by Kym Grosso
“But of course, they always do,” Viktor answered, his tone light but serious.
“So, what’s Kade’s big plan?”
“Not my issue. My only responsibility is to escort the lovely Ilsbeth to the coven.”
“For the record, Vik. I’m telling you this is a bad idea right now. I know you want to make things right with Kade. That day at Luca’s was a shit show,” he said, recalling how he and Quintus had visited Samantha at their home. A demon-witch had materialized out of nowhere and almost killed their young daughter. “If Sam wants to go at her, then more power to her. I’m just saying that it’s best for you not to mess with Ilsbeth.”
“It’s a calculated risk with low reward so of course I’m all in.” Viktor laughed.
“I’m serious, man. If she gets a whiff of this before we strike a deal with the demon, she’s likely to fly off on her broom. But before she goes, she’s gonna fuck some shit up. That’s how she rolls.”
“I’ve known Ilsbeth for a long time. While I agree with your assessment, it’s my responsibility to bring her to the coven. Nothing more. I’ll get her to go willingly. If I can anyway. If not, all I need is a small touch. She won’t be happy to be flashed against her will, but she’ll get over it.”
“Yeah, because Ilsbeth is the understanding type.” Hunter rolled his eyes. “Hey, if we get through the demon shit, then it’s all good. You can marry her for all I care.”
“Bite your tongue, wolf.”
“That’s what you humans do. You said so yourself.”
“I’m a vampire. There’s very little human left in my soul. I embrace my dark nature. It’s why I’m irresistible.” Viktor smiled and turned back toward the ocean, concealing his expression from the Alpha.
“None of us are perfect. Not supes. Not humans.”
“Look, none of this matters. Back to the topic at hand. It shouldn’t surprise Ilsbeth that Samantha wants her back at the coven. I’m simply doing Luca a favor for his woman and then moving on. Perhaps I’ll take a vacation on the French Riviera.”
“I think you should…” Hunter lost his train of thought as Willa emerged from the galley, walking out onto the deck. As if she was the only woman in the world, she captivated him. Dressed in jeans, with a black leather jacket and boots, his mate appeared tough as nails. But as the smile broke over her face, his heart melted. “Hey, beautiful.”
“Hey, handsome,” she responded.
As she reached for his hand, her magical energy tingled on his palm. Her smile widened and his chest tightened with emotion.
“You look sexy,” Willa purred.
“What can I say? Seems the vampire has taste in clothes.” Hunter glanced down to his black t-shirt and shredded slim fit jeans.
“Why he has female clothes here on his yacht I don’t know, but I’m grateful he does.”
“Old girlfriend,” Viktor interjected. “Several girlfriends, actually. I do enjoy shopping.”
“Of course you do,” Hunter replied.
“Are we going to go over the game plan now? Or would you two like to stand out here on the deck for a few hours and make eyes at each other? I mean I’m willing to go another round if you are.”
She laughed.
“First of all, there will be no other round. That was a one-time, limited deal.” Hunter smiled at his mate, who wore a sexier-than-fuck smile, tempting him to sweep her off her feet and take her back into the cabin.
“Young love, so sweet but so bitter for me. To be denied what I once…”
“Shut it, Vik.” Love. The Alpha slammed down his guards, ensuring neither his mate nor the vampire could read his thoughts. Jesus, Hunter. Love? Really? Hunter smiled at Willa, briefly brushing his lips over hers, taking care not to linger too long, so as not to reveal his feelings. What the fuck is happening to me? This mate thing.
“We flash onto the property. Pick a spot behind the brush or something.” Hunter released Willa’s hand, his voice serious. “We’re adapting more to the dematerialization, but we can’t risk flashing into her house and then needing a moment to recover. Not with her there.”
“Further from the house, I can do. But honestly, I wish you two would get used to it,” Viktor replied, a hint of annoyance in his tone.
“It’s getting better,” Willa told him.
Hunter nodded. “It’s going to be dark when we get there which is good. Gives us time to assess the situation. If things are clear, we go to the house. We stay together at all times. Ilsbeth isn’t getting the book. I’m going to hold on to it. We can’t risk her skipping off to a tropical island and leaving us with a herd of demons. No way.”
