by Kym Grosso
“This here is Janet. She’s my assistant.”
Willa gave a hesitant smile and nodded at her. The blonde she-wolf’s closed smile spoke volumes as to her discontent. Girlfriend? All the more reason to be on her way. Packs were instinctively territorial. Willa surmised that a remote pack such as Hunter’s would be even more so.
“This is the she-wolf? She looks unwell.” The imposing stranger inspected her from a distance. “Why didn’t she shift?”
Willa remained silent and crossed her arms, self-conscious of the bites. Yet she kept her eyes trained on the female, staring her down. Her royal instincts demanded respect.
“She’s not feeling well. She just needs something to eat,” Hunter responded, not missing a beat.
The brooding male approached and glared at Willa. “What was she doing in Hell?”
“Easy, Remus. Willa, this is my beta. That dude over there. Rafe.” Hunter turned to his wolves. “Let me be clear y’all. Willa is my guest. So, play nice.”
“You sure you don’t need help with the female?” he asked.
“Yes, I can bring her something to wear if you…” Janet said, her lips still tight in a frown.
“I’m good,” Hunter said, tension lacing his words.
“Nice to meet you,” Willa managed. Her eyes darted up to the Alpha’s.
“Hey guys, I’ve gotta get some food rustled up so if you wouldn’t mind.” He nodded toward the door. “I’ll be out in a few and we can go for a run.”
As the strangers reluctantly walked out the front door without saying goodbye, Willa relaxed. She wasn’t in the mood, but if attacked, she’d fight to the death. The female had been less than welcoming, and she sensed they viewed her as a threat.
“I’m sorry I don’t have much of a variety. I’m defrosting a few steaks and I’ve got some potatoes boiling. I haven’t had a chance to order in food since I’ve been away. And unfortunately, I’ve been away from my house for a good long while.” The Alpha crossed the room to a bar that extended into the living area. The curved wood had been intricately designed. Smooth curved planes of mahogany swirled on its surface.
He reached for a bottle on an overhead rack and retrieved it. “I may not have a lot of food right now. But what I do have is a shit ton of red wine. So, we’re good on that.”
“Works for me.” Willa’s instant response surprised even her. Something about Hunter seemed familiar. More than safe, his mere presence both excited and calmed her, but she resisted her attraction to him.
“Ah, a lady after my own heart.” Hunter made quick work of uncorking the bottle, slipped two glasses in front of him and poured it. “The thing is. Hell.” He exhaled and shook his head. “Bad things. Very, very bad things happen there. And you know, even though we’re immortal, we certainly can die.”
The Alpha paused and reached for a remote, pointing it at an enormous stone fireplace. As he clicked a button, the fire roared to life. He set it down and picked up the wine glasses.
Willa struggled to keep her eyes on his face. The wild, shirtless Alpha seemed unaware of his effect on her. As he approached, her focus painted over his broad muscled chest that led down to his ripped abs. He extended the glass, and she quickly lifted her gaze to meet his. She nervously accepted the wine as he handed it to her, giving her a knowing smile.
“Thank you.” Jesus, I’m an idiot.
“Sorry, lost focus there a minute. Where was I? Immortal.” He cocked his head. “Maybe that makes Hell all the worse. We don’t die easily and when you get out, you don’t forget.”
“I’ll be okay,” she lied. Exhausted, the fear of closing her eyes wormed through her gut. The nightmares of Hell would linger in her dreams.
“Yeah, hmm, if you say so.”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” she said, her voice soft.
“How about now, let’s toast.”
“Toast? Really?” She managed a small smile.
“Hell yeah. We’re alive, aren’t we?” He raised his glass into the air. “Here’s to meeting beautiful strangers.”
Willa held his gaze as her glass touched his, barely aware of the soft clink. With her eyes still locked on his, she brought the rim to her lips. The warm cherry notes danced on her tongue and she swallowed, her insides warmed by the drink.
“Come sit.” Hunter nodded to the sofa.
