Page 98 of Sworn to Revenge
I’ve got a reputation to live up to, don’t I?
Pedro smirks but signals me with his eyes to step back. Understood—he’s taking the lead.
“Mariana is dead,” Luca repeats, voice filled with menace. “But I’m curious… just how much do you know about these so-called ‘powers’ you mentioned?” Luca steps closer to Christian, his voice calm but dangerous, his posture commanding. Christian’s men don’t even twitch without his say-so.
“I know more than you think,” Christian replies, his fists tightening around the gun. “What happened to my men at the beach?”
Luca’s not here to entertain questions. “You want answers? Then answer me first. How did you find out about their powers? And who else knows?”
Christian’s composure starts to crack. “I know they’re… mermaids. And that they can control water, or control people with their voices.” He points behind us and adds, “The men I have posted back there? They’ve got enough tranquilizer darts to put you all down for days. If Mariana’s not coming back, you’d better explain what happened to my men—and answer some questions yourselves.”
None of us so much as flinch at his threat. It’s clear they picked the wrong guy to lead their sorry excuse of an organization. Pedro can’t hold back his arrogant smirk, and damn if it doesn’t look good on him. “You think that’ll work on us? You tried once already, and it didn’t go your way… Are you sure you want to try again?”
I chuckle at Pedro’s words, but Luca cuts him off with a quick hand signal.
“Now, now,” Luca says almost playfully. “I’m happy to share some information, butyoufirst. Who knows what, and how’d you learn it?” He almost sounds like a shark toying with its prey.
It’s clear they only know bits and pieces, maybe false intel Miguel fed them. They seem aware only of Alin’s abilities, which means Luca is mentally adding names to his hit list, making sure no one else learns of his wife’s powers.
“You think I’m stupid? I want answers first. Where are my men? What happened to them? There were Frenchmen there too, but you must already know that. Do you want a war with all of us? You’re not holding any advantage here,” Christian sneers.
Oh, but we are,I think to myself, reminded that they’re responsible for Miguel’s death. None of them are leaving here alive.
“Your men are on their way,” Luca says coolly. “My men are bringing them now.” Pedro and I exchange a shocked glance but regain our composure quickly. Who exactly is he bringing?
A sinking feeling settles in my gut, hoping it isn’t what I think. Bodies?
“What are you playing at?” Christian asks, signaling his men forward. In seconds, their guns are aimed squarely at me.
“Why me, always?” I mutter as Pedro steps in front of me once more, shielding me.
“You’ll want to put those down if you want them back,” Luca says venomously, his expression unwavering. “Like I said, I’m here for answers. You give me what I want, and you’ll get whatyouwant.”
“And how do I know you’re not lying?” Christian asks, on the verge of losing control. At least he cares for his lousy men.
Leader of the year,Myko mocks, and I stifle a laugh. He’s really starting to grow on me.
“You don’t,” Luca replies coldly. “But you don’t have much choice.” Christian’s men lower their guns after him, at his command, realizing the truth.
“Pedro. Your turn. We don’t need more than one of them to talk.” Luca and Mariano step back, and before Christian’s men can react, Pedro raises his hand and three electric volts shooting out with pinpoint accuracy to their heads, taking down Christian’s men instantly. They fall like rag dolls to the ground.
“So. Freaking. Cool!” I blurt out, unable to contain myself.
Christian’s shock paralyzes him for a moment. “Are you one of them?!” he gasps, pointing his gun at Pedro now.
“Not a smart move,” I say, relishing the chance to avenge Miguel.
“That fucking merman never said anything aboutthis! Or these… powers!” Christian screams like a madman, terrified by what he’s seeing.
“Say one more thing about him, and Pedro won’t be the worst of your nightmares,” I warn, my breath becoming heavy with anger, feeling the familiar burn spreading in my chest.
“My men are closing on you from the back,” Christian says, raising his hands in surrender. “Let’s all calm down.”
Let me go now, or it’ll burn,Myko’s voice seethes with rage, mirroring my own.Not a fan of human flesh, but I could make an exception.
“Oh, look—they’re here,” Luca says, turning as car wheels crunch on gravel behind us. Two of our men step out, dressed in black suits, and quickly open the trunk.
Oh. My. God.
