Page 80 of Kiss of Blood and Sin

As the wolves burst through the doorway, I steeled myself for the battle ahead. One thought echoed through my mind: No matter what, Gianna had to survive this. Even if it meant I didn’t.

“I’m not leaving you,” Gianna cried, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and determination. “I can fight.”

“Sweetheart, your idea of fighting is arguing over the last blood bag. Let the professionals handle this.” My eyes never left our attackers.

I braced my legs apart, ready for the fight of my life. My fangs descended, a growl rumbling in my chest.

A wolf lunged at me. I didn’t turn, taking the hit to protect Gianna. Searing pain tore through my shoulder as one of the wolves had gotten close enough to slash me with their wickedly sharp claws. I stumbled, my vision blurring momentarily. The copper taste of my own blood filled my mouth as I bit back a scream.

No. I couldn't fall. Not now. Not with Gianna's life on the line.

Gritting my teeth against the pain, I launched myself at the nearest wolf, praying I had enough strength left to keep them at bay.

The wolves unsheathed their swords with a metallic hissthat sent shivers down my spine. One lunged, his blade whistling through the air. I ducked, feeling the wind of the strike as it buried itself in the door frame, sending splinters flying like deadly confetti.

As I straightened, a searing pain exploded across my ribs. Another wolf had taken advantage of my distraction, his blade slicing a deep gash along my side. I stumbled back, warm blood seeping through my shirt. The world tilted for a moment, my vision blurring at the edges.

"Dimitri!" Gianna's scream pierced through the haze of pain.

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to focus. The wound was bad, but I couldn't falter. Not now. Not with Gianna's life on the line. I could feel my strength ebbing with each drop of blood, but I steeled myself for the fight ahead.

"Stay back!" I shouted to Gianna, my voice rougher than I intended. I couldn't let her see how much the injury had weakened me. If she tried to help, she'd only put herself in danger.

The wolves circled closer, the scent of my blood seemingly spurring them on. I knew I was in trouble, but I had to keep fighting. For Gianna. For survival.

Desperation fueled my bravado. If I was going down, it wouldn't be without a fight—or a final show of defiance.

“Whoa there, Zorro,” I taunted, slamming my shoulder into him with all my vampire strength. “I think you missed your calling as a lumberjack.”

The wolf flew out the door, but his two buddies were alreadyracing past. I leaped onto one, my fangs sinking into his flesh like he was the world’s worst chew toy. With a sickening crack, I twisted his head, feeling bones snap under my hands.

“One down, two to go,” I muttered. “And they say vampires are the violent ones.”

Suddenly, more pain exploded across my back. I cried out, tasting copper as blood bubbled up my throat. But if there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s being annoyingly hard to kill.

I whirled around, facing my attacker. The wolf circled me, his stance predatory. “Feel that, vampire?” he growled, his voice dripping with malice. “Next time, I’ll cut your head off.” He turned the bloody sword, running his tongue along the flat of the blade. “Nothing like vampire blood. That wolf you killed was my brother. Now I’m going to have your head resting over my mantel.”

“Sorry to disappoint,” I drawled, dragging myself to my feet, “but my head’s rather attached to my body. Literally and figuratively.”

A flutter of wings echoed outside the window. I laughed, spitting blood onto the floor. “I think the cavalry’s coming. Hope you wolves are up to date on your rabies shots.”

The wolf’s head snapped toward the sound. “Jasmine, run!”

A she-wolf? Well, wasn’t this just one big, furry family reunion?

The female wolf raised her sword, aiming for Gianna. I stumbled toward them, pain gripping me like a vice. “Gianna, move!” I yelled, my heart shattering at the thought of being too slow.

Suddenly, a black blur shot past me, quickly materializing into Angelo. He snatched the she-wolf by the neck, twisting with brutal efficiency. As she staggered, he ripped off her hood and sank his fangs into her flesh, draining her faster than a keg at a frat party. He dropped her lifeless body with as much ceremony as discarding a used tissue.

An angry sob cut through the air. I turned to see the last wolf disappearing into the night like a bad dream.

“Well,” I managed, fighting to stay conscious, “that was fun. Next time, let’s just stay in and watch a movie, okay?”

As darkness crept into the edges of my vision, I heard Gianna’s voice, thick with worry. The last thing I felt was her cool hand on my cheek before the world faded to black.

“Dimitri, Dimitri, please wake up.” A voice pierced through the darkness, accompanied by the sensation of someone holding my hand, their tears running down my flesh.

My eyes fluttered open, the world slowly coming into focus. Gianna’s tear-streaked face hovered above me, her beautiful black hair cascading down, framing her face like a dark halo.

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