Dmitry watched, for a moment, as his mother fussed over Sergei. Then he turned and headed for the stairs. He couldn't wait to get back to Violet. She was a haven from the madness surrounding him. When he held her in his arms, he felt at peace, and right now he needed a little peace.
Dmitry walked into his room, quietly, and undressed. Then he climbed into the large bed and pulled Violet into his arms.
“I missed you.” she murmured
“Hush, lyubov moya. Sleep, I am here.”
Dmitry wrapped himself around Violet, letting her peace sink into him. As long as Violet was beside him, he could face anything.
Violet woke up to the sun streaming in the window. Dmitry was asleep beside her, his soft snores the only sound to break the stillness. She lay on the bed and listened. There were birds outside singing, and the wind was blowing through the trees, sounding like little whispers.
She realized it wasn't what she was hearing; it was what she wasn't hearing. With no rumbles of trucks, or sounds of people, it was like a morning in the wild.
She sat up. Swinging her legs to dangle off the bed, she looked around the room she shared with Dmitry. All the wooden furniture was large and rustic. The natural colors blended into the log walls. There were woven hangings on the walls in greens, warm golds and cream. Burgundy and green braided rugs covered the wooden floors. Violet stepped up, to the nearest wall hanging, and realized it depicted wolves running in the forest. She reached out and brushed her hand against the surface, feeling the softness of each thread. Looking at the construction of the walls, she surmised Dmitry lived in a large log cabin.
The bedroom was large and uncluttered. Where were the family photos, and knick knacks, lying around? The only color was in the wall hanging and rugs. Everything else was the color of natural wood. There was a large wooden cabinet, for storage, along one wall. Where did he hide his belongings?
Violet grabbed Dmitry’s black t-shirt off the chair. Slipping it on, she moved to the window. Outside the sky was blue, and all the colors of nature, seemed sharper and brighter. She glimpsed birds flying from tree to tree. The view was breath taking. She walked over and pulled out her camera from the bag. The urge to take a few pictures was irresistible. She slipped her feet into her boots, and went out the door and down the stairs.
Violet was surprised at how big the house was, it was more like a lodge than a house. She walked onto the front porch, and started taking pictures. The light was perfect, the colors so bright, they practically hurt her eyes. She moved off the porch and around the house, snapping pictures every few steps.
Violet saw movement from the corner of her eye, and turned as a gray and white wolf pup launched itself at her. She fell back onto her bottom, with a huff, holding the camera up and away. She was surprised at how thoroughly the puppy was licking her face. She sat the camera down beside her and petted the silky fur.
“Thank you for the kisses. Aren't you adorable? Does your mother know you're here?” asked Violet rubbing behind the puppy's ears.
Violet looked around, but didn't see anyone or anything around. She held the puppy easily in her arms, as it continued to lick her wherever it could find a spot.
“Where do you live, little one, do you belong to Dmitry?” she asked the puppy.
Violet thought the puppy must be someone's pet. Why else would it be so comfortable with humans? He was so cute, she wanted to cuddle him.
As if in answer to her question, the puppy yipped, and then went back to licking. Violet set the puppy down beside her and picked up her camera. She took a couple of quick shots of him, and then got up, brushing the dirt off her backside. She was glad Dmitry’s shirt came down past her hips. Violet looked down at the puppy, who was now sitting, looking at her with his head tilted.
“Would you like to help me wake up Dmitry?” she asked, feeling mischievous.
“Come on little guy, let's go wake up the Alpha.”
Violet made her way back around to the front of the house and once inside led the puppy, who followed obediently behind her, to Dmitry’s room. She opened the door, and let them both in, before closing it behind her.
“Go get him, boy. Lots of kisses.” She smiled. This was going to be fun.
The puppy launched himself at the man, still sleeping in the bed. Dmitry woke up sputtering and chuckling. Violet took pictures of the two, as the puppy tried to stay out of reach, but still lick Dmitry’s face. When Dmitry finally caught hold of the puppy, Violet was laughing so hard she could hardly stand.
