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“We have to keep up appearances. Security guards carry guns.”

Teresa shook her head. “Appearances, ha. You always want to fit in with the humans.”

“And you have no regard for them.”

“I murdered a few Chanel Taylors and one friend of the group.” Teresa scowled at Morgan. “And you won’t let me forget it. Here’s the thing. Lonzo is pissed that you killed his sister. He wants two of your people and I have to agree. It’s only fair.”

“Fuck you.” I pointed to Teresa. “And fuck you.” I pointed to Lonzo. He didn’t like what I said, and he took a step toward me. He stopped when Teresa raised her arm and nudged him in the chest.

“Give us Chanel and Morgan and there will be no violence.” Teresa requested.

“Never. Fuck off. You can’t have them.”

My signal was subtle. I took Chanel’s hand in mine and that was the cue. Only my people knew it was a sign to get active. Harlen lunged forward with a snarl that sounded more animal than human. From beneath his jacket, he was a fast draw with his Cripo Glock. Teresa’s vampires moved in for the battle. Suddenly, the quiet shoreline erupted into chaos.

“Get down!” I shoved Chanel behind me. My body became her shield as the first gunshots blow through the air. I didn’t know where the bullet came from. I did see one of Teresa’s female guards fall immediately.

The paralytic serum hit her skin, and she went down with a loud thumb. One down and four to go. Another one of her people returned fire with a conventional weapon. It was useless against vampires, but deadly to Chanel. And that was exactly where they were aiming. Their bullets ricocheted off my armored truck.

I ducked down, pulling Chanel with me behind the rear of the SUV.

“Stay here.” I commanded.

I had my Cripo Glock in my hands. I didn’t want to leave Chanel, but it was time I joined the fight.

Chanel nodded, and I left her in a crouching position. I wrapped my hand around my weapon with practiced ease. I scrambled my way to the front of the truck. Morgan had joined Harlen, her newfound vampire strength apparent as she tackled one of Teresa’s remaining guards. They rolled across the rocky beach. A blur of limbs and fanged snarls were exchanged before Morgan pinned her rival with surprising efficiency. Her time with Harlen had clearly included combat training. The guard’s head snapped back with the impact of her fist. Morgan reached for her weapon when the movement to my left demanded my immediate attention.

Lonzo had broken away from the main conflict. He sprinted with vampire speed toward the road that ran parallel to the shoreline. Natasha spotted him too, signaling to Donte with a sharp gesture before both of them gave chase. They ran fast after Lonzo, and they soon disappeared across the landscape. Two of my people were predators in deadly pursuit.

I scanned the area for Teresa. I spotted her backing toward the water. The coward, she was trying to flee. Her black outfit was ripped where Josh tussled with her. Her expression had lost its smugness. It was replaced by something closer to panic and desperation as she realized Lonzo had run off and abandoned her and her guards were falling. Her plan was unraveling.

“Josh!” I called, and my driver materialized at my side. “Protect Chanel. I’m going after Teresa.”

Harlen and Morgan could handle the one female vamp they were fighting with. I needed to go after Teresa. There was no way I would let her get away, and she was retreating to the boat. I couldn’t let that happen.

Before I could move, an almost silent gunshot rang out from the direction Lonzo fled. I turned to see Natasha and Donte in pursuit. They were running down Lake Shore Drive with their Cripo Glocks raised, but missing their mark as Lonzo wove in and out of the early morning traffic on the expressway.

Even from this distance, I can see Donte and Natasha struggling to keep up with him while they had to dodge moving cars. I couldn’t watch much longer. I had to go after Teresa. Lonzo disappeared among the vehicles, his escape all but assured.

A scream pulled my attention back to the battle that was only a few yards away. One of Teresa’s vampires was frozen on the ground, hit with the serum for the Cripo Glock. The other nameless male vamp was engaged with Marco and two of mysecurity team members. The guy was outmatched, but fighting with the desperation of someone who knew defeat meant death.

Teresa herself was cornered now. She was backed against the water’s edge, with Harlen and Morgan approaching from both sides while I approached up the center. Teresa’s eyes darted frantically. She was searching for escape routes and finding none. Jumping back on the boat was no longer an option. Harlen and Morgan had the vessel blocked.

Teresa reached inside her leather jacket, perhaps for a weapon, but Morgan moved with blinding speed. She slammed into Teresa with enough force to send them both sprawling onto the wet rocks at the shoreline.

“You remember me?” Morgan snarled, pinning Teresa beneath her. Her pale vampire face contorted with rage. Her glowing gray eyes flashed bright like the moon. “You threw me off a balcony. You fucking bitch!”

Teresa struggled, but Morgan’s vampire strength was fueled by vengeance. Morgan punched Teresa repeatedly in her face with the platinum brass knuckles that Natasha designed. Every punch cut into Teresa’s skin and oozed blood. This new weapon didn’t allow for instant healing. Teresa’s face was gushing blood that seeped into her blonde hair, changing the color to cherry red.

“It, it wasn’t personal.” Teresa choked and spat the words out while blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.

“But this is personal.” Morgan growled. Harlen approached and aimed his Cripo gun at Teresa’s heart. He shot her twice, although only one serum filled bullet was needed to immobilize her. Morgan crawled off of Teresa’s body.

I made my way over to the tree where Marco had now subdued the last of Teresa’s vampires. They were already lifting her body and placing it in the back of the truck. We had takeneveryone down except for Lonzo. I hoped he was down too, and I would get word soon from Natasha.

I looked back at Chanel, who was safely standing with Josh. I walked back over to my brother and Morgan. They were still standing over the lifeless body of my ex. Teresa’s eyes found mine as I glared down at her.

“Zand.” Teresa’s muffled voice startled us. Her body wasn’t moving, but somehow, she could speak. We all looked at each other, confused by the sound of her voice. “Please.” We watched her say a second word.