Page 53 of Lucas
I was in trouble, but I didn’t wait. I raced toward her then side-stepped at the last moment. The vamp fell for it. Not knowing if this was Fiona or not, I didn’t want to stab her, so I tripped her as she went by.
She must have been expecting it because she regained her footing before falling. In a move I’d only seen Simone perform, she ran two more steps then jumped into the air, twirling and directing her momentum back to me.
I knew how to defend against it, but there wasn’t enough space. My only other option was to attempt my own jump and kick.
She was ready for it. Her dagger cut across my arm.
Its sharp bite made me gasp, but I landed square on my feet, facing her. I hated it when they grinned like they knew something I didn’t. We circled each other, each of us waiting for the other’s next move.
Her grin grew wider.
I’m not sure how it would have ended had it been just the two of us. The door burst open, and before I could react, she called out, “Don’t hurt her.” Then someone kicked the back of my knees, and I dropped, hitting the deck hard.
My dagger was ripped from me as I was hauled up by an arm. Rough hands pulled my arms behind me, and I felt the plastic restraints zip tight around my wrists. I looked up at the male vamp gripping my arm—as if I had any place to run. He was rugged and muscled to the point his shirt could barely contain his mass.
The female vamp strode up to me and gave me a long, appraising look. The respect that shined in her eyes surprised me. “A human who fights like a vampire. I’ll be interested in hearing this story.” She nodded at the other vamp. “Take her to the others, then clean out this room.”
I was dragged into the parking lot, where my heart sank. Our entire group stood with their hands behind their backs, most likely zip tied. They were blood-spattered but appeared to be in one piece. The fact their captors sported their fair share of blood gave me a small amount of pleasure.
I was pushed into the lineup as more than a dozen vamps circled us. They all looked to the female vamp I’d been tussling with. She nodded to one of the vamps. He took out a phone and walked along the line, taking a snapshot of each of us. Then heappeared to be sending them to someone. Or maybe more than one someone.
No one spoke as we waited. I’d expected Rom to say something, but he might be hoping no one recognized him as a House leader. If this was Venizi’s group, I would expect us to be dead. Something else was going on. I glanced at Jacques, who stood next to me. He stared straight ahead—calm and stoic.
Lucas had caught my gaze before I was added to the line. The only thing I garnered from him was relief I was alive.
A ping announced an incoming text. The vamp glanced at his phone then nodded to the female, who immediately shouted orders.
“Load them up. Get their belongings and bring their vehicles. I want this place scrubbed and secured.”
A black van pulled up, and the back doors swung open. A long bench seat ran along both sides of the van. Once we were helped up and seated, another vamp jumped up holding black material in his hands.
The female vamp stepped to the back of the van and peered up at Rom. “I’m sorry for this, but you’ll soon understand.”
Another vamp jumped in and one by one took what turned out to be a hood from the other vamp and began covering our heads. I couldn’t see Lucas, who was on the far side of the same bench, but I caught Bella’s gaze. She nodded to me before the cover went over her head.
Then darkness descended. The fabric was light, and while breathing was easy, it didn’t help my fledgling claustrophobia. No one spoke as the van started up and drove away.
I wasn’t sure how far we drove, but it was an uncomfortable ride with my arms behind my back. After about ten minutes on the road, I felt the change in speed and heard the sound of a busy highway, which I assumed was the interstate. There was no telling what direction we were headed. It was a long timeafterward before the van slowed as we left the interstate then made a sharp turn. I woke when the van stopped, unaware I’d nodded off. I heard voices, but they were too low to pick up any words.
Several minutes later, the van continued for a short drive before stopping again. The minute the doors opened, a cool breeze floated through, and I breathed easier.
“Take the hoods off.” The male voice sounded irritated. “I doubt that was needed once they were in the van.”
“I apologize, sir. We wanted to be careful.” It sounded like the female vamp.
“Just get them off.”
Bright light hit my eyes, and I squinted. The female vamp stood next to a male vamp. His expression held the same irritation as his voice had. I glanced around the van to find everyone else squinting as their eyes adjusted. Rom’s hood was the last one removed.
He shook his head and slowly opened his eyes, then glared down at the man outside. His eyes widened in apparent recognition.
The male vamp reached out and touched Rom’s leg. “I’m sorry, old friend. This was the only way I could secure your safety.”
Rom stretched his legs. “You better have a deep wine cellar.”
The vamp laughed. “And much more.” He smiled at the rest of us. “I am Philipe Renaud. Welcome to The Retreat.” He clapped his hands. “Untie our guests, bring their belongings, and see them to their suites.”
Chapter Twenty-One
