Page 74 of Bride of Vengeance
"Barely."
"Liar. You feel completely better. Possessive alpha wolves always do after they've marked their territory."
"You like it when I mark you."
"That's beside the point." She traces lazy patterns on my chest. "We still need a plan."
"I know."
"And you need to let me take the lead on this."
"I know that too."
"Really?"
I turn to look at her. "You're the FBI agent. You know Harrison, how he thinks, what will make him slip. I'm just the muscle."
Mariana smiles and her eyes reflect the gratitude she feels at hearing the words she was waiting for from my mouth.
But before any of us can say anything, my phone buzzes. Mila.
"Put her on speaker," Mariana says.
"Uncle Misha! I have it! Evidence of Harrison's whole financial network—twelve million dollars, thirty-nine victims, and get this—We knew about his private trafficking ring, but I found evidence that he's been using FBI resources to run it."
"Send it all to my encrypted server."
"Already done. Also, Mariana? Your mom's safe. Boris's men are in position, and I've got her building's security cameras under my control."
"Thank you, Mila."
"Family takes care of family. Speaking of which, how's my future cousin doing? Any morning sickness yet?"
"It's still too early, Mila."
"So? These things can start early! Are you taking prenatal vitamins? Eating enough? Uncle Misha better be taking good care of you both."
"He's hovering like a mother hen," Mariana says, and I can hear the smile in her voice.
"Good! Now, have you thought about names? Russian names are very distinguished—"
"Goodbye, Mila."
"Wait! Don't hang up! We need to discuss the baby shower—"
I hang up. Two seconds later, my phone explodes with texts.
Mariana laughs, the sound filling all the empty spaces in my chest.
"She's going to be an interesting cousin for this baby."
"The best kind."
I pull her closer. "Are you ready for tomorrow?"
"Are you?"
"No. But I'll do it anyway. I trust you. Because you're right—you're the only one who can get him to confess. And because..." I pause, the words difficult but necessary. "We started this together, we stayed together, and we should finish it together. It terrifies me, but I know you're capable. And I also know what I'm capable of to protect you, you and my child."
