Chapter 41

Chapter Forty-One

Dimitri

I held Gianna's hand as we walked down Bourbon Street, the warmth of her skin a stark contrast to the cool night air. I felt like a king with my queen, the revelry of Mardi Gras swirling around us in a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Everything was perfect until a familiar scent hit me like a punch to the gut—wet dog and danger.

My muscles tensed as I glanced over my shoulder, trying to keep my movements casual. Three men dressed as executioners followed us, their movements too purposeful to be random partygoers. They had swords at their hips, and I knew immediately they were real. My jaw clenched as I fought back a growl.

"Gianna, move," I hissed, my fingers tightening around hers .

"What?" She looked at me, her face paling beneath her mask. I could hear her heart rate spike. "What's wrong?"

"Move!" I hissed, seizing her hand. With a swift, forceful tug, I pulled her in front of me, positioning my body as a shield between her and our pursuers. We plunged deeper into the sea of revelers, the once-festive Mardi Gras chaos now a suffocating blanket of noise. The blaring jazz and drunken laughter that had seemed so jovial moments ago now felt sinister, obscuring any telltale sounds of the wolf shifters on our tail.

I glanced over my shoulder. The men had picked up speed, moving faster than any humans should be able to. They bumped into people, leaving a wake of confused and angry revelers. Definitely wolves.

"Dimitri, the wolves. They're here," Gianna gasped, her voice tight with fear. She squeezed my hand so hard it would have hurt if I were human.

As I maneuvered us through the crowd, self-loathing washed over me. How stupid could I have been? I never should have left the compound of Crescent Manor. Now, Gianna was in danger, and it was all my fault. I wasn't sure I was strong enough to fight them, but I'd be damned if I let them harm one hair on her head.

I pulled her down a side street, the buildings looming ominously around us. The sounds of pursuit grew closer, sending a chill down my spine.

Fear glistened in Gianna's eyes as recognition dawned. "No, Dimitri. These are the warehouses. The mirror... "

I grabbed her shoulders, my fingers digging into her flesh. "You need to shift into?—"

She shook her head vehemently. "I'm not leaving you."

"Damn it, Gianna! This isn't a debate."

My eyes darted around, desperately seeking an escape route. The alley to our left? No, too narrow. The fire escape? Too slow. My gaze landed on a dilapidated warehouse across the street. It wasn't ideal, but it was our best shot.

"Go, now," I growled, my voice laced with urgency and fear I couldn't quite mask.

The wolves rounded the corner, their executioner masks somehow more menacing in the dim light. I quickly assessed our opponents: six of them, all built like linebackers, moving with predatory grace. The leader's eyes gleamed with murderous intent, sending a chill down my spine.

There wasn't time for more arguing. I stopped Gianna up and tossed her over my shoulder, her surprised yelp cutting through the air. I darted across the street, the world blurring around us as I pushed my vampire speed to the limits.

Drawing on vampire speed, I kicked down the warehouse door, the wood splintering under my foot. Pain shot through my leg—I'd used more force than necessary in my panic—but I ignored it. I set Gianna down inside, my eyes scanning the shadows for immediate threats.

"Hide," I whispered, pushing her towards a stack of crates. "If I fall, you shift and run. No arguments."

Gianna backed up, her eyes wide with terror. "Dimitri," she whispered. "There's too many of them. We need to go now." She pulled on my arm, her nails digging into my skin.

"Go. Now," I snarled, pushing her behind me as the sound of heavy footsteps approached. "They're coming, and they're out for blood."

As the wolves burst through the doorway, I steeled myself for the battle ahead. One thought echoed through my mind: No matter what, Gianna had to survive this. Even if it meant I didn't.

"I'm not leaving you," Gianna cried, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and determination. "I can fight."

"Sweetheart, your idea of fighting is arguing over the last blood bag. Let the professionals handle this." My eyes never left our attackers.

I braced my legs apart, ready for the fight of my life. My fangs descended, a growl rumbling in my chest.

