Page 62 of His Queen

"She might already be one."

"Then why don't we get her involved?"

"I'm not sure if I should speak to only her or if I should speak to Aldo as well. I know for sure I am going to call her when we arrive at the compound and everything is settled. It could also give us insight into what's going on at the moment. If Aldo will help, it could change everything."

"Do you think you could handle that? Do you think you could face them? I’m not sure I can. Aldo knew what was going on and watched it. I know being second in command can come with some hard choices, but I still don’t know how I feel about his part in it all."

"I don't know, but we have to try. I’m not entirely sure I like the thought either. Hell, I’m not even sure we can trust him. But we can't sit around waiting for something to happen. It could be years if a war starts. But if we could get the information, we need it would save so many lives. However, what if he isn't willing to help?"

"Well, it's not like a war isn't starting, anyway. I don't think it will matter either way and we might still have Lena. If she is being mistreated, I don’t think she would want to stay there. As long as you're sure you want to involve her. Aldo's help would be like a dream come true. It would stop a lot of bloodshed. If I were a better man, I would do this for the families. For the children. But my reasons are so that you are always safe."

"You are a good man. You are the best man." I lean over and kiss his cheek.

"Thank you, Rose. For the kiss and the kind words. But if you think that is the way to go and it would be worth the risk, then we have to do it. Demetrius has always been intelligent in his dealings. This could work. Your father has been doing some things that most families avoid. I know there is some discontent because he has been sending men after women and children. We will speak to Demetrius after we have all had time to rest. Get his thoughts on things. If you ask for his input, he will give it. He might not like it, but he will always offer alternatives."

"I will ask. I will definitely ask. This would solve most of the problems."

"I agree, my love. It will all work out either don't worry. You're safe with me."

He wraps his strong, comforting arms around me, and I feel his warmth enveloping my weary body. Every inch of me aches from the relentless abuse I endured in the past few days. As I lean into him, I can’t help but feel a mix of gratitude and satisfaction that those men, who caused me so much pain, are no longer alive, even if their deaths were swift. My hatred for them and their despicable actions still lingers within me. Vlad tenderly presses his lips against my forehead, leaving a gentle, reassuring kiss. A wave of relief washes over me, knowing that not only will I never have to endure such torment again, but also that I am exactly where I want to be.

"Everything will work out." He whispers in my ear.

"I hope so. But what are we going to do about the rest of the Bratva? What are we going to do about Demetrius' wife? What if they try to come after me? How are we going to deal with that?"

"Demetrius already had the men send their families away. Everyone is pulling back to the compound. After our brother Viktor abducted Luna, he had a safe room built that is indestructible. That's where you and Luna will be if they come after us. Neither of you will ever fall prey to abuse again. We will make sure of it. And yes, my love, we will deal with all of that. One day at a time."

I feel guilty putting these men in danger. What happens if we lose? I have to put my trust in Vlad.

"I trust you, Vlad, and I believe in you. But I need you to make me a promise."

"Anything."

"I need you to promise that no matter what happens, you won't leave me."

"Never."

I smile and gently close my eyes, fully aware of the sincerity behind his words. Even during those uncertain times when we feared he might not make it, he held on with an unwavering strength. And throughout all the trials and tribulations I’ve faced, he has become an indispensable part of my life, as vital as the very air I breathe. The mere thought of losing him fills me with a profound devastation that I cannot bear. I absolutely cannot let that happen.

"Vlad, I have to warn you. My father is going to do everything he can to come after us. He will want to hurt you for destroying his plans. He can and will be vicious."

“I know, Rose, I know,” I reassured her. “I have to prepare myself for that. He will come and if he doesn't. We will go to him. This will all end. He can’t be allowed to continue down this path of destruction. The men will not tolerate his ways much longer. They know he has been getting worse. This could be the nail in the coffin.”

"What if he brings the others? What if he calls on the other families for help?"

"If that happens, we will kill everyone who gets in our way. There is no choice."

"So, we will fight, then?"

"If we have to. But if things work out with Lena, and Aldo also helps. Well, then I think it will all happen much faster and quieter. I don't want to bring the families into the mix unless we have to. The Bratva are not afraid of bloodshed or war. There are more of us than most realize and if I have to call my contacts in Russia, it will get very messy. I would rather avoid that if we can."

"I agree. But if things happen and I can't stop them. I will not just stand by and watch them take you. I will do what I must. My father has done enough. I won't hide in a room Vlad. You know that. Because if this goes the way, we hope. We will run the family together and I can't hide from that. Know how important it is to me you are by my side. No matter what happens. No matter how hard it is. I can’t show weakness."

“I promise you, my queen,” he whispered, his voice filled with unwavering devotion, “You are mine and I am yours.”

Outside, the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds created a serene symphony. The scent of roses permeated the air, their sweet fragrance mingling with the intoxicating aroma of their love. With their hearts beating as one, they stood united, ready to face any challenge that lay ahead, knowing that no one could ever come between them.

"Good. Because I am yours. All of me is yours."

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