I jolt back as everyone charges at us, my eyes wide as I spin on the spot, ready to defend myself, but a quick glimmer of something dark flashes in my vision.
Gloves.
Fuck.
Tugging them off as fast as I can, I slam my palms against the chest of the first man to get close. I’m instantly consumed by the magic swarming inside of me, watching as the man falls to his knees, cheeks hollowing out as his eyes strain. The ache forms in my mouth immediately as my fangs elongate, and I feel the rush of his abilities becoming mine.
My pulse thunders in my ears, or is it everyone else’s? Regardless, my gaze narrows, seeking out my next target, but the man a foot behind the guy on his knees falters, his jaw falling in shock as he gapes at me. All I can smell is blood, and I want the taste on my tongue.
Releasing my hold on my first victim, I charge toward the second. Knocking him to the ground is effortless in his shocked state. I can’t control myself. The need inside of me is desperate and frenzied, and before I can think, my extended canines sink into his neck. His bellow of pain ripples through the air, quickly dwindling to a gargle as he spluttersbeneath me, but I don’t stop until the part inside of me is satisfied.
Blood drips down my chin, coating my chest and staining my dress as I rise to my feet, my teeth retracting as I glance around the group, ready for the next fucker to try me, but I’m immediately halted in my tracks when I find Thorne. He’s not alone. He has a hand wrapped around his neck, and the owner? The leader. Only now, his facial features have shifted to match what I just experienced. He’s a vampire, and his gaze is set on me.
“It’s time to go now, my love,” he repeats, the threat clear, the warning noted, and I take an instinctive step toward him.
“Let go of him.”
“Protective. Cute. But we all just saw what you’re capable of, and there was nothing sweet about it. But I can play the role if you’re looking to be a hero,” he rambles, a devilish grin curling his lips as his fingers flex at Thorne’s throat. “Come with me and I’ll let him live.”
“Okay.” I don’t miss a beat, I don’t take a second to ponder the idea. Instead, I lift my blood-stained hands in surrender and step toward him, hating the crimson-stained sand I leave in my wake.
“Just like that?” he clarifies, and I nod.
“Just like that.”
He grins with victory dancing in his eyes.
“What’s your name?” I ask, but he waves me off.
“We can get into the juicy details when we leave, Little Weapon,” he muses, and I cock a brow at him as I come to a stop a few feet away.
“Little Weapon, huh?” I blurt, rubbing my lips together nervously. “Now is when you let him go,” I add, pointing at Thorne, who is still as quiet as ever, but it’s only now from this angle that I can see why. One of the other men is using magic on him to hold him in place.
Fuckers.
“I make the rules,” my new captor states, and I roll my eyes.
“Of course, but I need to know he’s going to be okay. Otherwise, I won’t do this the easy way,” I insist, certain deep in my soul that I won’t be leaving here with this man, but I don’t have the ability to think of a plan while I’m sinking in the moment as I attempt to get us out alive. Adrenaline is in complete control now.
The fucker’s eyes narrow as he stares at me, but one by one, he removes a finger from around Thorne’s throat. The second he no longer has Thorne in his grasp, he signals for the man using his magic to restrain Thorne to ease up too. Themoment he does, we’re drenched in thick black smoke and Thorne drapes me in his hold. Yet the cackle that manages to penetrate through sends a shudder through my bones, and his parting words sit heavy on my heart.
“Power is forged in ruin, Little Weapon. I will be yours.”
TWENTY-FOUR
KAEL
The blade clatters to the floor as I step back, staring intently at my handiwork, but even as my chest heaves, it does nothing to ease the tension burning deep inside of me. I’ve been down here since midnight, considering my life choices while also considering whether I’ve ever made one for me, or if they’ve all been decided when my back has been pressed against the wall.
Surviving is a sport, one I have no genuine interest in participating in, yet I find myself as a team captain again and again.
It’s tiresome.
But this is the hand I’ve been dealt, and I’ll be damned if I fail.
The glint of the knife on the floor entices me, but I stop myself from reaching for it. I definitelycan’t lay a hand on this motherfucker right now. One more slice and he’s dead. I need Thorne to come and do his thing, but he’s not here, and neither is she.
Elodie Blackwood.
