The Russian

By Mellie Miller

He is over 500 years old and has hunted alone since his soulmate died 200 years ago and took his heart to the grave. He doesn't want a mate. He doesn't need a mate. But it appears the universe is giving him a second chance at happiness in the form of a little she-wolf named Danni.

She takes care of her aging mother and has no time for men. After her previous experiences, she has no use for them either. But when surrounded by gang members, and sure she is about to die, she is grateful for the help provided by a tall stern guy with ice blue eyes. And their kiss once he walks her back to her apartment was as wonderful as it was unexpected. Such a shame they'll never see each other again.

Imagine their surprise when he finds her working in the office he has business with the next day and the world goes tilt for both of them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mellie Miller
• Release date: Jan 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463265604

Mellie Miller

Born in the Midwest, I've lived all over the USA since I finished college in California. Me and my guy have been together for 46 years now, with 2 daughters and 5 grandsons. We've finally settled in northeast Georgia.I write mostly mainstream sensual Fantasy Romance, often with a twist of the paranormal. My first published book was Gambler's Folly, which I published through Bookstrand. I have published the sequels to Gambler's Folly here at Smashwords.Dante's Angel--Book 2The Russian--Book 3Gambler's Folly is futuristic, with intrigue and shape-shifters.I have a second series with four books--and more to come--called Esperance.Jareth, First Lord--Book 1Viviane, First Lady--Book 2Morgan--The Pixie and the Green Man--Book 3Too Many Talents--Viviane and Connell--Book 4I have a stand-alone published under the pen-name Sultonna Nadine, titled Master of the Fleet. Set in the late 1800's, in an alternate time-line of the American Northwest. elemental magic is nothing unusual. Richard, as Master of the Fleet has control over wind and water. What he doesn't have control of is his heart.I have several more books planned in each series, as well as several stand-alones in the works.I am a Reiki practitioner, a second degree martial artist, musician and artist, as well as a writer. I feel this background gives me a lot of experience to draw on for my characters.Like my page on Facebook, check out the blog, and watch for my books to appear here on Smashword!https://www.facebook.com/meleighscreations

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The Russian

Gambler’s Folly Book 3

Mellie Miller

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The Russian

Copyright © 2020 by Mellie Miller

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER

Mellie Miller

DEDICATION

First, I must thank my husband, Steve, for the patience he has in living with a writer, and for his support on this journey. Second, I thank our daughter, Dawn, for her love, encouragement, and help in editing the manuscript before it went to the publisher. I also thank my friends, Cindy, Syllviea, and Vanessa, for encouraging me to follow my heart and give writing a chance.

My love and thanks to all of you.

The Russian

Gambler’s Folly Book 3

By

Mellie Miller

Chapter 1

The tall, lanky man strode through the emigration hall on Gambler’s Folly with an ease and confidence that shouted danger. At first glance, most people assumed ex-military. At second glance they decided he was syndicate.

The shaved head, neatly groomed stubble, and ice cold eyes did nothing to dispel this impression. Neither did the expensive shirt, with the first three buttons open under an expensive and well-worn, dark leather vest. The black denim jeans hugged him snugly over boots whose cost would have fed a family of four for six months.

Dmitri Ivanovich Volkov, otherwise known as The Russian, encouraged this impression. It had served him well for a long, long time. People left him alone. He was a loner and preferred the peace the image brought.

Unlike most of his fellow travelers, he carried only a small duffle bag, since he had a local apartment in the establishment of his old friend, Damiano Leone. Looking at the time, he took a taxi to his place before taking a walk to work off the week of sedentary living on the shuttle.

His fourth floor apartment in the Stella d’Oro had been freshly cleaned and aired in anticipation of his arrival. Quickly stowing his bag in the wardrobe, he washed his face and checked to make sure his clothes were ready for the evening.

Back outside, he sniffed the breeze before turning to his left, toward the less privileged side of town. He strolled confidently down the walk as the crowds parted to give him passage. He liked to gauge the mood of a place when he arrived. Tonight he was picking up threads of anxiety.

