Page 32 of Bite of Vengeance

“You can’t lie under entrancement,” I ground out. “You won’t choose to help me, not if it goes against Amaros.”

“I was able to say that because it was the truth,” he murmured in a low voice. “My loyalty remains with him because I know that if it wasn’t, then my brother’s life would be in danger. Because I believe that going against my father would result in Zan getting killed. I will always do what I need for my brothers.”

He paused, his eyes flitting toward the steps as if making sure there was no one close enough to listen. My pulse spiked when he met my gaze again.

“I still believe that my father will succeed in taking over,” he whispered bitterly. “I don’t think PARA or the Clovers stand a chance. Until that changes, then yes, it’s the truth that my loyalty is to him. Because it keeps Zan alive. Keeps Pax safe. I’ve known that my father can entrance me my entire life. Do you really think I haven’t thought about what to say if he forced answers out of me?”

I opened my mouth, only to close it again. His answer was not what I was expecting. Did that mean I could trust him? I wasn’t sure.

“Let’s go.” He backed up, wrapping his hand around my upper arm. “Amaros wants you in the Pen tonight.”

I didn’t push him away as he led me out of the cage only because I wasn’t sure I could even walk on my own. My energy was depleting more with every step I took. We slowly ascended the stairs, and I ignored the vampires roaming around the main floor.

“Jasper,” Viggo called loudly as we passed the rotunda.

The young-looking vampire appeared seconds later. “Yes?”

“I’m hungry. Bring me a meal. I’ll be in the Pen.”

I forced myself to remain silent. A meal meant blood to Viggo. Was he going to make me feed? I wasn’t sure I was ready.

“Yes, sir,” Jasper gritted out, giving Viggo a small respectful nod. I had a feeling he didn’t like receiving orders from Amaros’s sons.

Viggo kept his hold on me as we left the house and walked down the narrow trail. The moon was hidden behind clouds tonight, but my sight had improved so much that I could see nearly as well as if it were bright out.

“Just because Amaros isn’t here doesn’t mean you can try anything,” he informed me. “He’ll be back in a couple days. Don’t do anything tonight that will piss him off. You’ll only make it worse for yourself.”

I rolled my eyes. “Thanks for the warning.”

While I had no plan to help Amaros with what he wanted, I still wasn’t sure how I was going to get off this property. How I could protect all the Shadows that were locked in the Pen. Or how to keep Warner from being killed if I went against Amaros. Right now, I would keep doing what I had since my birthday. Train the Shadows how to fight, and hope we’d be strong enough to win a fight against the vampires.

Once we arrived at the Pen, four vampires stepped to the side so Viggo could unlock the exterior door. When we were inside, he released me to slide the deadbolt and open the second door. The instant I entered, the Shadows stopped what they were doing. The blonde Shadow smiled as she pushed through the crowd. Her name was Rya, and I’d gotten to know her best.

She’d been on this property her entire life. Her father was a Shadow, and her mother had been a human who worked in the house. She’d died in childbirth, leaving Rya with no memories of her. Many of the other Shadows had similar stories. A couple of them were actually from human cities and were rescued before PARA could kill them. Though, I wasn’t sure this existence was any better, but I was hoping to change that soon.

Rya’s smile faded when she looked at Viggo. “What is he doing here?”

“Show some respect,” Viggo growled, his voice menacing.

“It’s fine,” I assured her. “He’s better than his father.”

She didn’t argue, but her frown made it clear she didn’t like Viggo. With good reason. They all despised Amaros. They saw Zan as a threat since he’d spent years trying to force them to obey. She crept closer, her eyes traveling over my face.

“Are you okay?” she asked, worry filling her eyes. “You look pale.”

“She’ll be fine,” Viggo spoke up. “Go ahead and do whatever it is you do when she’s in here.”

“Your father wants them trained to fight,” I bit out. “They lack the skills since you kept them locked in here for years.”

If my words bothered him, he didn’t show it. “I’ll train them today since you’re not up for it?—”

“I don’t think so,” Rya hissed, her eyes darkening. “We don’t listen to you.”

“Yeah, yeah, you listen to Kali.” Viggo’s eyes slid to me. “This is what you want, isn’t it?”

I glared at him. He knew I didn’t want the Shadows to learn how to fight for Amaros. But I still wanted them to learn skills. Whether it came from me or Viggo, it didn’t matter.

“Let him,” I ordered quietly, looking at Rya. “I’m not up for it today. I’ll watch.”

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