Page 26 of Shattered Altar (Makarova Bratva Duet)

I stay rooted in place and blink and blink and blink like it’ll change what I’m seeing. It doesn’t. Finally, I let out a ragged cry and take one step towards the last loved ones I have left.

Only to be stopped in my tracks by a deep, commanding voice.

“Hello again, Olivia,” the voice rumbles. “Nice of you to join us.”

I recognize that voice, but I don’t want to believe it.

It can’t be.

It simply cannot fucking be.

I catch his shadow first, thrown long across the floor because of the light from the kitchen. Then his smell, rich and seductive.

Then he turns the corner and I nearly drop to my knees.

“Aleks…”