by Kym Grosso
“Ilsbeth seemed different down there. She saved me. She saved her." He gestured toward the female curled into Hunter's bed. "If she hadn't allowed me to feed from her, that wolf there would be dead."
Hunter sighed. Exhaustion rushed over him as he realized he hadn’t shifted since he’d returned above ground. Hell had sucked the life out of him. Regardless of the wolf, vampire and witch, he had a pack to run and was responsible for over a hundred wolves. He owed it to them to get his shit together before the entire pack sensed his condition.
Stripping off his clothes, he listened to Viktor, knowing full well that nothing was ever simple when it came to Ilsbeth. A debt was owed and would need to be paid. And while it wasn’t his responsibility, he’d have to answer to Quintus.
“I’ve got this with Ilsbeth. It’s going to be fine,” Viktor assured him. “I’ll take her…”
Hunter stripped off his pants, tossed them on the floor and stood naked. “You’re not going anywhere, vampire. Oh no. You’re going to help me figure out who the hell this wolf is and get her back to wherever she belongs. You fucking owe me too and don’t you forget it. Fuck.”
“I’m not a prude but…would you shift already? You and Quint might have a bromance but…”
“Get used to it, vamp. You should keep an eye on that slippery witch of yours.”
Hunter called on his power, shifting into his beast. A rush of energy twisted through him. The second his paws hit the floor, he released a guttural howl, alerting the pack to his presence. He’d been gone far too long. Tonight, he’d run with his wolves.
Hunter caught sight of Viktor hovering over the injured female, and he growled.
“Seriously? I’m just…I think that something isn’t right here.” Viktor cocked his head in disbelief as the great wolf swiftly blocked him from edging any closer to the woman. “Something’s wrong with her,” Viktor insisted.
Hunter bared his teeth at him. Vampire. His beast blamed him for her condition. Hunter knew better but the last thing the she-wolf needed to see when she opened her eyes was the fanger who had attacked her.
“It’s not like I’m an expert but don’t you think she should’ve shifted by now? Maybe we should…” Viktor jumped back as Hunter instantly shifted back to his human form.
“Don’t touch her!” Hunter yelled, glaring at him. The Alpha softened his stance when he detected regret in the vampire’s eyes; he hadn’t meant to hurt her. Fucking hell. Nothing was easy. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Vik. I risked my ass to come get you. Some shit went down in New Orleans after they took you. Whatever. It doesn’t matter. Right now, this wolf…I’ll take care of her.”
“She’ll tell you when she wakes up. I didn’t hurt her.”
“But you bit her.”
“I had no fucking choice. Hell. I can’t tell you what happened but I…” Viktor averted his gaze and speared his fingers through his hair.
“I know what happens in Hell.” Hunter blew out a breath and shook his head. “Look, man. I’ve got a pack to run. Ilsbeth…Jesus I can’t believe she’s even alive…that you drank from her. And this one.” His stomach clenched as his fingers brushed over her wrist. “She’s my responsibility now.”
“They did something to her. I don’t know what. She’s special.” Viktor turned and slowly walked toward the door. Without turning back, he paused and gripped the doorjamb. “I know why you did what you did, coming for me in there. But the girl. Ilsbeth. I owe you.”
“Just keep an eye on the witch. I’m staying with…”
“Ilsbeth isn’t going anywhere,” Viktor interrupted.
“Does she have a name?” Hunter asked, transfixed on the woman before him.
“No but I told you. She’s special. More specifically, her blood tastes unique. I have my suspicions. But I’ll defer to you. Ilsbeth rouses.”
“But she…” The Alpha’s fingertips tingled as he brushed them over her skin. “What is she?”
Without another word, the vampire disappeared from the room, and Hunter stood alone, silently watching the female. He knelt by the side of the bed and inspected her face. In the short time since they’d escaped Hell, her bruises had lightened as if she’d miraculously healed in her human form. No wolf had such powers, but Viktor had told him of her special blood. Okay, what is she? A hybrid? Something about her energy was extraordinary yet altogether familiar.
