It was times like this, knowing he was heading out into something dangerous, that he realized how much she’d changed his life. How much he loved her and couldn’t live without her. He always went to the bakery with her, not so much to do his work but to make certain she was safe. He had existed before her. He’d lived without hope. Now, his life was full and he looked forward to every morning, to every minute of the day. The nights were especially beautiful.

“Honey?” She made the inquiry softly. “What’s wrong?”

She knew him so well. To distract her, he nibbled his way across her chin and down her throat to the sweet curve of her breasts, adding several new marks to the fading ones. He loved marking her. One hand slipped down to the junction between her legs, his thumb gliding over her clit while his finger curled inside, pressing against that sweet spot, sweeping back and forth while his teeth and tongue tugged at the nipple of her right breast and his hand was at her left.

She came apart again for him, breathing deep and ragged. He felt every ripple and watched the beauty come over her, flushing her skin, her eyes wide and filled with that glazed look he loved. He held her a long time, kissing her over and over until he knew they both had to get up and shower, to get ready for the day.

He took her in the shower, against the wall, another hard but fast tango, his hands and mouth possessive. It wasn’t unusual, but still, she regarded him with suspicion. He had to make certain he told his brother and cousins, if they found a woman, to make certain she wasn’t extremely intelligent.

“I won’t be coming to the bakery this morning with you. I’ll have to meet you later, but I’ll take care of things and get there as fast as I can.” He dressed in clothes he could remove fast, clothes made specifically for shifters. One of Drake’s friends manufactured them. They added needed seconds onto their speed.

Evangeline looked him over with a slight frown. “What are you doin’, Fyodor? And don’ try to pretend it’s nothin’.”

“I’ve got a little business thing this morning.”

“It’s three in the mornin’.”

It never boded well for him when she put her hands on her hips and gave him that look, the one he always wanted to kiss off her face. Bog, but she was adorable. He pulled on his shoes. Those were just as special, easily removed when needed. She followed him down the hall to where his brother and cousins waited.

“All of my boys are goin’? This doesn’t look good. At least tell me you’re goin’ to be safe.”

“I’ll keep him safe,” Timur promised.