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Teresa gave me a look that sliced through the chilly night air. “We’ll see about that.”

We’ve reached the end of the alley. A siren wailed in the distance. I knew the sounds of the city well. This time, it was an ambulance. I turned to her once again. This time my words were measured and final.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Teresa shrugged. Her confidence was unshaken. “Warnings aren’t worth much from someone who can’t back them up.”

She was so wrong. Teresa didn’t understand the lengths I’d gone to in order to protect Chanel. She didn’t know I’d already killed one person who dared threaten my Chanel. Lonzo was floating in Lake Michigan because he harmed the woman I loved. Teresa didn’t know I was on track to kill Marisol for stalking the human I vowed to protect.

I look backed at Natasha. She was right. I was going to have to take Teresa out myself or give the order to Natasha. We had delivered the message, even if Teresa refused to hear it. I felt it now. I was going to have to let Natasha kill my ex. Taking lives, human, or vampire lives wasn’t my way of life, but in this instance, I was going to have to get rid of all the threats. I wanted things to go back to normal.

Although I didn’t see any prying eyes around to witness our feud. I couldn’t kill her now with so many humans walking the streets. They tended to appear from out of nowhere sometimes. I couldn’t kill Teresa this close to my place of business. The city was riddled with video cameras, some residential and some posted by law enforcement.

“This could all be over if you would dump the nurse and let me take my place by your side.” Teresa stared at me with eyes dark and calculating. “Does your Chanel Taylor know you’re out here with me?”

I didn’t respond at first. I had to gather myself and answer her with a steady tone. “I will never be with you. You must knowthat you disgust me.” I could see in her face that she felt the weight of my hateful words.

Teresa looked at me with defiance. “That’s too bad. I don’t have anything to lose. If you are willing to risk your little human’s life, then so be it.”

My clenched jaw felt like it could shatter. I inhale. “There’s nothing to risk. Accept your life if you don’t remove yourself from mine.”

“Do it then! Kill me!” She dared.

I was tired of repeating myself. But it seemed I owed her at least one more warning before I plotted and planned her final death.

“I warned you.” I said to her, knowing I was speaking to deaf ears.

“You used to be more fun,” she said, moving around me like a shark smelling blood. “Or have you forgotten?”

“I haven’t forgotten,” I said, turning to follow her movements. “If I wasn’t fun, you would’ve been dead a long time ago. I remember every moment of our past, every betrayal, every lie and every deceitful minute.”

“That was the past. You have to get over it.”

“I don’t have to do anything.”

“It’s like I said. You’re not man enough to do what it takes.”

Her words sunk deep. “What you want is a war,” I tell her. “And I won’t give it to you.”

“I just want you to be honest,” she said, feigning innocence. “If that’s still possible.”

“Honest about what?” I asked.

“Chicago isn’t big enough for me and the nurse?” Teresa smiled like she had already won.

“It won’t be if you stay,” I said. “Think about what happened last time.”

She moved to stand right in front of me. Too close. She loved pushing the limits. “I have,” she said. “Maybe it’s your turn to remember.”

I stared at her, refusing to back down. The muffled bass of The Castle thrummed like a distant heartbeat.

“There’s nothing left for you here.” I tell her again. “You have to know that.”

She takes her time, letting the silence grow before answering. “If you’re so sure, then why are you so scared? Make a move.”

I hold my breath, willing myself not to react. “You’re the one who’s scared,” I said. “Of being alone. Of being nothing.”

Natasha remained behind me, solid and sure. I took strength in it; in knowing I’m not alone in this fight. “Your cat and mouse games are boring. Your time is up.”