Page 76 of Clash of Sin and Secret

Then he turns his gaze back to me and the warmth is gone. “Francesco needed to die—there was no way around that. That your father died too was an unexpected bonus. I didn’t realize their life essences were bound, but after the trouble they caused me in New York, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tickled by the universe’s sense of justice.”

“Justice?” I clench my fingers into fists as my entire body shakes. “There was nothing just about what you did. My father was a truly great man, admired by everyone who dealt with him, and you stole him from me.”

“And he stole you from me. Sounds like justice to me.”

That he even said those words makes me want to strike him down dead. He’s insane. “You’ll never be King of Toronto. You will never get away with killing them. And you will never be a fraction of the man they were. You’re obviously a resourceful man, so go to another city, plant your roots, and take over with a new turned army. Toronto isn’t up for grabs.”

He tips his head from side to side like he’s weighing my words. “But I’m not entitled to other cities. Toronto is my birthright.”

“Toronto belongs to Clan Vasari.”

“And with Francesco dead, I am the oldest Vasari in the Fondatori line.”

My breath catches as his words take hold. “You’re lying. Francesco didn’t have any living relatives.”

Lazarus laughs. “Sorry to disappoint you, firefly. There are a handful of us, but none who cared about living a life on the other side of the world—until now. And with Francesco dead, it is my birthright to claim Toronto.”

He leans forward and pushes the wooden box toward me slowly. “I’m done with that now. I’ve registered his death with the Fondatori and Zane was kind enough to call each of them and verify my claim.”

Wait. What? That doesn’t matter.“You don’t have the dagger, and you aren’t the Vasari King.”

He points to the oxblood tattoo on my forearm and smiles. “You’re the Sacred Squire to the Vasari King. You’ve taken the oath, so when I get the dagger and claim my place, I’ll be claiming you as well, firefly.”

No. That’s impossible.Dread coils tight in my stomach, making me feel sick. “I’m Zane’s squire, not yours.”

He chuckles. “Not how it works. Take another look at the wording of the oath, and you’ll see I’m right. I always said you were mine. You should’ve believed me.”

My mind blanks out as the horror of that settles in. “I’ll never be your squire. I wouldn’t lift a finger to protect you.”

He shrugs. “It’s early days, bella. Consider the return of my cousin’s head a show of good faith. And be sure to give Zanipolo my best. Tell him his cousin, Agostino, looks forward to meeting him.”

Lazarus gets up and walks out the back, followed by Daeva and the four turned guards.

I wait, listening until an engine starts in the back and then drives away. Is there a garage back there? Is Lazarus a day walker? I can’t even think about that.

I glance around the empty shop and stare at the beautiful rosewood box. With my hands still bound and trembling, I lift the lid—and there it is—Francesco’s severed head stares blankly up at me from inside its polished confines.

A sickening wave crashes over me as tears burn hot down my cheeks.

The devil who possessed me in New York is back…and he plans on taking everything from me again.

Tucker

“Where to next, Dad?” I’m practically vibrating in the back of the taxi, my animal pacing inside me like a caged beast.

Jack’s voice buzzes in my ear as he wades through the traffic cam footage and rattles off directions. “They continued south on Avenue Road a ways…”

The world creeps past my window at an infuriatingly slow pace, the morning bustle of Toronto commuters building more every moment. The influx of cars and pedestrians slows our progress and heightens the urgency of me needing to get her back.

That they took her instead of killing her outright gives me a sliver of hope. Daeva, or even Lazarus, might have plans for her. As twisted as it sounds, I think that will give me the opening I need to get her back.

I shift uncomfortably on the cab’s worn seat, my shattered knee throbbing with a dull ache. It’s healing, slowly knitting itself back together after the damage inflicted during the fight.

It’ll take time to fully heal, but won’t be long until I’ll be strong enough to tear apart anyone who stands between me and Scottie.

My bear howls within me at the thought of her in danger, vulnerable to the whims of our enemies.

In the background of the call, Huntley and Zane are working to find me backup. It’s daylight, so that takes out all the Toronto vampires from coming to our aid.

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