Hunter

by Kym Grosso

  “Wakey, wakey lovebirds.”

  Willa heard Viktor’s voice and ignored the pestering vampire. The Alpha wasn’t quite as forgiving, jumping from the bed and shoving him up against the door.

  “What the fuck are you doing in here?” Hunter released him and turned on his heels. Buck naked, he yawned and rubbed his cheeks with his palms. Willa blinked open her eyes, but Hunter blocked Viktor from her line of sight.

  Viktor sniffed. “Ah, have you two been being naughty little wolves?”

  Hunter glanced down to his alarm clock and sighed. “What the fuck are you doing here at three-thirty in the morning?”

  “It’s the witching hour, friends.” Viktor smiled, wiggling his fingers in the air.

  “What?”

  “You know. Ilsbeth. She sent me some super-secret double handshake text. Meeting her in Pirate’s Alley in the Quarter.”

  “What? Why there?” Hunter plowed his fingers through his hair and returned to the bed.

  “I know. It’s super scary, huh?” He laughed.

  “Are you high?” Hunter growled.

  “What’s going on?” Willa asked, her voice rumbling, still partially asleep. So tired, she didn’t want to get out of bed.

  “Yeah, you’re right. Totally cliché. Ah. Well. I suppose Ilsbeth didn’t get the memo.”

  “We should have talked to Samantha first.”

  “Luca’s not exactly keen on us involving his fiancée.”

  “Why can’t Kade get involved?”

  “Seems Quint old boy caused a bit of ruckus at their backyard barbeque. Few demons here and there. As I remember it, it wasn’t so bad. It’s not like they destroyed the house. Spilled a few drinks maybe.”

  “You got sent to Hell. How much worse can it get?” Hunter shot back.

  “Hmm. Yes. Very true. Not my finest hour.”

  “Get to the fucking point.”

  “All I know is when Ilsbeth texts me, I think we should go,” Viktor told him.

  “What if it’s a trap?” Willa asked.

  “The shit is going to hit the fan if we go meet this bitch and don’t tell Samantha.” Hunter shook his head.

  “All true. Still though. I do enjoy a good ghost story.” Viktor rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Come on, you two. The witch is back.” He clapped his hands. “The Ilsbeth I know and love does whatever the fuck she wants. Samantha or no Samantha. And honestly, what is Kade going to do about it if we meet her? You’re an Alpha from another state.”

  “I was born here,” Hunter replied.

  “Willa wasn’t. She wasn’t even born in this country. Or continent. And besides, Kade may be in charge down here but I’m still older and so is Quint. Kade needs to get Luca in line.”

  “We need information. We have to go,” Willa urged. “I know wolves have rules but…”

  “Packs have rules. And you’re a wolf, so you better get used to it, sweetheart.”

  “I don’t need to get used to anything. I’ve been around far longer than any of these other wolves,” she said.

  “There’s an order to things. You can’t be tellin’ an Alpha what to do. Not Logan. Not me.”

  “Well perhaps the rule and order is about to change,” she challenged. Her pulse raced with anger as she shoved up and swung her legs over the bed.

  “Okay now.” The corner of Viktor’s mouth ticked upward, his eyes drifting over Willa’s bared body.

  “She’s mine,” Hunter growled at him.

  “What?” Viktor asked.

  “I belong to no one but myself,” Willa stated, her defiant eyes locked on Hunter’s. “In fact, I won’t be here anymore if we don’t figure out how to stop the wolves and the demons after me.”

  “Five minutes. We’ll meet you downstairs,” Hunter told Viktor.

  The Alpha’s stare bored a hole through her, but Willa remained firm, refusing to avert her eyes. Rules belonged to the vampires and wolves, but she was not of pack.

  “Now, Viktor,” the Alpha growled.

  “Pity. Just as things were getting interesting.” Without another word, the vampire dematerialized.

  Willa turned on her heels and headed into the bathroom.

  “This discussion isn’t over, doc.”

  For now, it is. Willa deliberately shut the door and rested her forehead against it. She sighed, emotion tightening in her chest. If she didn’t find a way out of Hell, it wouldn’t matter in the least. She’d be dead, and now that she’d mated with Hunter, he likely couldn’t live without her.

