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“What the hell?” a new voice enters the room.

“River?” I ask. The man that stands in the doorway looks identical to the other guards.

“Yeah, sure, I’ll take care of him,” he says, then pauses. “Should I kill him or—?”

“Jesus, River,” I say, exasperated.

He snaps his fingers. “Okay, I’ll use my best judgment.”

Carol is losing the fight. Her face is turning purple, and her limbs are twitching.

“Babe, let her go,” I shout.

“You’re mine, Ryker. She won’t take you away from me,” she says, desperate.

“Yes, I’m yours. You’ve proved that,” I rumble, pride for my woman coursing through me.

She drops her hands abruptly. The sudden action caused her to fly back onto the floor. Carol slides down the wall, broken and bloody.

My knees hit the ground beside Serenity as I reach out to palm her face.

“Serenity?” I shake her. Her eyes blink open.

“I pulled back,” she whispers.

“You did. I’m proud of you,” I ran my hands down her arms. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Drained, but fine.”

“Good. When we get back home, I’m going to spank your ass for coming here alone,” I promise.

“I didn’t come alone.” She frowns.

I look over at River as he comes back, attempting to brush the blood and grass from his clothes. Serenity tips her head back to watch him, too.

Sensing our gaze, he says, “What? He ran from me, so…” he trails off.

I can’t help the laugh that bursts out, blending with Serenity’s.

Serenity stops suddenly, “Ryker, make sure Carol doesn’t run.”

“Babe, don’t worry. Her legs are broken. I highly doubt she can run.”

“Please,” she begs, tugging on my arm.

I reluctantly leave her side and turn to her mom. She is still alive, barely. I pull a knife and crouch beside her. Her eyes are half-closed, but she focuses on my face. She tries to talk but only gurgles. I slit her throat quickly, watching the blood pour out as she takes her last breath.

“You are so badass, doll. I’ve never seen anything like it,” River exclaims. I turn my head to see him sitting on the floor beside Serenity. She pushed herself up to lean back on a chair. Her lips are twisted into a smirk at his ridiculousness.

She’s never been so beautiful to me. The warmth in my chest expands. I couldn't have asked for a better partner in this life.

Her gift is startling. River is correct; I have never seen a vampire with her powers. I’m amazed she was able to control it. I could tell it was hard, but she did it. I have seen vampires with the power to turn into different animals, and ones with the ability to move objects with their mind. Usually, every vampire can influence the mind and the actions of a human. The scope of that depends on each individual vampire. I am able to influence the mind and the insides of every being. I can essentially squeeze the organs inside the body to get my point across. The pressure, I’m told, is intense. I am going to have to look into her family tree. There may be a witch in her ancestors. A new vampire doesn’t get that kind of gift. I have seen many but none as fierce as her.

“I told you the plan would work,” Serenity tells River.

“You did not. But I had every confidence in you.” He grins, proud.

“Are you ready to go home, mate?” I ask. I leave Carol as she is. We can leave her as a message to her boyfriend.