Valentina would have preferred to stand herself since drawing her weapon would take a fraction of a second longer while sitting, but she was there just as much to calm mounting concerns as to play bodyguard. She'd played this role often enough with Nikolai that she'd become accustomed to the part.
Yuri placed an unopened bottle on the table in front of her and several glasses. She leaned forward to open the bottle and began pouring. She served Nikolai first, and then went around the table offering each of the others a drink, taking the opportunity to study them even more for possible tells. It was easy to read body language for tension if you set them off-guard with a casual question first.
With a tilt of her head and a small unassuming smile, all of them accepted her offer. Sergei made a point to brush his hand against hers as he took the glass and whispered, “Thank you, Valechka.”
Stiffening slightly at the contact, Valentina resisted the urge to upend the drink in his lap. Instead, she smiled sweetly at him and sat back down in her chair beside Nikolai. She poured a drink for herself and settled back, listening to the small talk and watching each of the guests.
“Initial construction reports on this new tower are promising,” Nikolai began, leaning back in his chair. “Sergei has indicated your people are skilled craftsmen.”
“Thank you,” Alec said, a trace of pride in his voice. “It's coming along quite well, although progress has been a bit slower than we'd like.”
“Yes, I understand there have been issues with acquiring resources.”
Alec nodded. “Unfortunately, yes. We have several new plans in place to secure the necessary materials, but it may take longer than we originally anticipated to complete the new tower.”
Valentina glanced over at Sergei, who still hadn't taken his eyes off her. He didn't appear surprised by this news. She'd known about the delays, but not that they'd be unable to complete the tower in time. Granted, she'd been tied up on other business for the past few weeks, but that was still no excuse. Dammit. She hated coming into situations blind.
“I see,” Nikolai acknowledged, placing his hand on her leg. Understanding his silent warning not to reveal her irritation, Valentina relaxed her body and continued to listen. “I'm afraid additional delays may pose a problem. Our agreement stated the new tower would be complete within a year's time.”
Sergei's gaze lowered to Nikolai's hand resting on her thigh. Picking up his drink, he tossed it back and placed his empty glass on the table. He leaned back in his seat and resumed watching her. The nonstop scrutiny was beginning to unnerve her, and she returned his gaze in a silent challenge. What was Sergei up to now? He couldn't want to play here and now, especially given their audience. His mouth curved upward a fraction, and she blinked at him in surprise. He did.
“I understand,” Alec said, still focused on the conversation with Nikolai and oblivious to the silent communication occurring in front of him. “But the delay is unavoidable. If you would be willing to extend our original timeframe by six months, we would be able to take in another one hundred of your people once the tower is complete.”
Even if Nikolai hadn't been touching her, she still would have picked up on his worry. Although he showed no outward signs of stress, pushing their timeframe back to that extent would create a great deal of hardships on their people. They had a thousand people in the vicinity and were already feeling the strain from the lack of supplies. Their nearest facility was too far away to provide more than cursory support.
If Nikolai agreed to Alec's proposal, he'd be putting his position at risk. At the last summit meeting, the other leaders had discussed the possibility of terminating the alliance. They all had concerns about these delays, arguing that OmniLab could be intentionally trying to weaken the Coalition's position in the area by withholding vital resources. And that didn't even begin to broach the argument about this alliance possibly hindering future negotiations with OmniLab.
Once their people began occupying this new construction tower, they would still be at a disadvantage. OmniLab would retain a controlling interest given their population far exceeded the thousand new residents prepared to move into the towers. Essentially, their people could find themselves dependent upon OmniLab's continuing goodwill. There was also some concern about falling under OmniLab's rule and what it would mean to the Coalition's future.
Nikolai had vehemently argued against terminating their alliance, throwing his support in with Sergei and even offering to come here to evaluate the situation. It would cost Nikolai dearly to extend the deadline, both in favors and accumulated supplies, but the alternative could be even more deadly. None of them wanted another war, unless there was no other option.
Valentina placed her hand over Nikolai's and discreetly tapped three times to give her opinion. They couldn't afford to extend the timeframe any more than that. She'd most likely have to take on some additional jobs to pay off the favors Nikolai would need to borrow. He didn't like it when she went off on her own, but there wasn't much of a choice. Yuri didn't have her same skillset or versatility, and one of them needed to remain behind with Nikolai. She might reach out to Peter or Lena's people first. They were two of the other leaders who were supposedly operating in the area.
Nikolai was quiet for a long moment and then said, “Three months, and you will take in another two hundred of our people.”
Alec hesitated, glancing at Lars. When the former renegade nodded, Alec said, “Very well.”
The conversation then temporarily shifted to more mundane matters, and her attention fell back on Sergei. He lifted his eyebrow in silent challenge, asking whether she intended to play. Valentina had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling. He'd always been such a troublemaker.
Nikolai squeezed her leg gently, a pre-arranged signal to repour. She refilled the glasses, leaning over a little too far to hand Sergei's drink back to him. The liquid splashed over the front of his pants, and she frowned in dismay at her clumsiness.
“I might have something to… help remove that,” she said, making a show of brushing her hand against one of her knives. “Shall I check to see what I can find?”
