“It’s true, Adreona told Lennox. That’s where she gets the people she turns into Dhampirs. She takes them from the streets, or wherever she can. All those disappearances grandfather was looking into? Those were all Adreona and the Panateia.”
He stilled as he tried to make sense of the information. Tried to discern through all the lies he’s been fed for years now.
“She wouldn’t lie to me about that.” His voice lacked conviction.
“You know she would. She just wanted your money, your support. She used whatever means necessary to get that. She used your weakness, she used Este.”
“No, she wouldn’t.” If he wanted to reject the truth in death that was fine by me, but at least he knew. He would die knowing what happened to his daughter.
“I’ll kill you for spewing such lies, about Este! How could you?”
“I think I’ve let you ramble long enough.” I pushed the blade in deeper. “I’ve always wanted to see you bleed.”
“You won’t kill me,” he sneered.
“I will. If my mate has taught me anything—it’s that sometimes it’s okay to shed blood.”
At the mention, another memory surfaced—anotherreason why he deserved to die. “And if I remember correctly—you had a hand in Lennox’s torture while she was in Adreona’s clutches. Yet another reason to watch life leave your eyes!”
“You’re insane!” He bucked against me again. “Don’t do this Luka, you’ll regret it!”
“I might, one day. But right now, I think it will feel pretty fucking good.” I pressed the blade in deeper, delighting in the panic flaring in Lorenzo’s eyes.
“I’m sorry, Luka. I’m sorry!” Fear flashed in his eyes. “I believe you about Este. Let me go and I’ll help you kill Adreona. I’m your uncle, I’m sorry for betraying you. Please, Luka, forgive me and let me go.”
His words had no sway on me, they’d lost their effect on me years ago. “You were never really my family. Even so—I’ve got a much better one behind me now.” I sliced the blade through his throat.
His blood splattered, it was warm against my chilled skin. His eyes widened, the dark pools going glassy.
His lips moved but no words came out.
I let his body fall to the ground with a thud. I stood, my chest heaving, staring at the tree I had pinned him to, the dark stain now marking the bark.
“I don’t forgive you,” I spoke over his lifeless body.
“Luka.”
“I’m fine.” I blinked my eyes several times before turning to face Lennox.
Her face was etched with concern as she searched my face for any signs of regret.
She wouldn’t find any.
Maybe one day I’d regret killing my uncle, but not today. Today—today I felt—relief.
“I’m fine, really. I feel invigorated. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.” In two strides I was to her, myhand gripping the back of her neck as I sealed my lips to hers.
When we parted, we were both panting. “Do you believe me now?”
Her hands fisted in my leathers as she leaned forward and placed another kiss on my lips. “I’m proud of you.”
My chest tightened, but no words came. So I kissed her again.
“Do you want to hear my crazy plan?” she asked between kisses.
“Always.”
58
