CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

“Looks like my night just got better. Three for the price of one.”

I clenched my fists as I heard his voice coming from behind me. The moment I’d opened my door, I knew he was close. A moment of defeat washed over me as I turned to face Renzo, and then straightened and prepared myself for what was either going to be my death or his. There was movement all around us, and I knew he wasn’t alone. I looked to Athan and realized he too had become rigid, readying himself for a fight.

“Calla, you need to get in the house now,” I barked just as Shauna opened the door. Renzo was closing in. I didn’t know what he had planned, but if Calla was safe inside a house he couldn’t get into, I knew I could focus more. I’d fight him before I let him burn the place down.

“She can try, but she won’t make it.”

“Mom, close the door and don’t let anyone in,” Calla yelled toward the front door.

“What’s going on?” Shauna asked. “Who are all these men?”

“Now!” I hissed. “Close the fucking door, Shauna.”

She didn’t hesitate or question further. Instead, the door slammed, and all of my attention went back on Renzo who was slowly walking toward us.

“We can get in the car and drive off,” Athan suggested.

“I’m not leaving my mother alone with a yard full of vampires,” Calla retorted.

“Then we fight to the death,” Athan countered.

“Are you with us?” I asked. Athan was either going to help me or finish a plan for Renzo. I hoped, after all this time, that he wasn’t my enemy.

Athan turned his head toward me. “Of course I am.”

Finally, every vampire came into view. We were outnumbered ten to three. I didn’t recognize any of them, and I’d never killed or fought a vampire before. When I was in Chicago, we trained, but we never actually killed another one of our species.

“Calla, get in the car,” I ordered.

“I’m not getting in the car, Draven.”

“Please?”

“No.”

Renzo laughed. “Fiery one. I like her, though she smells like a Fledgling. She your lover?”

I stared him down, not answering his question. “Why are you here?”

“I came for my grandson.”

“Your grandson is dead,” Athan stated.

“And why should I take your word, Athan?” Renzo hissed Athan’s name in disdain.

“Fine. Don’t,” Athan clipped. “But what about Donovan? That’s why you’re here, right?”

Renzo blinked. “Don’t tell me why I’m here!”

Athan laughed, but before he could say anything further, I said, “Renzo, just take me. Forget about the O’Bannion’s and take me. I’ll go back and do whatever you want.”

“No!” Calla shouted.

Renzo grinned. “The past always catches up to you, doesn’t it? I knew I’d find you eventually.”

“Have you been looking?” Athan asked.

Renzo tsked. “Doesn’t matter if I was or wasn’t. The fact is, you’re standing in front of me now. It also appears as though one of you turned this girl.” He cocked his head slightly as though he was listening for something and then he said, “And she’s pregnant.”

“She doesn’t concern you,” I snapped. Fear coursed through my body at his realization that Calla was pregnant.

“But she does. My grandson lives in this house, and since she called the lady, who opened the door, Mom, I’m going to assume she’s my great-granddaughter, and therefore, I’m taking her and her baby.”

“Over my dead body,” I growled.

“Don’t tempt me, Draven.”

“The one you came for is dead, Renzo. Your boy Donovan killed him and fled,” Athan interjected.

“I’m not taking your word for it. I’m not naïve, Athan.”

Athan chuckled. “Okay, but you’re not getting Calla.”

“Exactly,” I muttered.

Renzo laughed, throwing his head back. “I do whatever the fuck I want to do.”