Cicero doesn’t get a chance, because I lock my fingers around his throat, squeezing as hard as I can. His eyes widen and he drops me, stumbling back with his head tilted to the side. His legs give out on him, and he hits the ground hard. The other vampires stand up, pulling weapons from their hiding places.

“Stay back. If you guys come any closer, I will kill you all. Now, listen closely. I am not yours to control, but you will obey me.” My eyes focus on one of the vampires in the group. “Do you understand?”

He nods his head. “I understand.”

My mouth falls open in surprise. I realize that I managed to manipulate his mind. Only I notice though, and I turn my gaze to the guy next to him.

“You are my fighter now.” I lick my lips and jerk my attention to the next guy. “Sit down.”

One by one I command each of the vampires to listen to me.

What if this is it? What if this is what I need to do to change the world? One vampire at a time.

“Hayley...shit.” Sawyer materializes next to me.

I peer up at him. “I know what I need to do. You need to get me close to the leadership.”

He nods his head. “You’re the most incredible woman I have ever seen. How did I ever get so lucky?”

If only that were true.

Right now, the Bella Crew might be the unluckiest coven for loving me. Because I don’t know if this is actually going to work.

I’m afraid that I’ll fail and take them down with me.

I’m afraid that this might be the end for us, even though I know it’ll be a new beginning for everyone else.

Deep down, I know the risk is worth it.

It’s the one thing that pushes me forward.

It’s time to take La Vega back by force.

I’ll make it happen.

Chapter sixteen

Hayley

Hell of a Fight

“Ishouldbereallysuper fucking pissed by what you pulled, but I’m turned on. Anxious. I can’t wait to see the look on the leadership’s faces.” Sawyer flashes his fangs at me. He pulls me in close and lifts me off my feet, kissing me with a hot passion that leaves my body singing.

“Why do you think we didn’t stop her? She’s a fucking woman on a mission and I’m ready to serve her as her warrior.” Monroe wags his eyebrows. “Plus, I told you she would be annoyed by our decision.”

“I am sorry for that, Hayley. It’s just everything...I was hoping that maybe once the baby came, it wouldn’t be a big deal.” Sawyer nuzzles his nose to mine. “Can you ever forgive me?”

I hug him tighter, bobbing my head. “What kind of question is that? I have already forgiven you. I know that you had good intentions, but you have always told me to speak freely, and this is something that I just...I need to be a part of it. We can take time like you want, but I don’t want to give up the Bella or the chance at performing. I don’t want to live my life in hiding and afraid. I want our child to grow up not having to worry about any of that either.”

“Damn straight.” Cooper snuggles against me from behind. “We’ll make it happen.”

“Yeah, we will.” Mya and Govan stand outside the vehicle just within the chain-link fence surrounding the building.

Beside them, Cicero hovers, keeping his eyes trained at the ground. I don’t know how long my mind manipulation will last on him, but I will take advantage of it for as long as possible.

A part of me knows I should feel bad, but I don’t. Who should say this guy hasn’t manipulated donors’ minds time and time again? So many vampires have done it. It is part of their nature to get donors to comply. Even my guys have done it.

I might be a bit twisted, but it’s so thrilling and exciting knowing my capabilities. I think the pregnancy and my dhampir nature also has something to do with it. Maybe even the fact that the venom still hasn’t worn off. I don’t think I will ever allow it to. My guys know that I need it to help me embrace my nature. It’ll be interesting to see how things continue.