A lot of it came from about a block to his left and a little farther down the street in the direction he currently traveled. Twilight had settled in, so he moved into the shadows and picked up his pace.

****

Dannielle was scared. While walking the same route she did every night, several gang members surrounded her in this dark part of town. She’d always been concerned coming this way, but she had no choice without walking three time farther to avoid it.

What have we got here? the obvious leader of the group sneered. Aren’t you kind of little to be out on your own?

She was small, scarcely over five feet tall. But she felt even smaller now, as they slowly closed in on her. She thought she’d seen someone in the shadows, but a second glance showed nothing. Pity.

When strong, warm hands came to rest on her shoulders, she assumed the worst. Her mouth went dry and her knees nearly folded. She knew she was dead.

Disperse. The woman is none of your concern, she heard behind her.

Who the hell are you? And what do you think you can do? There are five of us and only one of you.

Go your way. The woman is none of your concern.

A tense silence followed for a few seconds before the leader of the group laughed and spoke again.

Sure, man. Sorry.

The entire group turned and retreated up the street. As she watched them leave, the shakes began. Turning to thank her savior, her nose caught the scent of woodsy loam and spicy autumn leaves, overlaid with hints of dark musk and tobacco. For a moment her head spun as she caught her breath.

Are you all right? the deep voice asked. Did they hurt you?

No, I’m fine. Just scared, she answered as she looked up into eyes as cold and blue as ice on a wintry lake. Eyes which seemed to pierce her soul held her captive.

Where were you going? he asked.

I’m on my way home. Thank you for your help. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t stepped in.

It’s part of my job—rescuing maidens in distress. I’ll walk with you and make sure you arrive safely.

The smile was warm, though it didn’t melt the ice in those eyes.

What did you do? He was right, you know. There were five of them.

Some questions it is better not to ask, he answered.

They walked quietly toward her small apartment, her arm through his. Honestly, she doubted she could have made it on her own. Her knees still shook and her legs felt like rubber.

At her door he asked, Will you be all right? Is there someone you can call?

No. There is no one. Thank you for your help and your time. I’m sure you had better things to do.

His eyes held hers and she had the sudden urge to kiss this man. He must have had similar thoughts, as he reached toward her and traced her face with one finger.

By mutual consent, they leaned together for the kiss she had to have. It should have been a quick parting kiss, but between his scent and his taste, she was lost. Apricots in brandy with a hint of cardamom lingered as they parted. The look in his eyes matched what she felt.

I’m sorry, he said. I’ve taken liberties. I don’t know how that happened. I never do this.

Neither do I, she replied. I don’t even know your name.

I’m called Dmitri, he said.

Her eyes focused on his mouth, wanting another kiss.

I’m Dannielle. Danni to my friends.

Danni. I like it.

Are you going to be on Gambler’s Folly very long? she asked.

No. I’m here for work.

Can I see you again? she asked this man who had just saved her from rape and possibly death.

I doubt I will have the time. Let me see you go into your apartment before I leave.

Goodbye, Dmitri,

And to you, Danni, my little flower, he answered with a sad smile.

****

If it hadn’t been for her scent, he would have been fine. Lilacs with honeyed-vanilla and white musk had wrapped around him softly. Hazel eyes under blonde curls had drawn him in. He’d thought, after all this time, he had control over his urges. What had possessed him to kiss her?

Her mouth now, there was a treat. Fresh raspberries and sweet white wine still teased his palette. Between her scent and her taste, he was one messed up wolf. He wanted to run through the forest, roll in the leaves, and howl to his pack mates about this delicious female he’d met.

No, he wouldn’t see her again. He didn’t need a relationship. Life around him was too uncertain. Besides, he’d had a mate long ago and, when she’d died, she’d taken his heart to her grave.

He was here for a job. He had no time for females. Looking at the time, he picked up his pace. He didn’t want to keep Dam and Kari waiting.

