Page 95 of Blood Oath Christmas

"Two minutes!"

The instructor checks our gear one final time, and I feel Konstantin's hand settle possessively on my lower back. Even here, preparing to jump from a plane, he can't help but touch me, claim me. The possessiveness that once frightened me now makes me feel cherished and protected.

I think about how much has changed since that terrifying night I witnessed the murder. Frank has found happiness with a kindergarten teacher named Sarah, and though it was awkward at first, he occasionally visits as a friend. He's much better suited to Sarah's gentle nature, and I'm genuinely happy for them both.

My mother remains estranged, still unable to accept my choices or forgive me for reminding her of my father. But I've found peace with that. Andrei has more than made up for her absence, embracing his role as grandfather with enthusiasm. He spoils Konnie terribly, teaching her Russian lullabies and traditional Christmas songs. This morning, before we left for the airfield, I watched him showing her how to hang ornaments on the tree while explaining the significance of each decoration in careful, patient Russian.

"Ready?" Konstantin asks, and I realize we're at the door now, the wind whipping around us.

I look into his eyes, seeing my whole future reflected there. "Always, with you."

He leans down and kisses me, hard and possessive, his hand tangling in my hair. When we break apart, we're both breathing heavily.

"This is what our life will always be," he says, his voice rough with emotion. "Jumping into love, into fun, into danger—always together."

"Always together," I agree, my heart so full I think it might burst.

The instructor gives us the final signal, and suddenly, we're moving. Konstantin's hand grips mine tightly as we approach the edge, and then we're falling, plummeting through the sky together.

I scream in pure joy, the sound torn away by the wind as we freefall through the clouds. Beside me, Konstantin lets out a wild yell, his usual control completely abandoned in this moment of perfect freedom. This is the side of him that only I get to see—the man beneath thePakhan, the one who loves me enough to jump out of planes and carve out a safe space in his dangerous world for our family to flourish.

The ground rushes up to meet us, but I'm not afraid. With Konstantin beside me, I'm never afraid. We pull our ripcords in perfect synchronization, and our parachutes bloom above us like colorful flowers against the winter sky.

As we drift down together, I think about the life we've built. It's not the quiet, predictable existence I once thought I wanted. It's better—wild and passionate and full of love so deep it takes my breath away.

We land softly in the field, and Konstantin immediately pulls me into his arms, spinning me around as I laugh breathlessly.

"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Mikhailov," he murmurs against my ear.

"Merry Christmas, husband," I whisper back and seal it with a kiss that tastes like adventure and promises of forever.