Page 79 of Kiss of Blood and Sin

When Dimitri emerged in his costume, my breath caught in my throat. He looked devilishly handsome as a joker, wearing nothing but a purple and green vest paired with matching pants. His Venetian mask couldn’t hide his trademark smirk, and I felt a flutter in my stomach at the sight of him.

“Well, well,” Dimitri drawled, his eyes raking over me appreciatively. “Looks like I’ve hit the jackpot. Care to be my queen of hearts for the evening?”

I couldn’t help but laugh, some of my tension melting away at his playful tone.

Later, we strode down the crowded Bourbon Street, the energy of Mardi Gras pulsing around us. The vibrant chaoswas a dizzying mix of colors, sounds, and scents. Costumed revelers brushed past us, their laughter and excited chatter filling the air. The aroma of Cajun spices and sweet alcohol mingled with the underlying scent of hundreds of bodies pressed together.

Dimitri’s arm was a comforting weight around my waist as we navigated through the crowd. Despite Elena’s reassurances and the festive atmosphere, I couldn’t fully shake the feeling of unease that clung to me like a second skin. My eyes darted from face to face, searching for any sign of danger hidden behind the sea of masks.

“See? Nothing to worry about,” Dimitri said, his trademark smirk in place as he leaned in close, his breath tickling my ear. “Just your average night out in the Big Easy. Although, I must say, some of these costumes are giving me ideas for our next date night.”

I forced a laugh, trying to lose myself in the moment and Dimitri’s lighthearted banter. But as we moved deeper into the crowd, I couldn’t help but feel like eyes were watching us from the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Chapter Forty-One

Dimitri

I held Gianna’s hand as we walked down Bourbon Street, the warmth of her skin a stark contrast to the cool night air. I felt like a king with my queen, the revelry of Mardi Gras swirling around us in a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Everything was perfect until a familiar scent hit me like a punch to the gut—wet dog and danger.

My muscles tensed as I glanced over my shoulder, trying to keep my movements casual. Three men dressed as executioners followed us, their movements too purposeful to be random partygoers. They had swords at their hips, and I knew immediately they were real. My jaw clenched as I fought back a growl.

“Gianna, move,” I hissed, my fingers tightening around hers.

“What?” She looked at me, her face paling beneath her mask. I could hear her heart rate spike. “What’s wrong?”

"Move!" I hissed, seizing her hand. With a swift, forceful tug, I pulled her in front of me, positioning my body as a shield between her and our pursuers. We plunged deeper into the sea of revelers, the once-festive Mardi Gras chaos now a suffocating blanket of noise. The blaring jazz and drunken laughter that had seemed so jovial moments ago now felt sinister, obscuring any telltale sounds of the wolf shifters on our tail.

I glanced over my shoulder. The men had picked up speed, moving faster than any humans should be able to. They bumped into people, leaving a wake of confused and angry revelers. Definitely wolves.

“Dimitri, the wolves. They’re here,” Gianna gasped, her voice tight with fear. She squeezed my hand so hard it would have hurt if I were human.

As I maneuvered us through the crowd, self-loathing washed over me. How stupid could I have been? I never should have left the compound of Crescent Manor. Now, Gianna was in danger, and it was all my fault. I wasn’t sure I was strong enough to fight them, but I’d be damned if I let them harm one hair on her head.

I pulled her down a side street, the buildings looming ominously around us. The sounds of pursuit grew closer, sending a chill down my spine.

Fear glistened in Gianna’s eyes as recognition dawned. “No, Dimitri. These are the warehouses. The mirror...”

I grabbed her shoulders, my fingers digging into her flesh. "You need to shift into?—"

She shook her head vehemently. "I'm not leaving you."

"Damn it, Gianna! This isn't a debate."

My eyes darted around, desperately seeking an escape route. The alley to our left? No, too narrow. The fire escape? Too slow. My gaze landed on a dilapidated warehouse across the street. It wasn't ideal, but it was our best shot.

"Go, now," I growled, my voice laced with urgency and fear I couldn't quite mask.

The wolves rounded the corner, their executioner masks somehow more menacing in the dim light. I quickly assessed our opponents: six of them, all built like linebackers, moving with predatory grace. The leader's eyes gleamed with murderous intent, sending a chill down my spine.

There wasn't time for more arguing. I stopped Gianna up and tossed her over my shoulder, her surprised yelp cutting through the air. I darted across the street, the world blurring around us as I pushed my vampire speed to the limits.

Drawing on vampire speed, I kicked down the warehouse door, the wood splintering under my foot. Pain shot through my leg—I'd used more force than necessary in my panic—but I ignored it. I set Gianna down inside, my eyes scanning the shadows for immediate threats.

"Hide," I whispered, pushing her towards a stack of crates. "If I fall, you shift and run. No arguments."

Gianna backed up, her eyes wide with terror. “Dimitri,”she whispered. “There’s too many of them. We need to go now.” She pulled on my arm, her nails digging into my skin.

“Go. Now,” I snarled, pushing her behind me as the sound of heavy footsteps approached. “They’re coming, and they’re out for blood.”

---