Hunter

by Kym Grosso

  “Damn fairy almost killed me down in New Orleans a week ago. At least I think it’s been a week. Time flies in Hell. And not because you’re havin’ a good time.” Hunter cocked his head and continued. “But like I said, it’s rare. To tell the truth, it’s either really quiet round here or all hell’s breaking loose. With the vampires, you just never know.”

  “Do you get…” Willa took a deep breath, keeping her voice soft, “demons?”

  “We’re just like any town really. You can’t rule them out. But if you’ve got to worryin’, you don’t need to. No one’s taking you back, Willa.”

  “I always knew…” someone would find out about me, “someone would want what I’ve been working on. But I never really thought…I mean I’m strong. But that day…”

  “Don’t blame yourself.”

  It’s all my fault.

  “It could happen to anyone. Not to beat a dead horse, but you were at risk being rogue. But I can promise you this. I’m never going to let anyone hurt you again.”

  “I knew it was dangerous. The jungle can be unforgiving. Jaguars, crocodiles, poisonous snakes, spiders. But I learned not just how to live there but thrive.”

  “What made you stay?”

  “The people. Adventure. It’s a beautiful place. There’s thousands of undiscovered ruins within the jungle. I’ve helped out with a few archeological excavations. And the rainforest is a biodiverse treasure trove. Plants, animals, insects. Microorganisms. It’s been theorized there could be a million undiscovered species. It’s like nature’s pharmacy. Potentially anyway.”

  “Humans are fragile. I know it’s difficult to lose them, but I’m surprised you put yourself at risk like that.”

  “Wolves have been gifted by the Goddess to live eternally, which is a double-edged sword when you watch their species struggle.” She sighed. “I feel like it’s my responsibility to give back.”

  “Even if it puts you in danger?” he asked.

  “Yes. Who better to do it? If I get bitten by a poisonous snake, I shift.”

  “But depending on the injury, you could bleed out.”

  “Yes, well. I’m not entirely helpless. I’ve been around a long time. And before you ask, a lady never tells her age.”

  “What happened down there? How exactly did they get you?” he pressed.

  “It was a stormy night.” Willa closed her eyes, letting the memories rush forth. After the torrential rain subsided, she’d heard the squawking chickens. Within seconds, the howler monkeys went wild, their deafening cries alerting her that a predator had made its way into their territory. Although she suspected a jaguar, she knew local gangs had been working their way through the jungle.

  It wasn’t the first time she’d confronted drug traffickers. As wolf, she’d take them out with great precision, picking them off one by one. They’d barely hear the branches break under their own feet before she’d ripped out their throats. In the morning, it’d be blamed on a jaguar. With no lack of predators in the area, the remains often would be eaten before they were ever discovered.

  That wet and tempestuous night, confident she could handle the situation, Willa left her home to investigate the intrusion and padded cautiously into the darkness. As she detected the sulfur in the air, she froze, the silver net instantly immobilizing her. Captured, she’d been forced to shift into her naked human form.

  “Willa?” she heard Hunter ask, jarring her from the dark memory.

  “Yeah…sorry. I was ambushed. I’d never had a problem before that night.”

  “Did they hurt you?”

  “They, uh, the silver…a little. I wasn’t there long.” Willa blew out a breath. “There’s things. Things about me. Whatever. It doesn’t really matter. Whoever came for me the first time…this isn’t over. And next time, I’m going to kill them all.”

  “Is that right now? Well I can’t say I blame ya but if you’d open up to me, just a little now, you know I can help you.”

  “You got me out of Hell. I was distracted. I should have known better. It won’t happen again.”

  “You’re damn straight it won’t happen again. I didn’t just pluck your ass out of Hell to see you…”

  “Alpha.” Willa settled her nerves and kept her voice calm. “I appreciate what you did for me. I really do. But I don’t want to see anything happen to your wolves.”

  “You ever hear about many people escaping from Hell? I’m not foolin’. Have you?”

  The question took her off guard, but she remained true to her position. “Well, no. I’ve been around long enough to know they don’t.”

  “For whatever reason I was meant to find you. And now that we’ve…” Hunter paused as he turned down a dark gravel road. Lights flickered in the distance, growing brighter as they approached, “played the piano.”

