Endless Chase (28 page)

She met his gaze and nodded. “
Ya lublu tebya.
” She smiled at him then, her white teeth flashing as her lips parted. His heart soared and he felt like laughing. “I love you,”

she repeated in English.

Chase growled and playfully nipped at her neck, making her laugh until she was breathless. Tumbling her down beside him, he kissed a trail down her rib cage and nipped at her stomach. Katya smacked his shoulders, her entire body convulsing with 146

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laughter. “I knew this weakness would come in handy.” He was glad to see the tears disappear from her eyes. Her laughter filled his heart to overflowing.

“You’re a beast,” she giggled, the corners of her eyes crinkling as she smiled at him.

“Marry me?”

Her laughter fled as quickly as it had come. “What about your work? New York?

We’re not even certain if you can go out in sunlight at all yet.”

He sighed, knowing they couldn’t put this off any longer. He pulled himself up until he was alongside her, propping himself up on one elbow and resting his chin against his palm. “We’ll find out about the sunlight soon enough. I’ve got a good feeling about it. I seem have most of the same abilities that you do.”

“But what if you can’t?” Katya’s eyes darkened with worry.

“I admit that I’ve always gained inspiration from nature, from sunlit days. I think because most members of my family are vampires I appreciated what a gift it was to be able to enjoy it.” He traced the curve of her cheek, letting his finger trail down the seductive curve of her neck. His cock flexed. He tried to ignore the growing ache in his groin. “But none of that matters. I’ll sculpt and create no matter what. There is much to be learned from the darkness as well.”

“Oh, Chase.” He could hear the sadness in her voice.

“None of that. It wasn’t that long ago I was facing the possibility of death. Now I’m alive and with you. Every day is a miracle.”

She nodded, her eyes going liquid with unshed tears. “You are a miracle.”

He felt his face heating, slightly uncomfortable with the compliment. “I’ve got a showing coming up in New York, but I don’t have to be there for that. I keep my real name and face out of it. My privacy is important to me. Even more so now. I’m still considering canceling the show. My work will sell regardless.”

Her eyes were wide with concern as she nodded. She nibbled on her lower lip and he barely suppressed a groan. He realized that she did that when she was worried about something. It was incredibly sexy and made him want to lick her full bottom lip.

“I love New York and wouldn’t mind keeping my apartment. It’s got a great view of the city and there’s plenty of room, even with my studio taking up a large amount of it. Lots of great clothes shopping too,” he teased, wanting to see her smile.

Katya just snorted at him. “I’m not big on shopping for clothing in case you haven’t already figured that out. Or is that a dig at my wardrobe?”

Chase laughed. “Black looks good on you.” He grinned when she began to tap her finger against his chest. “There are lots of shows to go to and museums. You’d love it.”

“I haven’t been there in years,” she murmured.

“Your parents?”

“Yes.” Her hand flattened over his heart. “We lived there for a few years when I was a child. I wouldn’t mind visiting.”

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Compromise, he reminded himself. It was all about blending their lives together.

“Good. We can spend several months a year there, a few weeks here, and after that we can live anywhere you want.”

“Truly?”

“Absolutely.” Anything to make her happy.

“Your family?” she countered, nibbling on her bottom lip.

“No time like the present.” Chase rolled out of bed, dragging Katya with him. “Get dressed, woman.” He playfully swatted her behind. He was in a fantastic mood and nothing could change that. His mate, his woman, was with him and he was healthy.

Life didn’t get much better. The rest was just details.

Glaring at him, Katya stuck out her tongue as she strode into the bathroom. Chase barely suppressed a laugh. In spite of the problems ahead, he felt great. It didn’t take him long to dress. It took Katya a bit longer, not because she was a fussy woman, but because he sensed her reluctance to actually leave the sanctuary of his room.

Finally, she was ready. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, tucking her close to him. “Everything will be fine.” She looked skeptical, but said nothing.

Truthfully, he had no idea how things would go, but he was hoping for the best.

Whether he and Katya stayed for a few more days or left immediately would depend on what happened in the next few minutes.

