With a nod, I stepped past Catherine and into the room. Jane was crying quietly against my shoulder. Max was pale but clearly trying to be brave.“I’m sorry, Mommy,” Jane sniffled. “I didn’t mean to cause trouble.”“You didn’t cause any trouble, sweetheart. None of this is your fault.” I set her dow
NataliaThe room went dead silent. Every single person in the auditorium was staring at Lilith, who wast standing at the bottom of the stage covered in blood and pointing at my children like they were criminals.I felt Andrei’s hand tighten around mine for just a second before he dropped it complete
What if someone recognized Andrei despite the mask? What if the twins said something they shouldn’t? What if I tripped and made a fool of myself and ruined the entire charity event?“Hey.”Andrei’s quiet voice made me look up. He’d stepped closer, close enough that I could smell his familiar scent e
Lilith & NataliaLilithThe cramping had started during the pre-show cocktail hour, like sharp little knives twisting in my lower abdomen. I’d excused myself to the bathroom, thinking it was just nerves or something I’d eaten.But when I pulled down my underwear, I saw the blood.And it wasn’t just
Damon looked up at the sound of my approach. His face was pale and sweaty, and he looked like hell. “Natalia, I’m so sorry. I don’t think I can—”Another wave of nausea hit him and he doubled over the trash can again before he could finish.“Shit,” I muttered. The fashion show was supposed to start
NataliaThe sudden movement sent my already pounding head into a tailspin. The room tilted, and I felt my knees buckle as the world went fuzzy around the edges.Strong hands caught my arms before I could hit the floor.“Whoa, easy there,” Andrei said, steadying me against the counter. “When was the