Page 75 of Bound By Blood

“And if he refuses?”

She sat back in her chair, her expression serene and confident. “He will not.”

“But if he does?” Lucien pressed.

“She dies, of course. She has to die, no matter what happens.” A slow smile spread over Nadiya’s face. It was an event she looked forward to with great anticipation. Blood for blood, a life for a life. Her sons would be avenged.

“I don’t like this,” Lucien said. “You said nothing of kidnapping the Sherrad heir.”

“No one is asking you to like it,” she said curtly.

“You have the girl. What do you need me for?”

“In case Sherrad decides to fight. If he agrees to leave, we will have to quarter some of your men there to hold the place after he evacuates. My sons and daughters will also be there, as well as those of Sherrad’s people who wish to join us.”

Lucien tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair. To be Master of the Carpathian Fortress was a long-held dream. But was it worth the risk? Drake Sherrad was not a man to be trifled with. He would make a formidable foe.

Lucien was still debating the wisdom of Nadiya’s plan when one of his sons entered the room. “Stefan Sherrad wishes to see you, Father.”

“He is here? Now?”

“Yes. He said he will not leave until he has spoken with you.”

“Tell him to wait. I will be out shortly.” Rising, Lucien ran a hand through his hair. “This is a fine mess. What is he doing here?”

“Sherrad is obviously looking for his daughter,” Nadiya said. “Keep your wits about you. Stefan will find nothing here. Get rid of him as soon as you can. I will be waiting for you at the Fortress, at the foot of the mountain.”

“Very well.” Taking a deep breath, Lucien went out to meet his guest.

Stefan was waiting in the antechamber.

“Stefan, how good to see you,” Lucien said jovially. “It has been years. I heard you had gone to America.”

“Yes.”

“What brings you here?”

“I am looking for my father’s wife, Nadiya,” Stefan said, his voice cool. “I believe you know her.”

Lucien cleared his throat. “Yes, of course. Lovely woman.”

“We believe she has kidnapped Kaitlyn.”

“They are not here.” Lucien spread his hands wide. “You may search my home if you wish.”

“Thank you. I will.”

Drake stared at the human male standing on the porch. He was obviously in thrall to someone. His first words confirmed Drake’s suspicion.

“The lady Nadiya demands that you, your family, and everyone else who dwells within these walls leave immediately.”

“And if I refuse?”

The drone reached into his pocket and withdrew a scrap of bloodstained cloth. He offered it to Drake.

A muscle worked in Drake’s jaw as he took it. He recognized the material immediately. It was from a dress Elena had given Kaitlyn.

The blood was also hers.

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