Chapter 6

"Nah, I'm good," Michael said with a lazy yawn, rolling his shoulders as if brushing off a minor nuisance. "Too much of a hassle."

Elijah's smile faltered, the glint of amusement in his eyes dimming. He exhaled softly, tapping two fingers against his wrist before snapping them.

The air shifted. From the shadows, figures began to emerge—silent, fluid, predatory. The soft rustle of fabric and the faint scrape of claws against the floor filled the space as vampires poured in, encircling Michael and Rani in a seamless ring of bodies. Their eyes flickered in the dim light, fangs glinting with barely restrained hunger.

Elijah moved with deliberate ease, each step punctuated by the sharp click of polished shoes against the floor. His posture remained composed, hands folded neatly behind his back, but the slight tilt of his head and the way his gaze lingered on Michael carried a quiet menace.

The air in the room had thickened, the weight of a hundred unseen stares pressing in from all sides. Shadows shifted, restless.

Elijah's voice broke the silence, smooth but laced with something unyielding. "Look around, Michael," he said, his words almost casual. "Do you see how precarious your position is?"

Michael let out an exasperated groan, dragging a hand through his hair. "Come on, Elijah! I just want to go to bed!" His shoulders sagged, exhaustion pulling at his frame.

Rani shifted her weight, planting a hand on her hip. "And what about me?" she said, arching a brow. "I'm the one who started this mess—how about I owe you a favor instead?"

Elijah's gaze lingered on her, unreadable. The silence stretched for a beat before he gave a small nod. "You will suffice."

He stepped closer, extending his hand. Rani met it without hesitation, her grip firm as they locked eyes, an unspoken agreement passing between them.

Elijah turned slightly, casting a glance toward the waiting shadows. With a flick of his wrist, the vampires withdrew, their figures dissolving into the darkness as if they had never been there.

"Now, I believe it's time for you to leave," Elijah said, stepping aside with a smooth, deliberate motion, his arm gesturing toward the exit.

Michael strode past him, his sister close behind, her eyes flicking warily to the vampires still lingering in the shadows.

As the door clicked shut behind them, Victoria turned back to Elijah, her voice soft but curious. "Elijah, darling... why would you want a favor from him?" She moved closer, her fingers brushing lightly against his arm, a subtle, knowing touch.

"Michael may appear to be incompetent, but he is far more than he seems," Elijah remarked, his voice carrying a refined, almost nostalgic lilt. He turned, taking in the ruin of his club with a faint, unreadable expression.

"Should he ever choose to take this seriously, he could quite easily cut through every high-ranking vampire in this room," he continued, the weight of his words heavy with history. "But, of course, by the time he managed such a feat, there would be ample opportunity to put an end to him."

"Rani," Michael's voice was low, a sharp edge creeping in as he caught her attention. He moved ahead, his steps quickening, as they left the tunnels behind.

She looked up at him, sensing the shift in his mood. "Yes, brother?" Her tone was light, but her eyes flickered with curiosity.

He slowed, his gaze meeting hers, unwavering and intense. "Whatever favor he asks, don't do it," he said, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

Rani's brow furrowed, and she opened her mouth to argue, but he cut her off, his voice hard as stone. "I'll do it." The finality in his words made it clear there was no room for discussion.

The jet ride was far from enjoyable. The constant bickering between his mother and sister filled the cabin with tension. Each sharp word from his mother left no room for argument, and soon enough, the noise stopped, leaving an uncomfortable silence in its wake. Michael sat, legs crossed, his eyes distant as he watched the world outside the window, buildings rising like silent giants as they approached their destination. When the plane touched down, the tires screeched against the runway, the sudden impact rattling the cabin, but the landing was steady. A quiet relief washed over the group as the plane finally came to a stop.

The doors opened, and Michael stepped out with careful precision, each movement measured to avoid the chance of stumbling. The first breath he took was sharp—LA's stench of smog and hot concrete hit him like a slap. He scrunched his nose, then threw his head back and laughed, the sound loud and carefree. "Yep, that's LA for you!" His voice carried over the tarmac, startling a few nearby guards who shot each other confused looks.

"Brother, can you please try not to make a fool of yourself?" Rani's voice cut through the air, sharp with irritation. Her eyes narrowed as she gave him an exasperated look, clearly fed up with his antics.

He grinned, his expression mischievous, unfazed by her reproach. "Sorry, my dear sister, no can do," he replied with a wink, his tone light, almost teasing. Laughter bubbled from him, carefree and unabashed, like he had no care in the world.

Rani smiled, though it was laced with fondness and a touch of annoyance. "Oh, and thanks for saving me. If it weren't for you—"

Michael cut her off, his voice dropping, and the warmth in his eyes vanished. His gaze hardened, focusing on her with an intensity that could freeze the air between them. "Sister," he said quietly, "I would kill anyone for my family." The playful charm in his voice was gone, replaced by a steely seriousness that made his words carry weight far beyond the simple statement. His eyes were cold, unwavering, and there was no mistaking the truth in what he said.