An hour later, he joined Damiano Leone and his wife, Karianna, for dinner. Dam was impeccably dressed, as usual, and his mate was stunning. How did Damiano keep his wits about him with such a woman as his mate?

Dima! Welcome to our humble abode, Dam greeted him.

Humble? You have very different standards, amico mio.

The hand clasp and kisses on the cheek were warm and heartfelt. They had been through some times together, for sure.

And how are you, lovely lady? he asked Kari.

Superb, Dima. You look a little more excited than usual tonight. Everything fine?

I’ll tell you about it over dinner.

With the appetizers on the table, the Russian recounted his experience from earlier in the evening.

And you have no idea who she is? Dam asked. You are right, of course. Rescuing damsels in distress comes with the territory, he added with a sizzling look at his wife.

But kissing them passionately before you even know their name is not.

From you of all people. I’m surprised, Dima. Of course, it has been a long time since you had a mate, Dam said.

I don’t need a mate, Dmitri stated firmly.

I’ve heard that before, and look what happened. And then there is Dante.

How is Dante? Still on Earth?

Yes. He has about another six months before he and Angela come to Gambler’s Folly.

And she is your cousin? he asked in amazement.

She is, Karianna answered for her mate. It took everyone by surprise.

Well, enough of the department is mated now. There is no need for any more.

They passed several hours together, catching up on news from various places before Dmitri went back to his apartment. The trip had been long and planet-fall always took a toll. Add the rest of the evening to it all and he was ready for bed.

He was not ready for the soft cloud of lilac and vanilla when he opened his apartment door. Danni’s scent had lingered on his clothes earlier and gently perfumed his apartment. With a growl, he gathered his clothes into a laundry bag and called room service. Maybe by the time he got out of the shower the scent would have dissipated.

Chapter 2

The next morning he met Dam, Marco, Paulo, and several of the others at the Interpol offices. Damiano had been picked up for questioning earlier in the morning, to keep his cover intact. As they waited in the break room for the chief to call them back, Dmitri told the others about meeting his mystery woman the night before.

I swear to you, I can’t get her scent out of my mind, he stated as the others laughed in amusement. I had to send my clothes to the cleaners last night.

Ah, well, Marco said. At least it will be a trip to remember.

Definitely, Dmitri agreed. Sniffing the air, his eyes narrowed as he caught an all too familiar scent. Lilacs and vanilla. She is here. My Danni is here.

Spinning around, he charged out of the break room toward the accounting department. Coming through the door, with an armload of files, was Dannielle Peters, one of their accountants.

Danni! they all heard.

With a quick snap, her head turned toward the crazy Russian, and file folders cascaded to the floor as she rushed to meet him.

Dmitri! Why are you here? she asked, with her arms tightly around him.

Why are you here? I work for the agency.

So do I--in accounts.

The next thing he knew, he was drawn into a kiss more passionate than the one the night before.

Dima, he heard. Intoxicated by the scent and taste of this sweet little female, he turned to stare into Damiano’s eyes. I see you’ve met our Danni.

With a growl, Dmitri answered, She is not your Danni. She is mine.

I am not a threat, my friend. I’m already mated. What I mean is, she is the Danni who works here in the office with us.

I had no idea, Dmitri answered.

Danni clung to him as if her life depended on it. Looking down into hazel-green eyes, he once again traced her face with his finger before his thumb caressed her bottom lip. Once more, he leaned down to kiss those pouting lips and taste the sweetness that was Danni.

Dmitri Ivanovich! Leave the staff alone and get your shaggy wolf ass in here!

The chief was irritated.

The growl caught everyone by surprise and shocked the entire office into silence. It was the sound of an irritated dire-wolf.

I have arrangements to make. I’ll be there when I’ve finished.

Dima! What the hell has gotten into you? the chief asked.

The growl was louder this time and more menacing. Turning back toward Danni, Dmitri said, We need to talk later. But right now, I have an old bear to deal with. I’ll come for you after work.

