Page 3 of Bite of Vengeance

He set the plate on the small table in front of the couch, and I tracked his moves warily as I backed up. I eyed the knife I’d dropped, and he followed my gaze, spotting the weapon would do nothing against him. Tilting his head, he looked at me questioningly, but I stayed silent. I’d grabbed the knife from behind the bar when Gia was watching me. Zan and his brothers had been somewhere with their father. Though, I was surprisedwe were still in Deadwood and not on our way to Amaros’s property.

“I know how overwhelming it is,” he said softly. “Transitioning can be?—”

“Don’t,” I exploded, rage swallowing me whole. “I don’t want your help. I want you all to leave me the hell alone.”

He frowned. “That’s not going to happen. But for your sake, Amaros is staying away from you for now until you have time to calm down.”

“Better just kill me now, then. Because I willnevercalm down or accept this.”

He was right near the couch, and I resisted the urge to look at the doorway. He’d left the door wide open, and even though there was no chance I’d make it out of Impulse, I couldn’t help but think of trying to escape.

“Your mind is probably racing about everything,” he murmured. “Especially after seeing the Pen. I’ll answer whatever questions I can.”

“Why bother?” I asked bitterly. “I’m sure that place is going to be my new home.”

“No, it’s not.” He swiped a hand down his face. “You won’t be going there.”

Fear slid through me at his words. I had a feeling Amaros had far worse plans for me than living with the other Shadows.

“Please eat,” he urged, nodding to the plate. “You need to keep your energy up.”

“Why?” I snapped. “I’m like you now, Pax. Will I die if I don’t eat? Or do I just need blood now?”

“Shadows transition slowly, just like regular vampires. You shouldn’t need blood for at least a month. But…” He trailed off, looking troubled.

My heart pounded. “But what?”

“I don’t know,” he grumbled, pacing the floor. “You’re different. Last night, you shoved Zan away. You broke my hold when you ran from the truck. That’s strength you shouldn’t have yet. But then Norman grabbed you, and you couldn’t get away from him. I believe your power is coming in spurts. Especially if you’re angry like you were at me and Zan. I think your transition will be faster. You’ll come into your strength and everything else well before your first year is over.”

My breaths were coming out fast and short. I squeezed my hands into fists, trying to control my emotions. I was spiraling. My chest was so tight I couldn’t fill my lungs, no matter how hard I tried. I didn’t want to listen to all of this. And I didn’t want to hearhisname. Every time I thought about him, the memory of him snapping Warner’s neck played through my mind.

“Kali.” Pax was suddenly in front of me, his hands on my shoulders. “Breathe in through your nose. Out through your mouth.”

“Don’t touch me,” I snarled, my voice coming out high and shaky.

He didn’t listen, his grip going tighter on my shoulders when I attempted to break free. Frustration built inside me. So much for this so-called strength he thought I had. I couldn’t get away from him, no matter how much I fought against his hold.

“Listen to me,” he said in a tight whisper. “Ineedyou to calm down. If Amaros doesn’t think we can handle you, then he’s going to step in. You don’t want that.”

“I don’t want any of this,” I shrieked, slamming my palms on his chest. “I don’t care what you do to me. Or what your father fucking does. I won’t listen. I won’t obey. Do whatever the hell you want to me. Nothing will change my mind.”

“I want you to live. I’m trying to help.”

“I have nothing to livefor,” I choked out hoarsely. “I don’t care what happens to me.”

Sorrow clouded his face, and he opened his mouth, only to close it again. A muscle in his jaw ticked, and he finally released me and backed up.

“Eat,” he repeated gruffly. “I’ll be back in a little while.”

My pulse was still thrashing as he strode away, shutting the door when he left the room. I collapsed to my knees, letting out the sob I’d been struggling to hold back. Closing my eyes, I sucked in a deep breath as I let my mind wander. My thoughts hadn’t changed. I didn’t have any cravings for blood. I was still heartbroken for the people I’d lost. From what I learned about Shadows, their mindset changed.

When would that happen to me?

Chapter 2

Kali

Idrummed my fingertips on the counter, wasting as much time as I could. Pax had brought me up to Zan’s room so I could use the bathroom, and I’d been more than happy that I didn’t run into anyone else when we came up here. I didn’t want to see Amaros or any of his sons—even Pax—but he was better than the other choices. I’d grabbed some clothes from the dresser before coming into the bathroom, the jeans and tank top I was wearing were usually what I wore when I worked downstairs at Impulse. But that wasn’t going to happen anymore.

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