Page 43 of The Curse of Blood and Silenc

The tension in my shoulders eased slightly, but questions still swirled in my mind. Where were Balthazar and Gage? Gage might well be dead, but the real danger to Angelo was Petar, trying to steal his crown—as if Petar could ever walk in Angelo’s shoes.

The smooth movement of the limousine and Angelo’s steadying presence slowly lulled me into a daze. As my eyes grew heavy, I listened to his breath and his heartbeat. They were like music to my ears—a sweet rhythm that promised safety, promised home.

The city lights streaked past the tinted windows like shooting stars, and Angelo’s thumb traced soothing circles on my shoulder. As I relaxed into the comfort of his embrace, I couldn’t forget the look in Ivan’s eyes when he’d seen Shannon—a mix of relief and rage that spoke of a love fierce enough to tear the world apart.

It was the same look I always got from Angelo. I knew he would find me. The surety of that knowledge was like a warm blanket around my shoulders—Angelo would always come for me, no matter what.

Enzo and Dimitri sat on either side of Angelo and me, making me feel like I had a wall of protection inside the limousine. All three vampires were on the alert, eyes scanning the darkness outside. Blood stained their clothes and skin, testament to the violence they’d unleashed to get to me. I didn’t recognize the driver, but I assumed he was one of Angelo’s men. He had blood dripping down his chin as well, the metallic scent of it filling the air.

I couldn’t imagine the carnage back there. They must have killed dozens of wolves to get to me. No one had ever fought for me like that before. For the first time in my life, I truly belonged somewhere. Tears pricked my eyes at the realization, and I quickly blinked them away.

They must have killed countless wolves to get to me. No one had ever killed for me before. Steve had fought for me when we were kids, but this was different. Guilt and gratitude warred in my chest, making my heart feel too big for my ribs. My heart ached for the wolves who’d been forced to follow Gage and Balthazar, enslaved by circumstances like I had been. As for their willing followers—ice crystallized in my veins and I couldn’t find any mercy in my heart.

I was humbled that Angelo and his men had carved such a bloody path to reach me. I wasn’t just another disposable piece in someone’s game - I was as important as Gianna or Elena.

I glanced closer at Dimitri. He had faded bruises on his face, as if he had recently received a severe beating. Dimitri caught me looking at him. His lips curved into that trademark smirk, but his eyes held a shadow of something darker—pride mixed with defiance, maybe even a hint of shame. “See something you like, princess? Trust me, you should see the other guy.” His tone was light, playful even, but there was an edge underneath that suggested he knew exactly what I was thinking.

Angelo tensed beneath me and flashed his fangs at Dimitri.

“Your problem is you just don’t know when to quit, Dragan,” Enzo muttered.

That made me think Angelo had done this. Why? What had Dimitri done to deserve it?

But I didn’t want an interrogation right now, I just wanted to get home. I was so excited to see Elena and Gianna again. They’d become like family to me.

Crescent Manor was warded, but the limousine was not: out here, we were vulnerable. Every shadow that passed over the windows made my heart jump, terrified that Balthazar and his men were following us. I shrank closer to Angelo, drawing comfort from his solid presence while silently urging the limousine to go faster.

The driver finally pulled into the driveway and got out to open the door. Enzo exited first, scanning the limousine and the surrounding area for threats.

Dimitri got out next, then after a brief minute he ducked his head into the car. “It’s safe.”

Angelo stepped out, still holding me in his arms like I was something precious. Dimitri held the back door open—watchful, eager to prove his renewed loyalty with every small service.

Elena and Gianna were waiting for us in the foyer, as if maintaining a vigil. Just the sight of them brought tears to my eyes and a lump formed in my throat. Gianna was like the sister I’d never had, who’d welcomed me into this dark world without judgment. Meanwhile Elena was the grandmother I’d always dreamed of—all warm hugs and kitchen wisdom, healing my wounds with comfort food and soft words.

“Ma pauvre chérie.” Elena’s cool hands clasped my tear-stained cheeks. Something inside me melted at her touch, like always when she mothered me. After what seemed like weeks of cruel hands and crueler hearts, her gentle touch was like a balm to my battered soul.

Gianna embraced Dimitri fiercely as he crossed the threshold, not caring that her designer dress was getting covered in bloodstains from his shirt.

“I’ve got to get Serenity upstairs.” Angelo’s voice was quiet and authoritative as his gaze found Enzo. “Find out where Gage, Petar, Balthazar and the others disappeared to. Make sure to bring Petar to me alive.”

I buried my face in Angelo’s shirt, shuddering to think what would happen to Petar even though he’d stolen me from my home and tossed me to a psychotic wolf and a cruel demon. I would never forget the feel of their hands on me, their cruel laughter. Some nightmares didn’t fade with waking.

Once again, the world turned to a blur and the next thing I knew we were in our room. Angelo set me down gently and closed the door with a soft click. The familiar sight of our sanctuary—the bed with its silk sheets, the leather-bound books on the shelves, the tapestries and paintings that spoke of his centuries-old existence—broke something inside me. I burst into tears.

“Shh.” He pulled me into his embrace and just held me, his arms a cocoon around my shaking body. His voice was rough with emotion, something rare for him. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you, Serenity.”

I pulled away and wiped my tears, needing to see his face. “All I could think about was you. I kept calling out to you.” My voice caught, remembering how desperately I’d screamed for him in my mind, praying he would somehow hear me.

“I know. I heard.” His red eyes held mine, intense and serious.

It felt like the floor had dropped out beneath me. “What?”

“Every time you called for me, I felt it here.” He touched his temple. “At first, it was just whispers, like fragments of a dream. But then they got louder, and with them came headaches. Images, too—flashes of where you were and what you were seeing.” His fingers traced my cheek, and I could feel the slight tremor in them. “The plantation. Balthazar. That horrible room they kept you in.”

I caught his hand, holding it against my face. “But how? Was I really calling out to you or was I just...” I swallowed hard,remembering those terrible moments of desperation. “Praying, hoping somehow you’d find me?”

He slipped his fingers through my hair, drawing me closer until our foreheads touched. “All I know is you’ve marked my soul, Serenity. I never stopped looking for you. No one can keep you from me. I’ll always find you.”

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