Page 153 of Sire

But deep down, I know, we’re about to test our belief in each other.

Mom aims her laser focus on Loch. “Go home,today, and protect Alena. I don’t care how proud and stubborn she is. Don’t take your eyes off her.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Like us, Loch’s her son and soldier. We follow her orders.

“You two.” She points to Axel and Ruby. “I want this NFL thing wrapped up. Yes, I want my sons happy, but more? I need y’all safe and secure. You hear me?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Ruby replies with Axel.

They’re working on another operation with Nick and Zar. Sometimes, I think we’re fools to take on so much. Other times, I think we’re saints. We have no choice. It’s our calling.

“I want you initiated and protected. You need a second king,” Mom presses Ruby. “Ask Wren your questions. She’ll answer them and introduce you to the other queens. Right?”

Wren stands where Alan left her. Lifting her chin, she replies, “Yes, my queen.”

“And Wren?” Mom drills, “You want to tell me why my eldest son is looking as dark as the devil’s riding boats and acting so strange?”

Wren doesn’t even glance at me, assuring, “We’re trying to get pregnant, and he’s the pastor, always trying to save us. That’s his plan.”

I swallow the lump in my throat.

It is my plan, and it’s their only salvation.

Warmth softens my mom’s face. “You know I want that blessing for you two. For all of y’all, if it’s what you want, but what’s really going on, because that’s not news?”

Actually, it is.

We visited the doctor’s office before coming here. Wren had her IUD taken out, though everyone thinks we’ve been trying for months.

We haven’t.

But now?

I’ll try as if our lives depend on it.

This lie, trying to protect my family, has been my cross to bear for years. I can almost lay this burden down, once and for all.

Even if I won’t be here.

At least, they’ll be saved.

“It’s Sheremetev,” I reveal. “He’s our answer.”

“Answer how?” Axel wraps his arm around Ruby, and she nuzzles into him.

Peace fills me.When I’m not here, Ruby will love my little brother.

Deliberately, I prophesize, “I believe Sheremetev has something Ruslan wants. If we get Sheremetev, we’ll be safe. We won’t have to hide anymore.”

“What does Sheremetev have?” Axel suspects.

“Catch him and find out.”

No one replies.

Warily, they exchange looks before our Queen leans back in her chair. She never says Ruslan’s name. She won’t give him the respect. “Thatman won’t rest until he destroys us.”