Page 97 of Marked By the Devil

“He would be, wouldn’t he?” I dared to smile. He looked like a natural, holding Luka and Isabel.

“He would,” Carina said. “All of them are so gruff, but they are total softies at heart for the next generation of the family.”

“I guess I should take the test and know,” I said.

“Yes, you should.” Carina backed up, miming that she was zipping her lips. “And we won’t say anything, right?”

“Nope. Not a word.” Elena grinned. “You gotta tell him first.”

“Want us to stay?” Mila asked, sweet to offer.

I shook my head. “No, you go on and have fun shopping.”

“Ha. Shopping for a birthday gift for Alexei?” Carina scoffed. “Easier said than done.”

I thanked them again for the encouragement to embrace a pregnancy as a good thing. They repeated their offers of support, even just to call and talk. And once more, I was so relieved to have them in my life.

I studied the test kit for a long moment, realizing that I couldn’t be afraid to figure out who else would be in my life now, a baby boy or girl.

Setting my hand on my stomach, I drew in a deep breath and turned to go take the test and have a final answer before Viktor came home. It’d be better to handle this in our room, where I could have more privacy than any bathroom down here.

A boy or girl…

I tried not to get too far ahead of myself, but nothing could wipe off this tentative smile from my face.

I went upstairs to the bathroom in the master suite, but when I realized I’d left my phone on the kitchen counter, I set the test kit in a drawer and headed back down to grab it. I’d need to set a timer for the test to be run. I furrowed my brow at the funky sounds the fan was making, extra pffts like puffs of air. I dismissed it, knowing that it had to mean Viktor was messing with the settings of it. That man could not settle on one temperature…

In the hallway, I heard a thud come from downstairs.

What the hell was that?

I was home alone.

No one else was here.

Except Paul, if he was done with his gardening.

I froze, too trained not to pick up on the slightest cues of danger.

What was that?

A body?

A sixth sense pricked up my spine and I retreated, placing my feet carefully on the carpet and avoiding making a single sound. I backed up, heart racing, and got the gun out from the nightstand where Viktor kept one.

Back in the hallway, I held the firearm up securely, aiming it in front of me as I watched for a sign of someone trespassing.

No one can get in.

The whole place is guarded.

Men are always patrolling.

I swallowed, assessing, ascertaining, and acting as cautiously as I could. It wasn’t just myself that I’d need to protect if danger was present.

I’ll keep you safe.

I’ll protect you.