  “Are you sure she’s coming?” Willa asked, her eyes drawn to the shadow of Jesus illuminated on the back of the church. She and Hunter walked in silence toward Jackson Square. Sirens blared in the distance as she nervously toed at an indentation in the cobblestone sidewalk, impatient to speak with Ilsbeth.

  “She’s lucky it’s a Tuesday. Not many humans around,” Hunter noted.

  “What’s lucky about that? Humans equal food. I can always use a little tasty snack.” The suave vampire smacked his lips and laughed.

  “How can you talk about humans like that?” Willa turned to Viktor, disgust on her face.

  “Because my dear doctor, they are food. I’m a vampire. That’s what I do.”

  “Don’t you have a job?” she pressed, earning a brief smile from Hunter.

  “I’ve earned my keep. You, doc?”

  “Someday I’ll show you mine. Today’s not that day,” she replied, giving him a closed smile. Over the years she’d donated much of the money she’d earned.

  “Something about this isn’t right,” Hunter said, scanning the area from one end of the alley to the other.

  An eerie silence blanketed the darkness. The hair stood up on the back of Willa’s neck and she moved closer to the Alpha. Gooseflesh broke over her skin, black magick vibrations dancing in the air.

  “Do you feel it?” she asked, her breath visible as she exhaled. “It feels like death.”

  “Temperature drop.” Hunter reached for her hand.

  “What’s happening?” Willa’s pulse raced as it grew colder.

  “That’s what’s happening. Up there,” Viktor told them, pointing down the alley, toward the church.

  Willa’s heart beat like a drum as the lamp post flickered into darkness. A bright light emerged through the white stone wall of the cathedral. An aberration of a priest appeared before them, his cloak brushing the stone walkway as he passed through the cross-adorned wrought iron gate.

  Although the ghost appeared as a holy figure, Willa knew better than to trust it. She lost her breath as it turned to face them, her wolf urging her to shift. The priest lifted a bible, staring straight through its transparent pages.

  What is he doing here? she asked Hunter.

  He’s a priest. We’re at a church.

  Don’t be a smartass. Why is he here? I don’t like it.

  This is a pretty cool superpower, huh, mate? A corner of his lip turned upward.

  Not funny. She slowly exhaled her fear, attempting to calm herself.

  The priest’s mouth opened, his lips moving in silence.

  In the distance, a stranger turned the corner into the alley, slowly approaching them.

  “A human?” she whispered.

  “A nun.” Viktor rolled his eyes. “Not food.”

  “Now you’ve got morals?” Hunter asked, his voice low.

  “Well, yes.” He paused, his hand on his chin. “I suppose it’s more of a pecking order. Hot chicks. Hot guys. Not attached. All at the top of the list. Nuns? Not exactly available. But, also not out of the question. Will do in a pinch.”

  “There’s something wrong with you,” Willa told him, her heart pounding as the nun walked with her head to the ground, unaware of the ghostly presence.

  A shift in the energy alerted her to the danger, dark magick intensifying. What’s happening? The priest turned his attention directly to Willa and began to open his mouth. His shriveled lips distorted as claws extended from his hands. Before
Willa had a chance to react, the nun began running toward it, her soft chants morphing into screams.

  Hunter held Willa tight. They watched in fascination as the specter exploded, shards of red flames shooting into the sky as it disappeared.

  “What the hell?” Viktor blinked in an attempt to avoid the glare.

  As the nun approached, she lifted her gaze. Ilsbeth.

  Willa’s stomach rolled, aware the demon had once again come for her. Although the witch had banished it, she didn’t trust that the high priestess didn’t have a hand in its appearance.

  “Annnnndddd….she’s back!” Viktor laughed.

  “Jesus Christ, what the hell is going on?” Hunter asked.

  “It’s too dangerous out here,” Ilsbeth told them. “This way.”

  Ilsbeth quickly strode to an arched wooden door, its planks painted green. She brandished a silver key, stuck it into the keyhole and unlocked it.

  Willa looked to Hunter and he nodded, his lips drawn tight in concern. “I’ll go first. Stay between us.”

