Page 44 of Twisted Vows

Viktor regarded his son with a mixture of pride and concern, his brow furrowing ever so slightly. “Your dedication is commendable, but I fear your anger might cloud your judgment in this matter.”

Dmitri opened his mouth to protest, but Viktor raised a hand, silencing him. “You are still young, my son,” he continued, his voice tinged with a paternal warmth that seemed at odds with the gravity of the situation. “In time, you will learn to temper your fury with wisdom, to wield your anger as a weapon rather than letting it consume you. You don't need to prove anything to me at this moment, aside from being open to learning from your mistakes.”

Dmitri’s shoulders slumped. “Of course, Papa.”

Viktor’s gaze softened as he regarded his son, a flicker of pride shining through the stern facade. “You will make a wise pakhan one day, Dmitri,” he said, his words carrying the weight of a solemn promise, “But for now, let cooler heads prevail.”

With a final nod, Rurik and I took our leave, the weight of Valentina’s betrayal still a shock, but as we walked the familiar corridors toward the exit, each step made me feel lighter, as it brought me that much closer to Nika. Rurik seemed to feel the same, and we were practically floating to the SUV by the time we stepped into the parking lot. A giddy sensation swept through me, and I dared label it as happiness.

Epilogue – Nika

The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as I carefully poured two steaming mugs while my mind drifted elsewhere. As I added a cup of hot tea for myself, a flutter of nerves danced in my belly. It was time, because this was a secret I could no longer contain.

After setting the mugs on the tray, I took a deep breath and made my way to the living room, where Malachi and Rurik sat engrossed in conversation. After living with them for several months, it was a sight I was accustomed to, but it never failed to send my pulse skyrocketing to see them again after even a brief time apart.

Rurik glanced up first, his brow furrowing slightly as he studied my face. “Is everything all right?”

I forced a smile, setting down the tray on the coffee table. “Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?”

Malachi’s piercing gaze met mine, and I knew he could see right through my feeble attempt at nonchalance. He reached out, taking my hand in his calloused grip. “What’s going on, Nika?”

Swallowing hard, I sank onto the couch between them, my heart hammering. No more stalling. I had to tell them. “I...I’m pregnant.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Rurik stiffened beside me, his eyes widening. Malachi’s expression morphed from concern to utter shock, his mouth parting but no sound escaping.

Panic seized me at their silence. “Say something, please.”

Rurik recovered first, his hand finding my knee in a reassuring squeeze. “Are you sure?”

I nodded, the knot in my throat making speech difficult. “I took three tests. All positive.”

“But how...” Malachi trailed off, running a hand through his dark hair. “We were careful.”

A humorless chuckle escaped my lips. “Apparently not careful enough.”

Silence stretched between us, thick with tension. Just as I began to fear the worst, Malachi’s face split into a broad grin. “We’re having a baby.”

Relief washed over me as Rurik echoed his smile, their joy sincere. In an instant, they had both moved closer, enveloping me in their warm embrace.

“This wasn’t planned,” said Rurik against my hair, “But we’ll face it together, like everything else.”

Malachi’s hand cupped my cheek, tilting my face to meet his intense gaze. “You and our child will be protected, Nika. I swear it on my life.”

Tears pricked my eyes as I basked in their love and acceptance. All my fears melted away, replaced by a fierce determination to embrace this new chapter of our lives. With a watery laugh, I leaned into the arms of my lovers. “I know,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to each of their stubbled jaws. “I’m not afraid with you two by my side.”

The days ahead would undoubtedly bring challenges, but I was surprisingly unafraid of the changes before us. Our bond was unbreakable, forged in fire, and tempered by love. This child would be born into a world of danger, but also into a circle of protective loyalty and absolute devotion.

As Malachi’s hand drifted to my still-flat belly, his eyes shone with a mixture of awe and resolve. Rurik’s arm tightened around my shoulders, his lips brushing my temple in a soft kiss. Their tenderness was undeniable, and they hadn't flinched from the idea of being fathers. I was reassured, feeling safer than ever.

The gentle rise and fall of Malachi’s chest lulled me into a sense of tranquility as I nestled against his solid frame. My fingers traced idle patterns across the taut muscles of his abdomen, reveling in the warmth of his skin. Rurik’s arm draped over my waist from behind, his breath tickling the nape of my neck in a comforting rhythm.

Malachi’s deep voice rumbled against my ear, shattering the silence. “We should get married.”

I stilled, certain I had misheard him. A glance up at his resolute expression told me otherwise. “Married?”

Rurik propped himself up on one elbow, his brow furrowed. “He’s right. It’s the honorable thing to do.”

Panic fluttered in my chest as the implications sank in. Marriage? To both of them? The very notion seemed absurd, a concept straight out of fairy tales and fantasies. Yet, as I studied the earnest determination etched onto their handsome features, it was obvious they were serious.

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