24. Anton
CHAPTER 24
ANTON
DAY 4 – MORNING – THE CAVALRY ARRIVE
S oft rustling above marked Marcie’s position in the loft as I crouched behind the stack of hay bales near the stable door. My heart thudded steadily in my chest, each beat a reminder to stay calm, stay sharp.
Squinting through the partially opened door, I caught glimpses of two black jeeps rolling to a stop outside. The low growl of their engines died as the vehicles settled, and doors clicked open. Men stepped out, their movements brisk. From this angle, I couldn’t seethem properly, and my gut churned at the uncertainty. Friend or foe?
Marcie and I needed this to be over—needed these to be our people. But I wouldn’t bet her safety or mine on hope alone. My fingers tightened around the knife’s worn grip, it’s now familiar feel steadying my resolve.
The sound of muffled voices carried through the air as the men advanced. They moved with precision, their footsteps dull against the compacted dirt outside.
Moving silently, I slipped closer to the door, positioning myself behind it. Every movement was measured and deathly quiet, instinct taking over. As the door creaked open, and a guy took a step inside the gloomy stables, I rushed him from behind and in one fluid motion, locked my arm around his neck, and pushed the blade against his skin.
“Don’t move,” I murmured, quiet but firm.
The man froze instantly, his hands shooting up. His voice came out hoarse but laced with a familiar edge of amusement. “Is that any way to greet your best friend?”
The tension in my chest eased in an instant. “Ash,” I muttered, releasing him and stepping back. Relief spread through me, my lips quirking into a grin. “I should’ve guessed you’d be the idiot to come barging in without a proper signal.”
Ash turned with a smirk. “And I should’ve guessed you’d be ready to slit my throat,” he said, rubbing at where the blade had nicked his skin. “I forgot it’s kill first, ask questions later with you Special Forces types,” he sniggered.
“Would’ve done it too, if I didn’t like you so much,” I said, the grin turning into a laugh as I pulled him into a firm embrace, a solid clap on the back sealing the moment. “Damn good to see you, brother.”
“Likewise,” Ash replied, his grin still in place as he stepped back. “Guys!” he called, and seconds later, the barn door creaked as several figures poured in, boots scuffing the dirt floor in quick succession.
Miki was first in, and his grin matched my own as he slapped me on the back, giving me a quick, brotherly hug. “Glad you’re okay.” His gaze darted around, assessing. “Where’s Marcie?”
“In the hayloft,” I replied, just as several more of our guys barrelled into the barn all at once.
The faintest rustle reached my ears, and my gut clenched. Marcie. I’d told her to stay put, but I knew she wouldn’t listen. I’d have to address that later. My mind flooded with images of how 'Sir' might punish his disobedient woman when we were alone, and the thought made my cock jerk in response. The idea of making those fantasies real excited me. But right now, she needed to know we were safe. I turned to call to her, but before I could speak, my words were cut off with an 'oof!' as Vlad lifted me into a bearhug that nearly broke my back.
He set me down on my feet. “Good to see your sorry arse is still alive,” he smirked, slapping me hard on the bum. I grunted.
“Yeah, us ex-forces guys—all strong arses, built to survive,” Trigger said with a chuckle.
Romi grinned and winked. “Thought we might have lost a Bratva Blood Brother when you disappeared. Glad to see you’re still breathing, bro. With the addition of all these women in our lives, we need every man we can get. And that’s not just to keep our pact. The ladies are beginning to take over, and if we don’t watch out, they’ll be leading us all around by the noses soon,” he laughed, but I knew how much he loved having all the women around. Especially his own.
“As if Sonia doesn’t already do that to you,” Marko said, chuckling as he stepped forward to pull me to him. “Good to see you, bro.”
The frantic pitch of Marcie’s voice made my heart skip a beat. I turned just in time to see her—pitchfork raised, charging at Vlad. She hadn’t recognised the men crowding around me. Panic was written all over her face, her breath coming in sharp, uneven gasps as she lunged forward.
“Marcie, no!” I shouted, but it was too late.
Vlad spun around in time, narrowly avoiding the pitchfork’s thrust. His hand shot out, knocking it aside with a swift motion that sent it clattering to the ground. But Marcie wasn’t giving up that easily. Her eyes were wild with fear as she darted forward, her fists clenched, ready to fight anyone who got in her way.
Trigger was faster. He closed the distance in an instant, catching her around the waist and lifting her off her feet. She squealed in shock, her body thrashing in his grip as she struggled to break free, but her efforts were futile.
