Page 70 of Fire in My Blood

I wanted to barge into the house as soon as we arrived to get to Erica, but Markus stopped me and made me see reason. This fear is driving me crazy and makes me act like a moron. We have no idea how many accomplices the vampire has brought with him, and someone might easily get hurt if we storm the house.

The woman on the couch is crying, and the kids are clearly upset, but they’re not looking around them in fear like there’s someone else in the house. I’m almost willing to bet they’ve taken Erica’s brother somewhere else.

“Fuck!” I ball my fists at my sides, my muscles so taut they’re practically vibrating with the need to hit something. If Erica’s brother isn’t here, she isn’t either. Which means we have lost valuable time coming here.

I rake a hand through my hair, inwardly cursing myself. I have to be smarter. The asshole that has taken Erica’s brother, and probably Erica as well, isn’t stupid. But neither am I, if I take the time to think before I act.

“We need to talk to them. They might know something.” I turn to see Lyn standing a little behind me.

I nod. “Yes, but I don’t want to scare them. And we have to get moving if they don’t know anything useful.”

She gives me a nod of acknowledgement. “I’ll knock since I look less imposing.”

I follow Lyn to the front of the house but stand out of sight of the door while she knocks. Markus comes to stand beside me.

“Who is it?” The woman’s anxious voice can be heard through the door.

“My name is Lynette Rogers, and I’m here to help you.”

“We’re fine. We don’t need any help.” There’s no mistaking the tremble of fear in her voice.

Lyn doesn’t give up. “I know your husband has been kidnapped. Did they hurt you in any way?”

Several seconds go by, and I’m starting to think the woman might have returned to the living room. But then the door suddenly opens, and Lyn is waved inside.

“Can my friends come inside as well?” Lyn turns her head to look at us, and we step forward until the woman’s face becomes visible in the doorway. Her eyes widen in shock.

“Don’t worry. They’re the good guys. We’re here to help you get your husband back.” Lyn’s voice is calm and soothing.

The woman looks unsure of what to do, but then she nods. “I suppose we don’t have a choice. We need help.”

We enter the house and follow the woman into the living room. She sits down on the couch, and pulls her children close to her sides. Both kid’s eyes are big and round with terror, and I silently vow to kill the fucking vamp and all his asshole friends.

“What’s your name?” Lyn gives the woman and her children a warm smile.

“Mina. And this is Nigel and Nadine.” The woman nods at each of her children in turn.

Lyn takes a seat in a chair to the left of the couch, and I go to stand by the wall where I can keep an eye on everyone in the room as well as the window and the two doors. Markus stays in the doorway to the entry.

“I’m pleased to meet you Mina, Nigel, and Nadine. This is Markus and Lucas.” Lyn gives us both a glance to indicate who’s who.

I give them a small nod.

“The reason we came here tonight was to find Erica. She left us a note saying the man who assaulted her has David, and we assumed he was holding David hostage here in your house. Can you please tell us what happened tonight?” Lyn’s whole being exudes warmth and caring.

It’s a good thing she’s the one doing all the talking. I doubt I’d be able to utter a word right now without scaring these people half to death. My rage is boiling beneath my skin, ready to eruptand rain terror on anyone getting in my way or delaying my search for Erica.

Chapter 43

Lucas

Mina throws me a fearful glance like she can feel my barely contained rage before turning her attention back to Lyn. “Someone knocked on the door, and David went to answer it. I didn’t hear what they were talking about, but suddenly there was a commotion, and I ran to see what was happening.

“A big man was holding David up against the wall like he was nothing but a ragdoll. They wanted to know where Erica was, but David said he didn’t know. They didn’t believe him. Then they decided to take him with them so he could help them find Erica. I pleaded with them, but they wouldn’t listen.” The woman’s sobs take over, and she buries her face in her hands.

Lyn leans forward and puts a hand on Mina’s knee to comfort her. “We’ll find him. Don’t worry.”

I clench my teeth. I have no doubt we’ll find him, but in what condition? The way I see it, there are two likely outcomes. Once the asshole has Erica, he’ll either let David go because he has served his purpose, or he’ll kill her brother to scare her and ensure her cooperation. Unfortunately, it makes more sense to kill him, but knowing Erica, she’ll do anything she can to prevent that from happening.

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