Page 92 of Betrayed in Blood
Once the wordwas given that phase one was complete, Sergi’s calm voice came through the earbuds. “All teams, prepare for phase two. Teams Three and Four move to your next position. Teams Five and Six you have a go. Team one, move to your next position.”
Devon and I returned to the house, meeting up with Teams Three and Four. Once we were all inside, I ensured the lock I’d opened coming in from the garage was re-engaged. Devon locked the utility door leading to the backyard.
Teams Three and Four each had four vampires, including Simone, who was the lead for Team Three. We grouped together in the foyer, and I reported in. “Teams One, Three, and Four are in place and secure.”
A minute later, Sergi responded. “House security is back on.”
“Check.”
“Team Five is in place.” Decker was the lead for a team of eight who would secure the front of the property. It included three shifters—him, Elijah, and Rachel, and five vamps. They would stay in the shadows and behind trees and shrubs. Decker and Rachel would be positioned near the garage, while Elijah and a vamp would be positioned close to the front door but well hidden behind a hedge that ran along the path to the pool. The other four would spread out between the house and front gate.
“Team Six is in place.” Lucas led another team of eight—seven vamps and Ginger. Lucas and Ginger would be positioned near the back door, with another two between them and the back gate to the alley. The other four would break into two teams and cover the sides of the house, including the pool area and patio doors, for anyone attempting to flank them.
Sergi responded to the check-in. “All teams be aware the security net for the perimeter has been reactivated. Radio silence is in effect until the party arrives.” It must have killed him to say the last part, and to be honest, I didn’t think he would. My reference to the mission as being a party had annoyed him. Maybe Roxie had something to do with it. Her high energy and irreverence to rules would grate against the steadfast Sergi. I couldn’t imagine what the next few hours would be like in the van.
There was no telling how long April would stay on Shadow Island, but we assumed it might be closer to dawn before they returned. Either way, Roxie was tapped into the security cameras so she could advise when cars arrived at the front gate. She could also monitor where the vamps were located, either entering the house or moving to perimeter positions around the property.
Regardless of where the vamps ended up, they’d have no idea that twenty-six skilled commandos waited for them, all with kill orders for everyone but April and Jasper Hunnicutt. Devon wanted that vamp alive. He’d wrestled with his kill order for the others, not knowing exactly which House they belonged to. We’d been concerned that the SUV caravan that left the estate might not be going to Shadow Island, so Decker had asked Remus to watch who was boarding the ferries to the island. We received confirmation that April had arrived with her caravan. And that was when Devon issued the kill order.
With hours to wait, I wanted to check in with Bella to see how Mom was doing, but radio silence prevented me from doing that. If there were a problem, Sergi would contact me. The no news is good news adage would have to be my only comfort. Devon and I waited with Teams Three and Four in the main living room. It had exits to all the different parts of the house, including the stairs, so once we got the word April’s caravan had left Shadow Island, we’d move into place. Worst case, if the shifters missed her exit, since it might be difficult to pinpoint her if the ferry from the island was filled with guests, we’d know the minute they pulled up to the front gate. That still provided more than enough time for us to get into position within the house.
“I think I’ll go up and pack a bag for Mom and April.”
Devon nodded as he flipped through one of the several magazines Mom liked to keep on the enormous coffee table. The room was used mostly for business guests, and Christopher always liked to show off his wealth.
Simone stood. “I’ll help.”
I didn’t argue. The two of us hadn’t spoken much since Colantha arrived, so I didn’t mind the human and vamp time.
We didn’t speak as we climbed the stairs, and I took the lead, heading for the master bedroom first.
“There should be a suitcase in the closet.” I went to a dresser and began removing a handful of panties, bras, and two nightgowns.
Simone returned with one and laid it on the bed, opening it. “Only one, or do you want a second one for April? Until we know their condition, they will need to be separated for a while.”
I nodded. “April should have a suitcase in her closet.” I dropped the undergarments and nighties on the bed. Simone followed me to the closet. “Are you going to hide away at Oasis until Colantha leaves?” I walked past the racks of clothing, pulling things down at random—slacks, blouses, a couple of jackets.
“I’m not hiding. I’m overseeing repairs and upgrades to the security system.”
“I get it, but Devon mentioned all that was completed a couple of days ago.” I shoved the clothes to Simone. If she was going to follow me around, she might as well be useful.
She repositioned the clothes in her arms. “I have other matters to attend to.”
I picked up a pair of flats and two pairs of short-heeled pumps my mother favored before turning to assess Simone. She had recently taken blood, mostly likely for tonight’s mission. I handed her the shoes that she piled on top of the clothes.
“Devon mentioned you were trying to reach an old friend.” When the tips of her fangs dropped, I ignored them. If we were in a training room, I’d immediately drop into a fighting stance, but Simone sometimes released her fangs when she was emotional. That didn’t mean I wouldn’t keep on eye on her. Simone could be unpredictable, though this time, she was warning me I was heading into personal matters.
I waved a hand as I grabbed a sweater and a robe, which I draped over my arm. “I’m not prying, but after trying to reach my family, I understand what it’s like to get nothing but dead air.”
I pulled out a couple scarves, then went back to the bed, where I dumped everything. Simone, being a fashion diva, was more respectful of the clothing. Once she laid everything down, she began folding the items and placing them in the suitcase.
“It’s frustrating.” Simone startled me by sharing her emotions. “We haven’t spoken in centuries until I was gathering information on Gheata. We parted on good terms.” She chuckled, and I gave her a quick glance. Chuckles or any form of laughter were rare for the vamp, even with her wicked sense of humor.
“Did you try calling?”
“I only have an email. It’s his preferred method of communication.”
I nodded as I went through drawers, not looking for anything in particular, just seeing if there was anything she might want. I found a drawer of bathing suits and pulled one out. “That makes sense if he wants to reduce the ability for anyone to track him. I know Devon uses phones with the GPS tracking removed, but not everyone trusts technology. Email is safe, considering he could be accessing it from anywhere in the world.”