Sergei's eyes twinkled in amusement. “I do not believe that will be necessary. It will dry.”
Valentina gave a small shrug and turned away, putting an extra sway in her hips as she walked over to the caravan. She bent down and reached inside to pull out a small cooler, feeling the weight of more than just Sergei's gaze on her backside.
“Do you need help?” Brant approached behind her and gestured to the cooler. Valentina took a step back, allowing him to carry it over to the table. She gave him a small smile in appreciation.
Careful not to interrupt the conversation at the table, she quietly said, “I wondered if I was going to see you here today.”
He returned her smile. “I was sorry to learn you left so suddenly. How are you feeling?”
“Much better,” she admitted, tucking a lock of hair that had escaped from her ponytail behind her ear. “Although, I miss those cookies already.”
“I have a standing reservation at that café, anytime you want to go,” Brant offered with a grin and then gestured to the cooler. “What's in here?”
“Nothing nearly as good as your cookies.” She picked up a small covered dish and leaned in close to him, whispering, “Whatever you do, avoid this one. It tastes like old shoes.”
Valentina wrinkled her nose, and he chuckled.
“I'll keep that in mind,” he whispered back. “What's that other one?”
“Oh,” she murmured, knowing he was performing his duties to protect his leader, just as she would have done. It was all part of the game, and Brant was playing it well so far. She glanced over at Sergei, who was ignoring everyone at the table and focusing completely on her and Brant. It would be tempting to pour the whole bottle over him next time. “This is one of my favorites. It is a salted fish, but it’s difficult to come by here. We have it shipped from one of our facilities where we h
ave farming tanks.” She pointed to another and added, “Those are pickled vegetables.”
Brant made a point to brush his hand against hers as he helped place them on the table. She smiled up at him and then turned away to pull out another bottle from the cooler. Yuri caught her eye, his mouth twitching in the barest of smiles. He knew exactly what she was doing and was enjoying the show. She winked at him before turning back to the table. A little harmless flirting now would only help her efforts to get more information out of Brant the next time she stopped by the towers.
Valentina sat back down, uncovered the dishes, and poured herself another drink. She tossed it back and picked up a small bite to demonstrate the items were safe to eat. Brant's eyes danced in amusement, and he followed her example.
Nikolai placed his hand back on her leg and rubbed his thumb against her thigh. Even though he'd appeared attentive to the conversation with Alec, Valentina was sure he was aware of her interactions with Sergei and Brant. The gesture was a clear indication he needed her focus on the conversation.
“We deeply regret any harm that may have come to Ariana,” Nikolai said. “These actions were taken by two renegades, and they have been dealt with harshly.”
Alec nodded. “Sergei and Lars have both shared with me how they met their untimely end, but that doesn't change my position on the matter.”
“Your demand for information about our other camps is unreasonable,” Nikolai informed him in a firm, unyielding tone. “We are not at war with each other. My decision to send Valentina to assist in Ariana's rescue should be proof of our goodwill. I treasure her deeply, and she nearly lost her life to protect your fiancée.”
Valentina frowned. The whole situation with Pavel and Sofia pissed her off. From all appearances, Ariana was a wonderful person who had nearly given her life to save Valentina’s. Even if this alliance fell apart, Valentina would always retain a sense of loyalty toward the dark-haired woman. They had each put their lives on the line for each other, and that wasn't a bond forged lightly.
Alec glanced over at her. “I'm grateful for your intervention, Valentina. Ariana told me about how you distracted them to buy us time.”
She nodded. “I owe Ariana a debt that cannot be repaid. If she ever has need of me, I will come to her aid.”
Alec's gaze softened, the love he felt for Ariana shining in his eyes. “Thank you. That will mean a great deal to her.”
“We all have much to be gained from this alliance,” Nikolai reminded him. “Relationships have already been forged between our people.”
Alec sighed. “I agree, but this issue has fractured a fragile trust between us.”
“The first pancake is always lumpy,” Nikolai said, quoting an old pre-war proverb. “What happened was a regrettable setback, but we are still finding our way. It would not be wise to judge all our people based on the actions of a few.”
“You're right,” Alec relented. “But if you are more forthcoming with information, it would go far to alleviate our concerns.”
“Perhaps. We may share this information in time, but our alliance is still in its infancy.” Nikolai squeezed her leg again gently and added, “In an effort to deepen our understanding of each other's cultures, I would like to invite your people to visit one of my camps. You have been gracious in your hospitality, and I would be pleased to offer the same to you.”
Valentina stood to refill Alec's glass. While handing it to him, a red light on the arm of her jacket caught her attention. She dropped the bottle, reaching for her weapon, but Sergei tackled her to the ground. His body spasmed against her, and she rolled to the side, weapon drawn, searching for the attackers. Shouts echoed throughout the clearing while more shots ripped through the air.
Yuri flipped the table over on its side, using it as a shield to protect everyone. It wouldn't last. The table wasn't sturdy enough to offer more than cursory cover. Yuri and the others began returning fire, more as a distraction than anything else. Their weapons were designed for close encounters, whereas their attackers were using high-powered, long-distance weapons.
