Page 7

Chapter

Seven

E nzo

Dimitri and I drove my Porsche through the bayou, the heavy air thick with the scent of moss and murky water. Spanish moss swayed like ghostly curtains in our headlights as we navigated the narrow road. I gripped the steering wheel so tightly the leather creaked in protest beneath my fingers. The hidden garage near the Sangue Reale emerged from the darkness—a cleverly disguised structure that blended seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation. Dead cypress trees, strategically placed and reinforced, created a natural camouflage that would fool any passing vehicles. My stomach churned with anxiety—the familiar hiding spot now felt like a trap.

I parked in the carport near the Sangue Reale . It was hidden behind several ancient oak trees that had Spanish moss clinging to them like pale funeral shrouds, making it difficult to spot the car. The thick canopy above blocked out nearly all sunlight, creating a perpetual twilight even at midday. The houseboat’s heavily tinted windows gleamed like black mirrors in the shadows, reflecting nothing of what lay within.

Dimitri got out of the car and slammed the door, the sound echoing across the water like a gunshot. He yanked his hoodie up over his head, a nervous habit he’d never quite kicked despite his father’s years of scolding about proper mafia appearance. “This is stupid. Like, next-level stupid,” he muttered as we headed toward the houseboat. “You really think the first place Dad’s gonna look isn’t gonna be his own territory?” His New Orleans accent slipped through stronger when he was stressed, another thing his father had tried and failed to train out of him.

I unlocked the sliding door and stepped inside the houseboat. It was one of my favorite places to relax when I got a chance. Some place I would love to take Joy. The gentle rocking of the boat against the dock was usually soothing, but tonight it only reminded me of how she moved through crowds on Bourbon Street, weaving between tourists with that easy grace of hers. The floor-to-ceiling windows faced east across the water, where the city lights shimmered like fallen stars. I could imagine her face seeing this view for the first time.

“There’s a million places where we could be hiding,” I said, trying to project more confidence than I felt. The distant sound of water lapping against the houseboat’s hull provided an ominous rhythm to our conversation. “It’s going to take him awhile to get to here. We need to figure out our next move. Both Trystan and Keir’s places will be watched.” The humid air clung to my skin as I spoke, making every movement feel heavy with the weight of my decision.

Dimitri moved to the antique bar cart with fluid grace, crystal decanter catching the dim light as he poured himself a generous glass of bourbon. The rich amber liquid swirled as he lifted it to his nose, inhaling the smoky aroma with exaggerated appreciation. “And so what is our next move?” His eyebrow arched with that infuriating cockiness that always meant trouble. He took a deliberate sip, savoring it before adding with mock cheerfulness, “We don’t have many allies at this point. Actually...” he ticked off on his fingers, “we have exactly zero allies, a psychotic father on our trail, and...”

He glanced at his watch. “About two hours before sunrise. But hey, at least the bourbon’s good.” The crystal tumbler clinked against his rings as he raised his glass in a contemptuous toast.

I paced back and forth across the worn floorboards, each step echoing my growing frustration. My hands twisted anxiously in front of me as our desperate situation clawed at my nerves. “We need to find Angelo. He’s the only one that can bring down Petar and stop this damn mess.”

Dimitri lounged against the bar, bourbon glass dangling carelessly from his fingers as his eyes tracked my movement. A shadow of contempt crossed his face, that characteristic expression that promised sarcasm but hid something darker beneath. “Well, that’s the million-dollar question.” He pushed off from the bar with fluid grace, moving closer with predatory intensity. “How the hell do you suppose we do that? Dracula could have taken him anywhere.” He took a slow, deliberate sip of bourbon. “But sure, let’s just Google ‘ancient vampire lairs’ and see what pops up. I’m sure Dracula’s broadcasting his location on Instagram.”

In a blur of movement, I crossed the space between us and slammed Dimitri against the wall, my hand locked around his throat. The bourbon glass shattered on the floor. I leaned in close, my voice deadly calm.

“Angelo is out there, and he needs us. I don’t have time for your sarcasm.” I tightened my grip just enough to make my point. “Either contribute something useful or get out of my way.”

I released him and stepped back. Dimitri straightened his collar, a flicker of respect replacing the mockery in his eyes. He knew I rarely made idle threats.

The momentary tension settled as I refocused on our mission. “We can rule out Red Rose Academy. I don’t think Vlad would take him back to where there are students—even if he was possessed.”

“So, if he’s not at Red Rose...” Dimitri crossed his arms, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. “Don’t tell me you’re thinking of our friendly neighborhood creepy garden, Lumina Glade. Because apparently, one death trap isn’t enough for tonight.”

I nodded, my mind already piecing together the pattern. “Balthazar has always been drawn to St. Louis Cathedral in Lumina Glade. That abandoned church isn’t just a coincidence—it’s practically his sanctuary.” I reached for my coat, decision made. “The place is steeped in dark magic that would appeal to him, magic that could help contain someone as powerful as Angelo.”

“And you think Vlad would take him there?” Dimitri asked, skepticism clear in his voice.