“Anton!” she cried, her voice a desperate plea.
“Marcie, it’s okay!” I called, my voice clear and steady as I approached her. “It’s the cavalry. We’re safe. You’re safe, honey!” Finally, my words broke through her panic, and Marcie’s movements slowed as the reality of the situation hit her. She paused, her breath heavy, eyes darting between me and the group of men now surrounding her.
Trigger set her back down slowly and backed away as I took her into my arms. “Sorry, Vlad,” she sobbed, her voice breaking as the floodgates opened.
“It’s all good, Marcie. You didn’t hurt me, and you’re both safe now,” Vlad replied.
“It would take more than a pitchfork to fell that big brute,” I told her in amusement, and her mouth tugged up at the corners.
“Hey! Less of the brute. I can’t help it if I have the build of a superhero while everyone else are mere human sized,” he posed, hands on hips, earning a chuckle from my Little Miss Sassy who’d just realised that Vlad wasn’t the stoic man he usually appeared, but one who rivalled her in the sass department.
“You should have a special outfit. And a name,” Marcie said, the tears forgotten as quickly as they’d appeared, her tone lightening.
Most people thought that Trigger was the cheeky one of the pair. And he was. But Vlad could certainly give him a run for his money when he wanted to. And now, as he attempted to lift Marcie’s spirits, was one of those times.
“Captain Thickhead,” Miki snorted, earning a disgruntled look from Vlad.
“The Russian Rumble. I’ve heard you fart. Smelt it too,” Marko added.
Vlad huffed, and the guys erupted into laughter. Marcie’s eyes widened in surprise, but the playful teasing was contagious, and soon enough she was smiling.
“Captain Colossalman,” Romi suggested, joining in on the joke.
“Colossal cock,”more like, Trigger sniggered, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
Vlad huffed again, looking unfazed. “Well, if we’re talking about size, then yes,” he said, throwing Trigger a teasing wink. “Colossal? I suppose I have to claim that title… not just for my height, but for other… attributes,” he winked at Marcie and she rolled her eyes, but couldn’t suppress her chuckle.
“That big, huh?” she asked me.
“How the fuck would I know?” I replied, laughing.
“Well, I thought all of you guys compared sizes when you were peeing. You know, took a little peek?” she winked, her laughter filling the room as we all gaped at her.
“No more of the cock jokes, the guys will be getting depressed. It’s not their fault they can’t compete.” Vlad grinned mischievously, and she snorted.
“So, back to my name. I think I’ll be The Russian Titan ,” he said, grinning at Marcie. “That sounds dignified.”
“I think ‘Siberian Beast’ suits you better,” Marcie teased, her voice light, the last of the panic gone.
“I’ll take it. Whatever the beautiful Marcie thinks best,” Vlad said, flirting outrageously.
Marcie giggled.
“Hey, no flirting with my woman,” I mock-growled, pulling her into my side.
“About time you claimed her as such,” Ash said. The rest of the guys nodded.
“Don’t worry, Marcie, if this idiot doesn’t keep you satisfied, you know where to come.” Vlad winked, and I lunged, fist swinging. He ducked aside, chuckling good-naturedly.
“Enough,” Miki shouted, his voice that of the commanding Pakhan once more. The stables went quiet, everyone looking a bit sheepish.
“I’ll get Sara to make you a cape,” Trigger whispered, breaking the tense silence. “Silver okay?”
Miki groaned and rolled his eyes, though a grin tugged at his lips. “You guys are ridiculous.”
“That’s why you love us,” I said, sending him a grin.
“Alright, enough with the superhero and big cock nonsense,” Miki shook his head and rolled his eyes, again.
Ash laughed and turned to Marcie and me. “Let’s get you both out of here. We rented a villa a couple of hours from here. We’ll go there, get you something to eat, let you rest.”
Miki nodded in agreement. “We need to regroup. And then we’ll talk, and plan.”
“Fine,” I said, taking Marcie’s hand in mine, “let’s go.”
“Thank god,” Marcie murmured, and I squeezed her fingers as we made our way out, the feel of her touch, the warmth of the guys’ camaraderie, and the promise of a little peace for the night finally settling my nerves.
With my brothers here, we were safe, and I allowed myself a brief moment of relief. Tomorrow, we'd face the danger head-on, no more running. The psycho bitch and her game were about to learn what happens when you push us too far.