Page 25 of Sergi
“You mean like having a dreamwalker drop into my lap?”
She leaned into him. “He had Hamilton but not Colantha, who we needed to interpret the last half of the book.”
“You know it’s pointless to wonder about what-ifs.”
She placed a hand over his. “You’re going to Romania and leaving me here.”
At least he didn’t have to be the one to bring it up. “I need Bella and Jacques with me, and I need to know the House will be safe in my absence.”
“A duty that falls to Lyra, not me.”
“Lyra can handle the business operations, but she’ll require a strong head of security.”
“You have plenty of vampires to support that. And what about Decker?” Her tone was even, all emotions held in, but he sensed her building excitement. She hadn’t expected to be placed in charge of security.
“I have many vampires who can lead squads, but I need someone who can strategize with all our teams. Decker will provide access to the shifters and maintain stability with the rogues we currently have on staff. You also have Harlow.”
She snorted.
“We need his connection with Roxie, but he isn’t the fool he wants people to think he is. He’s a resource for you.”
Her scent changed. She was pleased.
“I still think I should be going.”
He brushed back her hair and kissed her temple. This was her last-ditch effort to appear stubbornly resistant and a little whiny. He hugged her tight. “If Venizi discovers we’ve breached the lab, he could send trouble your way. Don’t hesitate to stay in sync with Lucas. He can reach out to other Houses for support.”
She pulled away and turned to face him. Fear filled her gaze, and he couldn’t remember the last time he saw it. She didn’t show it often. Maybe it was when they were on Shadow Island surrounded by Venizi’s men with both of them too injured to fight, let alone escape. There had been dread in her gaze then, but it had been for him. That was what he saw now. Her concern wasn’t for herself or even the House, but for him.
“If they capture you…”
He placed a finger on her lips to stop her. “We have a strong team, more intel than Remus had before, and Rafael can walk us straight to the door.”
“You need to get through the door.”
He grinned. “That won’t be a problem.” When her brow lifted, he added, “We’re taking explosives.”
She snorted. “Don’t tell me. Friends in all the right places?”
“Something like that.”
He slipped off the bench, and she squealed when he picked her up, slung her over his shoulder, and slapped her rump.
“Hey.” She squirmed. Not in an attempt to get down but to find a more comfortable position.
His grin widened when she punched his backside.
Before they reached the bathroom door, she tapped his ass again. “Stop. Go by the dresser.” When he turned, she said, “Not that one, the other one.”
When he noted what was on the other dresser, he laughed. He stopped long enough for her to grab the bottle of wine and two wineglasses. He was going to miss her.
Chapter Ten
Sergi stormedthrough a path of vampires drenched in blood, dodging them as he swung his sword. He connected several times but whether it was someone’s neck, arm, or their armored chest, he didn’t know. His vision had narrowed to a single objective, everything else nothing but a blur. The castle was within reach, but the number of warriors increased the closer he got.
He stopped and surveyed the battlefield, hoping to find a better way through. He caught the movement at the last second and ducked. The blade missed his head by inches, close enough for him to hear its hum above the grunts of men and the clash of steel.
Sweat ran down his face and stung his eyes, and he’d almost given up hope when he remembered the cellars. They were on the west side of the castle. Not many would know of the small side door except the workers and the kids he played with when he was young. The battle was focused on the main entrance, the two forces evenly matched.