“Illarion, how did you come to be here?” Dmitry asked the puppy, now cradled to his chest. In unison, they both looked at Violet.
Dmitry looked at his mate and felt his heart overflow in his chest. She stood there, with her dark hair flying everywhere, wearing his t-shirt and her hiking boots. Dmitry thought, there wasn’t anyone as beautiful as Violet. Her face was alight with joy and happiness.
Dmitry climbed out of bed, and walked to the door. He opened it and placed the puppy on the other side.
“Go find Yelena and Vikenti. They will fix you something to eat.” Dmitry instructed the puppy, and then he closed the door, and locked it.
Violet watched as Dmitry closed the door. Standing in the light, he looked like a statue of a Greek god. She felt herself getting damp with wanting him. She still couldn’t believe this man was hers.
Dmitry sniffed the air, and a look of male satisfaction crossed his face. “Is that a new fashion milaya moya?” he said as he took a step towards her.
Violet reached out her tongue and wet her lips, watching him. “Just something I threw on,” she answered taking a step back.
“I like it. You are wrapped in my scent.” Dmitry said taking another step towards her. Violet took a step back and realized the bed was now blocking her retreat. She shivered in anticipation.
“But I do not think you have anything on underneath.”
“How do you know?” asked Violet daring him.
“Because, I can clearly see your nipples peeking out at me.”
Violet looked down to see Dmitry was indeed correct, and realized her mistake, as he pounced on her. They landed on the bed and she squealed, trying to push him away. But when he began to kiss her in earnest, she melted against him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him closer, wanting to be with him, a part of him.
Dmitry took his time making love to his mate. He licked and kissed her, knowing where to touch her, to give her the most pleasure. Her sighs and little noises heightened his pleasure. He fed his emotions to her, and opened up, to receive the emotions she fed him. When he entered her, it was as if, two became one. They moved in an age old dance, both of them flying into the heavens, held securely in each other’s arms. When Dmitry could breathe again, he kissed Violet gently.
“I love you, Violet.” He whispered against her mouth and into her thoughts.
“I love you, too, Dmitry,” she answered him sighing.
Dmitry let the joy, of her words, surround him. Then he sent the joy back to Violet. She wrapped her arms more tightly around him, cradling his head to her chest. She kissed the top of his head. Dmitry lay, feeling her love and acceptance flow over and through him. He loved her so much. Could she love the big black wolf living inside him?
Chapter Nine
Violet borrowed one of Dmitry’s clean t-shirts, to wear over her jeans, and wandered downstairs to the kitchen in the back of the house. A woman with long silver hair wore a white shirt and red skirt. She stood at the back door, waving at a little blond boy, who looked about five, as he walked down the path away from the house.
“Off to school now, Illarion, no more playing hooky. If you need help with your homework, come back, and I will help you. I'm sure I will have fresh baked cookies waiting when school is out. Now be good today, or the cookies will be given to the Alpha.”
Violet watched as the boy shuffled his feet, but obediently headed off with a smile and a wave. The woman turned around and gasped.
> “Oh, forgive me,” Violet was quick to say, “I didn't mean to startle you.”
“Of course you didn't, dear. I am Yelena, Dmitry’s mother. Would you like tea?” The woman asked, moving over to the old wood stove and reaching for a tea kettle. If it wasn't for the silver hair, Violet would not have thought the woman to be old enough to have three adult children.
Violet agreed, watching the woman, as she moved around the kitchen. The room was an eclectic mix of the old and new, with electrical appliances sitting on the counters and a wooden stove taking up the center of the room. Violet took the corner seat at the table, as people started arriving. First, the man who was easily recognized as Dmitry’s father came in, pinching his wife on the bottom. Yelena jumped and swatted at him. Violet could clearly see the mating bond flowing between them. Except for his silver hair and brows, the man looked like his sons. He pulled his wife into his arms and murmured to her. Yelena pushed him away playfully. Turning she introduced him to Violet as Vikenti. She noticed the startled look in his eyes as he saw her. His nostrils flaring as he sniffed the air. But his smile seemed genuine, as he took her hand and bowed over it. She looked up into eyes the same color as Dmitry’s. Violet could tell he was assessing her, she felt weighed and measured. She must have passed, because he stepped back and smiled.
