Page 9 of Bite of Vengeance

“Let Kali sleep until sundown,” he ordered. “Then I want you to take her to the Pen.”

“Why?” I asked, keeping my voice steady. “I’m the one who’s been working with the Shadows for years. They listen best to me.”

“True,” he agreed. “But they don’t obey you. Consider this an experiment based on what I knew about Kali’s mother.”

“Care to elaborate?”

His stare went cold, his tone menacing. “Not right now. Do not question me, Zan. You know what we’ve been working toward for decades. This is part of it. You will stay here and work with Kali while your brothers get into Project Hope to get her sister.”

“You never told us about any of this,” I muttered. “Kali and a twin. Their mother. It all seems important.”

“It is.” He leaned forward. “And I plan to tell you soon. It’s all falling into place. But we aren’t talking about it without your brothers present. Now go get some rest. You have a big night ahead.”

“Right,” I mumbled, getting to my feet. “I’ll be in Viggo’s room if you need me.”

“No,” he drawled. “Stay in your room. Watch her.”

My eyes snapped to his. “Fine.”

I didn’t argue. He wanted me near Kali for a few different reasons. He wanted eyes on her constantly and still trusted me to do it. The other was to see what she’d say in my presence. Amaros would be able to hear anything said in my bedroom if he was close enough. He might be suspicious of a possible bond, but I was still his son, and in his eyes, I would never betray him.

I didn’t share that confidence anymore. If I had a chance to get Kali out of here, I would do it in a fucking heartbeat. The fact was, I couldn’t. This property was a fortress, and I wouldn’t get near the exit before I was stopped.

Without another word, I left the rotunda, my steps slowing when I heard Warner yelling. He was in another room, and Gia was in there with him. He was pissed and wanted to see Kali. Gia’s attempt at calming him down wasn’t working, but I didn’t make a move to intervene. I was positive if Warner saw me, he’d only get more upset. I had already saved his damn life, there wasn’t more I could do for him right now.

My attention moved toward my bedroom, and I listened closely. As I approached the door the sound of Kali’s heartbeat sped up. She was awake. I quietly opened the door, looking through the darkness. She was lying on top of the blankets, her arms behind her head. After shutting the door behind me, I moved toward the bed.

“It’s just me,” I announced myself, waiting for her to start screaming. We still hadn’t been able to talk about everything, and I wasn’t sure how she’d react. This was the first time we’d been alone since coming back to the property. Though, I guess alone wasn’t the right word since there were vampire ears on us.

“What do you want?” she asked bitterly, not moving a muscle.

“Nothing, Kali,” I said, exhaustion clinging to me. “We both need sleep.”

“I can’t sleep.”

Guilt stabbed me in the heart, and I slowly climbed into bed, feeling her tense as I lay next to her. Her heartbeat slowed slightly, but she was still on edge.

“You should try,” I murmured. “Once night hits, we’re going to the Pen.”

She didn’t say a word, and I glanced at her, noticing her eyes were wide open as she stared at the ceiling. I stayed quiet, knowing anything I said wouldn’t make her feel better. Minutes went by, and her heartbeat evened out, making me believe she fell asleep. Until she breathed out my name.

“Zan?”

“Yeah?”

“Why are you and your brothers different?” she asked slowly. “You told me Shadows don’t listen or fall in line. They’re a wild card, and that’s why they’re in the Pen. Why are you and the twins different?”

“I’m not completely sure,” I answered. “We just are.”

“Do you think I’m different?”

My heart squeezed. “I don’t know.”

Amaros believed she was different. And after hearing about her mother, I had a feeling she was too. I wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing.

“I could hear them,” she whispered.

I turned on my side to face her. “Hear who?”

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