  Willa’s cheeks flushed at the mention of their encounter and she fought the feelings that tugged at her heart. The Alpha could never be hers.

  “You do recall us playing?”

  “It was…” She shot a coy smile at the Alpha and quickly turned her gaze out the window. Her stomach flipped and she prayed she could get control of her emotions. “Unforgettable.”

  “So, I was thinking maybe after we round up these wolves, we could get to makin’ a little more music.” Although Hunter wore a smile, he kept his eyes trained on the road.

  “I’m afraid that may have been a limited engagement.”

  “You play with others?”

  “No. It’s just…” Willa sighed, shaking off the memories. “I can’t let these assholes come for you.”

  “As I’ve said, you’re not alone anymore. We’re coming up on things here, but I’m thinking we should have a repeat performance.”

  The corners of Willa’s lips tugged upward. Out of the corner of her eye, she spied his flirtatious smile. Don’t go there girl , she told herself. If you like him, you’ll stay away. If the past had taught her anything, it was that anyone she cared about would die.

  “Here we go. Up there,” Hunter said.

  Willa steeled her nerves as they pulled into a parking space, the headlights burning a hole into the darkness. Her thoughts raced. Seeing the same wolves who’d kidnapped her both excited and terrified her. She closed her eyes as another memory of her capture flashed in her mind. The silver scorched her flesh. She writhed in pain, screaming as they kicked her down to the ground, a heavy boot pressing her face into the dirt. Her wolf retreated, unable to shift from the poison. She stared at her attackers, refusing to let tears fall. As the earth cleaved open, flames shot out of the portal to Hell.

  “Hey.” Hunter’s voice broke her contemplation. His gentle touch brought her back to the present and she turned to him. “Willa, I can’t pretend to know all you’ve gone through. But I promise I’ll keep you safe tonight, okay? You’re not going back to Hell.”

  “You don’t know that.” I want to believe you. It’s my fault. “I thought I was smarter…that night they got me…”

  “Look at me.” Hunter gently cupped her cheek, his eyes locked on hers. “What happened was not your fault. I know this has to be hard. It’s likely these rogue wolves aren’t anywhere near here. But you don’t need to go with me into the blood club if you’re not comfortable. If you want, I can have Viktor flash you back to my house. I’ll get Remus to meet you there and keep you safe until I get back. I’ll take care of this.”

  “No. I’m going.”

  “Listen to me one more time. No one is getting you tonight. Or ever. When I find these wolves who took you, and believe me, I’m going to make it my business to find them, I’m going to kill them. After we get done with this business with the donor and hear her story, you and I are going to have a long talk.”

  “Yes,” she reluctantly agreed.

  “All right. Let’s do this.” Hunter opened his door and exited.

  Willa took a deep breath and blew it out, her eyes meeting Hunter’s through the window. Her heart tightened with longing for the Alpha. A
s the door opened, she reached for his hand, unable to control the fiery energy that flowed through her veins. She was certain he’d feel it, but her nature could not be contained.

  As they walked toward the entrance, she heard the muffled bass music filtering into the parking lot. The scent of dragon’s blood incense hung heavy in the air.

  The hair on the back of her neck prickled in awareness. She briefly hesitated and scanned the area but saw no one.

  “You okay?” Hunter asked.

  “Yes, I thought I heard…”

  “Ah, glad you both joined me for the fun.”

  Willa jumped, a hand touching her shoulder, warm breath on her ear. She spun around on instinct, slamming her fist into the stranger’s solar plexus. Viktor tumbled backwards, groaning with a laugh.

  “What the fuck is your issue?” Hunter shook his head, his lips drawn tight with annoyance. “You’re lucky she hit you and not me.’

  “Your girl’s got a good punch on her.” Viktor stood and stretched his arms.

  “She isn’t my…” Hunter paused. “This isn’t a fucking joke. You’re going to get someone killed with that shit.”

  “I agree with the Alpha. In my professional opinion, there really is something wrong with you. You really should see a doctor about that. Oh, that’s right. I am a doctor. I’m afraid there isn’t a cure for being a jackass.”

  Hunter laughed.

  “It’s good to see you’ve got some fight in you, doc. It’s about time,” Viktor told her.

