Empress Of Wrath, Blood And Desire

Chapter 25: Woman of Wrath

Marcellous Di Capo POV

The sounds of machines beeping around me awaken my senses and my eyes flash open to meet grey ceilings and bright lights.

Fuck.

Quickly I sit up in bed, ignoring the pain that surges through my entire being like a vicious beast clawing at my insides.

We must have gotten in a damn car accident.

"Hey!" I call out as loudly as I can, and one of my soldiers who was stationed at the door enters the room almost immediately. "Where is she? Is she alright?"

He goes rigid, his face clouded with hesitation over something he has to say, sparking my curiosity and concern. "Spit it out. Where the hell is she?" My voice sharpens, anger simmering.

"Boss, there was no sign of her when I got there. Everyone who was with you or following was... they didn't make it."

My pulse spikes as my head whips toward him. "What the hell do you mean?" Damn it. I know what he means, but I don't want to believe it.

"It wasn't an accident. Someone staged it. They took her while you were out-"

My fists clench, the pain in my arms only fueling my fury. I rip out every IV in my arms, ignoring the sting. "Get me out of here," I growl, lifting myself from the bed. But he hesitates, looking hesitant when he should damn well be moving.

"Boss, you're still-"

"I said get me the hell out of here, or I'll tear your throat out." My temper snaps, and I swing myself to the edge of the bed, grabbing the bottle of pills on the tray nearby.

Painkillers. Perfect.

I pop the bottle open, dump four into my hand, and down them without a second thought. I turn to him, my voice a low, menacing drawl. "Get my clothes. They aren't going to walk over here themselves."

He does as I command, handing me my clothes. I rip off the hospital gown, throw on my shirt, and yank on my jeans. The soldier helps with my shoes as I get to my feet. Pain crashes over me like a wave, sharp and relentless, but I stand firm. My head throbs, a dull, insistent ache, but I won't let it stop me.

Not now.

"Get Carlos on the phone and mobilize my soldiers. Tell them to find her." He nods, grabbing my keys and phone before rushing off.

The advantage here is that I own this hospital. I built it. I run it. The police don't have authority over me within these walls.

I take a step toward the door, gritting my teeth as pain slams into me like a violent reminder. The next step is a little better, just bearable enough to push through. But before I can take another, another soldier enters, his eyes clouded with concern.

"I'm fine," I snap, brushing past him. The painkillers begin to kick in, dulling the edges of the agony. "Get me to my car."

He moves to steady me, but I wave him off. "How long have I been here?" I demand, desperate to know how long she's been at risk while I've been sidelined.

"Four hours, Boss."

Fuck me.

"What's your name, soldier?" I ask, catching his gaze for a beat. I know he's one of mine, but I've never bothered to learn his name.

"Evan, boss."

I nod. "Evan, if I don't get to save her within hours, if not sooner, I'll burn this city to the ground. Every last inch of it. You have my word."