Hunter gently placed his palm on her forehead. Her skin emanated a unique blend of sophisticated vibrations. The Alpha concentrated his powerful energy, seeking her wolf. Yet as he called to her, he could not locate her beast.
She’d been to Hell. Anything could have happened to her while she was down there. Demons thrived on the innocent, stealing, manipulating their magick.
The Alpha focused on feeding her his energy. Be well, little one, be well. His thoughts roamed to her wolf, and he imagined a beautiful white creature running free. Her soft moan broke him free of his contemplation.
“Hmm…” She curled onto her side and winced. The blue bruising on her eye had morphed, improving but not yet gone.
“You’re gonna be all right. You’re safe now,” he reassured her.
The beautiful stranger blinked open her deep brown eyes and gazed into Hunter’s. “Don’t let them take me.”
Chapter Two
Willa’s pulse raced as she opened her eyes and sensed the Alpha. His powerful energy twisted through her, stirring her to consciousness. Although grateful to be alive, she trusted no one.
For most of her life, she’d lived in secrecy. Her parents had been viciously murdered long ago. An ancient wolf, she lived rogue, living in isolation without a pack. As a physician, she worked with the disenfranchised, flying under the radar, until one day she was kidnapped and sold into Hell. Demons paid well for the pleasure of torturing her.
Her wolf had gone silent, beaten into near submission. Demon magick had been known to kill wolves, but her royal lineage gave her beast great powers. Although her wolf lingered in the shadows, she immediately sensed she couldn’t shift.
Exhausted and traumatized, she was tempted to close her eyes and fall asleep. But fear set in, knowing both the demons and wolves would come for her again when they found out about her absence. She trembled, praying the wolf before her had benevolent intentions.
“You’re safe now. No one is going to get you here,” he promised, his voice low and smooth.
“I…I’m not safe. They’ll come for me.”
“Listen, sweetheart. You’re a helluva lot safer than you have been. Whoever’s coming for you has to get through me first.”
“Where am I?” Willa’s voice softened. Her focus was drawn to the cathedral ceiling, smooth cedar planks forming a steep apex. The warm masculine energy of the home calmed her nerves. As she settled her gaze onto the stranger who’d saved her, Alpha resonated in her mind.
“You’re in Jackson Hole. Wyoming. You can stay here as long as you need to. I promise you my protection.” Hunter sighed, aware of the reality of the situation. He’d just punched a hole into Hell. Stealing one vampire might go unnoticed, but he’d also poached a witch and a wolf.
“Who are you?” she whispered. “What kind of a man goes to Hell on purpose?”
“Long story…” Hunter glanced to her bite marks. “I needed to get someone out.’
Willa quickly tucked her arm under the blanket. Once she’d been untouched, no longer.
“My friend, he, uh…there was this zombie thing. She took him.” He sighed. “Yeah, well…doesn’t matter.”
“And?”
“I got him too. I’ve gotta ask you…and I know it’s hard, but how long? How long were you in there?”
“I’m not sure.” Willa closed her eyes, her mind swirling with the torturous memories. “It seemed like years, but I don’t know. I think more like weeks. I don’t think I would have survived. I was put there. Sold.”
“Jesus. Who? Who sold you?” Hunter asked.
“It doesn’t matte
r. I don’t want to involve you. They could come after you or your pack.”
“I’m already involved. I just saved you. I’m not going to let some assholes take you back.”
Willa averted her gaze. Her savior stood nearly six foot four, towering over her. His nudity didn’t offend her, but without her wolf, a relationship with this Alpha served no purpose. As if he’d noticed her unease, he reached for a throw blanket and wrapped it loosely around his hips.
“I…the thing is, I’m not well,” she confessed. “My wolf…I need a few minutes. I need to go but I…”
A surge of emotion tightened in her chest. She’d lost everything and had still somehow survived. But her great beast had disappeared, and she feared they’d come again. Demons. The wolves. Her tough exterior faltered as tears filled her eyes.
