“We live to fight another day. Think of Dmitri, please…”
“Very well.” She stood down, her human features returning.
“Good choice, shifter.” Caiaphas held out a hand to Jenny. “Let’s go. Leave the shifter.”
“No way. I’m not going anywhere without Ivanna.”
“Fine.” He reached forward, gripping her by the shoulder, and traced them from the room.
* * * * *
Dane traced to the den and was tackled by Dmitri. He bared his teeth, snapping at Dane’s throat, rage glittering in his eyes.
“My mate is gone!” he howled, partially shifting back into his human form.
“What do you mean, gone?”
“Your bitch convinced mine to go with her somewhere and they’ve been captured by Caiaphas.” Dmitri half-roared, half-howled in anguish. Dane listened in shock. What had his Jenny done?
“When did they leave?” Dane said in a low, menacing voice. He couldn’t believe it.
“An hour ago, perhaps. I’m not sure. I heard my mate’s voice but I couldn’t get back here fast enough to stop them.” He seized Dane by the shirt, his eyes wild with panic.
“Where are they now?” Dane ground his molars together angrily as rage consumed him over what she’d done. Her betrayal was one thing but involving Ivanna was another. He couldn’t overlook it. Not this time.
“She took Ivanna with her to Boston. It was a trap. I saw Ivanna trying to stop Caiaphas from taking Jenny. They’ll kill or she’ll die trying to protect yours. What have I done? My Ivanna treats your Jenny like a daughter. They’ve become too close. Your female is reckless and does not want to listen to the advice of anyone. Now she’s put more than her life in danger. She’s put mine.”
“I’m sorry, old friend. I don’t know what to say. I will deal with Jenny, I promise you, but first we need to save them.”
He was mad, worried, enraged. What had she done? Once again she had betrayed his trust. She’d promised to stay and didn’t. Now she had not only risked her own life, but that of his closest friend. Dmitri tried to remain in control. They had to get them back. It was time to call in help. He couldn’t take on Caiaphas alone. He needed the Order.
“Come with me—I can only take you and one other. Pick one of your best fighters. I will have more Hunters bring the rest of the pack, let’s go.”
“Vitali will come with us.”
Dane nodded as he reached for his cell phone and called headquarters. “Ta’breyian, it’s me. I need your help. My mate’s been captured and so has Dmitri’s. Meet at my penthouse in Manhattan. I’ll meet you there, and bring as many Hunters with you as you can. I’m taking the fight to them. The shifters will help us.” Dane closed the phone. “I left him a message. They’ll come. Where’s Vitali?”
Vitali came rushing through the door. “I heard your call. I’m here to help.”
Dane bristled at the sight of him. He didn’t like this shifter. But now wasn’t the time to bring it up.
“We’re going to rescue Ivanna. Dane will take us.”
“I’m more than ready to sink my teeth into some vampire hide.” Vitali snapped his canines. “No offense, Dane.”
“None taken. We should go.” Dane grabbed them both and traced to Manhattan.
Ta’breyian was already there when they arrived. He also had several Hunters and half a dozen Sentinels with him.
“Thank you for showing up so quickly.” Dane shook Ta’breyian’s hand, relieved to have more backup. He tried not to consider the danger both women were in because it was important to keep his wits about him in order to save their lives. It was also clear that his relationship with Jenny was seriously flawed. Trust was all he had with those in his life. How could they be together if she wasn’t willing to be loyal to him?
He loved her and it tore him up inside that she was so reckless and unwilling to have any faith in him. Perhaps he should’ve called to give her an update but that still didn’t excuse her actions. He would save them first and deal with the fallout of her actions later.
“Do you know where they were taken?”
“My Ivanna tells me they are being held underground…inside a cage.” Dmitri paced.
“Sounds like he’s taken them back to his estate,” Ta’breyian said. “We better hurry.”
“Let’s move, everyone.” Dane gripped Dmitri’s and Vitali’s shoulders and traced.