Willa complied. Breaking eye contact, she surveyed the room as she walked. Something about his opulent home felt lived in, comfortable. She sat on the sofa and curled her legs under her. He smiled and fell back into an oversized chair and propped his feet on the ottoman.
“So, what’s your deal?” he asked outright.
“I don’t have a deal.” Secrets maybe. “I’m just a wolf.”
“And your mate?” he inquired.
“No mate.” The corners of her lips curled upward. Was he interested?
“And your pack?” Hunter took a sip of his wine.
“I don’t have a pack.”
“You’re a rogue she-wolf? I find that hard to believe.”
“I travel often. I don’t have time to belong to any one pack.” It was partially true.
“You can travel and still belong to a pack,” he challenged. “Where are you from? You have…a slight accent, yes?”
“I was born in Brazil. Most of my time in the States has been spent in New Orleans. About twenty years ago, I bought a home in the French Quarter. Logan knows of my presence.”
“Does he know you’re rogue? Because I’ll clue you in on a little secret, sweetheart. I have a place in New Orleans, and no one’s ever mentioned you.”
“I keep a low profile. I don’t run with the pack. Logan grants me permission to run.” Willa ran the pad of her finger in circles around the rim of her glass.
Hunter raised a suspicious eyebrow. “And where else do you live?”
“Mostly central America.”
“What are you doing down there?”
“I’m a doctor. I’m part of an international physician group that volunteers across the globe. Initially I was sent to Guatemala after a volcano erupted. I ended up staying a little longer. Did some research.”
“You work with humans? As a doctor?”
“It’s not that unusual. For wolves anyway.”
“True. But for a rogue. Alone among humans. That is unusual. Rogues aren’t usually the type to help others.”
“I’m not all rogue.” Tempted to tell him the truth, she bit her lip.
Hunter leaned forward and tilted his head. “So, listen. I’ve been thinking about this. I still don’t have the full story but there’s something about you. So, I’m just going to say it. I think you should stay with my pack for a while.”
“I…” I can’t put your wolves in danger, “can’t impose.”
“Tell me something, Willa. How did you get in Hell?”
“I…I was, um, sold there,” she admitted. That much was the truth. “Ambushed. Then sold.”
“I’ve gotta say I’m not an expert on the rules but that’s also a little unusual.”
Willa glanced down into her glass, remaining silent.
“Whoever did it could be coming for you again. Every time you leave, they say the demons get a little bit of a taste for your soul. Everyone who escaped…”
“Everyone?” Willa’s focus drifted to the fireplace. The lick of the flames appeared to dance inciting warmth over her thoughts, yet in Hell, they screamed, tearing away the flesh of their victims. One of the many tools utilized to inflict pain. She recalled the torture, hearing her own screams in her mind. The others…the feedings. Her fingertips brushed over the newly healed skin on her forearm. Something had happened while she was there. The memories lingered just out of reach. Their faces and voices eluded her. “There were others.”
“There were.”
“I don’t remember. I just know…awful things happen there.” Her strength faltered, her voice shook. “But I can’t stay.” I really want to stay.
&nbs
p; Willa hadn’t been around an Alpha in such a long time. His powerful energy soothed the terrified wolf inside that still feared for her life.
“But of course, you can stay.”
“I can’t.” Her eyes softened as they locked on his, tears threatening to fall. Willa swallowed the emotion back and brought the glass to her lips, taking a long draw of the wine.
“Willa.” Hunter set his drink on the end table and moved to sit next to her. “You can.”
“I’d like to but…” Her heart sped as the Alpha closed the distance between them. Her hand shook as she settled her glass next to his on the table.
“I know what happens in Hell. I know the kind of torture you’ve been through. And also, I know what it’s like for a rogue wolf. It’s probably why it was so easy for them to ambush you. You have no pack to help you. Look, I don’t know what made you go rogue, but it has to be exhausting. You’re on your own. I’m offering you refuge. Just stay a little while. Let me protect you.”
Hunter reached for her hand, and her body pricked in awareness at his touch. The calloused pads of the Alpha’s fingers told her he worked with his hands. She studied the contours of his face. Handsome, the scruff on his cheeks accentuated his strong jawline. While the sea of the truth lay between them, she fought the allure of the dominant Alpha.
