Page 84 of The Hunted
“What?” Her mouth was ajar. “I’ve done no such thing.”
“Put me on speaker. I know one of the vampires is with you, or if you’re in bed with Sam, then put him on.”
Her knuckles were white as she gripped the phone like she was trying to squeeze Roman out of it.
I plucked it from her and put it on speaker. “Get to the point, asshole.”
Webb listened intently.
“Mason, glad you could join us.” Roman’s cocksure attitude was making me dig my nails into the palms of my hands. “Now that we are out in the open, I’m pleased to inform you that you’ll never see your half-breed again, nor will Layla see her sister. Oh, and Vera is over the moon about that too, Layla. You know how she’s been salivating to have Jordyn as her next meal.”
Layla screamed bloody murder. “I will gut you, vampire, and feed your insides to the crows!”
Roman roared with laughter. “Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. You stand no chance in doing so. Neither do the brave men of the vampire military. I don’t say that to be cocky. I’m stating a fact. The vampire government is going to shit their pants when they learn what I have in my back pocket.”
Webb and I exchanged a questioning look. We knew that Ben wasn’t exactly something to get the vampire government up in arms. They already knew about him, anyway.
“Seems to me you’re gloating,” I said. “And is that last statement supposed to scare us?”
Roman got off on threats. He was the type that lived for them. I only knew that because in a way, we were alike. Others’ fears and threats were two catalysts that drove me into action.
“It should,” Roman said.
“Surely, you didn’t call just to dangle a threat,” I said. “You want something.”
Roman let out a breath. “Smart man. Oh, I want Abbey, and I’ll get her—but I’ve decided I want you too. I have a separate plan for you.”
Webb was about to crush the footboard of the bed at the mention of Abbey.
“Who’s your source? Who told you about Abbey?” I knew he wouldn’t tell me, but I had to ask.
“I thought my source was giving me a line of bullshit when I heard about this little girl who had these mind-blowing powers, and she isn’t even a vampire yet,” he said. “But Mason, you should know I won’t give up my source. However, I will tell you, your half-breed confirmed Abbey is under your protection. Such a shame he talked so easily.”
Webb growled.
“What do you want with me?” I asked. I was furious, but showing my anger wouldn’t solve anything.
“That’s a surprise,” Roman said. “I will let Jordyn and your half-breed go if you walk over to my side freely. No team of Navy SEALs. No sinister plot to storm in and save the day. You come into my camp of your own free will. If you do, I promise I’ll let them go.”
Webb shook his head and mouthed, “No way.”
It seemed too easy. Roman was up to something. But I wasn’t confident in Layla’s plan. I was also worried something would happen to her. Besides, if he wasn’t blowing smoke up my ass and really wanted me in his camp, I could find out more about his plans.
“On one condition. Let Jordyn go before I even walk over to your side.”
The clanging of metal hitting metal sounded in the background. “Not a chance in hell.”
I itched to punch a wall or something since I couldn’t carve out Roman’s heart. Not yet, anyway. “Name the time and place.”
He belted out a laugh. “I knew you would see it my way. Meet me at Layla’s house in four hours.” Then the line went dead as Layla’s phone screen returned to the picture of her and her sisters.
I held up my hand at Webb. “I’m doing this. Besides, it’s a trap.”
Layla knitted her eyebrows. “It is? I don’t believe it is. Roman told me you were worth a lot of money.”
“Whether it is or isn’t, we need to prepare as if it is a trap,” Webb said. “Our window has just been reduced from eight hours to four. I need to call Steven.”
“Webb,” I said. “I think it’s time you take Abbey and Jo to Maine.”