Jenny surveyed the cramped quarters of the dimly lit room they were being held captive in.
“Have you been here before?” Ivanna mumbled under her breath to Jenny. She paced the room like a caged animal, which technically she was.
“I don’t recognize this room. It’s similar to the cell Marley was in when I first rescued her. But I think this chamber is in a different location.” There were bars separating them from the rest of the small space. Steel and cement surrounded them. It was a dismal place, that was for sure.
Caiaphas materialized in front of them and sauntered up to the bars. “It’s reinforced, bitch, so this time you won’t escape. I’ve made sure of it.”
“My Dmitri will come for me.” Ivanna was defiant. Jenny was sure it was the Alpha blood running through her friend’s veins.
“Oh, I’m counting on it.” He gave her a wicked grin and traced from the room.
“We’re in deep shit and it’s my fault.” Jenny sat on the cell floor and rested her forehead on her knees.
“Now is not the time to give up hope. We need to come up with a plan together so we can figure out how to get out of here.” Ivanna gripped Jenny’s shoulders.
“How are we going to do that? I can’t trace past these bars.”
“Then we need to come up with another plan.”
“You’re right.” Jenny sighed. “What are our options?”
“I will connect mentally with my mate.” Ivanna closed her eyes and then quickly opened them.
“Is everything okay?” Jenny didn’t miss Ivanna’s unmistakable misery. It wasn’t Ivanna’s fault though. Jenny had convinced her to go and had played on their friendship.
“Yes, don’t worry.” Her expression was apprehensive.
“You’re lying.” Jenny bit her lip nervously. She wasn’t stupid. Dmitri probably hated her and rightfully so.
Ivanna put a finger to her lips. “Not now, the walls have ears.”
Jenny kept her mouth shut and nodded. Her heart squeezed. Dane wasn’t going to be pleased when he discovered her missing. Why did she have to allow her emotions to override her common sense? Now she’d put them all in danger.
Again.
She stared at the blank space outside the bars and Marley appeared. Shit, what was Lucia up to now? Had she come to torture them further?
“Hey, you two, get your asses up off that concrete, we’re getting the hell out of here.”
“Marley…is it really you?” It sounded like her old friend. But Jenny’d been wrong before.
“Wait, Jenny, it might be a trick.” Ivanna was even more leery. Could Jenny blame her?
“It’s me. I swear it to you both.”
“Prove it,” Jenny said. Her heart hurt over the tragedy of this situation. She wanted to believe it was Marley but she wasn’t about to be fooled again. She’d already gone down that primrose path once before and look where it had gotten her.
“Our favorite hangout in Boston was O’Brien’s and when you and Jimmy broke up, I sat on the couch with you for hours. We watched movies, ate lots of ice cream and I told you I’d always be here for you. Is that proof enough?” She rolled her eyes.
“Yes, you did say those things, didn’t you? It’s Marley. How did you escape Lucia’s hold on your mind?” Jenny grabbed the bars as hope and relief washed over her.
“I knocked that stupid bitch unconscious, that’s how. She released her hold to feed on some poor victim she had tied to a bed, and that’s when I coldcocked her.”
“You got the jump on her, huh?” Ivanna smiled.
“Yeah, she’s going to be pissed when she comes to so we better hurry and get the hell out of Dodge before she wakes and alerts the cavalry.”
“Do you think she can take over your mind again?” Ivanna asked.
“There’s not a chance in hell I’m letting that psycho witch take up residence in me again. I’m on to her shit and I’ll fight her off if she tries.”
“How did you make it past the guards?” Jenny tried to keep her voice low.
“Those idiots assumed I was Lucia so they let me pass.” Marley shrugged. “Here, I brought the keys.” She unlocked the cell.
“You came prepared. That’s my girl.” Jenny grinned.
“I know it.” She let them out.
“Let’s hope the barrier only pertains to the cell block. Maybe if we get outside, we can trace back to the den.”