  Willa thought to argue but acquiesced to his order. Her caution of the witch remained intact. It was not as if Viktor could protect her from a demon. He’d been just as vulnerable as she was. But he and Hunter had known Ilsbeth far longer, and it was prudent to follow their lead.

  A single dim lightbulb illuminated the passageway. As Willa stepped into the tunnel, dank air rushed into her nostrils. She covered her face with her arm and coughed. The bang of the door slamming behind them echoed loudly.

  The snap of fingers sounded in the small space. Ilsbeth turned to face them, her nude figure surrounded by the glow of a purple aura.

  At the sight of the High Priestess, Willa drew a slow deliberate breath, attempting to calm her heart rate. Magick swirled in the air like a toxic cloud, and she slammed up her walls, sealing out any psychic connections.

  “This.” Ilsbeth clapped her hands and raised them into the air. “I open this passage to only four. No creature shall follow, sealed from entering this door.” Her hands parted and circled the air, creating a large white ball of energy. “We’ve got to get out of here before they come. I go first.”

  “But…” Viktor began, holding up a finger.

  “No arguments, vampire,” Ilsbeth interrupted. “The demons will find us. If you want answers, come through the portal.”

  Ilsbeth nodded at Hunter once before she turned and disappeared through the white shimmering light.

  “Shit.” The Alpha blew out a breath.

  “She’s gone.” Willa steeled her nerves, knowing they’d have to follow.

  “Nun to naked. Now that’s a trick. She has a flair for the dramatic. I’ll give her that.” Viktor ran his fingers through his hair and turned to the Alpha.

  “We’re going,” Hunter told him. “Because that thing we just saw probably has friends. Okay, I’m going first. Hold my hand.”

  Willa nodded, her heart racing as she watched him stride into the shimmering portal. His body disappeared and her feet followed him. She closed her eyes, praying that whatever lay on the other side wouldn’t kill her.

  The scent of fresh cut grass and cinnamon incense swirled around her, the sounds of a sensual drumbeat in her ears. She blinked open her eyes, releasing an audible breath. Nearly twenty naked men and women danced in a circle upon the lawn. Tantric chanting filled the warm night air, the ceremony illuminated by pillar candles placed in a huge circle. A pentagon created out of white rose petals rested under their feet.

  Willa’s eyes were drawn to a grand mansion. A limestone driveway and massive walkway led up to seven enormous Doric columns at the front of the home. Candlelight flickered upon the dew-kissed blades of grass.

  Ilsbeth nodded in reverence toward the witches and waved her hand at Hunter and Willa. They followed her in silence toward the great home.

  Willa glanced upward, noting the clear sky, millions of stars twinkling from above. The song of crickets replaced the din of the ceremony. Wherever they were was far beyond the city, but the Spanish Moss drifting from the limbs of the Southern Oak trees caused Willa to suspect they were still in Louisiana.

  Ilsbeth swung open the elaborately decorated brass doors. A butler dressed in a formal white uniform presented the High Priestess with a red satin robe, which she accepted with a silent nod.

  “Let’s have a talk, shall we?” Ilsbeth never made contact as she strode through the home.

  Willa’s eyes widened as she took in the sight of the enormous foyer. The ultra-modern white stone architecture was complemented by a chic red décor. She glanced up to a domed ceiling which had been painted with an elaborate illustration of the galaxy. As they walked through a sitting area, she noted the pentacles of various sizes woven into the decorations.

  Ilsbeth placed her palm upon a rectangular etched glass wall, mumbling an incantation. The hum of the enormous wall disappearing, sliding inside itself revealed a secret room. The scent of frankincense drifted in the air, and as Willa stepped inside, she instantly registered the magick all around her.

  “Take a seat,” Ilsbeth commanded.

  “Goddess, I love the drama.” Viktor smiled and put his hands up, slowly spinning. “Look at this room.”

  Willa’s eyes widened at the two-story beveled glass curio cabinet that embodied an entire wall. Candles shone bright upon an elaborate granite altar in the corner.

  Ilsbeth turned on her heels and locked her gaze on the Alpha. “I’m forever in your debt.” She flipped a strand of her long blonde locks and they spilled over her shoulders. An ethereal presence, the witch seemingly floated toward them. She turned her sights on Willa and gracefully extended her hand. “I believe a formal introduction is due. I am Ilsbeth, High Priestess of Louisiana.”