Holding her closely, he kissed her again, reveling in the passion she returned. Retreating gently, he looked into her haunted eyes.

Mishka, she said, about a second before she fainted.

He caught her as she fell and stood holding the woman who must be his mate, wondering what he should do.

Dmitri! What’s keeping you? the chief shouted.

Snarling loudly, he turned to glare at the man.

Oh. I see. Dam, can you help him settle her somewhere? Call your wife and have her come. It’s going to be fun and games around here again, isn’t it? This is your fault, Damiano.

How is it my fault? I met my mate, married her, and went back to Earth to celebrate. How is anything else my fault?

You started it.

The Russian knelt by Danni until Karianna got there and shooed everyone else out of the room.

Go take it out on the chief. I’m sure he can handle it, she’d said before closing the door.

****

Oh, my head, Danni moaned as she came around.

Take your time and lie still. Tell me what’s going on.

Kari! Oh dear. I think I passed out.

So I hear. What caused it?

Um, well, there’s this guy I met last night. I don’t know what it is about him, but he affects me in the most unusual way.

That would be Dmitri? Kari asked her.

Yes! Do you know him?

Yeah, he works for the agency, too. He spends quite a lot of time on Gambler’s Folly.

I don’t know what happened. I was carrying files through the office when I caught his scent. I looked up and there he was, coming toward me. After that, everything is sort of a blur.

Oh, boy. Here we go again, Kari mumbled.

What?

I think the two of you are mates. The chief is going to be pissed. Again.

Mates? How can we be mates? We just met.

Yeah, you might want to talk to Dante and Angela when they get here.

Have you known him long? Dmitri, I mean.

The Russian? I’ve known him for about a year, I guess. Damiano and Dmitri go way back, as I understand it.

The Russian? Danni asked, in shock. Dmitri is the Russian?

Yes. Why?

But he’s like a legend or something. I can’t be mate to the Russian. I mean, I can’t.

I’m not sure how you’ll stop that happening. If you’re mates, you’re mates.

But I can’t mate right now. I have Mama to take care of and things…

I’m sure you two can sort it all out before your marriage and mating. Which I have a feeling will be soon.

No, you don’t understand, Danni began.

No, you don’t understand. If you are this strongly attracted now, you don’t have time for a whole lot of discussion. Nature has a way of acting, whether you’re ready or not. Have some tea.

****

Grumbling loudly, the chief watched as the man known as the Russian sank down into the chair across the desk from him.

You want to tell me what’s going on, Dima? he asked.

Why not? I’ve told everyone else.

Once again, he told of meeting Danni the previous evening and the events right up to her fainting in the office.

But she’s worked here for five years. In all that time, you’ve never met? the chief asked.

How much time do I spend in the office when I’m here? Dima countered. And why would I spend any time in accounting? Expenses and all of that are handled electronically.

You couldn’t have waited for Dante to get back, could you? the chief said shaking his head. Are you coherent enough to talk about the job, or do I need to call in someone else?

I’ll be fine as long as Danni isn’t too close, Dima admitted. I can’t function around her scent.

Tell me about the shipment, before you’re distracted any further.

The drugs were being manufactured in North America. Disguised as antihistamines, the capsules were packaged in blister packs, two cards of ten capsules to a package. The packages were boxed and loaded for shipment to Houston, to catch the shuttle to Gambler’s Folly.

And you followed the drugs from Jersey all the way through to Gambler’s Folly? the chief asked.

Yes. Once you know the scent, it’s easy to follow. They arrived on the same shuttle I came in on yesterday. The address is not here in Speranza, so they will be shipped from here to their final destination today or tomorrow, at the latest.

Any idea where they will be in the meantime? the chief asked.

They’re in storage at the spaceport. The company will pick them up from there.

Take someone with you and go check it out. I think Nagi is in town. The two of you should be able to handle the job.

It has been a while since we’ve worked together. I’ll ring him and set up a meeting.

Good. And try to keep your senses, Dima. I know she is your mate, but I’d like to get this job finished first, or at least get this shipment tracked.

