Page 99 of The Vampire's Storm

Christ.

Zeroing in on her eyes, he began to speak. “In the air within five minutes. Tell the pilot.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Whose plane did you steal?” Vincent asked.

Brayden settled back in his seat and focused on his call.

“Do you know the Dufort family?”

“The hotel chain?” Ari asked. “I met the father, Jonathan, a few years ago.”

“One of his sons and wife, plus a bunch of their friends,” Brayden said. “Anyway...while Craig parties with them, I need to hear what’s going on at your end. We have Nikolay’s pregnant wife.”

“Interesting,” Vincent drawled. “Does he know?”

“Yes, and apparently doesn’t give a fuck.” Brayden was sure the guy was playing a game of chess with him.

“Well, we received a video from the gangster a few hours ago. He’s demanded that we cease the destruction of his production line. Clearly thinks we are behind the order led by the world leaders,” Vincent explained.

“The video?”

“Yes, showing Willow and Isabella. They are alive.”

Fuck.

“Send it to me,” he demanded.

“I don’t think—” His brother began.

“SEND IT TO ME!” Brayden roared.

His reaction set off a series of other reactions. Elizabeth began to whimper. The flight attendant came flying out all Sir, you cannot behave like that on the aircraft and someone farther down the plane said Woah, he needs a couple of shots. Dude, chill out. We’re going to Seeeaaatttle.

“Jesus, I knew we should have left them on the tarmac,” Brayden groaned.

A beep on the phone told him the video had arrived.

“Keep your head, nephew,” Ari said darkly. “If you want to save them, you need to stay alive. Our team is preparing to leave as soon as the sun sets.”

Brayden nodded, though his uncle couldn’t see him.

“We haven’t been responsible for any of the production shutdowns yet. But as of an hour ago, we have sent warriors out to begin the destruction,” Vincent added. “If that motherfucker thought he was hurting before, well, we are around to destroy all his plans.”

Brayden’s head snapped up. “Fucking hell, Vincent. You don’t think that’s going to trigger him further? He has Willow. Call them off.”

There was a moment’s silence.

“Bray, I can’t. You know as well as I do, we cannot let this product be manufactured and distributed around the world,” his brother said. “Backup is on the way to Seattle. Get the princesses and come home.”

Shit.

Fuck.

Shit fucking shit fuck.

“Brayden,” Ari said more softly.