They made their way down the staircase to the floor below. The family was gathered, as usual, in the study. Beside him, Katya took a deep breath. He gave her a quick squeeze. The quicker this was done, the better for all of them.

“Chase.” Delight pulled away from her husband’s side and ran to him. “Are you all right?”

Katya moved aside as Delight threw her arms around Chase, hugging him tight. He gave her a brief hug before putting her aside. “I’m fine. We both are.” Reaching out, he took Katya’s hand in his, sensing that if he didn’t hold on to her, she might bolt.

Cristofor came forward, his face set in stern lines. Before he got to them, his head came up like a wolf sensing danger. “Someone is coming. Two people.”

Katya began to shake, all color draining from her face. “Katya?” Chase tried to pull her closer, but she cried out and tore her hand from his grasp, racing out of the room toward the front door.

Cristofor and Chase were close behind her. A loud knock came on the door, but when she yanked on it, the heavy wooden door wouldn’t budge.

Whirling around, she glared at Cristofor. He cocked an eyebrow at her. “This is my home. It is not your place to invite anyone in.”

“Then I’ll leave. Just open the door.”

Cristofor glared at her, but Chase stepped between them. He could sense a woman and a child. What harm could they be?

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Stepping around them, Cristofor opened the door, looming large in the opening. A small boy, no more than nine, stared up at him, his face perfectly calm and composed.

Chase sensed no fear from the boy, although the woman standing behind him was clearly petrified.

“Greetings, Lord Dalakis.” The boy gave a short bow. “I am Sasha Markova, son of Afanas Markova. I come in peace and seek my sister. I have reason to believe she was headed this way.” The boy spoke slowly, but his English was perfect.

Katya cried out and lurched for the door. “Sasha.”

Cristofor stepped aside as Katya fell to her knees, gathering the boy into her arms.

Before their eyes, the façade fell away and the boy threw himself into his sister’s arms, dissolving into tears. “You were gone so long. You didn’t check in this time. Not like before. I was so worried.”

“It’s all right. Everything is all right. No one will hurt you now.”

Sasha swiped his hands over his eyes and straightened his shoulders. “Rina was more worried than I was.” He glanced over his shoulder at the woman standing behind him. She gave him a watery smile and placed her hand on his shoulder.

“Thank you for your concern, Rina.”

The older woman nodded. “I am sorry, Katya. I could not keep him away. I was afraid he would go on his own if I did not accompany him. There is a small contingent of guards back at the local inn.”

“You did well, Rina.”

Chase barely suppressed a smile, even though his own eyes were suspiciously moist. The boy was obviously embarrassed by his emotional outburst. He was at that awkward age, still a child, but wanting to be more adult.

“It is done.” Still on her knees before him, she bowed her head. “I promised Papa and Mama I would always protect you. Our parents’ murderer is no more and those around him are gone as well.”

“You will come home?” Chase could hear the hope in the child’s voice. He glanced at Cristofor, who was staring at the boy. It occurred to Chase that it had been hundreds of years since Cristofor had seen a vampire child.

Cristofor stepped forward, sweeping his hand back. “Come in. You are welcome in my home, Sasha, son of Afanas Markova.” The greeting was formal, but beneath it Chase could hear the warmth in Cristofor’s voice.

Katya climbed to her feet and pulled her brother to her side. Chase sensed her uncertainty and went to her. Sasha stared up at him with interest. Chase nodded to him.

“My name is Chase Deveraux and I will be your brother-in-law.” He held his hand out and waited.

He heard Katya gasp, but he didn’t care. She was his and they belonged together.

Her family was his family.

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Sasha’s eyes widened as he looked to his sister and then back at Chase. He slowly extended his smaller hand, joining it with Chase’s. “I am Sasha.”

As their palms touched, Chase sensed the boy’s uncertainty. “It is a pleasure to meet you. I’m sure you can tell me many stories about your sister and about your home.

I look forward to seeing it all.”

Sasha nodded slowly and then grinned. “I know all kinds of stories.”

“Brat.” Katya scrubbed her hand over his head, making him laugh.

The entire clan was behind them when they turned. The women were all staring at Sasha and the men were stoic. The mood was strained as they all moved back into the study. Sasha stayed close to his sister, obviously sensing the unease among the adults.

