Page 101 of Bite of Vengeance

Zan shifted on his feet. “I need to fucking go.” His voice was laced with pain, and I realized he was fighting his father’s entrancement. It didn’t sound like he’d be able to hold it for much longer. “He entranced Rowan, which means he probably knows where the Shadows are. He’s heading to that building.”

I grabbed his hand. “Let’s go.”

We raced farther into the city, the Shadows behind us shooting at the vampires who were trying to attack us. They all went to the ground, howling in pain. All those bullets had my blood. In minutes, they’d be human and no match for PARA. A tiny amount of guilt slithered through me. They were vampires who followed Amaros. But did that mean they should get killed? Because them changing back to human was a death sentence.

“Don’t,” Zan murmured quietly, glancing at me as we ran. “They’re too deep into this war to be saved. They will always follow Amaros.”

“Not if they’re human,” I muttered.

“Maybe, but they aren’t our problem right now.” His hand tightened around mine. “Let me and my brothers handle Amaros. I don’t want you going near him.”

I pressed my lips together, refusing to answer. I couldn’t promise him that. I wasn’t doubting his loyalty to me. But Amaros held mind control over his three sons. It was too big of a risk.

We weaved down the small streets, the fighting not happening around us anymore. Though the screams and gunshots were still clear as day. While my sight was perfect in the night now, the rain was hindering it slightly. I was soaked, my boots were waterlogged and heavy.

“There.” Keeva jerked a nod, and I followed her gaze to see a massive metal building, at least five stories tall. There were no windows, and from what I could tell, it hadn’t been damaged like the rest of the city.

“He’s here,” Viggo said darkly. “He must have brought all his vampires. Much more than last time he took down a city.”

As we got closer, I saw the large huddle of vampires in front of the entrance. Pax darted in front of Zan, stopping him in his tracks.

“What are you doing?” Zan snapped.

“What was Dad’s order to you?” Pax asked.

“Once I’m in the city I had to find him,” Zan answered slowly.

“To find him?”

Zan scowled. “Yes, Pax. Why?”

“He didn’t say to talk to him?”

Viggo chuckled when he realized what his twin was doing. “Smart.”

“No.” A small smile crossed Zan’s lips. “Just to find him.”

“So find him. But stay near us,” Pax said.

“He’s right there.” Keeva was staring at the crowd of vampires. “In the middle. I don’t see Rowan.”

Some of the vampires spotted us, and when they shifted, I caught sight of Amaros. Fury bled into my veins as I stormed ahead. Keeva was right next to me, looking as determined as I felt. This was it. Amaros Kane was going to die tonight. Or we would. Either way, life in this world would never be the same.

“Kali, wait,” Zan hissed. “You can’t just rush him. He knows you’re both here.”

He refused to let go of my hand, and I didn’t try to pull away. I wanted him at my side and knew he wouldn’t let me go alone anyway. Keeva pulled a gun from her waistband.

She raised it. “All I need is one good shot.”

Pax shook his head. “I don’t think it’ll be enough. How much blood is in that bullet? Drops? He is centuries old.”

“And I bet he can hear us right now,” I muttered under my breath.

Even though there were noises of the fighting coming from everywhere, I was sure Amaros was listening. My heart was thrashing against my ribs, emotions ripping me apart. I swallowed thickly, sneaking a glance at Keeva. Was she feeling it too? My body was tingling, and I flexed my fingers, trying to figure out what was happening.

I was filled with an intense desire. A craving that was carving its way through my chest. When the vampires moved, I locked eyes with Amaros for a moment. Something burned through my veins. More than hatred or loathing.

Fate.

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