“Welcome to our home, Violet, and congratulations on your heartmate bond with my son. May your lives be blessed and fruitful.”
“Thank you. It is kind of you to open your home to me.”
“It is your home, now, as well.”
He moved over and kissed his wife, caressing Yelena's back, and giving her a little squeeze. Then as if he knew Violet watched, he disappeared out the back door.
Next Anton, Kolya and a young woman, who must be Alena, walked in, chatting. Violet could clearly see the yellow cord of light flowing from Kolya to Alena. He held her gently at his side and she looked up at him in adoration and love. Violet realized the twins possessed their mother's eyes and finer features. They all kissed Yelena on the cheek. Then grabbing cups of tea walked over to the table. Again, she saw the startled look in their eyes, for a brief moment, and then they each gave her a huge smile. What was that about? She wondered.
Kolya walked over with a hesitant Alena, and presented his mate to Violet, as if presenting someone to a queen. Violet got up and gave them each a hug. What did Vikenti say?
“Congratulations on your heartmate bond,” she said to them.
“And to you.” Alena answered.
Violet started to turn, but Anton grabbed her into a bear hug. She felt crushed but hugged him back.
“You carry Dimka’s scent now, like a true mate.”
“You are mauling my mate again, Anton.” Dmitry remarked from the door as he headed over to the group. “You must be gentler, brother. Women do not like to be mauled.” He chided as he removed his brother’s arms and wrapped his around Violet.
“Sorry, Alpha” Anton stammered, “I forgot.”
“You didn't hurt me, Anton,” Violet reassured both of them.
“I would not purposely hurt you, sister.” Anton answered quickly, blushing.
Violet felt confused as to why Anton would be so embarrassed. But all thoughts fled as she looked up into Dmitry’s eyes. She watched as they darkened with passion, turning a deep cobalt blue. She would never tire of seeing his eyes looking at her with such desire. He leaned down and kissed her gently, and then sitting, he positioned her on his lap. She wanted to laugh at his possessive ways, but liked how much he needed her. Anton went to get him a cup of tea from the stove.
“Dimka?” she asked
“It’s a nickname, just as Kolya is a nickname for Nikolai.”
“You spoil him, Violet, letting him hold you on his lap.” Alena sighed, shaking her head.
“You would not give me the pleasure of holding you on my lap?” Kolya asked, surprised.
“Only if you earned it, Kolya,” Alena taunted him.
“Is giving you all my love not enough?”
“A woman has to keep control, or you men would take all the time.”
“What say you, Yelena?” asked Kolya, looking for reinforcements.
Yelena looked up from where she stood at the stove, stirring a pot. “I think you are both right and you must pick your battles.” she answered.
Violet listened to the playful banter going on around her. She leaned back into Dmitry’s arms, enjoying how he held her. She loved how their bodies always seemed to mesh. Dmitry casually drank his tea in one hand, while the other held her around the waist. His fingers would occasionally brush her breast or splay across her stomach. Violet knew he was teasing her, and since no one could see underneath the table, she allowed her hand to slip to the inside of his thigh, lightly brushing her nails over his pants. She felt the whoosh of air leave his lungs, and smiled inside, not letting anyone else at the table see a difference.
Unfair, mate. Violet heard Dmitry send to her.
You started it.
Violet smiled when she heard Dmitry’s mental chuckle. You are right, as usual.
I'm glad you realize that, Violet teased him.
“I must go speak with our elders. Do you feel comfortable enough to stay with my family, or would you like to go with me?” Dmitry asked quietly.
“I would like to go with you, but I feel your hesitancy. Why don't you want me to come?”
“The way is long and not easily traveled....”