“I appreciate your offer. It’s just…the reason I was in Hell. I can’t bring that to you. There’s something I need to get before…” Willa stopped herself before divulging too much more. She needed to go to New Orleans.
“Then tell me the why.”
“I can’t. I can’t put anyone else in danger. It’s not fair to you.”
“I just brought you out of Hell. Do you think I’m afraid of a little danger?”
“I’m not like you.”
“I can tell that already. Your energy. When I touched you. I don’t know what it is but it’s different than most wolves,” he commented.
“It’s…” Hellfire, “unique.”
“But what is it? Why are they after you, Willa?” Hunter exposed her palm and lazily drew a circle with the pad of his thumb on her skin.
“I can’t talk about this. I…” No one outside of her family knew her secret. For it was the original magick of the wolves that danced in her blood.
Hunter brought her palm to his lips and she cupped his face. This man turned her inside out and she’d just met him. No, this couldn’t be happening.
“I’ll stay one night,” she blurted out, unable to resist his spell. “I mean here. Not with you. Well yeah, with you but not with you. I’m sorry I just…you really make me nervous for some reason…I…”
“Shh. It’s okay, Willa. There is a reason I found you when I did and I’m not letting you go. Not yet.”
“One night, yes?” She wasn’t sure whether she was telling him or asking. Her eyes fell to his lips and the energy between them sizzled.
“One night.” He smiled.
Her gaze returned to his and he leaned in toward her. Just one kiss. One night. I’ll go tomorrow, she told herself.
As she closed her eyes, his lips brushed hers and she moaned. Who was this man? He lightly kissed her and then brought her into his embrace, his warm breath upon her ear.
She relaxed into his arms, wishing she had time. Tick Tock. Tomorrow would come quickly and off to New Orleans she’d fly. But for this moment, she indulged. Her heart squeezed, knowing she was both safe and wanted.
But just as she relaxed against the strong Alpha, the energy in the room switched again. Her eyes flashed open and she screamed at the sight of the tall stranger looming above them.
Chapter Three
Hunter couldn’t explain what drove him to kiss her. He knew it was wrong. Jesus. Six hours ago, they’d all met at a barbeque in Hell, and here he was tasting the lovely she-wolf he’d rescued. Lies rolled off her tongue yet he yearned to taste her mouth.
He didn’t press her too much for the truth. If there was one thing Hunter knew, it was that secrets ate at the soul of a person. He’d watched her keep herself tightly wound, hedging, then telling one of her well-crafted answers. While it was clear she believed she put him in danger, she hadn’t fully explained why.
Willa still hadn’t shifted, something rare for a wolf. In his entire existence, he’d only seen a handful of wolves unable to shift after an injury. Unless they were about to die from a mortal wound or suffering the ill effects from dark magick, wolves could always transform, healing themselves.
Something about her felt familiar, as if he’d known her his entire life. Her unusual energy intrigued him. He should have walked away but with her in his arms, he indulged his desires. Her honeyed kiss lured him under her spell, her feminine scent stirring his wolf to rise. If only he could keep her.
Hunter gathered his strength, resisting the temptation to touch her further. As his lips brushed over her ear, his contemplation was broken. Fucking vampire.
“You know, I thought I was good, but you’ve got some sick moves, bro. No, no, no…keep going, please.” Viktor gave a sly smile and winked at Willa. “She is smokin’. Or is that just Hell I still smell?” He pinched his shirt and sniffed.
“What the actual fuck?”
“What?” Viktor shrugged, fell back into a chair and propped his feet on the ottoman. “Jesus, this has been a long month. I really need a vacation.”
“Where’s Ilsbeth?” Hunter shot to his feet. “Tell me she’s handcuffed somewhere. You did not just leave her upstairs.”
“Do you take me for a fool?”
“Who’s Ilsbeth?” Willa asked.
“Seriously.” Hunter rolled his eyes. “Who here got captured and put in Hell?” He glanced to Willa. “No offense. I’m not talking about you. Although I know there’s more to your story than you’re telling me.”