“With Vlad possessed, he’s essentially an extension of Balthazar now. He’d seek out places of power that Balthazar favors.” I checked my weapons. “That dark magic might protect them, but it won’t keep us out. Yeah, that’s where we’re going.”

Something snapped outside like a twig, the sound sharp against the gentle lapping of bayou waters. Dimitri and I glanced at each other, decades of survival instincts kicking in. Drawing on vampire speed, I blurred out of the houseboat, my fangs descending with a familiar ache as adrenaline flooded my system.

A wolf materialized from the shadows, its form rippling and contorting until a dark-haired man stood in its place. Before he could move, I had him pinned against a cypress tree, the rough bark scraping against his skin as my fingers locked around his throat. The scent of wolf—wild and earthy—mixed with expensive cologne. “Who are you?”

“I’m Kai Kalani,” he choked out, his voice raspy under the pressure of my grip. His pulse raced beneath my fingers, but his eyes held no fear. “Trystan sent me.”

I slowly released him, keeping my body coiled and ready to strike if this proved to be a trick. “Talk.”

Kai panted, his words coming out in a rush that made my heart clench.

“I have news about Elena and Angelo.”

I dropped my hand as if his skin had burst into flames. “What?”

Kai rubbed his throat, dark bruises already forming under his olive skin. His eyes darted between Dimitri and me, grave with the weight of his message. “Elena is at Trystan’s.”

Dimitri kicked at the gravel beneath his feet with barely contained agitation. “Oh perfect, a sleepover at the dog pound.” His fingers lingered on the railing, a telltale tremor betraying his casual tone. “I’m sure she’s having a wonderful time playing fetch with His Royal Furriness.”

“I want to talk to her,” I said, my voice tight with barely contained tension.

“Call her then.” Kai met my gaze steadily. “Trystan said to tell you that we’re not hiding anything.”

I took out my cellphone and Trystan answered on the first ring. “I want to speak to Elena.”

“All business as usual, Enzo,” he said, a hint of amusement coloring his words. “But here’s Elena. We’re protecting her as you requested.”

“Enzo?”

The sound of her voice melted the ice in my veins. “Are you safe?”

“ Oui, Oui . Trystan’s been good to me.” Her voice was steady, unhurried. “I’m so worried about Gianna. Do you have her?”

I lowered my head, shame and frustration burning in my chest. “No, not yet. But we will. Stay with Trystan.”

“ Oui , Enzo. I will. Please retrieve ma chèrie .”

I hung up the phone and met Dimitri’s questioning gaze. “She’s safe.” I turned to Kai. “You had something else you wanted to tell me, wolf?”

He swallowed hard and held his head up high. “Angelo. He’s scheduled to be executed.”

My fangs elongated, and bloodlust surged through my veins. “Where? When?”

“At Fandor Citadel. Vlad wants to make it a public execution.” His voice dropped lower, each word falling like a stone into the humid night air. “He’s going to be made an example of. What happens when you break Vlad’s rules.”

I clenched my fist and pressed to my forehead. “Damn it.”

Dimitri shifted his weight, shoulders squared as his gaze swept the grounds. “So the king is aligned with Vlad on this?”

Kai nodded, his jaw tight. “Yes. He wants Trystan, Keir, and Maximo to attend the execution in order to show loyalty to his new allies.”

Dimitri looked at me, his usual cockiness giving away to bewilderment. “I thought Maximo was already in bed with Balthazar.”

The name Maximo ripped through me like shrapnel. My vision tinged red as I remembered Joy being kidnapped. The bastard had built his fortune on human suffering—trafficking, drugs, torture. If he’d laid a finger on her, I’d bleed him dry until nothing remained but dust.

But there were other threats to consider. I fixed Kai with a hard stare, a cold wariness spreading through my chest. “So, do Trystan and Keir plan to align themselves with Petar?”

A bitter laugh escaped Kai as his lips curved into a mocking smile. “Would you align yourself with a madman? Trystan will never align with anyone that could possibly harm the pack.”

“Besides,” Dimitri drawled, his eyes glittering with dark amusement, “aligning with a madman tends to get you killed. And I rather like being alive... well, undead.”

I studied the fortress in my mind—triple-thick walls, elite guards at every post, magical wards. “Fandor Citadel is well guarded. It would be difficult to get inside.”

“But not impossible,” Dimitri mused, that dangerous glint back in his eyes. “There may be ways. Guards we could bribe.”

“Possibly...” I rubbed my chin, but the cold reality settled in. King Nico’s guards were handpicked for loyalty. By the time we identified any traitors, Angelo would be dead.

“You don’t have to get inside,” Kai said quietly.

Something in his voice unsettled me. I narrowed my eyes, dread pooling in my gut. “Why?”

“Because Vlad plans to burn him alive.”

Dimitri and I exchanged looks, the horror of it settling over us like a shroud. Fire would kill a man or born vampire swiftly, but for a made vampire like Angelo? It would be torture—hours of agony while he slowly burned away.

