Page 86 of The Vampire's Storm

A woman screamed.

“Hello, Elizabeth,” Brayden said quickly, glancing over.

“I’ll shoot.” The last standing Russian yelled, his gun now shaking in his hand.

“You could and I’ll make your death really painful and drawn out,” Craig said. “So, please, do me a favor and shoot.”

“Shoot him, not me, if you two are going to play.” Brayden rolled his eyes and walked around the stunned human.

“Hey!” Craig called out behind him. “That’s not fair.”

Snap.

He didn’t bother turning around. Clearly the man was now deceased, and Craig had decided to not enjoy himself.

His choice.

“Oh, my god. Please. Don’t kill me.” Elizabeth was climbing up the back of the sofa, her hand protectively around her unborn child.

Brayden stalked over and stood staring down at her. A coldness snaked through his veins. Which is why Craig was here.

He wouldn’t let him hurt this human.

It was in their DNA to protect females. Unless you were creeping close to your sanity because your mate had been taken from you.

“If you want money, I can get it. Please, my husband is rich.”

“She married the asshole? Wow. Bad life decision.” Craig shook his head when he walked up beside him.

“Nikolay has my...wife,” he said, choosing the human term to appeal to her. It was mostly irrelevant; she would talk if she wanted to protect her child.

Which she would.

“No, he doesn’t,” Elizabeth gasped. “He’s in Seattle for business. I’d know if he was with another woman.”

“Christ.” Craig half laughed. “You in la-la land? What do you think he does, sell photocopiers?”

Brayden snorted.

He could tell by her expression she wasn’t completely oblivious to the Russian mob boss’s activities. But her outburst was informative.

Sliding his hands into his pockets, he watched her for a moment longer, letting the fear percolate.

Nikolay was in Seattle.

Were Willow and Isabella there or still in New York? It was hard to know with just that small piece of knowledge.

“Here’s how this is going to work, Elizabeth,” Brayden ground out. “You’re coming with us—”

“No!” she cried.

“And you will ring your husband and tell him you’ve been kidnapped.”

A moan escaped her.

“Second time, huh? I wouldn’t buy a lottery ticket.” Craig shrugged. Brayden glared at him. “What? It’s pretty bad luck.”

“I’m with child.” She rubbed her stomach, ignoring their banter.

---