Read Vendetta Page 23


  How had this happened? That thought was all that kept coming to mind. He hadn’t expected Lucifer to come again to him—at least not in this manner, handing him possibly one of the most powerful weapons ever made and his adversary on a platter. If anything, he had been concerned that the angel might kill him. But never this.

  Reflexively, Adolf reached down for the sword lying on the tile floor before him. Josef only watched. He hadn’t said a word yet. Behind the angel, the portal had disappeared completely.

  “I wouldn’t do that, if I were you,” Lucifer warned. “At least, not if you want to live.”

  Adolf paused half way to the floor. He began to withdraw his hand. “Why?” he asked.

  “I would have thought you knew already,” Lucifer said. “That weapon belongs to the girl. It knows her and will function only for her.”

  “And if I had grabbed it?”

  “You might be dead right now,” Lucifer said. “I’m not sure. Best not to risk it, especially when you could use the weapon in my service.”

  Adolf straightened, considering the angel. Mengele looked between them. He was still speechless.

  “How can I use a weapon that will not obey me?”

  “I’ve been asking myself that same question for years,” Lucifer commented.

  Adolf glared at him.

  “Her blood is the key to control,” Lucifer said. “However, her death will send the blade away to whomever she may have chosen as a successor. Already, she received this weapon from Oliver James that very way.”

  “If you had her blood upon your hands then the sword would think you were the girl!” Josef said, bursting into the conversation.

  Adolf and Lucifer gave the doctor an odd look. Adolf was actually surprised that Lucifer had allowed Josef remain alive. Then again, if there was anyone who seemed a disciple of this fallen angel it was Josef Mengele. He was called the Angel of Death by many already.

  “What do you want me to do?” Adolf said.

  “Kill the father when he comes for his daughter,” Lucifer said.

  “How do you know West will come?”

  Lucifer smiled. “Of course, he will come. The blood bond will guide him right to her and you. But you will be equally matched with Angel Fire in your hand. Just remember to keep the girl unconscious. Your doctor can accomplish that, I think. Otherwise, she will take the weapon from you in a heartbeat.”

  Adolf stood there for a moment, considering the angel’s words. “And what will I receive for this service?” Adolf asked. “Will you restore me to power. Will you destroy my enemies?”

  “Of course,” Lucifer said evenly. “You will have all that you deserve.”