“It’s worth a shot. Let’s go,” Jenny said as they followed Marley. The three women ran down a corridor that led out of the cell block.
“This way.” Marley gestured. They made it past the house and were about to trace when Caiaphas and a large group of Rogues intercepted them.
“And where do you ladies think you’re going? Get them!” he ordered his Rogues, who circled around the women, blocking their escape.
Jenny tried to trace herself and Ivanna but nothing happened. “It’s not working.”
“Then we fight,” Ivanna snarled.
“I’m ready.” Marley cracked her knuckles.
“Me too…” Jenny wasn’t as confident as the other two women.
“Hey, asshole.” Marley glared at Caiaphas.
“Are you addressing me?” Caiaphas asked. He seemed surprised by her brazen tone.
“You and your goon squad picked the wrong bitches to mess with.” Marley crooked her finger toward them, for them to come forward.
“Have we now? Hmm…I must say, Marley, you really are spirited. I’m impressed by your foolish bravery, not to mention the fact that you outsmarted my sister. Not many have and live to tell about it.”
“Keep your admiration for someone who gives a shit. I’m not one of them.”
“It’s a shame you’re not Rogue.”
“Well, I’m glad to disappoint you.”
“We could change that.”
“Fuck off!” Marley crouched, readying herself for an attack.
“Oh baby, believe me, I plan on it.”
“I have a better idea. How would you like to donate a pint of blood through your nose after I put my fist through it?”
“I’m going to have a bit of fun breaking you.” He was obviously turned on and it was clearly pissing Marley off.
“Breaking me? I’m not a horse, you jackass.”
“Where is she?” Lucia screamed as she traced into view. “You bitch. You’re going to die, painfully!”
“What? You didn’t like being knocked unconscious? It sucks being bested, doesn’t it?” Marley teased.
“You will pay dearly, I promise you.” Lucia sneered.
“I already have. But if you want a piece of me, bring it.”
“I did rather enjoy ripping out the throat of your mate and watching him bleed to death. You should’ve seen the look of betrayal in his eyes. It was quite entertaining.” She grinned wickedly.
“Harris…” Marley cried. “I’m going to turn you to ash.”
“Wait, Marley, don’t listen to her. Harris is fine. It’s a trick,” Jenny quickly blurted out before Marley lost it.
“You and I are going to finish this,” Marley seethed.
“I welcome it.” Lucia gave her a baleful glare.
“Calm yourself, sister. You’ll have your revenge. Don’t let our prey escape,” Caiaphas interrupted.
All three women formed a tight circle, back to back, protecting each other’s flanks as the Rogues circled them.
Jenny was nervous as they all braced for the attack. Her friends seemed ready but was she?
“You can do this. No fear,” Marley encouraged her.
“I’m ready. Let’s do this.” She was tired of being afraid. All the pent-up anxiety and fear had finally taken its toll.
A large male charged and she shot her leg out, using a roundhouse kick that sent her attacker sailing backward. He was swift on his feet and got right back up without pause, coming at her again. She head-butted the bastard and heard the sound of his nose breaking from the blow.
Dane suddenly materialized in front of her, snatched up the Rogue by the throat and drove a stake into his heart.
“Dane!” Relief swept through Jenny. He was here, her beautiful dark angel.
“Stay here.” His tone was clipped.
She shivered. He was obviously pissed. Fuck, she was in so much trouble with him. Uneasiness swept through her and fear made her belly clench.
“It appears that our cavalry has arrived.” Marley wiped the blood from her lips—she’d ripped out the throat of the Rogue who attacked her.
“That was close.” Jenny tried to concentrate on her friend’s words but worry over her relationship consumed her.
“Too close.” Marley grinned. “I’m going to help.”
Jenny watched Dmitri and Vitali appear along with a dozen or more shifters, who quickly transformed into their canine forms, their hackles up, teeth gnashing, paws scraping the earth. How did they get here? Rogues stalked forward, their fingers curled into claws, fangs exposed as they prepared to attack. Marley joined Dmitri as the two forces collided.
