Page 14 of Benicio

And David realized that even though Benicio might not be a kind vampire, he was still a powerful one. He had power and authority, and David prayed like hell that Benicio wanted to help him and not kill him.

Matteo stepped in, giving David a reprieve. “We’ll discuss this later. Right now, we need to focus on the situation at hand.”

There was no mistaking the contempt in Benicio’s gaze as he stared at David, but he nodded.

“I don’t think you should be a part of this,” David said quietly. “You’re in pain, Benicio. What if it gets worse once we’re inside?”

Benicio’s expression softened, if simply dropping the scowl was softening. “I can handle myself.”

What was David going to do if Benicio refused to stay outside? Nothing. If Benicio wanted to risk his life, there was absolutely nothing David could do about it.

The three of them entered the building. As soon as they stepped through the door, David could feel the tension in the air. It was thick and oppressive, like the walls were oozing rage and violence. It was almost too much for David to bear. He felt smaller and more insignificant than he ever had before. The air was pressing down on him, smothering him.

If this was what Deon was dealing with, then David was determined to get him out of it.

As they walked deeper into the building, the scent of blood became stronger. David felt his hunger grow. He knew the difference between the scent of human blood and animal blood. This was human blood, and there was a lot of it.

The hallway they walked down was dark, the only light coming from the end of the hall. David could hear whispering and murmuring and the sound of shuffling feet. The tension in the air was palpable.

Matteo led the way, his movements fluid and graceful. David could feel Benicio’s presence behind him, his steps heavy and deliberate. Something about the way he moved made David think that Benicio was at ease in this kind of environment.

They reached the end of the hallway, and the source of the light became clear. There was a room with the door ajar. Firelight flickered from within, and he smelled wood burning. David could see shadows moving within the room and a lit fireplace against the far wall.

Matteo held up a hand, and David and Benicio stopped. Matteo approached the doorway and peeked through the opening. David could hear his sharp intake of breath, and he knew it wasn’t good.

Matteo stepped back and faced David and Benicio. “Three dead inside. Vampires. Seven men, humans, lounging around. One man tied up and hanging from a meat hook. I can’t tell if he’s human or vampire.”

“Or wolf shifter,” David said, not sure if they knew wolf shifters lived in Ridgeway as well.

Matteo curled his lip. “I don’t smell wet dog, so there are no shifters in there.”

“Whover is dangling is still a person,” David quietly argued. Vampires could hear each other even below a whisper, so their conversation wasn’t going to be heard by the men inside the room. “Whoever it is, we rescue him. Got it?”

Matteo smirked. “Got it.”

Benicio stepped between them and flicked his wrist. The door splintered and fell away. David gasped at Benicio’s power then groaned. So much for the element of surprise. He spotted Deon. His friend was the one hanging from the hook.

Without thought or concern for his own safety, David ran to him and lifted Deon up by his legs, releasing him from the hook. He lay his friend down, looking over his body for injury. When David glanced over his shoulder, the seven men were pinned against the wall, writhing in agony.

Benicio stood there, calm, his hands behind his back, simply staring at the men he’d trapped.

“Those are members of the Council of Darkness,” David said. He looked over at the dead bodies. “They killed those three vampires.”

One by one Benicio snapped their necks. The men fell to the floor, lifeless. David was in awe of his raw power, until Benicio collapsed. Matteo barely caught him before he hit the floor.

“What’s wrong with him?”

Matteo shook his head. “I must get him home.”

David looked down at Deon, making sure his friend was still alive by feeling his pulse. It was weak and thready. He needed to get Deon to a hospital. “Get Benicio home. I’m getting Deon medical attention. I’ll be back at the mansion as soon as I drop off my friend.”

“Why?” Matteo asked. “Your business with Benicio is over.”

“Sue me for caring.” David lifted Deon up and carried him outside. “A ride would be much appreciated.”

David had planned on carrying Deon to the closest hospital, but he realized the closest one was ten blocks away.

“Put him in the back of the car,” Matteo instructed. He lifted Benicio and carried him outside. “We’ll drop your friend off, and then I’m taking Benicio home.”

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