Chapter 23: Afanasy

Wren lay back on the pillows, her body relaxed, and her shoulders slumped in exhaustion. Her skin was pale, dampened with sweat from all that pushing.

She cast her tired eyes on me, a gentle smile playing on her lips as sniffled, watching me cradle our newborn baby.

The baby's face was scrunched up, her tiny features compressed into an adorable package. Her eyes were closed, eyelids fluttering with each soft breath. She lay in my strong arms, comfortable and confident that those arms would always keep her safe.

I knew the moment she was born that I would start a fucking war over her; I would kill for this baby and would give my life up for her. My heart swelled with a lot of emotions, overwhelming me all at once.

My eyes misted like I was about to shed tears of joy— a feeling I was unfamiliar with. I used to think that Wren had brought out the softest part of me, but I was wrong. I assumed that too early, considering how this new member of the family made me feel.

I held her in my arms, cradling her head and body, my fingers gently supporting her tiny limbs. My warm palm enveloped her small frame, thumb delicately stroking her soft skin.

My smile broadened as I stared at this little angel, unable to tear my gaze off her. She was my child…my daughter.

This wasn't a dream; it was real…. I was now officially a father like my older brother, Roman.

I felt like I was floating on air, my heart overflowing with joy and gratitude. I already had a deep connection to her, a sense of responsibility and protectiveness like none I'd ever felt before.

As I watched her tiny hand curl around my finger, her lips puckered into a small, adorable mouth, I was in awe of this little miracle.

Alongside my joy and gratitude was a glimmer of fear and anxiety. I didn't exactly have the perfect parenting growing up, nor did Wren, and now we had a daughter of our own. I was afraid of failing her as a father, afraid of letting her down the way Harrison did Wren.

I wasn't Harrison and would never be him, but what if he never saw his change coming, either? What if this was exactly how he felt when Wren was born?

My fear and anxiety were growing stronger by the minute, causing my chest to heave slowly.

I couldn't fail her. No, I wouldn't.

No man in the Tarasov family was a horrible father, and I wasn't going to be the first. It didn't matter what happened to Harrison; his misfortune would not be my case.

The man was the way he was because he lost the love of his wife, and although a part of me feared losing my sweet Wren to the cold hands of death, I was quick to transform that fear into anger.

For a fleeting moment, a scowl settled on my face as I took a silent vow in that instant that as long as I was alive, no harm would ever come to any of them. I would burn the world if that was all it would take to protect them.

My loyalty and responsibility to the Bratva, once my first priority, was now second compared to my family. I never thought that, someday, I would love and prioritize something else over the Bratva. Yet here I was, thinking how I would always pick these two women over the family business any time, any day.

Wren had transformed me into a new man, a better version of myself I never knew existed. Now, this newborn baby had introduced me to fatherhood—a level I was thrilled about despite having no clue what it entailed.

Both mother and daughter had affected me in more ways than one. They'd seamlessly transformed me into someone I could barely recognize.

As I gazed at the cutest little thing in the world, I knew this was a game-changer for me. Was I ready to embrace this change? Maybe…maybe not. But one thing was certain: I was going to give fatherhood my best shot.

The lights from a camera's flash danced across my face, a bright, fleeting glow that seemed to freeze the moment in time.

I jerked my head in time to see Wren lowering her phone on the bedside table, a charming smile playing on her lips.

“You sneaky thing.” I laughed, my tone mild and playful. “You took a picture, didn't you?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe.”

I let out a soft scoff, walking over to the bed where I sat on the edge, shifting my gaze across the two most important women in my life.

“You looked so adorable that I had to take a picture,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper as she leaned closer, gazing at the baby in my arms.

“Well, this is definitely a moment we'll remember forever,” I said, fixing my eyes on her. “Thank you.”

Her face lit up with a bright smile. “For what?” she asked, her gaze never leaving mine.

“For being the perfect woman for me,” I replied, my words dripping with conviction and adoration.

Her face softened, eyes flickering with unshed tears as a mix of love and gratitude danced in their depths.

“This baby….” I stole a glance at her. “This is the best gift I've ever received, and that’s all thanks to you.” My gaze held hers, watching her cheeks flush and her lips tremble.

Wren edged closer, resting her forehead against mine. “I can't take all the credit, Afan,” she whispered, her breath brushing over my skin. “You're such an amazing husband, and I'm sure you'll make an even better father.” She paused for a moment before adding, “In all honesty, I wouldn't change anything, even if I could turn back the hands of time.”

“Neither would I,” I said, my lips curling into a smile.

She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed my forehead. “I’m so grateful to have you as my partner on this journey, Afanasy.”

“As am I, sweetheart.” My eyes bore into hers, revealing the depths of my affection.

She claimed my lips, and we shared a passionate kiss while our baby slept peacefully in my arms.