“And I would slow you down.” Violet finished for him. “Will you be long?”
“A few hours only, but, Violet, I would crawl if you needed me to.”
“I know, that's why I love you. Go. I will get better acquainted with your family while you are away.”
“You are sure?”
“Yes, I'm sure. I will be able to touch your mind, right?” she asked shivering.
“Yes, and if you need me, call to me. You should not experience the grief of before. Do not be stubborn and reach for me.” Dmitry gave her a little squeeze.
“I am never stubborn, I am determined.” Violet tossed her head.
“Then be determined to reach for me when you need to. I will be reaching for you, and I will be very determined.”
Violet looked up and noticed everyone was watching them. She blushed and turned her head into Dmitry’s neck. Feeling her embarrassment, Dmitry moved his arm up around her shoulders and cuddled her close. His mate was not used to so many people around her.
“Stop staring at us. We are not your entertainment.” Dmitry growled.
Violet smiled when four voices in unison sing songed, “Yes, Alpha.”
She also liked how he jumped to her defense. It made her feel cherished and protected.
“I must go, lyubov moya. Vikenti and Grigori wait for me.” Dmitry said as he leaned down and kissed her on the nose.
“Be careful and come back soon.” Why did his leaving feel like he was taking a piece of her heart out? It was only a few hours. Surely she could handle a few hours.
“I will be waiting to feel your touch. I need you, lyubov moya.”
“How disgusting. Already she has him wrapped around her finger.” Anton groused.
“You’re jealous of our Alpha finding his mate, when you haven’t.” Kolya teased.
“Enough. You two have jobs to do, and I must go.” Dmitry stood up and gave Violet a swift kiss. Then he and his men marched out the door. Violet looked over to see Yelena struggling to pull a large bag of flour and several other items out of the pantry.
“Here, let me help you.” Violet urged.
Yelena smiled in gratitude and handed Violet the spices as they moved over to the counter.
“What else can I do to help?” Violet asked.
Yelena looked around, thinking and tapping her chin. “Would you mind washing up the dishes?” she asked.
Violet headed for the sink, already full of warm soapy water. She helped wash the breakfast dishes and put things away. Then she helped Y
elena bake cookies for the children. Feeling brave and accepted, she started to ask Yelena questions.
Yelena told her their people existed for millions of years. They helped shape a lot of early Siberian history. Then their people became targeted, and they moved to this remote area to survive. Now they were only the stuff of legends. But with technology what it was, feared to be exposed again.
Yelena explained about their dwindling numbers, and how more boy children were born than girl children. Without mates, their people would have no future.
“How is it Dmitry was able to mate with me?” asked Violet
“We do not know, maybe because you are telepathic. You could be the answer to our breeding problems.”
Violet stiffened. Is that all it was? A chance meeting, with a woman who was telepathic?
“Do not think Dmitry chose you because you are telepathic. You are his heartmate, the other half of his soul. The mating bond is never wrong. You are meant to be together.”
Violet? Are you well? Violet felt Dmitry reaching out to her and flooding her with love and reassurance. He must have felt her reaction to Yelena’s comment.
I am fine. Go take care of your meeting with the Elders. Violet tried to send reassurance back to Dmitry. She didn’t need him monitoring her every thought. She felt him withdraw, a chuckle of amusement in his mind.
“But, why me?” she asked Yelena. How did all this happen?
“Is being my son’s soul mate such a burden? Instead of why me, perhaps you should be saying, thank you for giving me this man.” Yelena suggested. Violet felt chastised. Yelena was right. Instead of questioning everything, she should be thankful.
“No wonder you are the mother of the Alpha. You are very wise.”
“I have been wife to the Alpha as well. I would like to give you warning. You are Dmitry’s greatest strength and biggest weakness. You must protect yourself from those who would use you against him. You must protect yourself from harm. For if you leave this earth, Dmitry will follow you.”
“I will try, Yelena, but if you see me making mistakes, can I count on you to help me?”
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