Chapter 33

Chapter Thirty-Three

Angelo

As the coroner prepared to remove the body, Detective Flanagan wasted no time in deploying his men to scour the grounds of the Santi estate. With a series of barked orders, he sent them haring off in all directions, their eyes keen and their movements precise as they began their search for any shred of evidence that might link me to Emily's death. I watched them carefully, a sense of relief washing over me as I noted the glazed look in their eyes—a telltale sign that my earlier compulsion was still firmly in place.

Despite the countless pictures of Serenity they had undoubtedly seen, they would look right at her without a flicker of recognition. It was a necessary precaution, one that would keep her safe from their scrutiny, at least for now. The thought of them recognizing her, of them trying to take her away from me, actually put an icy fear in my heart. I hadn't experienced fear for centuries. She was mine and I would kill anyone who tried to take her from me.

Surprisingly, Flanagan insisted that Tarus and Rankin remain in the foyer. I couldn't help but wonder if they were working with the police and that their true purpose here was to observe my reactions, to catch any tiny flicker of unease or infinitesimal hint of guilt that might cross my features.

As the next couple of hours ticked by, I carefully maintained an air of calm detachment, even as the sound of footsteps and the occasional murmur of voices echoed throughout the halls. The detective's men were very thorough, leaving no room unsearched, no potential hiding place unexplored. They rifled through drawers, peered behind furniture, even tapped on walls, clearly hoping to uncover a hidden compartment or secret passage.

But just as I had anticipated, their painstaking efforts yielded nothing. There was no evidence to be found, no smoking gun that could tie me to the crime. I had been meticulous in all my dealings, always careful to keep my hands squeaky clean and my tracks well covered.

Eventually, their search led them to my bedroom, where Serenity still lay sleeping. I refused to stay back and hovered over them as they entered. Watching her sleep, a momentary calm washed over me—the rage and tension that had been simmering inside me temporarily stilled. Elena had tenderly washed her face, and with her blonde hair fanned out across the pillow, she looked serenely peaceful, like Sleeping Beauty herself.

A fierce protectiveness surged through me, tightening my jaw and clenching my fists at my sides. I silently vowed that if they dared to disturb her peace, none of them would walk out of that bedroom alive.

Elena glared at the detectives and put her hands on her hips. "What is the meaning of this interruption, messieurs ? The little mademoiselle isn't feeling well and should not be disturbed."

One of the detectives frowned and gestured toward Serenity. "What's wrong with her?"

As the men approached the bed, Elena stepped forward, her posture protective and her voice getting even more firm. "If you must know, she gets les migraines and did not sleep last night." Elena flicked her hands at them. " S'il vous pla?tes , leave."

The officers exchanged glances, perhaps weighing the wisdom of challenging the older but formidable woman who stood before them.

In the end, they chose to retreat, unwilling to push the issue further. As they begrudgingly filed out of the room, I caught Elena's eye, silently conveying my gratitude for her quick thinking and unwavering loyalty.

As the search wound down and the officers began to reassemble in the foyer, the frustration on Detective Flanagan's face grew more apparent. Despite his best efforts, he had found absolutely nothing to support his suspicions, not one shred of evidence. It was a small victory, but one that I savored, even though I had no doubt Detective Flanagan would return soon, armed with a search warrant.

Once the detective and his team had departed, I turned my attention to Keir and Costin, my gaze hardening as I studied their expressions.

"Now why don't you two tell me the real reason you're here? And please spare me the fairy tale about overhearing the commotion. One of you tipped off the police. I want to know why."

Costin met my accusation with an unwavering stare, his voice dripping with self-righteousness. "A gentleman has to fulfill his civic duty, Angelo. Surely you can understand that."

The urge to wrap my hands around the headmaster's throat was nearly overwhelming, but I kept my arms firmly at my sides, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me lose control. "I didn't kill her," I said through grit teeth, my jaw muscles twitching from the effort of containing my anger. I could feel the heat of my fury rising within me, my heart pounding in my ribcage as I fought to maintain my composure. My eyes drew to slits as I wished for all the world I could shoot lasers into the headmaster's eye sockets, melting his head like steel.

