Cain pushed away from the tree. The certainty of who he was filled him with a sense of power and pride. He was Cain Montague, King of the vampires of Louisiana.

“Escort us to the palace!”

The vampire looked up at him, then cast a sideways glance at Wesley, his mouth twisting with displeasure. “The witch, too?”

Cain glared down at him. “Nobody harms a hair on his head or I’ll strike him down in a heartbeat.”

12

Walking behind the vampire who’d recognized him just in time, Cain approached the sprawling estate located in a large meadow and surrounded by a forest. Cain hadn’t asked the man his name, not wanting to alert him to his memory loss. The other guards as well as Cain’s friends from Scanguards marched behind them, though the king’s guards made a point of staying as far away from Wesley as they could. They clearly didn’t trust a witch.

Cain perused his surroundings. A broad road flanked by large oak trees covered in Spanish moss led up to a majestic mansion with white columns, a wrap-around porch, and balconies on the two upper floors. Without a doubt, this had once been a plantation, and the cottages that were dotted around the property had housed slaves many years ago. During the flight to New Orleans, John had given him a cursory rundown on what the estate and the house looked like, though Cain had not expected it to be so grand.

Pride swelled in his chest. Though no memory emerged as he looked around, something inside him changed. A feeling of belonging spread within him, the same kind of emotion he’d started to feel as he’d grown closer to his brethren at Scanguards; however, now the sensation was more intense. This was his home.

The two vampire guards stationed outside the main entrance to the palace stared at Cain, their mouths gaping open.

Cain’s guide ordered, “What are you standing here for like fools? Open the door for the king!”

“Yes, Marcus, of course!” one of them answered.

Cain made a mental note of the name.

The two vampires hastened to follow the command, and one of them reached for the door to open it, while the other moved out of the way to let them pass.

Cain stepped inside ahead of Marcus, while he clandestinely familiarized himself with his surroundings. He found himself in a large entry hall with a sweeping staircase leading to the upper floors, doors to rooms on the left and right, and walkways to either side of the staircase leading to the back of the house.

“Witch!” somebody screamed all of a sudden.

Cain cursed in frustration and whirled around. He saw how one of the two house guards leapt at Wesley, while Marcus tried to block him. All three tumbled to the ground.

In vampire speed Cain crossed the distance and pulled the attacker from the heap, gripping him by his shirt’s collar, then slammed him against the door frame, flashing his fangs at him.

“The witch is with me! You harm him, you’ll be dust.” Then he turned to the other house guard. “That goes for you, too.”

The vampire dropped his head obediently. Cain released the guard and set him back on his feet.

Meanwhile, Marcus had helped Wesley up. Wesley now dusted off his pants and readjusted his T-shirt. He took a step closer to the vampire who had attacked him.

“Jerk!” Wes ground out.

The vampire snarled.

“Shut it, Wes!” Cain ordered.

But before Cain could say anything else to reprimand the witch not to get too cocky, he heard footsteps of several people behind him.

The commotion at the door had obviously attracted the attention of the palace’s residents.

“What the fuck is going on here?” an authoritative voice demanded.

Slowly Cain turned and faced the man who’d spoken. The vampire was dressed in expensive designer clothes that gave him a sophisticated look. His hair was dark, his brown eyes piercing, his body muscular yet not beefy. Cain saw the resemblance immediately. He had no doubt: this was Abel, his brother.

Abel froze, his gaze locked on Cain. His chin dropped, his chest heaved, and for a moment nobody spoke.

“Cain.” The greeting was issued on a shaky breath and wrapped in disbelief. Abel took one hesitant step toward him. “But . . . we believed you were dead.” He blinked, seemingly composing himself. “Brother!”

Abel closed the distance between them. Instantly Thomas and Haven were by Cain’s side, ready to interfere if need be. Cain motioned them to stand down.

Abel glanced at the two then looked back at Cain. “Oh God, we missed you!” He opened his arms and pulled Cain into a hug.

Cain remained stiff until Abel finally stepped back and released him. “Abel,” he greeted him coolly.