Page 55 of Trust the Fall
I look up over my shoulder and offer a tight-lipped smile. He’s right. We’re standing in the middle of Hell with Nolda’s legion likely on their way to us. There will be time later for answers.
“We need their help.” It’s all I say, steering the conversation back to the original issue.
Zeke nods to me before turning to speak to Leeanna, who still doesn’t appear convinced. Well, too damn bad.
“Is there any choice? We’re likely to be outnumbered. We can use all the help offered. Even if it does come from vampire royalty.”
I don’t miss the snarky dig on Zeke’s part, and it ticks me off.
“You know who he is?” I ask, pointing to Julian.
“I’m familiar with the Bellamy brothers, yes,” Zeke replies, sounding annoyed.
“Then you should know that they aren’t like the vampires we hunt. Julian is a good man and dedicated to preserving life. So be respectful,” I reprimand.
Zeke’s arms rise in surrender. “I’m only being cautious. Hearing about them and actually knowing them are different things, Tori. How well do you know them?”
I share a look with Julian, then Law, then Luke. “Enough to know they’re on our side.”
Julian offers me a smile and nods his head once.
“That’s good enough for me,” Luke says, pulling me away from Zeke and closer to Julian and Law, forming something like a huddle.
“Julian. Law,” Luke acknowledges them both. “This is the plan...”
He springs into his makeshift strategy, calling out orders and directing the brothers on where to go and how to take out Hell’s demons.
“Wait, so we’re supposed to kill these demons with our bare hands?” Law asks, sounding unsure.
“I’d suggest grabbing something from there,” Luke motions toward the room of torture. “You should be able to find something useful.”
“Where’s the demon?” I ask, noticing his absence.
“Likely running to tell Nolda the cavalry is here,” Law says dryly.
Both vampires head that way, and I watch as they maneuver around the unmoving person strapped to the chair and dig through the table of devices. Julian lifts the serrated knife from earlier, blood dripping from the tip, and I turn away. I need my head in the game, and that is not the way to accomplish it.
“I’m expecting my own cavalry to arrive at any moment. Including Rix. You know him, love,” Luke says.
I purse my lips, recalling my run-in with the hellhound in the woods next to my loft.
“Please keep your dog away from me. I still haven’t forgiven him for nearly killing me.”
“He didn’t.”
“He did.”
He shakes his head. “It wasn’t even close. Rix doesn’t make errors.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “Whatever you say, but just know, I’m not over it.”
He smirks. “Noted.”
“Could you two quit with the foreplay and get on with the strategy talk?” Lawrence quips, smiling a boyish grin as though Lucifer and I entertain him thoroughly.
I curl my lip in mock annoyance. “How much more strategy do you need, Bellamy? I’m beginning to worry I’ll need to shield you from danger.”
“Nope. I have my trusty sidekick now.” He holds up a butcher’s knife, smiling like he won the lottery.