Zone Zero: Vengeance (Book 3 of 3)

Chapter 5

Cail's glistening eyes scan our group quickly and then fall solely to me. He assesses me in a tactical way as though he is trying to accomplish something. But what?

Either he wants me dead in the most painful of ways or he wants me alive for something far worse. I cringe inwardly at the thought and try to push it from my mind as I stand to my full height with defiance on my mind.

"What are you doing here?" He asks only to me.

"I could ask you the same question. Shouldn't you be in Ireland?" I respond coldly.

Cail's mouth twitches upwards into a large grin as he leans forward on the stone banister.

"So should you but it looks like great minds think alike."

I break our shared gaze and scan my surroundings when footsteps are heard in the darkness. It is a group of collective footsteps but the identity of them remain unknown.

The sound comes closer until our other group of vampires, led by Imani and Tariq step into view. Luther and his remaining group must still be outside in position and waiting for our signal. A signal that now, will never come.

The small group is being escorted by some unknown faces but Giselle's is still missing. As realisation sets in I feel a wave of raw emotion ripple through me. Anger and rage dance side by side with terror and regret. How could I not see this outcome happening?

"Ah, the rest of your troops have arrived. Safely of course." Cail stands tall again before beckoning someone to step forward out of the shadows.

I already know who it will be and find myself wanting to look away but I don't. I force myself to watch as Giselle in all of her beauty steps out of the darkness and takes her place next to Cail. But what I wasn't expecting to see was the sheer terror on her face.

My brows crease in confusion as I share a small look with Alex. He is just as confused as I am. She clearly betrayed us so why is she so terrified? Does she think we will kill her or is it something more?

"Giselle here told me all about your little tactic. I must say I am impressed. Did you come up with it yourself Evie or did my brother help you?" Cail asks as he begins to take off his suit jacket and roll up the sleeves of his white button-up shirt.

"Together actually. Everything we do, we do as equals." Alex says, entering the conversation. I smile as he speaks but begin to notice movement in the shadows.

"Equals, huh? I suppose that you could be considered that even though you are so young. You definitely make things interesting whenever you are around Evette." Cail's lips are still turned upward but this time they showcase a softer and more genuine smile. Almost kind in a way.

"Ah, but I digress. We were on the subject of Giselle and her betrayal." Cail turns to Giselle as he speaks and the fear in her eyes doubles. She isn't afraid of us and how we would react to her betrayal. She is afraid of Cail and what he will do to her now.

Suddenly Giselle breaks her gaze with Cail and throws herself toward the bannister to lock eyes with me.

"I didn't tell him willingly. He commanded me to do it, Evie. You can't disobey a command from your maker. It's physically impossible. Please, I'm so sorry."

Her fingers are pressing tight into the stonework as she pleads with me about what really transpired. I myself know just how hard it is not to succumb to an order from your maker so I can't even begin to be mad at her.

I give her a soft smile and nod as the worry on her face begins to fade.

I forgive her. I have to. She was only doing what her maker commanded.