Page 39

CHAPTER 38

ANASTASIA

Miki has been gone for hours.

He texted me telling me not to wait up and he’d snuggle me in bed when he’s home. But I napped earlier so I’m not tired.

I flick through the TV, but nothing really grabs my attention. I need to buy some books or something.

Pushing myself up from the couch, I head to the kitchen and brew a fresh batch of coffee. It will probably stay warm enough for Miki. Maybe I could run myself a bath? It’s getting late. I should just listen to Miki and go to bed.

“Hades!” I call out.

He’s been snuggled up next to me on the couch, but didn’t follow me when I got up. Opening up the refrigerator, I grab his chicken and the creamer for my coffee.

His paws click against the floor and he plonks his butt down in front of me.

“Aww. Good boy.”

I tear off some of the meat and hold it out.

“Wait.” I point my finger.

“Okay. Go on.”

He jumps forward and gently takes the food from between my fingers and munches it.

“Paw.” I hold out my palm and his heavy front foot thumps into my hand.

“Good boy, Hades.”

He takes the treats and I stroke the top of his head, scooting around him to finish making my drink.

Hades’ deep bark makes me jump. I look over and he’s pointing at the back door. Stepping behind him, I try to see what he’s barking at.

There’s a quiet knock.

Fuck.

I tiptoe over, ushering Hades with me. He makes me feel safe and protected when Miki isn’t around.

Peering through the latch, I don’t see anything. So I open it with the chain still on.

“Ana. It’s me,” a little voice says.

Galena.

I quickly help her inside.

“Are you okay, sweetie?” I crouch down to her level.

She curls her arms across her belly.

“Mommy is asleep and I kept hearing weird noises, so I got scared. I thought Mikhail might be home to help me,” she sniffles.

I hold out my hands.

“Would you like a hug?”

She nods and shuffles into my embrace.

“Shall we play some games?”

Hades nudges his head against my side, nearly knocking me over.

That makes Galena giggle.

“He’s being naughty, isn’t he?”

“He’s huge.”

“He’s a big softie. Aren’t you Hades?”

I nuzzle my face against his and he licks my jaw.

“Ew!” I laugh, wiping the slobber away.

“He needs a collar. You know, in case he runs away.” She tentatively reaches out to pat his shoulder.

“Oh. Do you want to see something cool?” I stand holding my hand out to her. Her tiny hand slides into mine and I lead her to my room with Hades following closely on our tail. I rummage through the wardrobe and find the little white bag, pulling out the sparkly blue collar I bought for Hades. I was waiting to surprise Miki.

Or, wind him up. He keeps reminding me how Hades is not a family dog but a security dog.

I’m not having it. I’m on a mission.

By the time I’m done he will be sleeping at the end of our bed.

“Do you think he will like it?” I show Galena the collar.

“Yes!” she squeals and claps.

“It’s so pretty.”

“Hades, here.”

He trots over and sits in front of me.

I put the leather around his neck and secure the buckle.

“Beautiful boy.”

I can’t wait to see Miki’s face.

“Okay. So TV and candy or a game of hide and seek?”

It’s the first thing I can think of. Miki’s house isn’t exactly overflowing with games for kids.

“Hide and seek!” She jumps up and down with excitement.

“You go hide first. I’ll count. I’ll give you one minute.”

Turning to face the wall, I cover my eyes with my hands.

“One, two, three…”

I hear her run off, still giggling to herself. I turn around and Hades is sitting where I left him.

I keep counting in my head until I get to thirty and call it out and then continue to sixty.

“Ready or not, here I come.”

I make my way out of the room, Hades close behind. Opening up the spare bedroom, I stay silent waiting to hear her.

Nope.

I look through all the bedrooms. Hmm.

Maybe downstairs.

With a light jog, I head to the kitchen, opening up the bigger cupboards she might fit in.

I jump backwards as the front door opens.

“Jesus.”

I look up and Miki stalks towards me.

He closes the distance quickly. As he’s just about to take his mask off, Galena comes bounding out from behind the couch.

“Miki!” She crashes into his leg.

“Hey, little sis.” He picks her up into his arms, then leans over pressing a kiss on my cheek through his mask.

“Hey, beautiful,” he whispers in my ear and I blush.

“What are you doing here?” he asks galena.

“Mommy is sleeping and I was scared.”

Miki frowns looking at me.

“Scared of?”

“Don’t know. Just a few bangs.”

“I’ll check it out, then we can get you back to sleep. Sound like a plan?”

She nods and he places her down onto his feet.

“Hades!” Miki calls out and he trots to his master's feet.

“Ana. Would you care to explain to me why my guard dog is sparkling?”

Hades tilts his head and I cover my mouth to stop laughing.

“He looks cute. Leave him alone.”

“Cute? He isn’t meant to be cute! I can’t go out with a dog with a sparkly collar on him.”

I roll my eyes and he glares at me.

“galena, say goodnight to Ana.”

She gives me a bright smile. “Night, night.”

“Sweet dreams.” I blow her a kiss as Mikhail leads her out of the back door.

Hades pads over and sits on my feet, leaning his head against my legs.

“We are in trouble,” I whisper, softly stroking his head.

I don’t take the collar off, it’s far too amusing watching Miki tick.

Pouring him a cup of coffee, I set it on the kitchen island and take a sip of my own. As soon as he returns, he tears off his mask, tossing it down on the counter.

“Now I’ll deal with you, pretty girl.”

I place my mug down and stand up straight as he approaches me, my heart picking up a beat with each of his steps.

“Oh yeah? Want me to help with that?”

I bend over the counter and wiggle my ass at him. I yet out a yelp as his palm cracks down on my behind, the force sending me forward.

“Spanking doesn’t work on you, that was just for me.” His hand smacks again on the other side.

I push my hair away from my face as he rubs his palms over my ass.

Hades erupts into a fit of aggressive sounding barks. Mikhail moves back.

“Stop.” Mikhail’s voice is deep and stern.

I turn around as Hades growls at Mikhail and I frown, watching their standoff. No, this isn’t like my big softie. So, I step in front of Mikhail.

“Hades, sit.” I point my finger at him.

Immediately he does as I say.

“Good boy.” I praise him, spinning to face a very confused looking Miki.

“How in the fuck? What have you done to my dog?”

I shrug, kind of pleased with myself.

“I guess he prefers me now.”

Mikhail looks past me, glaring at Hades. “Traitor.”

I hit his chest. “Be nice. He’s just protecting me.”

He snakes his arms around my waist and holds me tight.

“Fine. I can’t be mad at him for protecting what is most important to me.”

“Aww.” I reach up and stroke the rough skin of his jaw.

“You are both my big softies.” I grab his cheeks and pull him down to kiss me.

It feels good knowing that I’m not alone in this world, I have not one, but two fierce protectors. And I’d do anything for both of my boys too.

“We best get some sleep, the big ball tomorrow. I have to look refreshed.” I tap his chest and snatch his hand.

“Refreshed or freshly fucked?” Miki asks, following behind me.

“You tell me.”

His deep menacing chuckle makes my pussy pulse.

“You are very much still being punished, pretty girl. But, I suppose we can put that sassy mouth of yours to use.”