“Seems you’ve chosen wrong if he doesn’t want anybody to know that he’s been promoted.” I moved in front of him. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle things from here,” I reassured him. “You’ll just get them killed.”

I looked up at three of my guys. “We’re missing four. Be Careful.”

They went in search of them while me and two others stayed here to watch. Renee was still inside the truck, so I didn’t have to worry about her. They searched the grounds and found three of them. Then, I went back to Blondie, who liked to scream.

“There’s not one of us who would hesitate to drink, fuck, and whore you out to the other vampires here. Talk or I’ll make sure that the line starts right here for all your friends to see.”

“I don’t know where he is.”

I gripped her neck and squeezed while holding her head at an angle. “Start talking.”

The two males with me came near. They were ready to strike.

“He likes to scour the premises to make sure that vampires aren’t hiding out.”

“Seems like he failed.” I chuckled. “Point in the direction he likes to take.”

She pointed to the entrance where we’d come. I squinted. That’s where Renee was. I let her go and walked toward the gate. When I neared, the guy walked through the opening, followed by Renee holding a knife to his back.

“Found one.”

“Good girl.” I hummed in approval. “Alright, let’s get them situated. We’ll have to take two trips. Half of us will go and the other half will stay.”

We loaded up the car and got them on their way. Then we went about making this site safe for us to stay during daylight. I sent Renee to sleep. Right before daybreak, I woke her.

“Don’t try anything stupid, Renee,” I warned her.

“Yes, Master. I wouldn’t.” She kissed my cheek and walked out of the opening of the tent before closing me inside.

I had no choice but to trust that she wouldn’t betray us. I barely slept, with all the sounds of nature breathing heavily. While she guarded outside, I listened for things that she couldn’t. Even if she’d done her best, she could still miss something. That would cost us our lives, and that wasn’t an option.

Chapter Eighteen

RENEE

“Psst…” the guy whispered toward me.

I looked in his direction but didn’t make a sound. He used his head to gesture for me to go to him. Hands and feet bound, there was nothing else that he could use to signal. Curious, I went over. He was the one that I’d brought into the compound.

“We’re going to escape this. You should come with us.” He mouthed.

“Where to?” I mouthed back.

“We’re joining the resistance. When we get to the crossing, we’ll be able to run for it. I know you’re human. You want to help your kind, right? I don’t know what they have over you, but with us, you won’t have to fight for your life every day. You can live like a queen.”

“I’ll think about it.” I lied.

“Sure you will. You’d rather get fucked by that bloodsucker. You’re just food to them and will never be their equal. Earlier, you were confused, right? Afraid. You won’t have to be if you come with us.” His whispers grew louder, and I backed away.

With their supreme hearing, there was no way I wanted to be near this guy if somebody could hear what he was saying. I moved back to my post and disregarded him as I did. Leaving sounded like a good idea, but I’d only be trading one problem for another. If humans were revolting against vampires, it was going to be a war with casualties lost on both sides. Choosing the right one wasn’t something I’d have to figure out today.

* * *

When the vampires re-emerged from their tents. They began gathering supplies they’d found. Colton was inside the tent still and I entered quickly when I felt eyes watching me. The guy did it often, and I recognized it was always him when I felt it.

“Colton?” I neared him, but he put his hand out to keep me away, but he was turned away. “What’s wrong? Can I help?”

“No.” His voice was grave. He almost sounded sick.