“Hey. It’s gonna be okay.” Hunter’s expression softened. “I mean it. I brought you to my home. There’s no one here who can hurt you. When you’re feeling better, I’ll help you get back home.”
“I’m Willa. Willa Jacobs,” she reluctantly offered.
“Hunter. Hunter Livingston. I’m Alpha of Teton Wolves. This here…I, um, I don’t want you to get the wrong impression.” Hunter glanced down and adjusted the throw. He scrubbed his hand over his cheek. “I’ve been away for a while, so I’ve got to take care of a few things…”
“Alpha.” Willa heard the muffled voice of a female call for him, and her stomach dropped. Her panicked eyes went to his. If he were a mated Alpha, his partner would attack her. She shoved up onto the bed. “I’ll get out now. I’m sorry.”
“Hey now. Just take it easy.” He held up his palms.
“I shouldn’t be in here. I need to go. Your mate…” Willa wrapped the sheets around her.
“I’m not mated. It’s just a friend. I’ve been away for weeks. Pack members are going to come snooping round.”
“Are you sure? I can go.” Willa exhaled a relieved breath. He’s not mated. She quickly shoved the thought to the back of her mind, aware that even if he wasn’t, there was no chance in hell she’d have time to get to know him further. Her mere presence in the pack put them all in danger. She would never forgive herself if they harmed any of his wolves.
“You can take a shower in there if you want. I’ll see about fixin’ you some clothes. Or um…wait a second.”
Willa watched in fascination as Hunter crossed the room to an enormous armoire. He opened the heavy oak doors and retrieved a t-shirt, sweatpants and socks.
“It’s kinda remote out here and it’s not like I keep girls’ clothing on hand. So, uh…” He returned to her bedside and set the clothing on the mattress. “Yeah.”
“Yeah,” she repeated, her mind focused on the fact he didn’t have any women’s clothing. He isn’t mated. Still doesn’t matter. I’m leaving. “Thank you.”
The Alpha turned to leave but stopped mid-step. “For what it’s worth…I’m sorry this happened to you. I know what it’s like to be in Hell, and I’m not just talking about for a few days. I…”
“Alpha, you in?” The female voice grew louder.
“We need to talk about some things.” Hunter paused. “I’ll be back in just a bit, Willa. Just sit tight.”
The door clicked shut. Alone, Willa broke down, her emotional walls crumbling around her. Although she’d survived Hell, the others she’d seen still remained. She didn’t know their names. Innocent or guilty, the tortured souls suffered.
The Alpha, while well-intentioned, could not anticipate the level of evil searching for her. The rogues sold her for a price. Now that the demons had a taste of her, they’d pay even more to have her returned to Hell. The only way to defeat the wolves would be to provide them with an alternative item to sell or agree to be forcefully mated. Everyone around her was in danger.
No, she had to rally and get away from her heroic rescuer before they came for him, his wolves. She wiped the back of her hand across her face and shoved up onto her arms. A dull ache pulsed through her legs as she swung them over the bed. Her head pounded as her blood rushed to her toes. With her magick weak, her body hadn’t healed properly.
To fully regenerate, she’d have to shift. But the wolf within had gone into hiding. The demons had spent the vast amount of their torture attempting to tempt her beast to the surface, but she’d crept further into her psyche, eventually disappearing.
Willa brushed away the tears from her eyes and steeled her nerves. She’d fight and find a way to survive.
She grounded her feet onto the stone floor. Its heated tiles emanated warmth through her muscles, making it slightly more tolerable to stand. As she crossed the room, she stopped cold, noting her shocking reflection in the mirror. A mere shell of her former self, fang marks mottled her skin.
She brought her fingers to her cheek and brushed away a blackened smudge of ash. Her entire body was covered in it as if she were wearing the devil’s clothing. The scent of Satan filled her nostrils and she was reminded of the lashes that stung her back. She closed her eyes, willing away the memories.
Willa reminded herself she was no longer in imminent danger. You’re okay. Do what you need to do. Time was short. After she showered, she’d talk to the Alpha, and secure passage to New Orleans before they found her.
