I almost think I’m still in the dream, but when I open my eyes and find Desmier looking at me, my heart soars into the heavens.
“Valkyrie…” he mutters in a faint voice.
“You’re awake.”
“I told you. We’re not done yet.”
I smile. That’s the best thing I’ve ever heard. “No, we’re not. We never will be.”
ChapterFifty-Two
Desmier
Ilower myself into my chair. I’m in my office at home. A place I never thought I’d see again.
I’ve been home from the hospital now for a week, and it’s been two weeks since I woke up from my deep slumber.
I don’t know how I made it back, and my body is still weak, but I’m alive. Alive and grateful for a second chance.
I remember thinking my end had arrived when the bullet hit me, but it was worth it. I’d watched Viktor going after Anastasia with his gun to shoot her. To kill her.
At that moment, it didn’t matter what happened to me. I had to save her by whatever means I could.
When his bullet hit me, I tasted death and got closer to the other side than I ever have. But now I’m back in the world of the living with a wife who loves me, a baby on the way, two funerals to attend, and a brother on the run for murdering our uncle.
Somehow, I need to get back on my feet and pick up the pieces that have been left behind after losing Leif. A month has passed since he was killed, and my mind still won’t accept it. I keep expecting him to call me or come by and visit.
He left me a video message.
Ehlga gave it to me when I got home on Monday. She said he did it on my wedding day as a ‘just in case’ message. He knew once Anastasia and I got married, we’d have a clock ticking over our heads and it was only a matter of time before things started happening. Leif, as always, couldn’t have been more right.
I’ve been trying to watch the video since Ehlga gave it to me, but every time I try, I can’t bring myself to look at Leif alive, knowing he’ll be forever trapped that way in a recording. Another memory for me.
It’s even harder to watch knowing that Zakh, whom I actually ended up trusting, took Leif from me and no one has seen hide or hair of him. And with the skill set Zakh has, no onewillfind him. A man like that will know how to stay hidden.
But I will find him. I vow to avenge Leif in every way possible. It doesn’t matter how well Zakh hides himself, I’ll spend the rest of my life looking for him if that’s what I have to do.
As for now, I’m making another attempt to watch the video.
Ehlga walks in with a jug of ice water. She gives me a warm smile when she sees me sitting in front of the computer.
“Are you going to watch it now?”
“I’m going to try. Is Anastasia awake yet?” Anastasia has been getting tired and falling asleep a lot more recently. It’s a pregnancy symptom.
When I think of Anastasia pregnant, a feeling comes over me that I can’t describe. If I were to try, I’d say it was eternal bliss and worth fighting death for. They both were worth the fight—my woman and my baby.
“Yes, she’s out on the terrace. I told her you were probably up here watching the video.”
“Thanks.”
“Desmier, do you want me to watch it with you?” Another kind smile lifts her lips. “I can do that if it will help.”
I take her hand and bring it to my heart. “I’m okay. But thank you. Thank you for always being there for me.”
Leaning forward, she plants a kiss on my forehead.
“Always. Let me know if you need me.” She nods and leaves.