  “I…I…thank you,” Willa managed but hesitated to shake her hand. As she stared into the witch’s violet eyes, she swore she detected the same hellfire that flowed inside her own veins.

  “You’re welcome, darling. Sometimes we have to fix each other’s crowns.” Ilsbeth smiled and turned her attention to the Alpha. “So, let’s talk demons, shall we?”

  Hunter nodded. As he gestured to Willa to sit on the blood-red velvet sofa, the entrance to the room sealed shut. Although Willa feigned indifference, the powerful magick hadn’t gone unnoticed. It had existed as long as time, but rarely in her lifetime had she experienced the dark energy of an ancient witch.

  “Ilsbeth,” Hunter began. He wore a cautious smile, as if amused by her theatrics. “I’m glad…well, I think I’m glad you appear to be okay. I have to say, you seem completely unaffected by your trip to Hell.”

  “It’s the latest spa treatment. Haven’t you heard? Sweat it out. Your skin looks like a baby’s bottom,” Viktor quipped.

  Ilsbeth smiled broadly and gently sat down in an intricately carved red leather chair. She delicately perched her feet upon an ottoman.

  “I’m not exactly sure where to start.” Hunter gave a closed smile, concealing his emotions. ‘Look, we might as well not ignore the elephant in the room.”

  “I do enjoy a circus,” Viktor mused.

  “You left the coven. The only friend you’re going to have left in this town might be Kade, but you know Luca’s not going to have it.” Hunter’s brows narrowed. “And High Priestess of Louisiana? Really? Is that some new title you have? I take it Samantha’s not abdicating the New Orleans throne to you.”

  “Coven politics is not that simple, Alpha.” Her smile disappeared. “As you know, I’ve been missing the past year or so. Samantha is an extraordinary witch. Elemental. It was only right she led the witches. But you see,” Ilsbeth paused, her gaze drifting to a life-sized painting depicting Adam and Eve, “I grew weak to temptation and accepted the fruit.”

  “Dimitri. Logan will never forgive you. He’s going to have my ass if I don’t tell him where you are.” Hunter blew out a breath. “I know you saved Viktor. Willa.”

  “Yes, your mate,” Ilsbeth noted. “Very interesting. The couplin
g of a royal with a Livingston.”

  Willa unconsciously fingered her shoulder where he’d bitten her. Although her mating mark wasn’t visible, the witch must have detected a change in their scent.

  “He doesn’t even know I’m here right now,” Hunter continued, ignoring her statement. “You obviously got in a little over your head.”

  “I was…not myself,” she commented, her voice soft but firm.

  “Zella? She got nothin’ on you. Boring. And that hair? Pluh-leeze. Personally, I’m glad you’re back. You’re always a little scary. That vibe works for you.” Viktor gave a cool smile, his tone flippant.

  “I am over a thousand years old. There is much you don’t know about me. Perhaps will never know. Dimitri.” She sighed reflectively. “He was a temptation. One I should have resisted. I suppose I didn’t fully contemplate the ramifications.”

  “You could have killed him,” Hunter accused. “Not only that, whatever demon you summoned, I’m guessing it’s the one that stirred all that shit up in New York, that could have leaked out, if it didn’t already. Jake saved your ass but only because you weren’t you. Now what the hell is this?” He gestured toward the altar. “We aren’t even in New Orleans. Where the fuck are we?”

  “Easy,” Viktor warned.

  “No, no, it’s true.” She lowered her eyes and spoke softly. “I’ve had many lovers in my lifetime. But Dimitri.” Ilsbeth raised her gaze. “He’s quite charming. I’m not sure how it happened. It wasn’t supposed to. I just fell for him.” She sighed. “I knew better than to fall for a wolf. Wolves have mates. No matter how many years go by, they will eventually mate and leave you in the cold. You never know where you will find that mate. Even in Hell. It’s proof that the Goddess always provides us with our destiny. And so.” Her lips tightened, a sad expression crossed her face. “I knew better. It’s true. Alpha, I know you may find it hard to believe but I loved him. I know he never loved me back. But it didn’t matter. I just loved him.”