A slow, calculating smile spread across Costin's face. "So you say, Angelo. But let's not forget, this is the fourth victim. Dracula will undoubtedly learn of these events at this point, and then it's only a matter of time before he descends upon New Orleans." His gaze swept over my home, taking in every detail. "Tell me, did the Nephilim really destroy your home and then repair it again? Remarkable."

I met his question with a humorless chuckle. "Why bother asking when you already know the answer, Costin?"

The headmaster's eyes glittered with malice. "Perhaps I simply want to hear you admit it, Angelo. The power of the Nephilim is not to be taken lightly—here you stand, your home miraculously restored. One can only imagine the heady implications."

I stood my ground, refusing to be baited by his insinuations. "The only thing not to be taken lightly here is that you've chosen to involve yourself in matters that don't concern you, Costin. I suggest you tread very carefully, or you may find yourself in over your head."

Keir, who had remained silent thus far, stepped forward, his face a neutral mask. "We're not here to make threats, Angelo. But you must understand the gravity of the situation. If Dracula comes to New Orleans, the consequences could be dire, not just for you but for all of us."

I met Keir's gaze head-on. "Then perhaps it's time we stopped playing games and started working together to find a solution."

Costin glanced at his watch, then gave me a cool, calculating look. "I'm afraid I must take my leave, Angelo. Classes at Red Rose will be breaking for lunch soon, and there are matters there that demand my attention."

As he spoke, his dark eyes glittered with an unsettling intensity, and for a brief moment something flashed behind them—a warning, or perhaps a promise of things to come. A power unlike anything I had encountered since my turning in Italy flowed from him, causing me to instinctively take a step back. The air around us crackled, and I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.

Costin Tarus was an ancient vampire, centuries older than myself, but I had never thought he was anything like Vlad. Suddenly, however, I found myself wondering if he was as powerful as my maker.

I clenched my jaw, fighting the urge to demand answers from him. The mysterious power radiating from him only added to the growing list of inexplicable events that had transpired since Serenity's arrival. But as much as I wanted to unravel all his secrets, I knew that time was of the essence.

My heartrate spiked as I thought of Serenity, still vulnerable and weakened by the stone's power. The memory of her lifeless body in my arms was still painfully fresh, and the fear of losing her again gnawed at my insides like a ravenous beast.

"Listen, Costin," I hissed, my voice low and urgent. "I don't have time for games. Serenity is up there, and I need to make sure she's all right. If there's something you know, something that can help us, you need to tell me now."

He regarded me silently for a moment, his expression unreadable. His lips curved into a thin, enigmatic smile. "Indeed, Angelo. There are forces at work here that you cannot begin to comprehend. Forces that were already in motion long before you or I walked this earth." With those cryptic words, he started to head for the exit.

"I don't care about ancient forces or hidden agendas," I growled, taking a step toward Costin. "All I care about is protecting the people I love. Right now, that means protecting Serenity. So either help me or get out of my way."

Costin's lips twitched, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Very well, Angelo. Go to your Nephilim. But know that this is only the beginning. The path ahead is fraught with danger, and the choices you make will have far- reaching consequences." Then he bowed slightly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must return to the academy." He strode out the door, his heels loud in the foyer.

I shut the door after Costin left and turned to Keir. "All right. Why are you here? Do you have news on who has been murdering the girls?"

"No…but I do have news about Jacques' death." Keir's words hung in the air, a mixture of solemnity and smug self-satisfaction in his tone.

I exchanged a wary glance with Enzo; the ache of Jacques' death was still raw in our hearts.

"And?" I prompted testily.

"My sources tell me there's a new player in town," Keir continued, his eyes sparkling. "Someone who has a score to settle."

My muscles tensed as I fought to keep my frustration in check. I fixed Keir with a hard stare as I leaned forward, invading his personal space. "My patience is wearing thin, Keir," I growled, my lips curling back slightly and baring my fangs. "If you have information, just spit it out."

Keir leaned forward, his voice lowered conspiratorially. "I've discovered that you have a traitor among your people, Angelo. Someone within your own organization is responsible for Jacques' death."

My blood ran cold. A traitor in the Santi family? The thought was almost too much to bear. I looked at Enzo and saw my own shock and disbelief mirrored in his eyes.