  “I’ve killed vampires like you before.” It wasn’t as much a threat as a statement of fact. Not many over the years, but she’d withstood her fair share of fights.

  “There aren’t many like me, so don’t test me, pet. I assure you, you will not win.” His cool expression warmed into a closed smile. “That being said, I have no intention of hurting you. Always remember that. Even at my worst…” his eyes softened, “I will do right by you.”

  “I…” Willa stumbled over her words, struggling to remember him. The way he spoke was oddly familiar, as if he’d been a childhood friend she’d long forgotten. Hunter’s warm voice brought her focus back to the club.

  “Don’t pay the vampire any mind.” His attention went to Viktor. “I don’t want you to go stirring up trouble tonight. We get in and out. If the human you spoke to is here, let’s talk to her and get out without causing a fuss, got me?”

  “But of course, oh great wolf. Ahroooo,” Viktor howled with laughter.

  “Fall in line, asshole.”

  “Ah, yes. Pleasant as always. Shall we?” Viktor extended his hand, ushering them forward.

  “Ready?” Hunter asked Willa.

  She nodded, and stole a quick glance back at Viktor, who wore an impassive expression. The sound of the heavy wooden door creaking sent her heart racing, and she took a deep breath, putting one foot in front of the other as they stepped into the bar.

  A large woman approached, her black leather boots stomping across the room. Long rainbow-colored curls spilled over her shoulders. Her royal blue, shiny, latex corset forced up her ample bosom, flesh spilling over the edges of the tight fabric.

  “What are you doing here?” she growled, a scowl painted on her face.

  “Come to see you, beautiful,” Hunter told her.

  Willa’s eyes widened with surprise at his statement.

  “Come give me some sugar, Alpha.” The burly woman stretched out her arms to him with a broad smile.

  “No bitin’ now,” Hunter half joked as he hugged her.

  “One of these days you’re goin’ to give me a go,” she promised, laughing.

  “Now, you know I’m not lettin’ anyone bite me. Nothing personal, but I can’t go about doing that, Cheryl.”

  “I’m just messin’ with you. If I were Alpha, I wouldn’t be puttin’ my pack at risk for a good bite either. And you know I’m good. Real good.” She waggled her eyebrows at him.

  “That you are, that you are.” Hunter wore a cool smile as he scanned the room.

  “So, I know you didn’t come down here tonight just to see me now, did ya?” Cheryl tilted her head, her gaze painting over Willa. “A new friend?”

  “Yes, this is…a friend. She’s staying with me a few days.” Hunter set his focus on a group of humans who were huddled deep in conversation in a darkened corner.

  “Hello.” Willa nodded but made no effort to shake hands. Hunter may have trusted the vampire, but Willa didn’t and preferred not to give her the chance to sniff her skin.

  “A shy one. Well, it takes all kinds to make the world go round. This one here,” Cheryl turned to Viktor and gave an audible sigh. “He’s a troublemaker. Got to watch him, all right.”

  “Lovey, you know I’m just a friendly visitor in your establishment,” Viktor cooed.

  “You’re always welcome, indeed,” she responded.

  As Cheryl gave Viktor a nod, Willa wondered why a stranger would look at him almost with reverence. Her focus settled on Hunter who’d craned his neck, eyeing two girls dancing near the bar.

  “We’re not here for blood. We’re here for humans. Word on the street is a pack of rogues passed through town and roughed up a girl’s brother.”

  “I don’t want no trouble with anyone,” Cheryl stated, her voice somber. “I’m not a gossip, of course, but I hear things.”

  “We need to see the girl. In private. We’ll need a secure room,” Hunter told her.

  “I’ve heard a rumor the Smith boy on Hollow Bend got in a fight last night, but that’s all I know. The girl, who goes by the name Shelley, told a few vampires. Can’t trust the humans with their stories so I paid her no mind. She didn’t say who the wolves were, but I suspected you’d either already know about it or be comin’ to see her. Either way, not my responsibility, Alpha. I’m just a bar keep.” She held her palms up to the air and smiled.

  “You’re much more than that, and you know it, but you’re right that humans lie. So do vampires. And wolves. It’s my business to know the difference. She’s over there?”

