Page 41 of Betrayed in Blood
I stayed on the edge of my seat, one knee bouncing. “All I keep thinking about is that night when you took me back to my apartment. April had been there with a vamp. What if she’s messed up with Venizi?”
“A great deal has happened since then, especially with Underwood’s murder. But I’ll have Sergi look into it if it will make you feel better.”
“It would.” And I meant it.
When Devon pulled me up, he wrapped his arms around me and gave me a solid kiss. “Everything will work out. It always does. Now, let’s get something for that stomach of yours. It sounds like a small volcano.”
I punched him in his side, but he didn’t fool me. A crease still marred his forehead. He didn’t like what he’d heard. Instead of calming me, my worry ratcheted up. If Venizi had control over April, had he discovered who I was? If so, then Mom was in danger. Just what we needed with everything else going on.
As if he heard my inner thoughts, he squeezed my waist as we walked through the halls. “Don’t worry. Let’s wait and see what Sergi discovers before you create trouble where there isn’t any.”
I nodded. But that ship had already set sail.
The next morning,Devon, Cressa, and Sergi traveled back to Santiga Bay by helicopter, leaving Simone at Oasis to rebuild and enhance their security. On the return trip, Devon pointed out various landmarks to Cressa as they flew over the city, the ride more relaxing than the day before.
After the limo delivered them to the manor, Sergi and Devon went to his office while Cressa headed for the training room. Devon dropped into his chair and stared out his window while Sergi grumbled as he reviewed updates on his tablet.
“The city safe house experienced a level two security threat this morning. One guard was injured.”
“What happened?”
“There had been several drive-bys during the assault on Oasis. A couple of hours ago, two cars rammed the gate, and three vampires got over the fence. The vampires were eliminated, but a guard was shot. He’s healing with the help of a blood donation.”
“Venizi’s attacks are like mosquitoes. Annoying but of little consequence.” Devon swiveled back to face Sergi, feeling the need to pick up the white crystal, but he refrained. It was becoming something of an affectation whenever he was stressed.
Sergi laid down the tablet and stretched, rubbing his shoulder. “His testing of our defenses only helps us. With each weak point they discover, we have time to strengthen it.”
Devon gave his friend a long look and a slow smile. “Did you injure yourself?”
Sergi growled. “An old ailment acting up.”
Devon didn’t respond. It was rare for previous injuries to bother vampires after receiving healing blood. But ancients had been increasingly susceptible to blood diseases, and he hoped this wasn’t a sign of something worse. “Have you taken a blood donation since the attack?”
“No. But I’ll see to it after training.” Sergi glanced at his watch. “I called for Bella.”
“She’ll be here.” The words were barely out of his mouth when a light tap on the door preceded the vampire.
“Sorry, I’m late.” Bella strolled to the espresso machine and began making a cup. “I sent Jacques with several from our security detail to the city safe house to assist with repairs.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Anyone want one?” When they both nodded, she continued on to the next cup. “I think we should stay on high alert for another day.”
“I agree.” Sergi ignored his tablet, which Devon found strange but didn’t say anything.
Once Bella delivered the cups, she took a seat and leaned back with a crossed leg resting on her knee. “What’s up?”
“Cress had a disturbing discussion with her mother.”
“Is her mother upset that Cressa was cleared of her stepfather’s death?”
“No. Their relationship seems solid. It’s April, the stepsister. She believes the police are covering up Cressa’s involvement due to her relationship to me.” When Bella’s brow rose, he added, “Not me specifically, but whoever the mystery man is that she’s staying with.”
Bella nodded. “And why is this our problem?”
“April had been seen with vampires when Underwood was searching for Cressa’s medallion. From what Cressa could tell from her phone conversation yesterday, there were people at the house who might be controlling her mother. She admits there was little to go on, but it sounded like they might be watching who her mother speaks with.”
“You think April is working with Venizi?” Sergi sipped his espresso, and though he glanced at his tablet, he didn’t pick it up.
Devon wondered if Sergi was finding his attachment to his tablet as obsessive as Devon’s attraction to the crystal. “It’s a possibility. Maybe not with his House specifically, but perhaps one that owes him allegiance.”
“Do you think Venizi has put it together that Cressa was Underwood’s stepdaughter?” Bella asked.