A groan caught her attention and Valentina glanced down, her heart nearly stopping at the sight of the bullet hole ripped through Sergei's jacket. Panic flooded through her, paralyzing her for a moment. He was bleeding too much, the wound a sucking, gaping hole in his chest.
“I need a visual, dammit!” Yuri shouted into his commlink as more shots were fired in their direction, pinning them down. “Where are the shooters?”
“Valechka,” Sergei began, but she shook her head.
“Shh, Seryozha, do not talk,” Valentina ordered, withdrawing a knife to cut open his jacket. She reached over to grab the dropped bottle and pulled off its cooling sleeve. With a snap, she broke it in half and placed one of the thin pieces on top of his wound. Shrugging out of her jacket, she pulled off her shirt and cut it into strips. Holding the cooler piece in place, she tied the strips tightly around Sergei, creating a makeshift occlusion bandage. She pressed her hand against the wound, applying even more pressure.
Another smattering of shots rang out, one of them piercing the table and hitting one of their men in the arm. Nikolai was crouched behind the table, returning fire. A few inches to the right and the bullet would have hit him. They needed to get everyone out of there now.
“Yuri!” she yelled. “Give me your shirt.”
Yuri glanced over at her and yanked it off, still shouting instructions over the commlink. One of the Omnis was ordering air support to their location, but it would be too late.
“Lars! Hold pressure on Sergei's wound. I need both hands free.”
As soon as he was in position, Valentina quickly cut strips from both shirts. Using a combination of gestures and verbal instructions, she ordered everyone to tie them around their noses and mouth. Leaning over Sergei, she carefully fastened a strip around his face before affixing her own.
“Yuri!” she shouted again and pulled her jacket back on. “Launch pulses four through nine.”
She took over applying pressure to Sergei's wound and yelled to Lars and Alec, “Use your wind powers. We need a large dust storm to cover our escape.”
They nodded, their eyes widening. A moment later, a strange wind kicked up, spreading dust throughout the area. The electrical pulses crackled to life, heightening the range of the storm.
Yuri motioned them forward. “Move out. Now!”
Lars and Brant reached down to help move Sergei into their caravan. Valentina curled her fingers into fists, trying to resist the almost desperate urge to go after them. If they managed to get Sergei to Ariana in time, the young woman could heal him. Valentina had already seen her perform miracles. She had to believe Ariana would save him. The alternative was unthinkable.
Nikolai grabbed her arm. “Go with Sergei, Valya.”
Valentina hesitated, torn between making sure Sergei would survive and not leaving Nikolai while they were still in danger.
“Now. That's an order,” Nikolai snapped.
She gave him a curt nod and ran after Lars and Brant. If they were surprised she had followed them, they didn't say anything. She jumped into their caravan and sat on the bench seat, motioning for them to put Sergei's head in her lap while they laid him across the bench. She pressed her hand over his wound, continuing to apply pressure.
The caravan jerked forward, and Sergei winced.
She frowned, worried about his pallor, and stroked his hair back away from his face. “I do not like this new game, Seryozha.”
He gave her a weak smile. “Ah, Valechka, it got you to remove your shirt and now my head is in your lap.” He winced again and added, “I win this round.”
A small laugh bubbled out of her. “You have always been a troublemaker.”
“Mmm,” he agreed, closing his eyes.
“Seryozha, you must stay awake,” she urged, fighting back panic and scrambling to think of some way to entice him. “If you do, I will tell you either one secret or grant one favor.”
“Yes,” she agreed immediately, running her hand over his forehead. His skin was cold and clammy from losing too much blood. They needed to hurry.
“I want a favor,” he whispered, his expression pained.
“Tell me,” she encouraged.
“You will forgive me for leaving.”
“Seryozha,” Valentina whispered, her eyes welling with tears. She hastily blinked them back. Of all the things she expected him to say, that wasn't one of them.
Sergei placed his hand over hers and whispered, “Please do not cry, Valechka. It hurts me more than being shot.”
She managed a weak smile and nodded. “Very well. I don't like crying anyway. But you must stay awake, or I will be angry with you all over again.”
He squeezed her hand in agreement, but less than a minute later, his eyes drooped and his face went slack. A tidal wave of panic flooded through her, and Valentina lifted her head. “How far out are we?”
“Ten minutes,” Lars said, kneeling beside Sergei to check his vitals.
She turned toward Alec, praying to whatever deity might be listening that they weren't too late. “Can Ariana heal him?”
“I've already reached out to her,” Alec said, holding on to the caravan handle. “She's heading to the entrance now. A medical crew is standing by.”
Valentina swallowed, trying to suppress her fears.
“Seryozha,” she whispered, bending down to press a kiss against his forehead, “please stay with me. I cannot lose you again.”
Chapter Nine
The caravan halted, and the medical crew rushed in to stabilize Sergei before transporting him to the medical ward. Valentina watched with a strange sort of detachment as though she weren't really in her body. She'd seen countless injuries and had doctored more than a few, but the sight of Sergei like this evoked a powerful, primal reaction within her.
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