Willa pulled Hunter’s shirt over her head and brought the soft cotton fabric to her nose. She inhaled the masculine scent of the Alpha and closed her eyes. Who is this man who rescues a total stranger from Hell? She recalled his handsome face, but her mind drifted to the sound of his smooth sexy voice.
She’d been alone for such a long time she’d forgotten the pleasure of a man. As a girl, she’d dreamed of finding her mate, but it had all been forgotten as she learned her family’s secret. What man would want a she-wolf tainted by hellfire?
Willa reached for the sweats and shoved her legs into them. He thinks I’m going to fit into his pants? Well, maybe. She smiled. The Alpha was tall, nearly six foot four. She gave a small laugh and proceeded to roll up the cuffs and then slipped on a pair of well-worn cotton socks.
She ran her fingers through her long curly brunette hair and tugged on its unruly locks. At least some things never changed. The demons had cut, burned and shaved her hair to no avail. While her body faltered after the blood loss, her beast fought back the only way it could.
Willa closed her eyes and searched once again for the great animal. A rustle in the darkness alerted her to its presence but it still would not surface. Deep inside, the hellfire burned, and she called on its power. As she opened her eyes, she caught sight of the sparks flickering under her skin. She reasoned she might not be able to shift yet but held faith her beast would soon return.
She lightly padded across the room toward the door. As she turned the doorknob and opened it, she heard the voices. She proceeded deliberately down the hallway, but with caution. The Alpha had been kind so far but just because he rescued her didn’t mean he was trustworthy. She’d seen her fair share of wolves turn on her when they discovered her lineage. Her mother and father had always taught her to face the unknown with courage. Fear was an emotion for humans. Royal blood pumped through her veins, and her adventurous spirit had driven her far through life.
Willa paused as she approached the ledge of the stairs, the voices growing louder. Men. A woman. The Alpha.
Butterflies danced in her stomach as she stepped into the light. She blinked, her eyes adjusting as she proceeded. She curled her fingers over the railing. As she descended the voices dimmed into silence. The Alpha strode through the strangers. His familiar face wore a sexy smile. Her heartbeat raced as his eyes caught hers, and the most unfamiliar emotion curled in her chest. As if his gaze were a magnet, he drew her to him. Willa couldn’t understand the attraction, yet she didn’t hesitate, stepping forward, drawing upon her bravery.
“Hey. You’re dressed.” Hunter approached the intrepid she-wolf.
His smooth voice swam in her head. Does he have an accent? Hmm, yes. A little. Maybe souther
n. Her pulse raced. Jesus, Willa. Speak like a grown up. “Yes. Thanks for the clothes.”
His smile broadened. “How do you feel?”
“I’m good. It’s fine, really.” I can’t shift. Not fine at all. Fake it.
“Are you in pain?” Hunter’s smile disappeared, his eyes locked on hers.
“No. I mean, I’ll feel better when I can shift but right now…”
“Hunter,” a female voice called from behind him.
Willa gave Hunter an awkward smile. She knew she was an outsider. One who needed to leave as soon as possible.
Hunter took her hand and pulled her toward him, lowering his voice as he spoke. “I want you to stay.”
Willa’s smile broadened. The warmth in his eyes drew her in, and for a few seconds, she became lost in his gaze. She released a breath, and forced her eyes away from his, taking in her surroundings.
The large cathedral ceiling gave way to a wide-open family room area. Black furniture blended with the dark cherry floor. A grand piano sat in a corner and she wondered if he played. The entire back of the home was made of glass. The sun set in the distance, sinking into the mountains.
A touch to her hand brought her attention back to the commanding Alpha. Her pulse raced as his fingers wrapped around hers.
“You need something to eat. It’ll help.”
“I…” Her wide brown eyes met his.
Willa froze as he leaned into her ear, his warm breath teasing over her skin as he spoke. The sudden closeness caused her to be aware of his masculinity. Her cheeks heated as his chest brushed hers.
“I haven’t told them anything. It’s okay.”
Just as quickly as he’d touched her, he released her hand. She brought her palms together, his energy tingling through her fingertips.
