Impaling my Heart: Vlads story (Annalese and the Immortals Book 2) (17 page)

“The parents,” Mehmet continued to the congregation, “Vlad and Annalese have chosen a third name for their daughter, one of strength and courage, we hope she will do justice to her namesake.” The couple joined hands, glancing at Mak and smiling.

“The child will be called Lyla Allison Makayla, Makayla after her newly adopted brother Makhi.”

Mak stood, his vodka slipping from his hand and shattering on the wooden floor below. He was utterly speechless. It was quite a number of seconds before he realized he had dropped his glass. Bending down to pick up the mess, Vlad knelt beside him.

“Makhi, leave it, I will have it dealt with… come.” He knew damn well it wasn’t a request. They walked side by side to the bar where Vlad poured a scotch for himself and a vodka tonic for Mak.

“Let’s take a walk.” They ended up in Vlad’s garden on his bench. Where many confessions had been made.

“Are you alright Makhi?” Vlad put a hand on his shoulder. Mak was definitely not alright but he had no idea how to explain it to his newly adopted father. He knew he had no choice so he opened his mouth to speak but no words came out, three attempts later he finally found his voice, shaky as it was.

“I am in utter shock, just to be accepted the way you all have. You gave her my name, I can’t believe it. Mehmet said strength and courage, but I don’t believe I have shown either of those two things.”

Vlad was silent for a moment. Then he answered, “Yes Makhi, I believe you have, more than once. Lachlan told me of your calm demeanor when my love had started labor in Turkey. Then again when you told Nico and myself of your decision. Hell, just making that decision showed strength and courage. Your strength is in your character son, it is partly why I knew you’d be a perfect fit for our family. As far as her name, that was all Annalese’s idea, and a perfect one at that. Oh the gala was splendid, you did well. I may let you plan the Yule ball too.” Vlad was smiling, the pride evident on his face.

“Do you see that? Over the valley, that is the oddest looking bird.” Mak said. Vlad looked to see what his son was talking about. He immediately knew things were about to get interesting, and probably dangerous.

“That my son is not a bird; I foresee a problem in the near future if Bayaan has come home.” Mak had no clue of what Vlad could possibly be talking about. Nothing but birds and bats flew.

“Vlad?”

“Bayaan is home, it has to be to provide protection to the homeland. Something has to be awry.”  

“What the hell is Bayaan?” Mak was on his feet almost shouting, struggling to make sense of Vlad’s words.

“He is an ally son, the best kind to have. Bayaan is a shifter like you Makhi, just a little larger. Bayaan is the King of the dragons.”