Page 27 of Vampire Blood

Damien’s laugh followed me as I turned to leave.

“You’re a fool if you think that’s possible.”

I didn’t dignify that with an answer. I stormed outside, breathing heavily. I turned, only to find Callum leaning against the far wall, his arms crossed over his chest. He’d been waiting. I didn’t know how long he’d been there, but his presence was a familiar anchor, even if I hated to admit it.

“You’re not going to get anything from him, you know,” Callum said, his voice quiet but direct.

I met his gaze. “I didn’t expect him to help. Not really. But I needed to hear it from his mouth. He’s not going to change. And neither will I.”

Callum’s brow furrowed. “You’re not really thinking of going after the other clans, are you?”

I shook my head, the weight of everything pressing harder now. “No, not yet. I need to know who we’re dealing with first. The shifters... they’re moving too fast. Too coordinated. And I need to know if they have backing. If there are more vampires involved. If they’re planning to use Annika’s blood to free Aurelius, then this is bigger than just us.”

“I don’t disagree with you.” Callum’s voice dropped lower, his eyes narrowing. “But going after those clans—it’s madness. There’s too much at stake. Damien knows things, sure, but he’s playing his own game. Don’t let him drag you into it.”

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration building. “I know that. I’m not stupid, Callum. But we don’t have time. Every day we wait is another day the enemy gets closer to succeeding.”

Callum pushed off the wall and stepped closer, his gaze steady but concerned. “What’s the plan then? Go hunting through every clan until we find something useful? You know that won’t work.”

I let out a harsh breath. “No, it won’t. But we can’t just sit here either. Annika’s in danger. Every second that passes, the chains around Aurelius weaken. She’s the key. And she’s being kept in that hellhole while we’re sitting here doing nothing.”

Callum was silent for a moment, and I could feel the weight of his scrutiny. He always seemed to know when I was holding something back. But this time, I couldn’t tell him everything. I couldn’t let him see the storm swirling inside me, the desperation that gnawed at my insides, threatening to tear me apart.

“Then what are you planning to do?” Callum asked, his voice low.

I met his gaze again, this time with more resolve. “I’ll go after her. Find where they’re keeping her. I know Kael’s infiltrating their ranks, and he’s getting close. If he can get her out, I’ll be there to meet her. But I’m not waiting any longer. I can’t.”

Callum exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face. “You’re insane.”

I didn’t flinch. “Maybe. But I’m done waiting for someone else to save her. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ve lost too much already. I won’t lose her too.”

There was a long silence. Callum looked at me for a while, and in his eyes, I saw the same worry I’d been carrying. He knew what it would cost. He knew the risks. But there was something else there, something unspoken, a thread between us that didn’t need words.

“You’re not alone in this, Lucas,” Callum said, his voice quieter now. “I’ll help you. But you need to think this through. Don’t throw yourself into this fight without a plan. You don’t have to do it alone.”

I nodded, but inside, I knew it wasn’t just about me anymore. Annika had become everything. Every choice, every action I took now, was for her.

“I’m going to find her,” I said, the words more of a promise than a plan. “And I’ll make sure nothing happens to her.”

“You’re not going alone, Lucas,” Callum said, his voice low, steady as his hand rested on my shoulder.

I shook my head, backing away from his touch. “I can’t risk anyone else. This is too dangerous. You don’t understand, if they catch us…”

I didn’t finish the sentence. I didn’t need to. The fear, the gnawing terror that clung to my every thought, was enough to say it all. But Callum’s response was quick, unwavering.

“I understand,” he said, his voice calm, but his eyes spoke volumes. “But you don’t get to decide for me. I’m not letting you walk into this alone.”

I felt a surge of frustration flood my chest. My hands curled into fists at my sides. “You don’t get it, Callum. Annika’s life is in the balance. I can’t afford to be distracted. I can’t afford to be weak.”

“I’m not asking for permission,” he said, his voice a low growl now. “I’m going with you. Whether you like it or not. You might think you’re saving her by going alone, but you’re onlyrisking more. We’re a team, Lucas. And I’m not going to stand by while you sacrifice yourself.”

I stared at him for a long moment, the words swirling in my mind like a storm. There was no reasoning with him. Not now. Not when the fire burned so hot in his eyes.

Part of me wanted to argue, to push him away because I didn’t want him to get hurt. But deep down, I knew Callum wouldn’t let me go alone. He wouldn’t let me risk it all. And I wasn’t sure I could blame him. I would never let him go alone on such a suicide mission.

I wanted to tell him it was dangerous, that he was better off staying behind, that I couldn’t watch anyone else die for my choices. But as much as I tried to deny it, the truth was that I wasn’t the only one with skin in this fight.

So I did the only thing I could: I let out a deep breath and nodded.

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