Page 104 of Obsessed in Blood
“That’s not a good idea,” Sergi said.
Devon kept his gaze on them, then he glanced at the phone. “Five minutes. No more. And stay where I can see you.”
“Promise.”
I took my time climbing the stairs, managing to find a couple to walk with. I complimented her on her dress and mask as a way to make it appear we were friends.
When I reached the top and approached the brothers, Erik grabbed me as if we were long-lost family. He whispered in my ear, “Venizi knows you’re here.”
ChapterThirty-Five
Erik’s wordshad barely registered, and I didn’t have time to look down for Devon when the sirens sounded. The room silenced in seconds as the guests looked at each other then up to the second floor where Lorenzo should be. He wasn’t anywhere I could see, but he had to be close.
“How did you know?” I managed to stammer.
“We’ve been schmoozing with him since we arrived in the States.”
“What?” I’d pulled back. No doubt my face had to be a combination of shock and betrayal. But then, neither brother had declared their affiliation with Devon. And I’d never bothered to ask.
“Don’t fear us, my lovely Cressa. We were sent to gather information on the state of the Council and news of the Poppy. Do what you need to do and get out quickly. And tell Trelane, the House Aramburu sends their regards.”
Then, the two disappeared into the crowd. Vamps who looked suspiciously like security began closing ranks as the guests stood around like a herd of cattle. Then someone—did I recognize that voice?—shouted fire, and all hell broke loose as a stampede started for the multiple exits.
I scanned the area, searching for Devon. Some guests were fleeing through doors and even windows, yet others had turned their back to the crowd and faced the security forces as fights erupted throughout the ballroom.
I searched for my own exit and narrowly missed a vamp running for me. I recognized him as one of Lorenzo’s, although I couldn’t recall his name or most likely never heard it. I ducked as he made a grab for me, then came up swinging as I kicked, aiming for his knee but catching his thigh instead. He cringed but didn’t stop as he swung a fist. I blocked it and brought my knee up, clipping him in the groin. He bent over enough for me to land a solid hit to his chin with the heel of my palm. Blood flew. He must have bit his tongue. Taking advantage of his momentary pause, I kicked the outside of his knee, and he went down.
Not waiting for him to get back up, I raced for the stairs, and my blood turned cold. Devon was fighting off two vamps, and a third was approaching through the crowd from behind him. From where I stood, it was easy to see his focus was set squarely on Devon. I caught the flash of silver. A dagger. Or worse, a sword.
I glanced around, knowing I’d never make it down the stairs and through the crowd in time. A jump from the second floor wouldn’t be wise. My gaze caught on the drapes that had been tied against thick columns that rose to the ceiling. They were held back by a thick cord that curved around them, making a lovely design. Then I saw the rope used to release the fabric.
I yanked the skirt off my ball gown and pulled the dagger from my thigh holster. I cut the rope, and the drape unraveled, freeing the cord. I quickly estimated the length I’d need and jumped onto the railing.
The vamp was getting closer to Devon, and he did indeed have a short sword.
I jumped.
I undulated my body to pick up speed and give me time to direct my swing. I was going to miss him by inches. I stuck my arm out, dagger in hand, and sliced along the vamp’s back. It wasn’t enough to kill, but he stumbled, falling into two other vamps who appeared to be fighting each other. One of them saw the sword and kicked it out of the vamp’s hand.
As I flew by, I was able to see that Devon had managed to cripple one of his adversaries and had stabbed the other one in the heart. Neither were dead but would be down for the rest of the night.
Unable to stop my momentum, and with no safe place to land, my wide arc was taking me right into a group of Lorenzo’s security. Most of them weren’t paying attention, too busy deciding what to do with the unruly crowd. With my dagger clutched in one hand, I managed to pull my legs up, my stomach muscles and left bicep screaming, and slammed into the center mass like a bowling ball hitting the strike zone.
The vamps who didn’t fall were pushed off balance, giving me space to work with. I released the cord and hit the floor, somersaulting and rolling back up to my feet. I had to admit, Simone’s grueling training was paying off. Once on my feet, I kept moving, not taking the time to look back. When the vamps regrouped, I wouldn’t be able to outrun them. I had to get space between us.
One thing we all agreed on before starting our mission was that we all had our roles, and we knew our specific exit routes. We would run the game, trust each team member could get their job done, and find a way off the island.
I ran down a short hall then made a right, heading for my assigned exit. I sighed with relief when I spotted Devon and Sergi at the other end.
As I drew closer, Sergi pulled out a dagger and shouted, “Drop.”
I didn’t hesitate, hitting the deck sideways and keeping my legs straight, my arms crossed over my chest as my forward momentum rolled me down the hall for several revolutions. When I stopped, I took a quick look behind me. A vamp had been chasing me, but he’d stopped to grab his throat where a blade stuck out. He dropped to his knees.
I pushed myself up and scrambled for the door that Devon held open for me. I cleared the door in time to see Sergi swing his sword, taking the head of a vamp in the black colors of the security team. Several fights had broken out on the wide expanse of lawn and another inside one of the plant beds, crushing petals and leaves.
“This is where I leave you, friend.” Sergi held out his arm, and Devon clasped his forearm as Sergi gripped his.
They pulled each other close. The only thing missing was thumping a fist on their chest like some ancient gladiators. But the sentiment was the same. My gut twisted, understanding hitting me. They were acknowledging that either of them might not get off the island. I blinked away the burn in my eyes and blew out a breath.
