Page 108 of Serpent & Saviors

Alek’s gaze shifted to me, and with a solemn expression, he said, “You don’t enter until he’s properly secured. If at any point you feel unsafe—”

“I’ll signal. Andy and I worked on it last night. I can’t thank you all enough, honestly, for everything. I never imagined my life could be this full. The way you’ve opened your home, lives and hearts to not only me but to Declan is…is…I can’t explain it.”

“You don’t have to, buttercup. You’re one of us,” Ivan said.

He was the first one over. Before I could even wipe the tears that had fallen, all three of us were surrounded by them and given the biggest group hug ever.

Isabella, Kinsley and I sat inside the back of one of the SUVs we’d taken while the men went inside to get everything situated. Marcus was instructed to watch over us, and we were simply waiting for them to let us know we were up. I gripped the journal in my hands.

My statement, along with the paternity test results we’d had done, were contained inside . The car door opened, and Andrew appeared. He held out his hand to us and, with one final hug, led me inside my old home.

Marcus followed behind Kinsley, watching the surrounding area for any potential danger. The air had been sucked from my lungs the moment I stepped inside the door. I counted my steps the further we went in, every breath growing harder to drag in. The door to the living room—where the big mirror was held—was wide open. I halted my steps.

“We’ve got him secured in the basement,” Andrew said. “Are you ready?”

“Yes, Sir.”

According to Nik’s intel, the entire staff had quit the day he was arrested, so there was no need to worry that someone might see us. We continued down the hallway on our way to where the worst of the worst happened. It seemed fitting that the horror he’d subjected me to all these years would end there. Isabella and Kinsley huddled next to one another, sensing my unease. I stopped once more and turned.

“It looks like my old bedroom from before. I know I mentioned it, but there is also a mirror…”

“Two way?” Kinsley whispered as Isabella’s face went white.

“Yes, but this time we hold the power,” I added firmly. Stepping over, I cupped Isabella’s face. “I can do this knowing you’re both by my side. Winter would want you to be brave. I need you to be brave for me. Can you?”

“I can. Please tell me you don’t have dogs, though.”

“No, but after this I say it’s high time we get a tabby cat.” I smiled before adding, “We can vote on the name, and I can feed it chicken every day if I want.”

Those words were all I needed to say. Isabella’s cheeks filled with color, and Kinsley gave me a goofy grin before launching herself at me.

“You’re so amazing. Let’s go kick some ass,” she said, grabbing Izzy’s hand in hers.

Single file, we descended the steps, Andrew leading and Marcus bringing up the rear. The only sound was our footsteps as we descended. Andrew flung the door open, and Isabella gasped.

Tied to a chair sat the man who tried to kill me, duct tape wound around his mouth. A warmth spread inside my chest, and my vision adjusted. His face was unshaven, and fear emanated from him. For once, I relished the smell because it wasn’t my own. The Death Squad was spread out across the room, and the energy that flowed between them was electric.

“We agreed to twenty minutes, no more than that.” Alek stepped forward, addressing me directly. “I know you requested to be alone, but we’ll be watching from the other side of the mirror. Marcus is going to be right outside the door. Don’t do anything foolish, young lady.” He switched his attention to Kinsley, who couldn’t stop glaring at Cameron.

Alek stepped in front of her direct line of sight, and her eyes immediately softened. “Twenty minutes, Sir. I heard you. I’m just focused on the task at hand. A distracted dancer is an injured dancer. The only injuries tonight will be his,” she said with determination.

Pasha laughed. Sebastian stepped over and hugged his sister before speaking into her ear. With one final look from Alek, they filed out of the room. The resounding click was almost deafening. The space felt practically empty without the men, and it was like they’d somehow taken the air of danger with them.

Kinsley was the first to approach Cameron, and he was completely dumbfounded. Her attire didn’t help matters. His eyes were glued to the front of her low-cut dress, not surprisingly.

“Like what you see? I suggest you close your eyes, baldy, because if you don’t stop looking at me like that, the Reaper will pluck your eyes out,” she purred as he gulped and shifted his eyes away. “We wouldn’t want that, now would we ladies? Better for him to see what’s coming his way.”

With an air of authority I hadn’t expected, Isabella stepped up to him and spoke, “Introduce us properly please, Summer. After all, it’s only fair he understands who he’s dealing with.”

“Gladly,” I said, finding my voice even though it shook a little. Knowing he couldn’t do anything but listen gave me the confidence I needed.

“Cameron, this dark-haired beauty is none other than Isabella Caruso. Yes, Sebastian’s baby sister, for tonight she will be known as the Artist. I can’t wait to see what masterpiece she’ll create. You know her as Autumn.”

“And I’m your worst nightmare, at least for the next nineteen minutes. I’m the Swan, by the way, or Spring, if you prefer.”

Kinsley twirled once more and then leaned in, sniffing him. He couldn’t help but stare down her dress.

“I’m sure I already warned you. Maybe I should take one eye. What do you think, ladies?”