Page 49 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)
Epilogue
Bane
I follow my brothers out of the club. When we stop at our car, Heath catches up to us. Juliana’s fingers are wrapped around the hand not holding his cane. She is perfect for my friend, and even though we don’t talk much, I have deep respect for her.
“Do you need help?” Heath asks.
“No,” I answer.
“You know I will do anything to assist,” he continues.
“We know.” I look at Hunter and he nods. Remy tilts his head, and studies the snake shifter. He doesn’t know Heath well, but is grateful to him.
“Come over tomorrow,” he demands.
“Of course.” We wait as he walks away, and then get in the vehicle.
There is no conversation as Remy drives to his restaurant.
He opened it a few years ago and is an excellent chef and businessman.
I love my brothers. When we were separated, I felt as if a part of me was missing.
Life for us was filled with pain and uncertainty.
Watching the shifters and vampires tonight at the club was interesting.
It wasn’t the first time we have been in their company, yet I haven’t grown accustomed to the sensations they make me feel.
Having a family who loves you is odd. My brothers show their affection, just not as openly.
I have always been the quiet one. People aren’t sure if I’m shy or planning their death. Keeping them on the edge entertains me.
Sally is an amazing woman, and I’m happy she found her vampire mates.
We have talked frequently, so I was determined to be there for her tonight.
I’m sure Heath would rather be at home with his new mate, but he feels the same about the rabbit-vampire hybrid.
Not long ago, he was the one secluded from everyone.
We work for him, and would follow him into hell.
He saved us, and despite his denial that we owe him, he has our loyalty for the rest of time.
He knows we have a mission we are determined to accomplish, and he will provide any help we need.
Most humans can’t understand such loyalty.
“Ready?” Hunter asks as we park the car.
“Yes,” I reply and get out.
Remy leads the way, opening the back door to the restaurant, and waits until we pass.
We walk through the kitchen, around the corner, and down the stairs.
Descending two flights of stairs, the atmosphere becomes tense, and the air cool.
Upstairs, the dining area is classy, sleek, and usually filled with customers.
The building is silent, dark, and getting darker by the moment.
I stop in front of a steel door and wait for Remy to unlock it.
Once it swings open, he secures it and turns on the light.
The room is large, concrete, and barren except for the man hanging from the ceiling and the table of weapons.
The asshole blinks open his eyes, squinting as he adjusts to the light.
We’ve left him for two days to stew in his fear.
The tape across his mouth and the distance from upstairs muffled his screams. I walk to the table, running my fingers over the blades.
“Are you ready to talk?” I ask, tilting my head. His eyes widen as I pick up a knife, and he shakes his head. “No?” Hunter steps forward, ripping the tape off.
“I don’t know anything,” he says, his fear stinking up the room.
“We’ll see.” I nod at Remy and he starts to undress. “Have you ever seen a jaguar shifter in real life?” I ask.
“A what?” he asks weakly, watching my brother.
“The animal,” I say.
“I…no.” He starts to shake, and I smell the lie.
“I think you have,” I whisper.
“Why would he lie, brother?” Hunter asks, narrowing his eyes.
“Good question.” I enjoy his panic when Remy shifts into his animal. He prowls closer, his teeth bared, his coat shining. My brother's fur is black, a slight yellow emerging around his spots. Keeping the knife at my side, I move forward, and stop in front of him. “We want answers.”
“I swear, I don’t know anything,” he whines, and I lift the blade. “Please, I can’t tell you.”
“Can’t? Or won’t?” Hunter asks, and Remy growls.
“They’ll kill me,” he cries.
“You should worry about us killing you,” I hiss, plunging the knife into the side of his thigh. His screams hurt my ears. “Where is our brother?”