Captivated

Luca

I blew out a frustrated breath. “This has been a fucking wild goose chase, Antoine. There’s no sign or smell of Viktor. Maybe we should’ve trusted Angelina’s instincts.”

All we’d discovered was a lesser demon and familiars. They’d been easy to destroy. Sal was about to end the last familiar’s life when its guttural laugh and chilling words sent fear racing to my heart.

“No, you’re right. Viktor isn’t here. And your lives will perish soon enough when your mate’s life is forfeit.”

Sal slammed his fist into its face. “What do you mean, motherfucker?”

The terror we experienced sent ice cold trails of fear straight to our hearts.

“Let down your guards, guys, and contact Angelina. Donna and I will deal with this piece of shit.”

Donna was an accomplished warrior, and we knew we could rely on them to deal with the familiar. We handed it over to Antoine, who sank his fangs into its neck. His mate raked her nails over its chest to add yet more poison to it, sending venom throughout its system. Wails and shrieks filled the air.

“Come on, brother. They have it covered.”

I nodded towards Sal, and together we dropped our block. Just in time, it seemed. Angelina’s message about the children was something only Viktor could dream up.

“Wait for us close to the house when you get there, Angelina. Don’t go in alone. It will take all three of us to end his life in our territory.” Jesus, I hated the terrified sound of my voice.

“How long will you be? Viktor’s not stupid, he’ll realise that I’ll try to contact you.”

“Fifteen minutes.”

“Okay, but if you’re any longer, I’ll have to go in. He’s holding children hostage, Luca. He’s going to pay for this. Diane was going to contact your parents.”

“That’s the last one dead. I’m coming with you.”

I nodded my thanks to Antoine. “Antoine and Donna are coming with us. Please, stay safe until we get there.”

“Okay, but you have to hurry.”

“Ready?” I asked everyone.

We took to the skies and headed with speed to finally finish the demon who’d caused so much disarray in our territory.

There was a heavily wooded area towards the back of the house. We set down in the treetops to survey what was happening. Police had set up cordons. There was a helicopter hovering in the air, and armed police ready to try and take out the enemy. I laughed bitterly. If only they realised what they were up against.

“I can sense eight humans, along with four lesser demons, and fifteen familiars,” Donna informed us.

“Angelina,” Sal and I called out to her.

The soft flapping of wings came from above and she alighted between us.

“Here,” she murmured.

The relief I felt in that moment flooded me. Thank God she hadn’t gone in single-handed.

“We have a whole lifetime ahead of us. I wasn’t about to jeopardise our happiness by trying to deal with this alone… even though I really wanted to.”

“Sons, we require an update.”

Our father’s serious tone cut through the silence.

“We’re in the trees behind the house. Eight hostages, four demons, and fifteen familiars are inside.”

My father swore loudly. I’d never heard him so angry before.

“Karl, Lilah, and Sacha should be with you shortly. We have other Hybrids on standby, but that should suffice for now.”

I was grateful for the backup; we had the best support. Each one of them were badass, legends in their own right.

“We need a plan and fast.” Antoine’s words cut through my contemplation.

With our presence cloaked, we were also able to communicate without being heard by anyone.

“We need a distraction. I have an idea.”

I wasn’t certain if I wanted to hear Angelina’s plan because I had a notion where it would be heading.