Page 81 of Bound by Vengeance
Ronan and Kadence came forward to standbeside Nathan as Roland pulled up the photo. “His eyes,” Kadencewhispered.
“His eyes,” Nathan stated.
Resting his hand on one of the desks, Nathantold them everything that occurred during the day and who Sergeiwas. Kadence’s hand covered her mouth when Roland replayed the lastbit of video they had with Bhavin before his screen went blank.
“Alejandro should be calling in with newsfrom his men in San Francisco soon,” Nathan said.
Ronan’s eyes turned the color of blood as hegazed at the photo of Sergei. Before Ronan could say anything, thephone Nathan purchased on the way here rang. Roland had alreadyhooked the phone up to the computer, and when Nathan leaned overand saw Alejandro’s new number on the screen, he pressed the buttonto answer it.
“Is that your same phone?” Ronan inquired,pulling Kadence closer. “Saxon, go outside and keep watch with theothers.”
Saxon turned and walked out of the traileras Nathan replied to Ronan. “I stopped to buy new phones on our wayhere. I texted the new number to all the other leaders, and you, afew minutes ago.”
Ronan pulled his phone out of his pocket. Helooked at the screen, read the message, and returned the cell asAlejandro’s voice came over the speaker of the computer.
“My men rented a helicopter and are inposition above the stronghold,” Alejandro said. “They’re sending melive footage now. I’ll relay it to you as I get it, but it will beon a delay.”
“That’s fine,” Roland said.
Nathan watched as one of the screensflickered before an aerial view of the San Fran strongholdappeared. The setting sun was still high enough that they couldeasily see the devastation leveled there.
Located on the outskirts of the city, theSan Fran stronghold was the smallest of them all. It encompassedfive acres of land and was the home of two hundred hunters. Thehelicopter buzzed trees and houses as it moved in an ever-wideningpattern around the stronghold.
Most strongholds were set up with theleader’s home being central to the other houses and establishedaround a clearing where they gathered for ceremonies and funerals.San Fran was no different, but it looked like it had been hit by atornado as doors were torn from their hinges and thrown into theclearing. Glass from shattered windows littered the blood-streakedground.
Kadence gasped, but everyone else in thetrailer became rock still when the camera revealed the couple dozencorpses littering the ground. Nathan had expected the worst, butthe confirmation of it was a fist to his gut. He didn’t know ifthey were hunter or vampire corpses, it would be impossible to tellwithout a closer look, but he suspected a combination of thetwo.
“They’re not reporting any more bodiesbelow,” Alejandro said, “but they can’t get a good assessment fromthe sky.”
“Do you want me to send my men in, Nathan?”Alejandro asked.
Nathan contemplated telling Alejandro thatdecision was up to him, they were his men, but they were alsoNathan’s men. Alejandro was their direct leader, buthewasthe one theyallfollowed. If these hunters went into theSan Fran stronghold to learn more and died, he couldn’t pass theresponsibility of their deaths off on Alejandro.
“Yes,” Nathan said. “Send them in. Tell themto be careful, and that I want to see everything theydiscover.”
“Will do,” Alejandro replied.
CHAPTER 36
Vicky left Brian and Abby to wait for herwhen she went to Sister June and Duncan’s home. She explained tothem what happened with Jordan and that Nathan wasn’t with her butothers were. She told Duncan he didn’t have to help her if hedidn’t want to meet any new vampires, or if he felt it better tolet their search go.
“Areyougoing to let it go?” Duncanasked her.
“We only have a few more places to check,”she replied. “I’d like to finish it, even if it is pointless.”
“Nothing is ever pointless,” Sister replied.“Before you two head out, bring your sister here. I’d like to meether.”
“Are you sure?” Vicky inquired.
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll get her.”
Ten minutes later, she returned with Abbyand Brian and introduced them to everyone. The kids all gawked atAbby before looking to Vicky.
“Holy shit! There’s two of them!” Elmoblurted.
“Watch your language, young man!” Sisterscolded.
