Page 30 of Visions in Blood
His expression was priceless—one that a kid gets when they discover a toy under the Christmas tree they’d been positive their parents couldn’t afford.He slid the tome into his lap, his finger running across the words from the beginning of the page.“All this time it’s been right in front of me.Could it be?”
“I’m not sure what the sentence is actually saying, but it just seemed…”
“Tingly?”
I grinned.“I think we need to find this book.”
He set the book aside and a flash of ice blue wavered in the depths of his gaze but didn’t diminish.“If this is what I think it is, it will be well-hidden, unless it was truly destroyed as we’ve been led to believe.”
“Would this House Renaud destroy books?”
“Never.They are beyond obsessive with their duty.Everything in their collection is considered priceless.But if someone else got their hands on it?”He shrugged.
“Maybe humans weren’t the inventors of book burning.What do you think is inside this book?You didn’t seem to recognize the name.”
Before he could explain it, Sergi burst through the door, his face a mask of anger.“Lucas is under attack.”
ChapterEleven
“Where is Lucas?”Devon was up and moving to the sideboard, opening a drawer and pulling out two silver daggers.
Sergi glanced at me before saying, “The apartment.”
Simone entered behind him.“I’ve called for backup.”
“What apartment?”My throat tightened, the words barely intelligible.I stood on shaky legs, searching each of their faces.Had Lucas been watching Ginger?Devon probably owned dozens of apartments, yet his quick glance told me everything I needed to know.It was my old apartment, and the only reason to attack would be if Ginger was there.
Devon moved quickly.“Sergi, get the car.Cressa, you’re to stay here and remain inside.Simone, I need another team here now to watch the house.”
They left me standing in the office staring after them.Devon would leave without me.Well, that wasn’t going to happen if Ginger was involved.I raced for my bedroom, taking the stairs two at a time.My heart hammered an unsteady staccato as I ripped off the slacks and squeezed into my jeans, hopping around as I slid on my runners while searching for my sweatshirt.I slipped it over my head before grabbing my dagger, then raced down to the front door.
My breath rushed out in spurts, and I mentally crossed my fingers that I hadn’t missed my ride.The vamps were way quicker than me.But Sergi was just pulling in front of the house, and Simone was giving orders to three other vamps I’d never seen before.They couldn’t have come from Oasis this quickly.Devon must have another house in the neighborhood, close by but not intrusive.Something to remember for another time.
Sergi stepped out of the car, remaining next to the driver’s side as he spoke to someone on his cell.Maybe Lucas?I wish I knew what the hell was happening.Simone was still speaking with the vamps, and Devon hadn’t come out yet.This was my opportunity.I raced for the passenger door and dove in, shutting it behind me.This was the luxury sedan, all custom leather, plenty of leg room, and more than enough space for the four us.We’d be able to squeeze in Ginger and Lucas, assuming we’d arrive in time.
I scooted to the far side of the vehicle, making myself as small as possible while I texted, praying to any god anywhere for Ginger to respond.Nothing but a blank screen in response, but I continued typing until the doors opened.
All three vamps slid into the vehicle in one fluid motion as if they’d choreographed the move dozens of times.This definitely wasn’t their first battle.Sergi put the car in drive, and it sped down the driveway.
“Cressa.”Devon’s commanding voice filled the interior, but Sergi didn’t slow down.
I watched, bug-eyed as the car hurdled toward the large wrought iron gates.
“Stop and let her out.”Devon’s barked order was ignored.
“There’s no time,” Sergi yelled over his shoulder.
The gate opened with inches to spare as the sedan slid through.How many times had Sergi practiced that maneuver until the gate opened at just the right moment?
“Bella and Jacques just arrived on scene,” Sergi continued to explain his disobedience.“They need more backup, and they need it now.She made her choice.You and Simone need to stop coddling her.She’s ready.”
Devon swore under his breath before giving me a look that promised we’d settle this later.And while that should have concerned me, I was too busy basking in Sergi’s hard-won support.Of course, he probably knew I’d do something stupid and get myself killed.Kind of a win-win for him.
“I know you’re mad, but this has something to do with Ginger.I won’t sit around and wait while my best friend is in trouble.”
He stared out the window as the landscape rushed past.“These are vampires, not street thugs.”
I reached for him but pulled back.This wasn’t the time.