“Jenny, watch out!” Dane yelled. He shot forward, attacked the Rogue who had sneaked up behind her and slammed him to the ground.
Dane pinned him with his foot, baring his fangs. Jenny watched as he staked the Rogue in the heart. He burst into flames and disintegrated. A split second later, icy fingers closed around her neck in a death grip.
“Dane!” Jenny croaked as she was quickly dragged backward. The Rogue squeezed tighter and black spots appeared before her eyes. She tried to fight off whoever it was cutting off her air supply.
“Don’t fight me, bitch.” His voice was a familiar hiss in her ear. Dane whirled around and took a step in her direction. “Come any closer, Dane, and she dies,” Caiaphas warned.
“Release her.” Dane’s eyes glowed with the full fury of his wrath.
“You killed my mate. It is only fitting that you watch her die.”
“If you hurt Jenny, I swear you’ll wish for death when I’m through with you.”
Caiaphas’ mouth opened wide into a terrifying sneer that made her skin crawl. “I welcome it.”
Dane drew his lips back. “I’m warning you…”
Jenny decided to act when Caiaphas took a step back and his hold suddenly loosened a fraction. She twisted out of his hold and nailed him with a right hook to the jaw. He reached for her again but Dane snatched her out of his reach. Hunters circled around her in a defensive formation and Dane was gone.
“You want a piece of me, Caiaphas, well here I am!” He appeared again in front of his nemesis.
“I plan to take more than a piece.”
The two vampires circled each other. Dane knocked Caiaphas’ feet out from under him. He landed on the ground but quickly recovered. They squared off again before rushing at each other. Dane slammed a fist into Caiaphas’ throat with breathtaking speed. Fast, efficient and without hesitation, he took on his enemy.
“Well, hello, Jenny.” Lucia stood a few yards away, watching the fight with a wicked smile. “Are you ready to die?”
Jenny’s blood seethed with rage over what this vile creature had done to the people she loved, not to mention taking over her mind and seducing her mate. “I believe you have it backward, bitch.”
“Do I? Let’s test that theory.” Her tone was mocking as she bared her fangs.
“She can’t by herself, but I can.” Harris seized Lucia from behind in a chokehold. “Jenny, here. Finish this.” He threw her his blade and Jenny caught it.
“This is for Marley, Harris and Dane, you piece of shit!”
Lucia’s back bowed and blood poured out of her mouth as Jenny drove a large stake through her chest. Marley ran toward them when she spotted her mate and the ancient vampire in his clutches.
“Impossible…” Lucia sputtered as blood spilled down her chin. Harris released his hold, her body ablaze as she dropped to her knees and turned to a pile of ash.
“Harris!” Marley screamed, jumping into his arms.
“Marley.” He buried his face in her hair and hugged her tightly.
“Oh god, I’m so sorry. I hope you know I’d never hurt you on purpose.”
“I know it wasn’t you.” He kissed her deeply.
Jenny mouthed
thank you
as she observed their embrace. She was relieved everything had worked out for them. He nodded, hugging her friend tighter. She hoped the same would be true for her and Dane. She gritted her teeth as worry plagued her.
Where is he?
She spun around to find him and saw that he had Caiaphas on the ground. His Rogues had been eliminated.
The fight was over and they’d won.
Dane never glanced in her direction as he released Caiaphas to two vampires dressed in black. They were different than the others. These vampires’ actions were even more mechanical and without emotion.
She also noticed a tall vampire with dark hair and intense blue eyes observing the events unfold. He wore a strange dragon pendant around his neck, like the one Dane wore, and a woman stood next to him. She was quite beautiful. Her long brown hair was swept back in a ponytail, accentuating her delicate features.
Hmm…I wonder if these are members of the Order Dane spoke of.
Jenny traced closer and stopped several feet away to listen.