A wolf lunged at me. I didn't turn, taking the hit to protect Gianna. Searing pain tore through my shoulder as one of the wolves had gotten close enough to slash me with their wickedly sharp claws. I stumbled, my vision blurring momentarily. The copper taste of my own blood filled my mouth as I bit back a scream.

No. I couldn't fall. Not now. Not with Gianna's life on the line.

Gritting my teeth against the pain, I launched myself at the nearest wolf, praying I had enough strength left to keep them at bay.

The wolves unsheathed their swords with a metallic hiss that sent shivers down my spine. One lunged, his blade whistling through the air. I ducked, feeling the wind of the strike as it buried itself in the door frame, sending splinters flying like deadly confetti.

As I straightened, a searing pain exploded across my ribs. Another wolf had taken advantage of my distraction, his blade slicing a deep gash along my side. I stumbled back, warm blood seeping through my shirt. The world tilted for a moment, my vision blurring at the edges.

"Dimitri!" Gianna's scream pierced through the haze of pain.

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to focus. The wound was bad, but I couldn't falter. Not now. Not with Gianna's life on the line. I could feel my strength ebbing with each drop of blood, but I steeled myself for the fight ahead.

"Stay back!" I shouted to Gianna, my voice rougher than I intended. I couldn't let her see how much the injury had weakened me. If she tried to help, she'd only put herself in danger.

The wolves circled closer, the scent of my blood seemingly spurring them on. I knew I was in trouble, but I had to keep fighting. For Gianna. For survival.

Desperation fueled my bravado. If I was going down, it wouldn't be without a fight—or a final show of defiance.

"Whoa there, Zorro," I taunted, slamming my shoulder into him with all my vampire strength. "I think you missed your calling as a lumberjack."

The wolf flew out the door, but his two buddies were already racing past. I leaped onto one, my fangs sinking into his flesh like he was the world's worst chew toy. With a sickening crack, I twisted his head, feeling bones snap under my hands.

"One down, two to go," I muttered. "And they say vampires are the violent ones."

Suddenly, more pain exploded across my back. I cried out, tasting copper as blood bubbled up my throat. But if there's one thing I'm good at, it's being annoyingly hard to kill.

I whirled around, facing my attacker. The wolf circled me, his stance predatory. "Feel that, vampire?" he growled, his voice dripping with malice. "Next time, I'll cut your head off." He turned the bloody sword, running his tongue along the flat of the blade. "Nothing like vampire blood. That wolf you killed was my brother. Now I'm going to have your head resting over my mantel."

"Sorry to disappoint," I drawled, dragging myself to my feet, "but my head's rather attached to my body. Literally and figuratively."

A flutter of wings echoed outside the window. I laughed, spitting blood onto the floor. "I think the cavalry's coming. Hope you wolves are up to date on your rabies shots."

The wolf's head snapped toward the sound. "Jasmine, run!"

A she-wolf? Well, wasn't this just one big, furry family reunion?

The female wolf raised her sword, aiming for Gianna. I stumbled toward them, pain gripping me like a vice. " Gianna, move!" I yelled, my heart shattering at the thought of being too slow.

Suddenly, a black blur shot past me, quickly materializing into Angelo. He snatched the she-wolf by the neck, twisting with brutal efficiency. As she staggered, he ripped off her hood and sank his fangs into her flesh, draining her faster than a keg at a frat party. He dropped her lifeless body with as much ceremony as discarding a used tissue.

An angry sob cut through the air. I turned to see the last wolf disappearing into the night like a bad dream.

"Well," I managed, fighting to stay conscious, "that was fun. Next time, let's just stay in and watch a movie, okay?"

As darkness crept into the edges of my vision, I heard Gianna's voice, thick with worry. The last thing I felt was her cool hand on my cheek before the world faded to black.

"Dimitri, Dimitri, please wake up." A voice pierced through the darkness, accompanied by the sensation of someone holding my hand, their tears running down my flesh.

