Page 1 of Cry of Blood and Joy (French Quarter Vampire Enforcer #2)

Angelo

The taste of blood filled my mouth—my own blood, courtesy of Enzo’s perfectly aimed fist. I spat crimson onto the marble floor as I cradled Serenity’s unconscious form, her face already swelling where Joy’s shadows had slammed her against the wall.

The scent of her pain and the metallic tang of blood sent a killing rage through my veins that I hadn’t felt in centuries.

The damage was deeper than broken bones and bruised flesh.

The little Unseelie bitch had dared to attack what was mine.

In my own house. In front of my family. The disrespect was a slap across the face of everything I’d built, everything I represented.

Kings didn’t tolerate such challenges—not from anyone, not ever.

I planned exactly how each of them would die. Enzo first, for daring to strike me. Then her brother for choosing sides. And finally, the girl—slowly, while Enzo watched, so he could understand the cost of defying a king.

“They think they can run,” I murmured against Serenity’s hair. “Let them. The city isn’t big enough to hide from me forever.”