Page 82 of Destined to Fight

“So who’s paying ye, then? We both ken ye dinnae do anything ye willnae benefit from.”

“Having her would be benefit enough, wouldn’t you agree?” An evil smile spread across his face and his fangs extended.

A slew of curses and insults traveled through Kade’s mind too quickly for Kelly to process them.

“Over my dead fucking body.”

“Come now, you left the door wide open for that one.” The Russian paused for effect. “It can be arranged.”

Quickly assessing the situation, Kelly counted four vampires in her line of sight. She hoped that was it.

Kade let out a blast of power, but the vampires stood firm, demonstrating their own power.

Kazimir lunged at Kade, and the two fought in a whirl of speed and power. Kelly felt waves of power roll across her and wondered how the two men remained upright. They directed blow after blow at each other with only the residual power hitting everyone else.

Fabian drew both his blades, facing off against a woman who’d chosen Kelly as her target.

“Silly fae,” she teased. “You think you can keep me from that sweet little thing behind you?”

Fabian didn’t give her the satisfaction of an answer.

Kelly drew her karambits, not feeling comfortable enough to use her powers in a situation like this. She held her blades at the ready, waiting for someone to break through the barrier of Arcane that protected her.

The woman launched herself at Fabian, and he reacted faster than she’d ever seen him move. Wisps of white surrounded him as he slashed, ducked, and dodged. He moved just as quickly as the vampire and never faltered in his defense.

Another woman came after Ginna. Wielding air in one hand and a short sword in another, Ginna met the woman halfway. A whoosh of air left Ginna’s right hand, and as the vampire stumbled back, the mage sliced across her throat with the small sword, catching her off guard.

The vampire clutched her neck, then stared at her crimson-covered fingers. Disbelief crossed her features before she masked it and came at Ginna again. Another blast of air came from Ginna’s hand, and this time Ginna followed the vampire as she stumbled back, bringing her sword down swiftly. The vampire tried to catch herself but failed, and the sword penetrated her chest, pinning her to the ground.

A quick glance at Asmund told her he was holding his own in a hand-to-hand battle.

That left her, bracing herself for a fight.

Just as she realized there was no way a group like this would put themselves in a situation where they were outnumbered, a blast of air came down from above, bringing another vampire with it.

She whirled to face him, ready to fight.

Eric’s familiar green eyes met hers. “Long time no see.” He tried to grab her, and Kelly dodged, swiping a bade in an attempt to surprise him “Still feisty as ever. Do relax, though. No one is going to harm you. We just want to talk.”

“Oh! Well in that case, just call my secretary.”

“You think you’re clever.”

“And you think I’m stupid. If you’re going to make a move, do it. I don’t feel like talking.”

That proved to be the wrong thing to say.

Eric instantly reached for her and spun her around, pulling her back to him. One arm was around her neck and the other snaked across her stomach, pinning one of her arms with it.

His grip was so solid, Kelly couldn’t even struggle. She could use one of her arms, though.

With every bit of strength she could muster, Kelly jabbed her blade into Eric’s thigh.

He grunted and tensed. “You fucking bitch.”

His grip loosened, and she stabbed him again before he grabbed ahold of both of her wrists.

He leaned in close to her, and his ice-cold breath curled around her neck as he spoke. “I’ll make you pay for that.”

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