Page 60 of Chains of Blood and Darkness

I shot him a glare that would have made a lesser vampire spontaneously combust. “Dimitri, fetch Enzo,” I gritted out, trying to remain in control of the maelstrom of emotions swirling within me.

Dimitri raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Fetch? What am I, a vampire or a golden retriever?” He sighed dramatically. “Fine, I’ll go get the brooding brother. Try not to start the apocalypse while I’m gone, okay?”

With a mock salute, he disappeared through the doors, leaving us alone with the two humans.

I took a measured step toward her, my hands held out in a gesture of appeal. “Serenity, I never used any compulsion on you to get you into my bed. What happened between us...it was real, it was genuine.”

She flinched as I approached, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “How can I be sure, Angelo?” She nodded her chin at DuPont and Steven. “How can I trust anything you say when I’ve seen what you’re capable of?”

The pain and uncertainty in her voice tore at my heart, and I had to fight the urge to take her in my arms. “You know me, Serenity. You’ve seen who I am beneath the monster; know that I would do anything to keep you safe and make you happy.”

She scoffed and curled her lip into a snarl. “Happy? You bought me, Angelo. I’m a prisoner in your home. Everyone in this house is able to come and go as they please except for me…and maybe Gianna.”

I held her gaze, pouring every ounce of sincerity I possessed into my words. “I’m not perfect, Serenity, and I’ll admit I’ve made mistakes. But I have never once lied to you, and I never will. What I feel for you...it’s the most real and honest thing in my life.”

I was surprised at the words spilling out of my mouth. I’d never said anything like that to a woman.

Serenity’s lower lip trembled, and for a moment, I thought she would cry. But then, she drew in a shuddering breath, squaring her shoulders as if steeling herself against the entire world. “Prove it, then. Find Joy. Bring her homesafe. Show me you’re not a monster…that you won’t kill the people I love.” She put her hand on DuPont’s shoulder as her voice trailed off into a sob.

I nodded, my resolve hardening into an unbreakable vow. “I promise you, I will move heaven and earth to find out what happened to Joy.”

We stood there, the silence broken only by the soft hitch of her breathing, and I knew that this was a turning point, a moment that would define the course of our future together. I was determined to seize it with both hands and never let go.

Heavy footsteps echoed in the living room, announcing the arrival of Dimitri, who had brought not only Enzo but also Gianna. I shot him a cold stare, my displeasure at my sister’s unexpected presence evident.

Dimitri, far from blushing or looking uncomfortable, met my gaze with a trademark smirk. “What? You said ‘fetch Enzo.’ You didn’t specify the ‘no tagalongs’ rule. Besides, I thought we could use a family reunion to liven things up.”

Gianna, ignoring our exchange, stepped forward. “Don’t blame Dimitri. I insisted on coming.”

She ran over to Serenity, her arms outstretched in a gesture of comfort. Serenity stepped back from her, anger still flashing in her eyes.

Dimitri leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. “Well, isn’t this cozy? Nothing says ‘family bonding’ quite like tension thick enough to stake a vampire with.”

“Serenity, please. Tell me what happened.” At the sound of the softness in my sister’s voice, the stiffness in Serenity’s shoulders fell away and she ran into my sister’s outstretchedarms. I winced. I should be the one comforting her, not my sister.

Gianna hugged Serenity and stroked her hair as Serenity bit back a sob. “What have you done this time, dear brother?” The icy condemnation in her tone pricked the frustration simmering beneath my skin.

I gritted my teeth, trying to keep my anger under control. I had no time to get into a debate with Gianna, not when my priority was proving to Serenity that I had nothing to do with Joy’s kidnapping—and, furthermore, helping to find her.

I turned my attention to Enzo and fixed him with a piercing stare as I leaned forward, getting right into his personal space. “Tell me what happened at Crimson Stakes and with Joy DuPont.” I kept my gaze locked on his, my body tense and poised like a coiled snake ready to strike.

Serenity wiggled free from Gianna’s embrace, putting distance between herself and the vampires in the room. Her eyes were hard as she focused on my enforcer. “Enzo? What did you do to Joy?” The accusation in her voice was unmistakable, and Enzo bristled under the weight of her suspicion.

“I didn’t kill her, if that’s what you mean.” Enzo’s words were brittle, his tone laced with anger and frustration. I could tell there was more to the story and that getting the truth out of him would require a delicate touch.

I poured myself a glass of wine, the rich, crimson liquid swirling in the crystal glass. I took a moment to collect my thoughts, to choose the right approach. “Tell me what happened, Enzo,” I said, struggling to remain calm. “Leave nothing out.”

As I waited for Enzo to speak, I could feel the weight of Serenity’s gaze on me, all her questions and doubts hanging heavy in the air. I knew that the truth, whatever it might prove to be, would either vindicate me in her eyes or shatter forever the fragile trust between us. The stakes had never been higher, and I could only hope Enzo’s words would be the key to unlocking the truth and winning Serenity back.

Enzo’s jaw clenched. “Joy was passing out those damn flyers again on Bourbon Street, bothering people.”

Serenity’s brow furrowed, a look of dread spreading over her face. “Flyers?” She placed a hand on her chest, her voice trembling slightly. “You mean of…me?”

Enzo nodded grimly. “Yes. She was bothering the wrong people, if you get my meaning.” He glanced at me and shook his head, a mixture of frustration and concern etched into his features. “Foolish girl.”

Dread crept through my veins, and I stiffened before tossing the wine back. “What people?”

Enzo met my gaze, his eyes dark and serious. “Our people.”

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