Page 56 of Fangs & Freaks
Her words do nothing to quell the inferno in my chest. Vienna. My sister. The thought of her trapped, vulnerable, andsurrounded by monsters keeps my anger at a slow boil. I clench my fists, nails biting into my palms, desperate for an outlet for the rage burning inside me.
Just as I open my mouth to retort, a loud crackling echoes through the room, and the air splits with a surge of energy. Red and black smoke floods the room, swirling faster until two figures emerge. Bellonna steps out first, regal and commanding as always, her expression unreadable, her appearance untouched—like she’s just stepped off a runway, not a battlefield. Blackwell follows close behind, his cocky grin as sexy as ever, looking completely unbothered and fresh, as though he spent the last hour lounging instead of facing danger. Not a single hair out of place, not a trace of blood or grime.
“Finally,” I snarl, stepping forward. “Where’s Vienna? Where’s Warrick?” My heart lurches. Why are there only two of them? My mind races to dark places, scenarios where something went devastatingly wrong.
Bellonna tilts her head, her sharp eyes meeting mine. “Relax, lover boy. Warrick took your sister back to the clubhouse to get her checked out.”
“She’s fine,” Blackwell adds, his grin softening slightly. “As far as we can tell, anyway.”
Relief hits me like a punch to the gut. My knees almost buckle. “Good.” My voice cracks slightly, but I force myself to stand taller.
I hurry to Bellonna and grab her arm, pulling her close. My lips crash against hers in a kiss, one full of gratitude, relief, and something deeper—something I’ve been holding back. When I pull away, I’m almost breathless.
“Don’t ever send me to timeout Hell again,” I growl softly, still holding her gaze. “I go where you go. Your fight is my fight. I’m not some useless, weak man. Idoknow how to fight.”
She laughs, her expression softening just a bit. “We’ll see,” she teases. “I’ll have to see your skills first hand. Otherwise, it’s just more babysitting in Hell for you.”
I roll my eyes, too annoyed to argue right now. I just want to see Vienna. “Can we go now? I want to see her.”
Bellonna wastes no time, turning toward the chaise. “Leaving, Lilith,” she announces coolly, her voice slicing through the thick tension.
“Thank you, Damon,” she adds, casting a wink at the demon lurking behind Lilith.
Before I can even process what’s happening, the smoke whips around us again, tighter and faster this time, pulling us away from the oppressive heat of Hell. When it clears, the air is cooler, tinged with familiar scents: leather, whiskey, and faint traces of blood.
The clubhouse.
We land in Warrick’s office, the abrupt transition from Hell to the mortal realm leaving me momentarily disoriented. Blackwell clasps my shoulder to steady me, his grin returning to full force. Bellonna, unshaken as always, glances around the room before stepping toward the door.
“Come on,” Blackwell says, jerking his head toward the hallway. “I’ll take you to her.”
My legs carry me without hesitation. Bellonna falls into step behind us, her boots clicking against the floor in a steady rhythm. My heart pounds with anticipation as we wind through the dimly lit corridor. It feels like an eternity, but at last, Blackwell pushes open the door to my room.
There she is. Vienna. My sister.
She’s perched on the edge of the bed, a book lying forgotten in her lap. Her face is pale, her eyes rimmed with dark circles, but she’s alive. Whole. Relief washes over me, almost bringing me to my knees.
“Vienna,” I whisper, crossing the room in three quick strides. I drop onto the edge of the bed and pull her into my arms, holding her tightly as if she might vanish if I let go.
“Varys,” she breathes, her voice trembling as tears spill down her cheeks. “You came. You found me.”
I pull back slightly, brushing her hair from her face. “Did they touch you? Hurt you?” My voice shakes with barely restrained fury, ready to tear apart anyone who dared harm her.
She shakes her head quickly. “No. Tonight was supposed to be my first… client, they said.” Her voice breaks, and fresh tears spill down her cheeks. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me,” I say firmly. “Thank Bellonna, Warrick, and Blackwell. They’re the ones who got you out.”
Her gaze shifts, confusion flickering in her eyes. “Bellonna? Who’s Bellonna?”
“Me,” Bellonna says smoothly, stepping forward. Her presence fills the room, commanding attention. “Nice to meet you, Vienna. You probably know me better as Bloody Mary.”
Vienna’s eyes widen, her face going pale. “You called her again?”
I shake my head, letting out a dry laugh. “No. She volunteered. It’s… a long story. But she’s my mate.”
Vienna’s jaw drops. “She’s yourwhat?”
“My mate,” I repeat, my tone firm. “I’m mated to Bloody Mary.”
