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Valen picks me up again and carries me through the open door and into the exact place I suspected we were being held beneath.

Vex.

Except the club is looking a little different at the moment. Bright rays of sunlight stream in through the front of the building where a car has driven through the doorway. A car I very much recognize as Zav’s.

He came.

He found me.

If it weren’t for the fact that Valen’s holding me in his arms, I know my knees would give out on me now.

“Celine!” A female voice cries out in surprise.

I look toward that large open space where people on the street are gathered looking at the mess of the car in the building and find Ava running toward me, her hair a pink cape flowing behind her.

“Ava!” I whimper and Valen sets me down just in time for me to fall into my friend’s arms. He watches, eyes wide as he takes us in, and then I watch him practically melt into the space around us and disappear.

What the fuck? Is he some kind of chameleon? Can he go invisible? I’ve never seen Zav do anything like that.

Worry clings to me, but I hope wherever he’s off to that he’ll be safe.

“You’re okay,” Ava sobs, holding my cheeks and taking me in. “I thought you’d be dead.”

“How long have I been gone?” I ask her, squeezing her tight. I need to get out of here, but something tells me that Zavier’s handling Genevieve and her goons and I needn’t worry.

“About two weeks,” she replies, smoothing my matted hair back. She makes a yuck face and says, “I’ll schedule you for a hair appointment.” She eyes my nails. “Better get nails done too.” She seemingly shakes herself free from those thoughts and says, “I’ve been helping Zavier track you down. He couldn’t smell you and…” She pauses, glowering at me. “When the fuck were going to tell me your boyfriend is a vampire? A vampire!” She shrieks and I hope no one on the streets can hear her over the sounds of traffic and the music blaring from Zav’s wrecked sports car.

“He told you?”

Ava wipes away a tear from my face. “I mean, he kind of had to. I accused him of murdering you and I might’ve tossed some threats around.”

I smile and hug my friend, a few more tears leaking out of my eyes. Ava can be a bit much at times, but I wouldn’t have her any other way.

“I need to go find him.” I grab her by the shoulders.

“Oh, no you don’t, missy.” She tightens her hold. “You got away from that psycho bitch, Genevieve, and you’re not going back.”

My lips part. “How did you know it was her?”

Ava rolls her eyes. “I pay attention. Duh. If it wasn’t for me, Zav would’ve never figured it out. For a redhead he’s a bit of a dumb blond, don’t you think?”

A laugh bubbles out of me. “A little,” I admit. “Can you get me a blanket? Some water? I’m so thirsty.”

Ava, oblivious to what I’m doing, nods and squeezes my shoulders. “I’ll find some. Why don’t you wait outside?”

“I’m okay here.”

She gives me a funny look, like she can’t figure out why I’d want to stay in the club, but shrugs and goes in search for what I’ve asked for.

As soon as her back is turned I sprint, well hobble, for the open door I just came through. I’m insane to be going back, I know that, but the need I feel to get to Zavier is indescribable. The tug has never been this strong before. He needs me. I know it.

It doesn’t take me long to come upon the carnage I have no doubt he left in his wake. Bodies and limbs litter the long hall, growing in numbers the farther I go.

I round a corner and there he is.

Something inside meknowsI should be trembling at the sight in front of me, but I’m not scared. I could never be scared of him.

His eyes are such a brilliant green behind his glasses that they’re otherworldly. His mouth and most of his body is covered in blood and from his right hand hanging by the strands of her hair is Genevieve’s decapitated head.