My eyes fluttered open, the world slowly coming into focus. Gianna's tear-streaked face hovered above me, her beautiful black hair cascading down, framing her face like a dark halo.

"Gianna," I croaked, my voice sounding like I'd gargled with gravel.

"You're alive," she whispered, her voice a mix of disbelief and joy. "You're alive. "

I managed a weak smirk. "I'm like a bad penny, sweetheart. Always turning up." I tried to move, surprised to find the pain in my back was more of a dull ache than the searing agony I expected. "What's the deal? I feel like I just got out of a vampire spa treatment."

Gianna's lips curved into a relieved smile. "Augustus. He gave you some of his Bloodmoon Healing. It's... it's what saved you."

"Remind me to send him a fruit basket. Or maybe a blood basket. Do they make those?" My strength was gradually returning to my limbs.

"You've been out for a week," she sniffed. "Louise and Augustus flew down here, so did Rose and Valentin. Augustus insisted on using the Bloodmoon Healing as soon as he saw your condition."

I quirked an eyebrow. "Well, that explains why I don't feel like wolf chow anymore. Guess I owe the old man a dance at our wedding."

She climbed into bed next to me, her cool hand clasping mine. "Don't joke about that. We...we almost lost you."

I ran my fingers through her hair, relishing its silky texture. "Hey now, it'll take more than a few overgrown puppies to keep me down. Especially with magic vampire healing juice on my side." My tone softened. "I'd do it all over again, Gianna. You're worth it. You're mine. I love you."

The door opened, and Angelo and Enzo walked in. Angelo fixed me with a stare that could've frozen hell over. "I thought I heard voices. You've surprise me, Dimitri," he said. "I never thought a born vampire could protect my sister, but you have proven me wrong. You have earned a place in the Santi family."

Before I could come up with a suitably snarky response, he turned and walked out.

Enzo winked. "You're part of my team when you're not his chauffeur. Unfortunately, he still wants you in that position."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Great. I survive werewolves and magical healing only to be done in by Angelo's driving requests. At least tell me I'm getting a cool hat for my uniform."

As Enzo left, I turned back to Gianna. "So, think Augustus will teach me that Bloodmoon Healing trick? Could come in handy next time I decide to tangle with the local wildlife."

Gianna's laughter, mixed with tears of joy, was the sweetest sound I'd ever heard. As I held her, I knew that no matter what came next—be it wolf shifters, witches, or Angelo's driving demands—we'd face it together. After all, what's eternity without a little excitement?

Did you enjoy Dimitri's and Gianna's story? Do you want to see their wedding and their wedding night? Click here !

But that's not all, Dimitri and Gianna will be in the French Quarter Vampire Mafia King trilogy !

It will continue in the trilogy with the vampire mafia king. Gianna was right. Love finds a place in her brother's hard heart!

Grab Chains of Blood and Darkness !

Kidnapped from my college campus as just as I've tasted freedom, then sold to the Angel of Death—Angelo Santi, the vampire mafia King.

I'm now a captive in a world I never knew existed, caught in a tangled web of ancient feuds and dangerous desires.

He claims that I have the power to save his people by reigniting a dying magical stone.

He's delusional. I have no powers, but if I try to escape, he'll start by killing my best friend and move to everyone I've ever loved.

As if that is not bad enough, the bodies of murdered women who look just like me keep turning up in the French Quarter.

Someone is framing him. That same person is hunting me.

Angelo's the only man that I've ever trusted to protect me, but he's a temptation that could lead to my ruin.

While his heart may be cold as his ice, the seductive vampire king sets my soul on fire. In this twisted game of blood and darkness, nothing is as it seems…except the intensity of our passion .

Chains of Blood and Darkness is a dark, steamy enemies-to-lovers vampire romance with a sassy, strong heroine and a drop-dead gorgeous, powerful vampire king. Get ready for intense action, jaw-dropping plot twists, sizzling forbidden romance, and dark supernatural thrills will keep you on the edge of your seat!