My stomach churned at the thought of anyone witnessing such brutality. Joy’s face flashed in my mind, and dread settled deeper. My heart twisted with a bitter longing. Part of me ached to see her again, even here, even now. I know that was damn selfish, wishing she’d be there to witness such horror just so I could see her face. But I just hoped Maximo wasn’t cruel enough to bring her. She didn’t need to see something like this.

Dimitri fixed me with that trademark look of cynical amusement, his eyes remaining cold and calculating. “A public burning? How delightfully medieval. And here I thought Vlad had evolved past the whole ‘torch and pitchfork’ aesthetic.” His fingers drummed against his thigh, betraying his tension. “Though I have to admit, points for showmanship.”

Bile rose in my throat as the image of Angelo burning filled my mind. My true brother, screaming as flames consumed him. My fangs dropped involuntarily, rage and fear warring in my chest. I dragged trembling fingers through my hair. “When?”

“In two days.” Kai sighed. “There’s something else.”

I dropped my hand, my stomach clenching at his tone. “And?”

“Maximo has put a contract out on you—a hundred thousand dollars for your head.”

I barked out a harsh laugh, but ice slid down my spine. A hundred thousand was enough to turn even loyal allies into enemies. “Maximo’s getting desperate if he’s throwing that kind of money around.” My fangs threatened to descend as rage and betrayal warred inside me. “Tell me, how many of our own have already lined up to collect?”

He averted his gaze, suddenly finding the ground fascinating. “I don’t know.”

Dimitri let out a low whistle. “Quite the price tag. Though personally, I’m offended. Your head’s worth at least twice that. Why is he throwing out the big bucks?”

Kai glanced between us. “From what Trystan sniffed out, it’s due to Louis DuPont’s daughter. He feels like she belongs to him.”

Rage blazed through me, hot enough to burn away the earlier chill. Joy didn’t belong to anyone—least of all Maximo. My jaw clenched tight enough to crack stone, fangs pushing against my gums as I fought for control. If he touched her, he’d learn exactly how creative an enforcer could be.

I closed my eyes for a moment, forcing air through lungs that didn’t need it. When I opened them, the enforcer’s calm had returned. A bounty meant assassins, mercenaries, hunters— anyone desperate enough for money to take on a vampire. We’d have to be twice as careful now, watching every shadow. “He’s trying to make sure I can’t find Joy. Why?”

“Because word has it that there’s something special about her, special like Serenity.”

Everything in me went deadly still, except for the blood raging through my veins like sun-forged steel. Maximo wouldn’t just torture Joy—he’d break her, piece by piece, until she gave him what he wanted. “He thinks she’s a Nephilim?”

Kai frowned. “I don’t know. I don’t think so. I don’t even think Trystan or Keir know, but she’s something powerful, something that Maximo wants.”

Dimitri leaned against a gnarled oak tree, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement in the moonlight. “Ah yes, our dear friend Maximo. Always playing chess while the rest of us are playing checkers. Too bad he’s about to lose his queen.”

The not knowing clawed at my insides. Joy had some hidden power that made her valuable to Maximo, and that meant she was in even more danger than I’d thought. He’d use whatever it was to strengthen his position—Maximo never passed up a chance to grab more power. “Then we need to throw him a surprise.” I glanced at Kai. “By you coming here, I take it if the kings don’t go, it’ll be considered an act of war for not supporting the new king.”

Kai shrugged. “Something like that.”

I slammed my fist against the trunk of the tree, sending bark splintering beneath my knuckles. Dimitri straightened, taking a small step back, his eyes widening slightly at my sudden display. “Damn it.” How could I protect her when I didn’t even know what she was?

Kai looked at me curiously, but didn’t ask any questions.

Dimitri gripped my shoulder. “If you want to save Joy, you’ve got to save Angelo first.”

I nodded numbly, trying to draw on my calculating nature. Something about Joy always made me unravel like a new recruit.

I counted slowly to ten, something I always did to try and maintain control. When I felt I wasn’t going to give into my anger any longer, I exhaled and said, “An outside execution may just give us the leverage to free Angelo.”

Kai frowned. “Won’t they be expecting that?”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “They’ll be expecting you and I to try and rescue him, but I don’t think he’ll suspect that Trystan and Keir will.” I looked at Kai. “I take it that’s why Trystan sent you.”

“Actually, it was Keir’s idea. He’s the one that contacted Trystan. Our house is being watched. I was able to sneak out through our secret passageway as a wolf. It’s easier to escape than it is to get back in. Keir wants you to go to his yacht tonight. He has a plan on how to save Angelo.”

I cocked my eyebrow. “Keir can leave his house without being seen?”

He shook his head. “No. His enforcer, Lorcan, will be there.”

I grimaced. Lorcan was as trustworthy as a rabid wolf, but with Angelo’s life on the line, we were out of options. As a vampire mafia enforcer, I’d made deals with plenty of devils—but this one might cost us everything. Still, for Angelo, I’d pay whatever price necessary.