“Although I have to say the thought of her in a bikini is…”
“Focus! Please.” Hunter shot him a glare.
“We can’t let her take the book anywhere,” Willa said.
“She won’t. If I have to give up the book for any reason at all, it’s going to one of you two. The book…it’s our leverage. We give it to the demon and off we go. Willa and I can take a car back. And you can do your thing.”
Willa’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion, her hand on her hip. “Why isn’t he going with us?”
Hunter exchanged a knowing look with the vampire.
“What?” Willa asked. “What’s going on?”
Hunter took a deep breath and gave a closed smile. “He, uh, he told Kade.” He paused, aware of how crazy it was for the vampire to go after the witch. “He told him he’d bring Ilsbeth back.”
“Bring her back where?” Willa’s voice grew louder, her gaze pinned on Viktor.
“I’ll be fine,” he replied, not answering her question.
“Bring her back where?” she repeated.
“To Samantha. I’m literally the messenger. Pick up package.” Viktor shrugged with a laugh. “A deadly package. Witchy. Kinda hot sometimes. Whatever. You get my meaning.”
“Why doesn’t she get her herself?” Willa demanded.
“He’ll be okay,” Hunter assured her.
“No, no. He actually might not be okay. He’s our friend. What we just did together…” She exhaled loudly and shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. Again. He’s our friend. Friends don’t let friends fly off with witches. No. He’s not going.”
“But sweetheart…”
“I just said no. Did you hear me over there in the back? That’d be you, vampire. Not going.”
“Ah dear pet, it’s sweet of you to be concerned but I can handle myself. I’m hundreds of years older than even you, Princess.”
“Sweet my ass.” She turned to her mate. “Are you going to just let him go? Come on. You’re an Alpha. I’m your mate. I’m a fucking princess. We’ve got to stop him.”
“Wills…he has an obligation to Kade. Just like we have to the pack. I know it’s not the same but it’s family.”
“But he didn’t sire Kade. Or Luca.” She cocked her head in thought. “Did he sire Luca?”
“No but his brother did. That’s his family. And Logan’s mine. And Dimitri. Ilsbeth laid down some bad mojo. She gets what she gives.”
“I know,” her voice softened, sadness in her eyes. “But he’s our family too. I have a bad feeling about this. I know she saved our lives, but she was vulnerable then. She’s not now. You saw her in that mansion of hers. Somehow, I don’t know how but she’s regained her power. What if she doesn’t want to go? What if she goes and she hurts Samantha?”
“I have to trust that if Sam is asking for him to bring her back, she knows full well what she’s getting into. And Viktor knows what he’s doing.” Hunter turned his focus to Viktor. “You do know what you’re doing, right?”
“One hundred percent.” He smiled broadly. “I’m going to ask her first. Nicely. Say pretty please. I’m going to get in close proximity. Hmm…”
“What?” Hunter asked.
“Perhaps I’ll kiss her.”
“You’re fucking crazy, you know that?”
“Just a thought. As much as I’d like t
o plan out every little detail, I simply can’t. I’ll float the idea and if she says no, then I’ll go for seduction.”
“And if that doesn’t work?” Willa asked, her lips drawn tight, not finding amusement in his answer.
“I’ll simply give her a tap and then we’re off. Easy peasy. I’m in. I’m out.”
“He’s gotta do this, sweetheart. I don’t like it either but at the same time, Ilsbeth fucked some shit up back in New Orleans and New York. It’s not right that she got off with no consequences. It’s not our place to get in the middle of it anyway.”
Willa sighed. “I know you’re right. It’s just I don’t feel right about it.” She paused and settled her gaze on Hunter. “Hey, do we still have that knife? I think we should bring it just in case.”
“It’s in the living room there. If any shit goes down tonight, I want you to shift to wolf and get the fuck out of there. Just run as fast as you can, okay? I’ll deal with her and any demons. Got me?”
