Vowed (The Vampire Journals, #7) - Morgan Rice Page 0,54

with this: the vampires here would never expect an attack from within their own island, a human attack from within their own ranks. What she would demand of McCleod would be the ultimate treachery: he would rally his human warriors, with all their silver-tip weapons, surround Aiden’s people, and catch them by surprise. If all went as planned, Aiden’s entire coven would be wiped out by nightfall.

Along, of course, with Caitlin and Caleb.

McCleod would provide a crucial attack on one front. And Kyle and Rynd, at the same time, would attack on another, using their own treachery. With this two-front war, there was no way any of them could escape.

Sera smiled at the thought of it. Finally, she would have vengeance. She would spend hours torturing Caitlin. And then she would make Caleb be hers again—right before she killed him. No one crossed her.

“Leaving so soon?” came a dark voice.

Sera wheeled, startled.

She was shocked. Standing just inches away was McCleod. He was awake. Already. And judging from the vicious look in his now-red eyes, he was fully turned. Somehow, he had managed to cross the room without making a single noise.

Sera had underestimated him. His recovery was quicker than she could have imagined, and he was more nimble on his feet than she would have guessed. She had created a far more powerful vampire than she could have ever predicted. She was at a loss for words.

He smiled back. “You did your job well,” he said.

He lifted his arm and stared at it in awe, slowly squeezing open and shut his fist, admiring his newfound power.

“I’ve never felt such power in my life. Despite years of training, years of sparring. I’ve never felt this quick, this nimble. I feel a thousand times the strength I’ve ever had.” He looked around. “In this room, even in this dim light, I can see so much better. Sharper.” He turned and faced her, his eyes darkening as they locked onto hers.

“I vowed something last night. I owe you something. What is it?” he demanded. “Tell me now, so I can move on with my life. I have wars to wage, kingdoms to conquer.” Sera smiled back, admiring his pugnaciousness.

“But you can’t conquer anything until you first give me what I want,” she reminded, enjoying having him in her power.

He frowned back.

“And what if I don’t? You can’t stop me. I am a vampire now, as powerful as you.”

“Perhaps you are,” Sera retorted, “but I can summon an army of vampires to destroy you in an instant. You can’t run or hide from all of us.”

He stared back at her, and slowly, he seemed to soften, to become slightly less arrogant.

“Then I ask again: what is it you want?”

Sera smiled, relishing the moment. Now she had him exactly where she wanted him.

“Just one small favor, one tiny task. In fact, it is amazing how small it is, given what I just did for you. It will take you but a day, and then you’ll be out of my debt forever.” He stared back impatiently.

“You are going to summon your army of human warriors,” Sera continued. “Everyone in your kingdom, all your best warriors, all who carry silver-tip weapons. All those who are closest to Aiden’s people.”

“And?” he snapped, impatient. “And then what?”

Sera smiled.

“You will order them to attack and kill all of Aiden’s men.” McCleod gasped, speechless. His frown turned into a scowl.

“I would never do such a thing,” he said, outraged. “Aiden trusts me. And I him. We are brothers, warriors-in-arms. They have always been good to me, and I to them. I would never harm them, would never break the warrior code. I will not do it. But ask for something else, and that you shall have.”

Now it was Sera’s turn to scowl.

“I only ask once—and I shall have whatever that thing is. You vowed. You cannot go back.” McCleod suddenly turned and stormed away, heading for the door.

Sera felt all the fury rise through her, the fury and strength not only of her, but also of Kyle, his blood now coursing through her veins. She felt stronger and more powerful than she ever had—and in a deeper rage than she knew possible.

In a single leap, she crossed the room, grabbed McCleod from behind, and slammed him down to the floor, pinning him in a deadly lock.

He squirmed beneath her, but he was unable to move an inch. Clearly, Sera, was far more powerful.

“You’ve been a vampire for a day,” Sera scowled,