I’ll get out of here and contact Nagi. Once we have any more information, I’ll let you know.

Nagi was another werewolf, a Native American with a tremendous sense of humor. Once he found out about Danni, he wouldn’t let it go. But Dima liked working with him, in either shape, and he hoped they could work this together.

While he loved working with Dam, the man had his cover to protect. He was of far more use to the agency in that capacity, but you couldn’t beat him in a fight. A hundred kilos of cat was quite an adversary.

Nagi! The chief said you were in town. Meet me for an early lunch and we’ll catch up on things.

Nagi seemed eager and the restaurant he suggested wasn’t too far away. It was a nice morning for a stroll, so Dmitri set off up the street, but his mind kept returning to blond curls and hazel eyes.

Chapter 3

It has been a while, my friend, Nagi said as he shook hands with the Russian. Here on business?

Yes. I thought you could come along and see how it’s done, Dima teased.

Always look forward to working with you. Can you fill me in?

Over coffee and steak, the two discussed the recent shipments of the latest drug on the underground market.

If you followed the shipment all the way here, why do you want help? Doesn’t seem like a two-man job.

There may be complications, Dima told him.

Of what kind?

The mating kind, Dima admitted.

Mating? Who? Catching his look, the man added, Oh, no! You’ve been bitten? And who is the lucky woman?

She works for the agency, at the office. If I should be pulled from the job, I need someone who can take over for me.

How long has it been, Dima, since you’ve had a mate?

Since Ilyena died. I’ve known other women, of course, but not had a dedicated partner or a true mate since then.

So long?

How often in one lifetime does one meet his soul-mate? Dima asked.

How many men live as many lifetimes as you, my friend?

It’s not as great as it seems, Nagi. I’m not sure I can do this, lose another mate.

I’m sorry, Dima, but don’t you deserve a little happiness again? And how do you know you’ll lose her?

I’ve lost everyone else I’ve ever known, except for the current generation.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, reflecting on life, before Dima broke the silence.

Anyway, we’re meeting to talk tonight. Figure out how this is all going to work.

It’ll be good, Dima. I’m happy for you.

Thanks. Let’s get to work.

The two werewolves took a taxi to the spaceport, showed their ID to security there, and prowled the storage area until they found what they were looking for. Two large shipping containers appeared to be from a reputable pharmaceutical company and were labeled for delivery to Spiaggia Sole, one of the large beach communities.

So, they are after the beach crowds, Nagi said.

Where there is money, Dina replied.

Yes, that is a very expensive area. And the younger crowd is always looking for a new thrill.

Which is one reason we have jobs, my friend, Dima said.

I’m sure we could find something else to do.

Back in the security office, they found out when the containers were to be picked up and by whom. Though their shifter abilities weren’t known, two werewolves in a small office tend to make people nervous, so as soon as their business was concluded, they took their leave.

I’ll notify the office at the other end, Dima said. If I do not become entangled with this other affair, we can follow the shipment when it leaves tomorrow morning and assist in the arrests.

If you need me, just call.

Thanks, Nagi. It’s good to know you have my back.

****

Back at Danni’s apartment, she and Karianna had a chat about mating.

I think Damiano and I should be with you when you and Dima talk later. I know you think you’ll be all right, but we’ve had a little more experience with mating than you have.

If you think so, Kari. Maybe we aren’t soul-mates. Maybe we’re only strongly attracted to each other.

Right. Keep telling yourself that fantasy, Danni. Karianna laughed at her. Come on. I’ve had some recent dealings with mating cats. Wolves couldn’t be that much different.

But nobody understands. I can’t mate or marry right now. I have to take care of my mother. She hasn’t been well and she lives in a bad part of town. That’s what got me into a bind last night.

That’s what almost got you dead, you mean, Kari corrected her. I’m sure you can take care of her, married or unmarried. I doubt Dima would throw your mother to the wolves, so to speak. He does have a heart, even if he doesn’t let it show too often.