“But I can’t just leave you there. No, I…”
“Listen to me, Willa. This is your Alpha talking to you now, not your mate. I’m not letting anything happen to you. You will listen to me on this. No arguments. We’re walking into a volatile situation tonight and you won’t survive another round of Hell. Promise me you will go.”
“I’ll try. But if anything happens to you, I’m not leaving.”
“Ah, the first lovers’ quarrel. How touching. So…” Viktor rubbed his hands together in amusement. “Shall we get this show on the road? I’m gassed up and ready to fuck with some demons, then I’d really love to get on with life.”
“I’m sure you are.” Willa rolled her eyes and smiled.
“I’ll get the knife.” Hunter turned to go retrieve it.
His mate’s trepidation drifted over his mind. No matter how brave she was, she feared the loss of the vampire. His connection to her would forever be a part of her yet their bond as mates took precedence, and the Alpha appreciated Viktor’s loyalty and friendship. He shut down his feelings about the situation, aware he’d sense his concern.
Whatever had torn down the vampire’s humanity hadn’t destroyed his sense of family. Transporting Ilsbeth was a risk. Viktor knew it more than anyone else. Yet for Quintus, Kade, Luca, this family built on generations of sired vampires, he’d bravely taken on the High Priestess. And perhaps for Dimitri, justice would be served.
Hunter reached for the hilt of the knife and held it in the air. When it was all said and done, neither the book nor the blade would end up in Ilsbeth’s hands again. Even if there was a miniscule probability that she’d double cross them, he’d block her before she ever got the chance.
As he stepped onto the deck, the salty sea breeze rushed his lungs. Both Viktor and Willa wore a solemn expression. They all knew what was about to go down.
His stomach tightened, his wolf growling in anticipation of the hunt. Tonight, they’d shut the door to Hell and send whatever demons showed up to the party back to the fiery pit from whence they came. He’d protect his mate at all costs even if it meant giving up his own life to do so.
The chanting grew louder, and Hunter was grateful they’d materialized several feet into the woods. Concealed within the brush, they assessed the situation.
“What’s happening?” Willa whispered.
Flickering lights in the distance drew Hunter’s attention. “Witches.”
“You both okay?” Viktor asked them. “Best you be ready before we do anything.”
“I’m good.”
“What are they doing?” Willa asked. “I don’t see any people moving.”
“Witchy voodoo that they do. Conjuring a portal to Hell.” Hunter shrugged.
“Cooking up a demon like she’s making a Thanksgiving turkey. Steaming hot and fresh out of the oven,” Viktor joked.
“She’s determined, I’ll give her that. She went through a whole hell of a lot to get those precious ingredients she keeps in her house. She took time finding a demon that would help her with Dimitri. And find him she did.” Hunter glared at the mansion.
“How did she know for sure we’d show up?” Willa asked.
“I texted her, of course.” Viktor gave a sly smile. “There’s a place and time for magick. I’ve got no time for games. Hers anyway. She knows we’re comin’. All this fuss? She’s taking care of shit.”
“Hopefully she’s worked out a plan to send the demon back,” Hunter said.
“She’d better.” Willa reached for her mate’s hand.
“I’m not going to let anything happen to you. The rogues had no right to sell you to Hell anyway. The most you did was wake up these assholes to your royal presence by saving the kid, but Goddess knows you were only trying to save a life. No, they sold something that didn’t belong to them. Hell’s for shit but even the demons have their rules.”
“He isn’t wrong.” Viktor stepped forward and peered around a large oak tree, attempting to get a better view.
“Do you have the book?” Willa asked.
“Got it,” Hunter responded. “And the knife.”
“But of course.”
“Let me deal with Ilsbeth,” Hunter told them. “I saved her ass and out of all of us, she owes me.”
“As you wish.” Viktor set his sights on the witches in the distance. “Ilsbeth must be inside. I feel her energy but it’s not strong.”
“Her blood,” Hunter commented, acutely aware that he shared the same bond now with his mate.
“Yes. I’m sure the High Priestess knows I can detect her. If Ilsbeth is truly Ilsbeth, she understands the metaphysical aspects of blood exchange. I’m not saying she likes it or won’t try to cast a spell to rid herself of me. She definitely will try. She’s still Ilsbeth. She won’t like it at all.”
