Heart of Pains

Chapter Eighteen

Hannah:

Going underground after a long while is like revisiting the past that's always waiting for you in the night. I would've told Annabella to come, but Silver kills their kind and I don't want anything to happen to her. So, I went alone, even though I knew there was a vampire coven always ready to protect me.

Kane Alberto, my deceased father's former best friend has stripped away 99% of my life because of his insatiable greed. Because of him, my children are out there, hiding from the world while I'm here, and their future depends on my success.

When Kane caught sight of me, he smirked and walked over towards me.

"Hannah Spike," he said coldly. I masked my emotions as I watched my enemy carefully. "I sent the message."

I continued to look back at him coolly, making sure to show no outward emotion.

"Yes, you did. Now why am I here?"

"You murdered one of my men in cold blood, cut his head, and hung it in my forest as a message," he replied calmly. "You always did love the sight of blood."

"I don't have time for games, so cut to the chase, Mr. Alberto," I said, feigning a yawn to show my boredom. "We don't have to spend the whole night listening to stories that don't touch the heart."

He rolled his eyes at me.

"I can see you're always cutting to the chase," he retorted. "You found a chase and now you're giving a speech on how to say your last prayer. But here's the thing, somebody is dying today."

"On whose terms?" I questioned and he blanched. I continued as if I hadn't noticed him turn pale. "Anyway, we all know how it works. Whether there's peace or not, there's always blood. But you think I've lost my touch. But look at me, I'm surrounded by supernatural creatures who bow down to me. And with just one word, they'd be ready to cause trouble in the world. So yes, I have power, but I came here to fight you with none. After saying this, I know you're going to shoot me, but you want me to hand the throne over to you by signing the papers first. But you should know better than to think I won't fight. Either way, you're still going to die. Do you understand me?"

He pulled his pistol out of his pocket and turned the safety off. He pointed it at me, giving me a mocking smile. The cold metal of the mouth of the gun was inches away from my head. But I stared at him, unblinkingly and unafraid.

"You're so easy to predict, Hannah. Why is that? You think I'll allow you to be the queen?" Kane said.

"Yes," I replied. "Because you're stupid." As he continued his rant, I prayed for time to pass. Suddenly, he struck my ribs with the butt of his gun, but I felt no pain. If anything, it was a relief.

"I set him up," he confessed. "Of course, he trusted me with his life, Hannah. So, I made him be at the wrong place at the right time. That's what killed him—a business transaction. And that's what's going to kill you."

He went on, expressing his hatred for my father and how he had given him everything, including the woman he loved. I couldn't comprehend how he could repay such goodness with evil. I stopped him with a hand, making him narrow his eyes at me.

"Why, uncle?" I questioned, my voice steady despite the blood pooling in my mouth.

In response, he delivered a hard punch to my jaw, causing more blood to spew forth. But unsurprisingly I felt no pain. It was a relief.

"Don't call me that. And I've always hated him. My father gave him all the credit while I had nothing. I watched as he consumed everything I had, even in death. My father praised him, missed him, and loved him. But I'll always be a son of a bitch. I sold my soul to the devil, and he repaid me by setting the damn building on fire. He died while saving you, but little did he know that you would die the same way," he taunted.

"No, uncle, I won't," I replied coldly, ignoring the searing pain in my ribs and my fractured jaw. All I could see was blood, and all I could feel was rage. "Honestly, I died the day I saw that fire. When I heard the tortured screams of my father in pain. I died because I could no longer call him Dad. But now, I'll avenge his death, and take revenge on anyone who had a hand in it."

He smirked and slowly pulled the trigger, but the shot never came. Instead, what happened next was unexpected.

"Hands on your head, Mr. Kane," a voice commanded. "You're under arrest for kidnapping and attempted murder. Anything you say or do will be used against you in a court of law."

"Daughter of a bitch," he cursed.

"Sorry, you forgot to check my teeth, Uncle Kane," I said with my eyes regarding him coldly.

I realized he had no chance anymore. Someone would surely shut him up. He was then dragged against the wall of the room, handcuffed, and defeated. A couple of the officers released me from the chair, and I stood up, wincing from the pain of my ribs and jaw.

"Please, let's take you to the hospital to treat your injuries," one of them said.

I shook my head firmly.

"No, prepare my jet. I'm going back to Australia. Send the information to everyone, and take my jacket. It contains enough evidence to lock him up for life. I'll even send my men with you to ensure that he doesn't escape. I'll see you all in New York City soon," I declared.

"Okay, ma'am," they replied.

I limped toward the waiting vehicle, having endured three days of being kidnapped with no food. God help me, I had no appetite. In no time, I found myself on my way to Australia, not even bothering to shower or tend to my injuries. I was still soaked in my own blood when I stood in front of my doorstep. Annabella, having caught my scent, opened the door before I even had a chance to knock. She helped me to my room.

"Where are the guys?" I asked, my voice croaking due to dehydration.

"Dean's in my room, but I'm not sure about Damien. Maybe he's with the kids, so don't worry, they're safe," she reassured me.

But as we opened the door, I saw Damien, who looked up when he saw us. Noticing my injuries, his eyes widened in horror. He ran toward me and I groaned, knowing I was in for it.

"Shit. Here we go."

"Hannah! What the fuck happened to you?!" he exclaimed, his eyes roaming my injuries with wide, horrified eyes. I turned to Annabella.

"Why couldn't he be with my kids?" I questioned, frustration evident in my voice.

"I don't know," she replied.

I rolled my eyes at the statement.

"Whatever. Now, knock him out. He needs to forget everything," I command.

Annabella obeyed immediately, delivering a solid punch to Damien's face, and knocking him out cold.