Fated for Her Wolves - Tara West Page 0,66
puffing up his chest. “We’re moving to Alaska.”
Tatiana was unnerved when she heard collective sighs of relief pinging around the room. Were they really that afraid of her and Dimitri?
Though she was tempted to say something to them, she focused on Dimitri’s hand holding hers, on the warmth of his skin and the slight trembling just under the surface. Soon they’d be bonded in beautiful Alaska, where the Amaroki would gladly welcome them. At least she hoped so.
BORIS WAS NOT SURPRISED to find his wayward brother in the back of their sons’ barn, throwing axes at a tree stump. He’d followed Jovan’s scent, mixed with stale vodka, passing the home Jovan had made for himself—a television in front of an old recliner, a cooler of food on one side, empty vodka bottles on the other, and a trash can fire behind him.
Jovan had to have heard him enter, yet he heaved his axe at the stump, splitting it down the middle with a loud crack.
His patience already worn thin, Boris kicked a wad of dirt and hay at Jovan’s back. “Turn around!”
Jovan turned with a start, growling and raising a fist.
“When are you going to let go of your anger against Eilea?” Boris snapped.
Jovan looked at him, his eyes glassy from fatigue, drink, or both. “She poisoned us.”
Groaning, Boris dragged a hand down his face. “She thought she was saving us.”
Jovan stomped up to him. “She nearly got everyone killed, including our sons and my infant.”
Boris smirked. “The infant you are ignoring while you hide from Eilea?”
Jovan threw up his hands. “What choice do I have?” He slapped his chest. “It’s not like I can make milk.”
Boris would’ve laughed if the situation hadn’t been so sickening. “She infiltrated their compound as the demon Sitri was about to rape Tatiana. A moment later, and our sons’ mate would’ve been defiled.”
Jovan’s face paled. “I didn’t know that.”
“Da,” he answered, crossing his arms. “She saved Tatiana, and I believe she’s realized she doesn’t need to battle demons alone.”
Jovan gave him a long look. “I’m grateful she saved our sons’ mate, but she put our family through a nightmare. Tatiana and Dimitri are not right. They act like frightened sheep.”
Boris couldn’t deny Tatiana and Dimitri had been acting skittish since the rescue, and they were leaving Romania because of it. But that wasn’t Eilea’s fault. “We can’t blame Eilea for that. Do not forget it was she who brought them out of the Hoia Baciu.”
A spark of rage flared in Jovan’s eyes. “I do not forget.”
Yeah, he understood why Jovan was upset with Eilea, but he carried his rancor too far, which made Boris question the real reason behind his anger. “Do you resent her for putting us to sleep or for her power?”
Jovan flinched, then became stone-faced again. “What do you mean, brother?”
Damn Jovan for being such a prick. “She is more powerful than we are. You’re pissed she doesn’t need our protection.”
Jovan moved so fast, Boris reacted late. He dodged most of Jovan’s blow, taking just a bit to the chin.
He raised his fists. “Seems I touched a nerve.”
“Get out,” Jovan ordered.
Boris rubbed his sore chin, eyeing him with derision. “Fine, but she still needs our love, brother, and you’re a fool to deny her. Hopefully, when you’ve come to your senses, she will be willing to take you back.”
TATIANA WAS GETTING restless. It had already taken too long for Agent Johnson to say goodbye. He put off relinquishing his new grandnephew to Eilea before leading Mihaela and Tor to his truck.
Her mates had already exchanged farewells with their bunica, bunics, and fathers. None were happy to see them go. They’d stalled, hoping Jovan would show, but when it was clear he wasn’t coming, her grumbling mates piled their luggage in the truck bed.
Eilea followed her out, looking like she had something to say, but asked about her health instead. “How do you feel?” It was only the tenth time that day.
“Ready to go back to Alaska,” Tatiana answered, hanging on the truck door.
“You seem weary.” Eilea grabbed her wrist, and magic tickled her skin. “When you get there, ask Amara to place her healing hands on you and Dimitri.”
“Why?” Tatiana asked, suddenly nervous.
Eilea bit her lip. “Healing sometimes requires more than one try.”
Why did she get the feeling there was something Eilea wasn’t telling her? Was she worried she hadn’t completely banished the forest’s taint? “How many tries?”
Eilea was hesitant, even twitchy, which wasn’t like her. “I’m not sure.”
Tatiana nodded. After