smell.”
“You, solnyshko moyo, smell like cinnamon, vanilla, and soft apples to me.” His voice dropped lower than a whisper, and he kissed her palm. “You taste like sunlight.” Another light kiss. “I can smell the chemical change being pregnant gives you.”
“I had no idea,” she admitted, placing one hand over her belly.
Dane took the water from her. “I kind of figured that when you fainted.”
She punched him in the shoulder, and he arched a brow at her. “You could at least pretend it hurts.” A baby. Dane’s baby. “Look at you, coming here and getting not one but two kids.”
A sensual and contented grin tilted up his lips. “Lucky night for me.” He watched her with warm eyes. The colors were beautifully blended, and the word which popped into her mind as she found herself lost in his gaze was contentment. He was content. With everything that had happened, he was content to have her pregnant and Isolde.
His warm look made her smile. She sobered. “What about Isolde?”
“What about her? I’ve set things in motion. Before she wakes, she will be Valera Grace Sidorov. We discussed it, and that’s the name she wants. She’ll go by Lera, it means strong.”
There was no room for argument or discussion on the subject. His tone inferred that, and she let it go, knowing he meant every single word he’d just said.
Aida kissed him lightly. “I don’t even want to know how you’re pulling this off. Thank you for protecting her. You must be getting ready to go…handle…that then.”
“Yes. Will you be okay?”
She smirked. “Amazingly enough, I have managed to live without you watching over me every second of my life.”
“Are you challenging me, mate?”
“Oh no,” she said in a droll voice, rolling her eyes. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
His beautiful eyes narrowed. “I can’t wait to strip you down and enjoy you from head to toe.”
She trembled. “Don’t you have to leave?”
Dane stood in an easy motion and pulled on a shirt. He kissed her fast and hard. I expect you here when I return, mate. He left.
I wouldn’t leave her here alone.
Aida got up to pace while she thought. She called her parents and said she was fine, with Dane, but fine. And she made no mention of Isolde. No, not Isolde, Lera.
Standing in front of the large mirror, Aida tried to imagine herself pregnant. Her fingers splayed over her womb. Something to always tie me to Dane Sidorov. A wry smile filled her features. A baby.
“Aida?”
The quiet voice immediately grabbed her attention. Moving to the bed, Aida sat down with her. “Hey, sweetie.”
“Where’s Dane?”
“He went to get things ready for your trip.”
Lera scooted closer, putting the white tiger against Aida’s outside hip and the wolf by her. Then, she curled up against Aida. “I’m not bad like they say. I promise I’m not.” Her words were desperate to have someone believe her.
“No, you’re not.” Aida wrapped her arms around her, battling back the fury she had over this sweet child’s treatment.
“I’m gonna like my new name. Valera Grace Sidorov. Do you like it? I think I’m going to like being Lera.”
“It’s a beautiful name. Will you tell me about your angel?”
Lera sighed. “He’s strong like Dane, in a way. Always with me when I needed to get away.”
Aida wanted to scream for the pain Lera had been forced to experience. Children were supposed to be loved and protected, not abused. “When did you meet…him?”
“My angel? He’s always been there.”
“Oh, I see. What does he look like?”
“Tall. Gray eyes. Black hair. He only wears black. Sometimes he gets angry, but I’m never scared. He protects me.”
Aida frowned. Dane?
Do you need me? His concern obvious. Is everything okay? Lera?
A smile flashed quick at Dane’s use of the girl’s new name. She sees this angel of hers.
I didn’t see him in her memories. What did she say?
Tall, gray eyes, black hair and only black clothing.
Le
t me think. I’m almost on my way back. Would you like me to bring you anything? Chocolate, perhaps?
No, thank you. Although, chocolate did sound so good.
“Sometimes he comes as a wolf. A beautiful black wolf. Sometimes not. But he always protects me.”
Aida held her close, smoothing a few wisps of black hair back from the child’s forehead. “Rest, Lera. Looks like you are going to have a long day ahead of you.”
“Yes. Night.”
“Good night, sweetie.”
Aida watched as Lera readjusted and curled up into the wolf. The child had such innocence about her, and yet at the same time, she appeared so much older than she was. Her eyes, they were old soul eyes.
She got off the bed and covered Lera with the comforter. Then, Aida headed out on the balcony and let the cool night desert air flow over her. Aida closed her eyes and gripped the rail. Isolde…no, Lera was handling this way better than she was, and hell, the child was the one who’d had to go through those despicable acts.
“You okay, solnyshko moyo?”
Dane’s voice stroked her seconds before his warm body brushed against hers. She relaxed into him without hesitation. How she’d missed him. And his touch was making her crazy.
“Dane,” she gasped when his large callused hands slipped up under her shirt. “Stop.”
Five weeks, Aida. I’m so hard for you. Feel what you do to me.
Wetness gushed when he pressed his erection into the material of her pants. She whimpered. No, Dane. There’s a child near.
His rumble of disappointment vibrated against her back. I will hold you in my arms tonight, mate. You and our child.
That she wouldn’t argue. He lowered his head and kissed the sensitive spot behind her ear.
“Come, Aida. We need some sleep.”
Soon, they were lying on the other bed in the room. Dane spooned around her, one arm under her neck as her pillow and his other around her middle, his large hand splayed over her womb as if protecting the life growing in there. Aida fell into a deep sleep, once again safe in the arms of the man she loved.
She woke alone. Completely alone. No Dane. No Lera. With a groan, she got up and went to the bathroom. As she splashed water on her face, she frowned. “I need my clothes, Jesus, and a shower.”