Cristofor stared at the brother and sister and Chase was instantly aware of the picture they made standing there. Katya was behind Sasha, her hands on his shoulders.

Chase stood behind Katya, his arms around her waist. They were a unit, a family.

Katya’s heart was frantically pounding, her body was tensed, ready to fight. Yet, unlike before, she was no longer alone. Chase stood behind her, and she knew he would protect her with his life. It was a strange feeling, yet it felt right.

She still couldn’t believe he’d blurted out that they were getting married in front of everyone. He’d pay for that later. She almost smiled as she thought of all the sensual ways she might torture him. He stirred behind her, his cock getting harder. This sharing of emotions and thoughts could prove to be very useful. He had no idea what he was in for later.

Sasha was still uncertain, but she sensed he found Chase intriguing. That was a start. Cristofor stared at her, his green eyes blazing. Her fingers tightened around her brother’s shoulders. “I understand why you did it now.” Cristofor’s gaze flicked to her brother before returning to her. “If I had such a treasure, I would protect it with my last breath.”

Katya was speechless. He hadn’t said it, but she understood he was forgiving her for what she’d done, for the harm she’d led straight to his door. She shook her head. “I should have found another way.”

A grin played around the corners of Cristofor’s mouth. “Was there another way?”

She shrugged. She hadn’t been able to find one. Cristofor shook his head and turned his attention to Chase. “You will have your hands full.”

Chase laughed and squeezed her tight. “I know.”

Katya didn’t know whether to feel insulted or pleased. There had been admiration in both men’s voices. Men could be confusing creatures at times.

Delight stepped forward with Lucian right behind her. “I think congratulations are in order.”

Katya could tell that Delight wasn’t one hundred percent behind their union yet, but she was trying for her brother’s sake. Katya could ask for more than that. Time was 150

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on their side now and Delight would eventually come to realize how much Katya loved her brother.

Chase cupped Katya’s jaw with his hand, tilting it back until she was looking at him. “Are congratulations in order?”

She really was going to make him pay later. This was no way to propose to a woman. She narrowed her eyes and tapped her toe, pretending to think about it.

“Katya,” he growled.

“Oh, all right. Since you asked so nicely.” She heard several of the women laugh, while some of the men groaned.

Chase winced as he leaned down to kiss her. “I’ll make it up to you,” he promised just before his lips touched hers.

The rest of the night passed in a blur. It would take some time for the family to truly accept her, but they were trying. That was more than she’d hoped for. Sasha, on the other hand, was already thick as thieves with Cristofor. The large, stern man seemed enthralled with her brother and vice versa. They made an unlikely pair as Cristofor lifted yet another ancient sword from the wall for Sasha to inspect. Katya suspected the elder Dalakis reminded Sasha of their papa. Her brother asked a million questions, yet none of the Dalakis men seemed impatient, all of them taking the time to talk with him.

Chase caught her gaze as he left his sister’s side and came to her. As he crossed the room, pure love flooded through her. This past year had been the worst of her life, yet it had brought her here, to Chase, to love.

“What is it, my love?” He hovered beside her, concern pouring from every pore of his body.

“Nothing.” She didn’t want to dwell on the past. Not tonight. Tonight was for new beginnings. “I was just thinking how much I love you.”

A sexy grin spread across his face. “Hold that thought. It will be hours until we can get away.” He’d barely finished when Cassidy’s boys raced over to Sasha and dragged him away from the adults, yelling about the cool game room he had to see. Sasha went with them without a backward glance with Rina trailing behind them.

It made her heart soar to see him so happy.

Chase’s hand slid over her ass, squeezing gently, before it landed on the small of her back. “Don’t forget,” she warned him. “You owe me for earlier and I plan to collect payment.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” Wrapping his arm around her, he led her toward his family and toward a new life.

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About the Author

N.J. Walters worked at a bookstore for several years and one day had the idea that she would like to quit her job, sell everything she owned, leave her hometown and write romance novels in a place where no one knew her. And she did. Two years later, she went back to the same bookstore and settled in for another seven years.