"A traitor?" I echoed blankly.

"Yes. Someone close to you, someone you trust, has been working against you," Keir continued, his tone grave. "My sources suggest this person's ultimate goal is to take over the Santi family, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that end."

A sickening wave of anger and betrayal washed over me. The idea that one of my own would turn against me, against the family, was a blow that struck at the very heart of everything I held dear.

Enzo, ever pragmatic, jumped in. "Do you have any proof of this, Keir? And any idea who the traitor might be?"

Keir shook his head. "Not yet, but I'm working on it. I thought it was important to bring this to your attention as soon as possible, so you could take the necessary precautions."

My mind raced, trying to piece together the puzzle. Who among my trusted inner circle would be capable of such treachery? And how long had this betrayal been going on right under my nose?

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the rage boiling within me. "Are you going to tell me the name of this source?"

He chuckled. "No. But they're very reliable. The threat of torture and possible death tends to be effective."

He wasn't wrong. The dark Fae were notorious torturers. The threat of being subjected to their methods would send even the toughest vampire into hiding.

Serenity's sweet face swam in front of my eyes, and my gut tightened. "I have one more question, Keir. Does this involve?—"

Keir cut me off. "Your Nephilim? Yes. I'd keep her close, Angelo. My informant hinted that if the Nephilim was captured, it would be the end of your reign."

My heart clenched at the thought of Serenity being used as a pawn in this twisted game. I would do anything to keep her out of this and safe from those who sought to harm her.

"We'll need to investigate these allegations fully," I said, my jaw clenching so hard I could feel my teeth grinding together. I took a deep breath, trying to rein in the white-hot rage charging through my veins. "We can't let the traitor know we're onto them." The vein in my temple started throbbing from the barely contained fury that threatened to consume me.

Enzo nodded in agreement. "We'll have to be observant, watch for any whiff of disloyalty or suspicious behavior."

Uncovering the traitor could be difficult, and a sense of unease gripped me like a fist as one name kept coming to mind—Dimitri. The thought of confronting him, of accusing him of betrayal, filled me with a sense of dread. It would put me at odds with my sister again too. She would never forgive me. But if he was the one responsible for Jacques' death and represented a threat to Serenity, I knew I would have to face him, no matter the cost. I didn't shrink from my responsibilities. That's why I was head of this family.

I turned back to Keir, my voice low and dangerous. "If your information is true, Keir, and it leads us to the traitor, I'll be in your debt. But if this is just some attempt to sow discord within my family, you'll wish you'd never set foot in New Orleans."

Keir held up his hands in a gesture of appeal. "I assure you, Angelo, my information is sound. I would have no reason to deceive you, not when the stakes are this high."

I escorted him to the front door and opened it. Then I gave him a long, measured look before finally nodding. "We'll see. Keep me informed of any new developments and watch your back. If the traitor thinks you're onto him, you could be next on their hit list."

With that, Keir quietly left. If his information was true, I would owe him.

I turned to Enzo, my eyes steely with resolve. "We'll start with Dimitri. I want eyes on him at all times, and I want to know every single move he makes."

Enzo's face darkened, a shadow of concern passing over his features. "Dimitri? You really think he's the traitor?"

I nodded grimly. "He's had a history of playing both sides. Remember when he was supposedly aligned with his father and Grayson Allen, who were planning to overthrow King Nico?"

"Yes…but didn't it turn out in the end that he had been feeding information to his brother Valentin and his mate, Rose, the whole time?"

"Exactly," I said, my jaw clenching. "And now I'm wondering if he's doing the same to us."

Enzo's gaze sharpened, his focus intensifying. "You think he might be working with our enemies while pretending to be on our side?"

"It's certainly a possibility we can't ignore," I muttered grimly. "If he's the traitor, we'll find out and deal with him accordingly."

Enzo met my gaze, his expression hardening to match my own. "Don't worry, Angelo. I'll put our best men on it. We'll watch him like hawks for any suspicious moves and get to the bottom of this. One way or another, we'll find out the truth."

"Good. Be vigilant." I clasped Enzo's shoulder, my grip firm. Gianna might never forgive me for this, but if Dimitri was the traitor, it meant he didn't truly love my sister…and he'd pay with his life.