Page 24 of Bite of Vengeance

“It’s the only way it’ll work,” Viggo cut me off sharply. “Once we get your twin, then Gia will get Warner off the property.”

“And if she can’t do that?” I shot back. “Then he’s dead.”

Viggo pushed off the wall, storming closer, only stopping when Zan stepped in front of me. I took a small step to the side, keeping Viggo’s stare.

“There will be death,” he said slowly, keeping his voice steady. “Vampires, Shadows, your precious humans. Amaros is done waiting—he wants this war. Getting you away from our father is dangerous. And in my opinion, I think it’s a bad fucking idea.”

I scowled. “Then why are we talking about it?”

Viggo’s eyes darted to Zan. “Because my little brother can’t be talked out of trying to protect you. And I’m not going to watch him get killed for you.”

“And,” Gia said, giving Viggo a stern look, “you also know that not all the humans deserve what Amaros wants to do to them.”

Viggo frowned. “I never said that. I care about my brothers.”

“And Gia.” Pax raised an eyebrow at his twin. “And Kali, since she’s important to Zan.”

“This will change everything,” Viggo muttered darkly. “There won’t be any going back. We get her off the property, then expect that we’re not coming back.”

“Then I’m not coming back,” Zan snapped. “This won’t fall back on you two.”

“I’m coming with you,” Pax stated firmly. “You know how I feel about Dad’s plan.”

Viggo cursed under his breath. “Perfect.”

“You three convince your father to have Kali help get into Project Hope,” Gia said, taking control of the conversation. “I will stay here with Warner.”

Ice flowed through my veins. “We can take him with us?—”

“No, we can’t,” Zan cut me off, his voice sharp. “Amaros can’t know what we have planned. Warner will go with Gia later.”

“And if that doesn’t work?”

He spun around, his eyes locking with mine. “You told me that you want to protect the humans from my father. Is that still true?”

“Yes,” I answered in a shaky voice.

“Warner still feels the same.” He paused. “That will most likely change as he transitions—but as of now, he would die to save humans, just like you would. You have a choice, Kali. You risk Warner’s life to attempt to protectallhuman lives.”

My heart pounded against my ribs. His words were true, and I knew Warner would be agreeing with him if he was in this room. But it hurt so damn much. There was a short list of people in this world I cared for. When I’d thought Warner died, I wasn’t sure I would recover.

“You have two choices,” Zan murmured, breaking into my warring thoughts. “We go with my plan to save your twin and try to protect human cities.”

“And my other option?” I asked tightly.

He leaned closer. “I take you off this property and make sure you’re protected from PARA and my father.”

“What does that mean?”

“It meansthat I will doanythingto keep you safe.” His voice dripped with dark promise. “The only reason I’m doing it this way is for you. You want to save the humans. I only care about saving you.”

“What are we, chopped liver?” Viggo mumbled, crossing his arms.

Before another word was said, all three brothers stiffened, and Zan spun around toward the door. My heart somersaulted in my chest when I turned to see Amaros in the doorway. His face held no emotion, and I wondered how much of the conversation he’d heard.

“What are you doing in my office?” he asked, danger lurking in his voice. “Having a conversation you don’t want me to hear?”

“Of course not, Dad,” Viggo replied smoothly, giving his father a grin. “We were just telling Kali she’d need blood soon and figured you didn’t want your vampires overhearing since they don’t even know she’s a Shadow yet.”

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