Page 5 of Rescued By the Vampire Rogue

"Lucien," Kael said, his voice dripping with venom. "So he's the one responsible for tonight's attack. I had hoped he just wanted his own line, but I should have known he would be foolish enough to try and usurp me."

"Who is Lucien?" I wasn't sure they wanted me to be part of this conversation, but if I was here and my life was in danger, then I needed to know what was happening.

"A rogue vampire with a personal vendetta against me." Kael responded without a pause. Hmm, maybe I could get answers from him.

"Lucien is relentless," Brayden added, his eyes filled with concern. "You must be prepared for what comes next."

Maeve offered a knowing smile. "We'll do everything in our power to protect you, Ivy."

"Me?" A nervous chuckle escaped my lips. "Lucien can't be after me. I don't even know him."

"I suspect he's the one who left you the note to lead you here."

My head spun as I tried to absorb this new information. "I don't understand."

The air in the room seemed to grow colder as Kael's eyes narrowed, his voice taking on a dangerous edge. "Lucien was once a trusted ally. I turned him centuries ago when he was on the verge of death. So I gave him new life, and he gave me his allegiance. We fought side by side for centuries, but his ambition and hunger for power twisted him into something monstrous. He betrayed me almost a century ago even though I gave him eternal life."

"For the non-fanged creatures in the room, that's like the ultimate betrayal." Maeve spoke up. Her gaze lingered on me again, but she didn't say anything else.

I shivered, goosebumps prickling my skin as Kael continued. "I've suspected it was him, but this was the confirmation. He's left a trail of devastation in his wake. Disappearances, brutal attacks - all linked to him. His actions have sown chaos and fear across the city, and the humans haven't been able to stop him."

"And he's after me." I whispered, an icy dread settling in my chest. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks: Lucien was targeting me specifically because of my connection to Kael. I'd researched everything about him. I knew his habits, locations, and so much more. That's why Kael had been so determined to protect me. Because if Lucien got his hands on me, I would be able to give him sensitive information on Kael.

"Exactly," Kael confirmed, his jaw clenched in anger. "He sees you as a vulnerability of mine, a way to hurt me. This feud is deeply personal, and lives are hanging in the balance."

"Yours included," I added, swallowing hard. The weight of that knowledge threatened to crush me, but I refused to let it break me. I'd gone from an investigative journalist to a pawn in a vampire war.

"Indeed." Kael's hatred for Lucien was palpable, his desire for vengeance a burning fire in his eyes. "We must be prepared for anything. I won't allow him to harm you."

"And what do we do?" I asked, feeling both terrified and determined. My heart raced at the thought of facing such a ruthless enemy, but I couldn't just stand by and let innocent people suffer.

"First, we gather information," Kael said, his voice steely. "That's Maeve's speciality. We need to know Lucien's plans and weaknesses. Brayden will help strategize a plan. Then we strike."

"Will it be enough?" I couldn't help but question, knowing full well the power of our enemy.

"Your investigative skills are invaluable, Ivy," he said, his voice low and seductive. "With your help, we can uncover Lucien's plans and put an end to this threat. We've been pouring over intelligence for years, but only now got a confirmation of who was behind it. Which still doesn't help us stop him. If we could have come to a resolution, we would have by now."

"Aside from my life, what would I get out of this?"

Brayden laughed without restraint. "She's a fierce little human."

Kael eyes lingered on me, their intensity sending a thrill through my body. "I'll consider answering any questions you have."

"Consider? You expect me to stay here and act like your employee, and you might answer my questions?" I jumped out of the armchair and marched over to Kael. "No, you will answer my questions."

"You're playing a dangerous game, little mouse." His dark eyes narrowed on me and my heartbeat picked up. Which he would be able to hear. I suspected he could, anyway.

I weighed my options, my heart pounding in my chest. Refusal wasn't an option. I didn't have any control over my life in this situation unless I helped them take down Lucien. Though I did notice that he didn't say anything about my freedom. With a deep breath, I steeled myself against the fear that threatened to consume me.

"Alright," I agreed, my voice wavering slightly. "I'll help you."

"Good." He flashed a wicked grin, one that both enticed and terrified me. "We'll work together to neutralize Lucien."

"Kael, I'm sending over my updated intel on Lucien. As soon as I learn something new, I'll let you know." Maeve said before she gave me a long look. Then the screen where her face was went blank.

"You know where to find me." Brayden said, then he focused on me. "Give him hell." Brayden let out a belly laugh as he hung up.

As I glanced around the heavily fortified room, I realized that until the situation was resolved, neither of us would be leaving its confines. Well, Kael could, but I doubted he would even entertain the idea for me. That meant staying by Kael's side at all times—forced proximity with a gorgeous, dangerous vampire. The thought made my heart race, and I struggled to ignore the warmth spreading through me.

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