Hupotasso (Vampire Bachelor Games #2)

72

72

I watch the shock and sorrow cross their features as the body bags are laid at their feet on the tarmac of the abandoned airfield, and raise my chin to meet their glares.

When I said I’d return Isabel and her parents to The Free Men I hadn’t said in what condition.

“I didn’t kill them,” I reiterate, “but I did return them, as agreed. Where is my mother?”

“Who killed them?” Someone whispers.

“Count Spider Dartlore.”

My mention of his name doesn’t seem to surprise them, and I raise an eyebrow.

“We should shoot his mother,” one of The Free Men says from behind their lead negotiator. “We didn’t specify her condition either.”

“On the contrary,” I narrow my eyes at her, “you very much did specify. And if I don’t receive her back in three seconds, in full health, I’ll kill each and every one of you where you stand.”

“One against seven,” the lead negotiator scowls, “you wouldn’t come out unscathed, monster.”

“Look up.”

They all do, and I smirk as red lines appear in the sky and little red dots appear on each of their chests.

“Armed drones,” I shrug, as the lead negotiator looks back to me, his expression strained as he sees the dots on each of his colleagues. “Can’t miss.”

“Get his mother,” he mutters to the woman who’d suggested shooting her.

She nods, her eyes worried, and strides to one of four black SUVs parked behind them.

I try not to show my relief as she returns with my mother, hands tied, but otherwise looking unruffled. If I didn’t know better I’d say she looks healthier than I’ve seen her in years, but it could just be the difference between her now, and the last time I’d seen her, on her deathbed.

“Darling,” she smiles. “I knew you’d find me.”

I nod once before springing to her and pushing her to the ground to cover her with my body as the people around her collapse into bloodied heaps.

All but one. As I’d planned.

He reaches for his gun, but before he can react the SUVs explode spectacularly, and he falls to the ground, shielding his face from the heat.

Jumping to my feet I look down to where he cowers and shake my head at him.

“You double-crossing vampire prick,” he snarls.

“Yes,” I nod. “But enough of the pleasantries. Where’s my fucking wife?”