“I say we hit the front door first,” Hunter suggested. “From a distance, it looks clear of demons. If the witches are channeling energy or whatever, they shouldn’t notice us.”
“I have a bad feeling,” Willa whispered.
“We have no choice.” Hunter lifted her hand and brushed a kiss to the back of it.
“Correct,” Viktor agreed. “There is no other way. It’s best we face things head on. Time’s wasting and I’m envisioning a trip to a tropical island in the South Pacific.”
“Be careful,” Hunter warned. “In and out. No matter how naked those witches are, no distractions.”
“No worries. I’ve got this. See ya on the flip side homies.” Viktor flashed a smile and gave a dismissive wave.
As the vampire disappeared, Hunter turned to Willa. “Stay by me, okay? I know you’ve got that royal vibe, sweetheart, but don’t give the demons a reason to go after you. Remember what I said. If it all turns to shit, I want you to shift and take off running. I’ll find you afterward.”
“I can’t just leave you…” she protested.
“Promise me. No arguments, Wills.”
“I’ll try. It’s all I can say. I’m not going to run my whole life.”
“You won’t be running your whole life. We’re going to be fine.” Hunter knew his words held an empty promise. Whatever they were walking into was dangerous, yet the need to reassure her took precedence over pessimistic thoughts.
“There’s a reason I started getting powers,” she said. “I’m going to use them.”
“Only if you need to but don’t underestimate Ilsbeth or the demons. She’s danced with the devil before.”
“But she lost,” Willa challenged.
“True but she did a helluva lot of damage in the process to a whole lot of people. I know she saved you and you two had that…” he shook his head, “moment or whatever you want to call it but I’m telling you she’s dangerous. And demons are no picnic either. I’m just sayin’. We don’t know what we’re going to be up against. I swear to the Goddess if that bitch tries to double cross us, I’m gonna burn her at the stake myself.”
“I’ll be careful. I promise.” Willa nodded.
“Stay b
ehind me. I’ll go first. And Willa? I…” His eyes flashed to hers and emotion stirred in his chest. He slammed down his guards as the words crossed his mind. I love you. Impossible he could have gone a lifetime without Willa, now in an instant he could lose her. “I’m glad you’re my mate. I promise we’re going to have a lifetime of happiness when this is over.”
“Me too.” Willa smiled in return, but her eyes remained cloaked in concern.
“Ready?” He gave a closed smile.
“Absolutely.”
The Alpha caught sight of the candlelit pentagram spread over the grass and held tight to Willa’s hand. As they quietly passed the chanting witches, they took care not to disturb the circle of salt that had been poured onto the lawn. Wearing black satin robes, the women stood circling a bonfire.
The distinctive scent of hickory burning lingered in the air. By the time they reached the stairs, Hunter detected the shift in the energy, dark magick swirling around them. No crickets sang, deafening silence filling the night.
The wooden planks creaked under their feet as they ascended the porch. The front doors swung wide open by themselves, slamming against the siding. Dragon’s blood incense filtered throughout the foyer as they stepped inside the mansion. In near darkness candlelight flickered, illuminating the room.
Hunter wasted no time, calling on the High Priestess. “Ilsbeth. Show yourself.”
The sound of clicking heels echoed off the wooden floors, growing louder as she drew closer. The Alpha steeled his mental shields as she approached, her dark energy washing over him.
As she stepped into the light, he took sight of the High Priestess. She wore a skintight black leather jumpsuit, a silver pentagram hung protectively around her neck. Her long platinum hair glistened in the candlelight. Hunter was not deceived by her ethereal beauty, knowing all too well the danger that lurked within her soul.
“We’re here. What’s next?” Hunter asked.
“Do you have it? The book?” she replied.
“We’ve got it.” The energy shifted but for a second and Viktor materialized directly in front of Ilsbeth.
“What are you doing?” Ilsbeth snapped, her lips drawn tight. Her eyes narrowed onto the vampire.
