The Volki

Chapter Ten, Tequila And Vodka

Chilling in the living room of the Mikhailov Milan House, I find myself on the couch within Axton's arms, feeling his warmth and comfort. We both watched with amusement as Amir and Avrora played Princess together. Avrora's laughter fills the room, a sweet and infectious sound that makes us smile.

Suddenly, Nikhil comes into the room with a deep, concerned face. "Vasilisa?" Nikhil's voice interrupts my thoughts.

"What is it?" I reply in Russian, turning my attention to him.

"The Montis have demanded a meeting to discuss our relationship with their princess," Nikhil says, struggling to contain his laughter as he says 'princess' but ultimately failing, which I can't blame him.

"Set up the meeting," Axton says firmly, not even moving a muscle.

"But-" Nikhil starts to protest.

"Nikhil," I interrupted him, standing up from the couch and my husband Axton's embrace. "We know what we are doing." I locked eyes with my brother, giving him a confident nod, letting him see the determination in my gaze.

"Sorry, I am just worried," Nikhil said as his face twitched.

"I-" I started to respond, but before I could continue, a joyful, little shout interrupted us.

"Uncle Nil!" Avrora's being a ball of energy, charges at Nikhil's leg.

Nikhil turned to face her, a smile breaking through his . "Hey, Bunny," he greeted warmly, kneeling down to her height.

"Guess what?" Avrora's eyes sparkled with excitement as she ran over to him. Her pigtails bounce with each enthusiastic step as she practically shouts.

"What?" Nikhil's voice carries a mix of confusion and surprise as he looks up from his phone, his brow furrowed.

"Mommy got me a puppy!" Her eyes are wide with joy, sparkling like stars.

Nikhil's confusion deepens, his gaze darting between Avrora and me. "Mommy didn't," he says slowly in Russian, his tone a mixture of disbelief and caution. He knows that things are too complicated right now and a puppy would just be too much.

"Looky," Avrora insists, her voice filled with childish glee. She turns slightly, revealing a small, fluffy stuffy cradled in her arms. "This is Maxie!" she announces proudly, holding up her cute Black Labrador, stuffed dog I got her.

Nikhil's expression softens immediately at the sight of the puppy. His initial skepticism melts away, replaced by a warm smile. "Maxie is so pretty!" he exclaims, his voice gentle as he leans in to get a better look at the tiny creature.

I watch smiling, seeing my little bundle of joy, proudly showing Maxie off. While Avrora's joy is infectious, I can't shake the worry gnawing at the pit of my stomach. I can't keep her sheltered for the rest of her life.

"Avrora, I need to talk to Uncle Nil for a moment," I say in Russian, keeping my voice calm.

Avrora looks up at me, her big eyes full of innocence. "Okay, Mommy," she responds without hesitation, hugging Maxie tightly to her chest. "Come on, Maxie, let's go play," she says, hugging her new friend as she turns to go back to the other side of the room, her footsteps light and excited.

As Avrora's giggles fade down the hallway, I turn my attention back to Nikhil. The playful atmosphere dissipates, replaced by a heavy seriousness. "We need to prepare carefully for this meeting," I say in Russian, my voice low and urgent. "My family will question my relationship."