Captivated
ChapterFourteen
Salvatore
Once our father returned with Angelina, our parents decided they must head back and inform the council about what had happened. Our mate looked weary and distressed. Her apprehension beat at us.
Two unmated Hybrids were on their way over to patrol the grounds and surrounding area. I wouldn’t put it past Viktor to try some tactics to unnerve us and make us vulnerable. No demon could enter our home and grounds, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t wait just beyond on the off chance he could catch us unawares. Much like Viktor had done a few weeks ago.
“Diane and Michael are in danger now because of me, aren’t they?”
Angelina’s guilt-ridden words hurt us just a little more.
“We realise you think you’re to blame for this. That is not the case, Angelina. Viktor is desperate now, and that is why he’s carrying out such vile acts. This asshole is the only guilty one.”
“Sal’s right, bella. Please, you are upset enough. Don’t let him get under your skin.”
“When do we have to get back to the apartment?” Her voice was small. She wrung her hands in distress.
“Antoine and Karl have finished in your apartment. They will wait there for us. Lilah and Sacha will protect Diane and Michael in our absence.”
“I can’t stand the pain she’s going through. I don’t know how to make this better.”
Luca was voicing exactly what I was pondering. “We just have to treat her with love and kindness. And support her any way we can.”
Angelina stood up. “Can we do it now? I… want to get this over with.”
I exchanged glances with Luca. He inclined his head.
“We can leave it a little longer if you…”
She held up her hand to silence me. “No. If I don’t do it now. I never will.”
* * *
Angelina
Going back to that apartment was one of the worst things I’d ever had to deal with. The door appeared to have been forced open. It was strange to go inside the eerily quiet and clean apartment, which, only a few short hours before, had been like a scene from a slasher movie. I stood in the hallway, trembling from head to toe.
“Jake is in the living room. He has a gunshot to the chest. It will look as if he disturbed the burglars,” Antoine explained to me. “Cassie is in the bedroom. She’s lying on top of the bed with a single shot to her head. As if she’d just got out of bed to check on what had happened to Jake and was shot before she could reach the door.”
My heart was in my mouth and tears spilled from my eyes. Even though the scene wouldn’t be as horrific as before, it would still be distressing.
“Sorry that you have to face this,” Antoine said with sadness. “But it has to appear as if they caught the burglars in the act.”
His tone was respectful and sincere. Under different circumstances, I’d have liked to chat with him. He had very short, dark brown hair, and intense crystal blue eyes. He was bigger built than Luca or Salvatore, and just over six feet tall. His arms were covered in tattoos. Designer stubble hugged his chiselled jaw. Very handsome.
“Hey, we can hear your thoughts about our friend. He’s already mated to Donna. You’ll get to meet her soon.”
Even though I was sad, a soft smile crossed my lips. “Luca, don’t get all jealous. He’s hot, but not my type.”
I brushed a caress across their minds.
“Thank you, Antoine.” I reached over and hugged him.
“Anytime. I am so very sorry.” He squeezed my shoulder and left.
“Would you rather stay in the hall?” Salvatore’s voice startled me out of my reverie.
“I… I’d like to see them.”
They took hold of my hands and we entered the living room. The room was a mess. Sofa cushions on the floor and drawers pulled out. Jake’s body was close to the kitchen door, one single bullet wound in his chest. I sobbed hard and was immediately surrounded by the love and warmth of my two mates.
“Are you certain you want to see Cassie?” Luca asked.
I nodded, unable to form words. Cassie’s body lay on top of the covers. Again, there was one solitary bullet wound, this time in her forehead. The room was wrecked, though. Cassie’s jewellery box lay broken on the floor. Her handbag had contents scattered around and her purse lay empty beside it.
My tears fell again. Obviously, I wasn’t done crying just yet. My heart burned and my tears turned into wails as my two mates held me between them.
“Can you go into the living room and make the call? I just want a few moments alone with her. Please.”
Neither appeared happy with my request but went anyway. For long moments, I looked at my best friend, reflecting on all the wonderful times we’d spent together, and the memories we’d shared. I made a silent vow to ensure their souls were returned. I wanted Viktor’s black heart for this. Needed to rip it from his chest and squeeze the last few heartbeats from it. And I would. Nothing would prevent me from getting my revenge for what he’d done.
* * *