I don’t know, Kari, she said. Once he leaves, I’m sure I’ll be fine. Things will return to normal.

They won’t, you know, Kari said gently. With mates, things tend to happen. I’ve spoken with Dam. He suggests we all meet at our place. It’s less formal than the restaurant, both of us will be there, and the two of you can talk in relative safety. Though if it comes right down to it, a fight between Dam and Dima could be bad.

Is Dam going to talk to Mishka? she asked, calling him by her own nickname for him.

Mishka. I like it. Yes. Dam is going to call him once he’s back at the office or the hotel. By now Dima should have his head around the idea as well. Now, you go lie down for a while. Have a nice cup of something hot and relaxing. And I’ll call you when we decide on a time.

Okay. Thanks for your help, Kari.

What are friends and healers for?

After a nice hot cup of cocoa, Danni took a shower to rinse away some of Mishka’s scent and lay down to take a nap. She felt unusually drained after the morning. He couldn’t be her mate. He just couldn’t.

She didn’t have much experience with men, and what she had wasn’t good. How could she possibly mate with someone like Mishka, the Russian? He could have any woman he wanted. Surely he could find a better woman to mate with than her.

Of course, mating wasn’t about finding a mate. It was about being mates. Something about body chemistry, DNA, and all that kind of thing. Maybe Mother Nature had got it wrong in their case. Anyway, they didn’t even know for sure they were mates. Everyone assumed they were, but maybe they both simply needed to get laid.

The nap was refreshing, and after a snack to tide her over until dinner, she changed into something nicer and waited for Kari to call.

Hello? Yes, I’m ready. Have you talked with Mishka? she asked when the com finally rang.

Yes. Dam is meeting him in the restaurant. They’ll be up here in about thirty minutes. Do you need a lift?

Danni thought about it for a few seconds. Normally, she wouldn’t have bothered. It wasn’t far to walk. But after last night, walking through Speranza on her own was a little daunting.

I understand completely. I’ll send Marco for you, Kari told her. Dam has ordered dinner delivered to the suite along with a few bottles of wine.

Seriously?

You may need a glass or two to get through the evening.

Marco arrived right on time and drove her to the Stella d’Oro. Taking the back way up, she was soon at Dam and Kari’s apartment.

Best of luck, Marco said as he turned to walk away.

Thanks, I think.

As soon as the door opened, she knew Dmitri was inside. His earthy, musky scent made her lightheaded and she tripped over her own feet going through the door.

Are you okay? Kari asked.

Just clumsy.

And he was there, in front of her, looking down at her with those gorgeous, icy eyes.

Danni, he said and it was all over.

She melted into his arms, and buried her head on his chest, as she breathed in the scent which called so loudly to her. The soft friendly growl deep in his chest sent shivers up her spine and heat to her belly.

All right, you two. We’re here to talk, not mate, Damiano scolded.

He is right, Dmitri murmured in her ear. Though I would prefer mating.

Finally seated at the table, Danni drained half a glass of wine in one gulp, before she looked back over at the man who must certainly be her mate. His eyes seemed to devour her and she would swear his fangs had grown since her last glance.

Dima, Dam began. Why don’t you tell Danni a little about yourself? Where you are from, how long you have been around. You know the sort of thing.

Bozhe moy, he said, shaking his head. "Why not? Better to get it over with.

Chapter 4

I am originally from what was known as Russia. I don’t remember when I was born, what year, or even what century. My memory is pretty clear for the last five hundred years, but beyond that it gets a little hazy.

As he continued his story, he tried to gauge its effect on the woman seated across from him. He was a legendary figure, in their circles at least, so she would know there was something different about him.

About two hundred fifty years ago, I met my soul-mate, Ilyena. We mated, married, had children, and life was wonderful. While she grew older, I remained as you see me today. We were together for fifty years, Ilyena and I. At the end, I sat and held her as she took her last breathe.

Mishka, I’m so sorry, his Danni said quietly. It must have been difficult.

"I didn’t want to live any longer. I