“What’s that?” Carter asked, his forehead crinkling in confusion. Before he realized what had hit him, Aaron had him from behind, the Vampire’s arms pinned to his sides. Carter was completely caught off guard, and Cadence seized the opportunity, rushing toward him, Van’s knife in her hand. She plunged it straight into his heart.

Furious at their deception, Carter used the strength he had spoken off to buck Aaron off. The Guardian went flying backward, slamming into the brick ...