Page 80 of Bound by Vengeance
Logan hesitated before offering her a smallsmile. “It’s good to see you, Kadence.”
She smiled back at him, but though Loganseemed to mean this, Ronan didn’t relax.
“It will be easier to show you what’s goingon while I explain it,” Nathan said to Ronan.
Ronan hesitated before lowering his hand.When Kadence stepped into the room, Ronan slid his arm around herwaist and cradled her protectively against his side.
“I’ll tear apart anyone who fucks with uswhile we’re here,” Ronan stated.
“No one will bother you,” Nathan vowed.“This way.”
Asher and Logan hung back to allow Ronan andKadence to fall into step beside Nathan. Together, they walkedacross the restaurant and out the doors opening onto the patio.Nathan barely glanced at the covered pool and the ocean beyond.Night had descended, but clouds obscured the stars and moon. Somehunters remained outside, mainly the elders and males who were onhigh alert, but a few women loitered.
Most of the women and children were settlinginto the enormous ballroom. He’d set some hunters to work onremoving the beds from the hotel rooms and setting them up inthere. Until they were somewhere safer, he wanted everyone togetherand in a place with various exits. The ballroom was perfect.
Most of the male hunters had already met thevampires while hunting with them, but the elders hadn’t, and theycouldn’t contain their curiosity as Nathan led the vamps across thepatio. Most of the hunters also hadn’t seen Kadence since shechanged. She looked and moved the same, but they all knew shewasn’t mortal.
He didn’t expect anyone to say anything rudeto her, but that didn’t stop them from gawking or, in a fewinstances, scowling. However, they all looked away from Ronan’sscathing glare.
Nathan led them around the side of thebuilding and toward the only trailer they’d had time to bring withthem. Opening the door, Nathan climbed into a space cramped by thenumerous computers filling the entire front of the trailer. Theblue glow of the screens and the light fixture on the ceiling overRoland dimly lit the interior.
Roland was at the computers as he worked tore-establish a connection with the remaining strongholds, whileblocking any possible way for someone to trace them, or the otherstrongholds, to their new location.
Lucien and Killean remained outside thetrailer, keeping guard, but the others crowded in behind Nathan.With so many large bodies crammed inside, the small space became asardine can. A can that heated up fast. Sweat slid down Nathan’sneck as he walked over to stand behind Roland.
Roland glanced back and froze when hespotted Kadence. Roland ignored Ronan’s unrelenting stare as thehead of security gazed disapprovingly at her.
“Kadence,” he greeted.
She smiled shyly and gave him a smallwave.
“You should have told me about theweaknesses in the security system,” Roland scolded, and Kadencewinced.
“I hope I didn’t get you in trouble,” sheapologized.
“Hmm,” Roland grunted.
“I am sorry. Not about escaping, but that itwas on your watch.”
“Hmm.”
“If it helps, it took me a long time tofigure it out.”
“I do remember we hadnumerousconversations.”
Kadence recoiled from his words. “I didn’tsit with you all those times because I planned to breakout. I didit because I enjoyed your stories, and few others would talk to meabout what the hunters did outside our walls. I considered you myfriend, but after my dad….”
Kadence spread her hands before her. “Ididn’t feel like I had a choice. I had to see Joseph die, and Iwillbe there when it happens. And honestly, I was tired ofbeing held back simply because I’m a woman.”
Kadence had been repentant when she startedspeaking, but by the end, her chin was high and defiance blazedfrom her eyes.
Roland stared at her before patting theprosthetic leg he wore. “I understand about resenting things youcan’t change.” Roland turned away to focus on the computer screensonce more. “I have to admit, I was a little impressed with youringenuity.”
Kadence’s smile lit her eyes. “Just alittle?”
“Hmm,” Roland grunted again as his fingersflew over the keys, and Kadence chuckled.
“Bring up the photo of Sergei,” Nathan saidto Roland.