  “Yeah, yeah. The redhead with the blue hair extensions.”

  “Ah, but she did taste good, though. Like a fine year of wine.” Viktor gave a closed smile, recalling his encounter. “Clean as can be. Like a mountain spring.”

  “He has a way with words, doesn’t he?” She gave a hearty laugh.

  “So, you’ve had no strange wolves through here?” Willa asked.

  “Darlin’, strangers are always passing through town, but rarely a rogue wolf the Alpha doesn’t know about.” She shook her head. “Now listen, I’d love to stay and chat, but you know I gotta keep tabs on the rooms. I have a few special headliners tonight. You should stay for the show. It’s a human vamp act. She strips. He eats then does an artistic dance. I know, I know. It sounds basic. But I’m telling you, they’ve been getting rave reviews.”

  “No, thanks. I’m good,” Hunter replied dismissively.

  “Speak for yourself.” Viktor shrugged with a devious smile. “I’m always up for watching a musical act.”

  Hunter shot him a glare. “No.”

  “Just like Broadway.” Viktor turned to Willa who vacillated between amusement and disgust at his assessment of the situation. “See, she thinks I’m funny.”

  “I didn’t say…” Willa crossed her arms protectively around her chest and guarded her thoughts. How is he doing that? No vampire had ever sensed her, let alone read her mind.

  “Ignore him,” Hunter growled at Viktor.

  “The Avocado room is empty, but I think you’ll be needing enough space for four, so you’d better take the Coconut room. Plenty of room for play if ya know what I mean. Just got in a new shipment of product from Fiji. You’re gonna love it.”

  “What is she talking about?” Willa asked as Hunter took her hand and led her through a sea of bodies.

  “Get the girl and meet me in the back.” The Alpha shot out the command at Viktor, but never stopped moving.

  Willa studi
ed patrons as they made their way through the crowd. She could sense the humans, the scent of sex and blood filtering through the air. A labored cry tore into the din and Willa twisted her neck, catching sight of a nude man kneeling. His body shook as his mistress ran her long talons over his pale skin right before shoving him onto his back. The female vampire, dressed in a skin-tight purple satin jumpsuit with four-inch spiked heels, smiled as a trail of blood bubbled onto his skin. Willa’s mouth gaped open as the man obediently lay flat onto the cold wooden floor and the vampire pressed her foot between his legs, crushing his testicles.

  The sadistic mistress’s cold eyes flashed to Willa and she hissed in displeasure. Willa stared down the vampire, holding her gaze until she looked away. When she turned to Hunter, she caught the momentary surprise in his expression. He quickly recovered, and his eyes narrowed in on a hallway hidden past the side of a stage.

  As they entered, the walls appeared to dance; spiraling tubes of lights dangling from the wall changed colors. Willa imagined the humans might find the rhythmic pulsing unsettling, but she remained unfazed by its intensity.

  “Here,” Hunter said, opening a bright neon-green door.

  “Wow. Okay.” Willa’s eyes widened as she studied the uniquely decorated room. Coconuts of various sizes and colors were placed about the room. The island-themed wall mural displayed palm trees. “Um…this is different.”

  “Yeah. Cheryl likes fruit.”

  “You mean she decorates all the rooms like fruit?”

  “Nuts. Flowers too. She’s got one for avocados, roses, peanuts. It’s kind of a thing.” Hunter shrugged.

  Willa picked up a coconut, admiring the hand painting. A brightly colored crown adorned its outer skin. “Zulu?”

  “Yes. I’ve brought her a few back from New Orleans over the years. She loves them. Always saying she’s goin’ home someday.” Hunter scanned the room. “The vamps. They’re odd birds. Look at Cheryl. She collects things. Human things. She never touches human food, but she’s obsessed with…” Hunter gestured to a chandelier made of coconuts. “Stuff. Bric-a-brac. Then you’ve got a vamp like my friend, Quint. You’ll meet him someday. He’s a mad chef. Always cooking. Says it reminds him of when he was human. I can’t say I blame him. I guess when you think about it, they were all once human. Can’t imagine it really. One minute you’re eating a slice of pizza, and the next, you’re immortal and the only way to stay alive is drinking blood.”