“She’s indisposed.” Viktor answered, his gaze drifting around the room. “Nice digs. It’s not exactly my taste, of course…rustic. Fitting for a wolf. Classic in its own way, I suppose.”
“What the fuck did you do with Ilsbeth?” Hunter’s voice reverberated throughout the room.
“Who is Ilsbeth?” Willa sat straight up on the sofa.
“Why, she’s the witch, of course,” he answered
Willa’s head snapped towards the vampire. “There’s a witch in this house?”
“Interesting. She’s worried about the witch.” Victor dropped his fangs, giving her a broad, toothy smile. “You’d think she’d be more concerned about the vampire in the room.”
“Who are you?” Willa asked.
“Where is the fucking witch?” Hunter demanded.
“I took care of things.” Viktor sniffed again, this time into the air. “Is something burning?”
“It’s the grill. Don’t worry about it. Where? Is she?” Hunter struggled to control his anger at the vampire’s nonchalant attitude.
“Ilsbeth is under control, man. Just chill. Like seriously, did you think I’d leave her by herself?”
“No, no, no.” Knowing it would be counterproductive to saving his ass, Hunter resisted the urge to choke him. “You did not fucking let her go.”
“Do you take me for a fool? We’re talking about Ilsbeth. I took her where she belongs. New Orleans.” Viktor stood and crossed the room to the kitchen, waving a hand in the air. “But don’t worry.”
“She threatened to leave, didn’t she?” The Alpha rolled his eyes. “Of course, she did. That fucking bitch.”
Hunter stormed across the room and slammed his fist onto the cold granite countertop. Willa flinched at the sound, but kept her eyes trained on the vampire.
“Yeah, about that bitch thing.” Viktor glanced to the seasoned steaks that lay on a plate. He wrinkled his nose. “Something is definitely burning.”
“I just told you. It’s the grill, for fuck’s sake.”
“Let’s get to it. Can’t you see she is starving?” Viktor smiled at Willa, who sat across the room, wearing an expression of annoyance. “Pleas
e continue making sexy with the pretty wolf. Although you probably need to tend to that burning first.”
“What do you know about wolves and hunger? You don’t even eat.” Hunter plowed his fingers through his hair. “Why the fuck did you take Ilsbeth back to New Orleans? I told you I needed to talk to her. I want to know her involvement in this. What was she doing in Hell? Who put her there?”
“I don’t know the details, but I suspect whatever demon she’d traded favors with had come callin’. Time to pay the piper. Could’ve been for the black magick she used to try to trick Dimitri. Could be for something else we don’t even know about. Who knows? Who cares?”
“Where exactly is she?” Hunter asked, keeping a concerned eye on Willa as she stood and walked to the fire, her back to both of them.
“Ilsbeth is where she belongs…in the coven.” Viktor looked to Hunter. “I can cook if you let me. I used to be a chef.”
“No, you didn’t. Fuck off, vamp. The only thing you know about is blood. Quintus told me you don’t eat.” Hunter took a deep breath, restraining his anger. He reached for the plate of steaks and curled a finger around the door handle. As he slid the glass open, fresh air rushed into his lungs and he stepped outside onto the porch. He proceeded to fork the meat onto the grill, a hiss sounding as the hot metal seared the steaks.
Viktor raised an eyebrow at him, smiled and glanced to Willa. He closed the door, keeping his voice lowered to a whisper. “She doesn’t remember me.”
“She’s struggling,” Hunter sighed.
Viktor leaned against the door. “I meant what I said. I didn’t hurt her. But her lack of memories? She’s traumatized. It was Hell. Who knows how long she was there? And speaking of which, why hasn’t she shifted? It would help. She still has a few bruises. Granted, they look like they’re better but…”
“I don’t know. I’m not sure what’s happening.” Hunter flipped the steak. “It’s what you said. Something’s different about her. She’s special.”
“I already told you that.”
“No. I mean it. There’s something else. I’m not talking about how she tastes.”
“Well, this is interesting.” Viktor laughed. “Are you smitten?”