Viktor

by Teresa Gabelman

  “Well, shit.” Jax chuckled, shaking his head as he passed. “Then you’d fit right in with this group.”

  “That’s the fucking truth.” Sloan also passed. “Okay, Viktor, do your thing. We’ll be watching.”

  “Bring Bonnie in,” Viktor instructed before he opened the door. “My brother’s on his way.”

  Viktor didn’t wait for confirmation, but he knew Bonnie would be called in. He may need her. Walking into the room, only one vampire sat at the end of the table. He actually did look confused.

  “I already told the other guy everything I remember,” he said, his eyes nervously shooting toward the two-way mirror.

  “I’m Viktor.” Viktor leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “And you are?”

  “Don.” He glanced Viktor’s way with a nod. “I swear I wasn’t trying to do anything to the woman. I would never hurt a female. I’m mated, man. Happily. Honestly, this whole thing is freaking me out.”

  “Let’s start from the beginning one more time. I know you said you told them everything, but let’s just see if anything else comes to mind.” Viktor kept his voice even. He didn’t want to make the guy any more nervous than he already was. He wanted him comfortable. “What is the last thing you remember?”

  “You mean before getting my ass beaten by the VC?” Don frowned.

  Viktor chuckled. “Yeah. Do you remember what you were doing earlier today?”

  “I was home with Vivian, my mate. Then a few of my friends met up downtown to watch the UFC fights at Ronnie’s Bar.” Don’s hands were on the table, and he nervously tapped his thumb.

  “Did you stay until the end of the fights?” Viktor watched his movements, and nothing out of the ordinary stood out to him.

  “Oh yeah. The main event was why we went. Conor McGregor, man,” Don said, then frowned. “Lost fifty bucks on that fight though.”

  “Should have gone with Nick Diaz.” Viktor grinned, but then turned serious. “Okay, so after the fight, what happened?”

  “We had a few more beers, then headed out,” Don replied, then his eyes narrowed. “Come to think of it, Jay flirted with this woman outside the bar. It’s a little foggy, but....”

  Viktor waited patiently while it seemed Don was really trying his best to remember. “Keep thinking,” Viktor said as he headed for the door. “I’ll be right back.”

  He went to the other door where the Warriors waited in the observation room and opened it. “Bring them all in.” He glanced at Bonnie. “You come with me. Send Bishop in if he gets here soon.”

  “You calling the shots now?” Sloan glared, cocking his eyebrow.

  “Believe me, Sloan.” Viktor moved aside when Bonnie walked out. “The last thing I want is your fucking job.”

  Sloan actually laughed. “Shame.”

  Before he and Bonnie went back into the interrogation room, Viktor stopped her. “What do you think?”

  “From the little they told me and what I’ve heard from him, I think we have a dark witch working with someone,” Bonnie replied, then walked into the room when Viktor opened the door for her.

  “Don, this is Bonnie,” Viktor introduced. “She’s going to be asking some questions too.”

  “Okay.” Don nodded, watching Bonnie take a seat at the other end of the table.

  “Do you remember anything else?” Viktor made sure he positioned himself where he could protect Bonnie if needed. Don seemed harmless, but Viktor was always ready for the unexpected.

  “Every time I think I remember something, it fades and gets all scrambled.” Don’s frustration came out through his tone.

  Viktor glanced at Bonnie, who was frowning at Don. “Is your mate vampire or human?”

  Her question seemed to take Don by surprise. “Vampire. Why?”

  Before Bonnie could say anything else, Bishop, Slade, and Jax led the other men inside the room. They all took seats, looking as confused as Don, except for one. That one gave Bonnie a look that Viktor didn’t miss, nor did he like. The vampire then looked at Viktor before quickly looking down.

  “Who are you?” Viktor asked, gaining his attention again. “Yeah, you. What’s your name?”

  The vampire remained silent, but his eyes once again went to Bonnie and then him. Still he didn’t answer.

  “Brad, it’s cool. They know something happened to us. Just answer them,” Don urged his friend.

  “I’m Brad,” the vampire said, then looked away again.

  Viktor looked at Bishop, who was also watching Brad and his behavior. Something definitely was off.

  “A van!” Don said, slamming the table with his hand. “Jay, didn’t that woman say something about helping her with her van?”

  “Yeah, I remember that now,” the vampire Jay said, almost excitedly, and then frowned. “But from there, I can’t really remember much. I don’t even know if we made it to the van or not.”

  “We spotted the five of you following a woman heading away from the bar,” Jax added, positioning himself behind Bonnie. “When we turned around and approached, the woman started screaming as if she were being attacked. That’s when you guys went rogue on us.”

  “We’re not rogue.” Don shook his head vehemently. “I don’t remember any of that.”

  “Do any of you hang with witches?” Bonnie asked, her eyes on Brad. “Or warlocks? Does Orjyll ring a bell.”

  “Really, we’re just regular vampires trying to get along in a human world,” Don said, looking around at his friends. Everyone was nodding but Brad.

  “What about you, Brad?” Bonnie said, then slowly leaned forward. “You been hanging with the wrong crowd?”

  Brad laughed, his eyes snapping toward her. “What do you think, Bonnie?”

  “What the hell are you doing, Brad?” Don scooted away from him, his eyes wide. “You don’t know any witches.”

  “Stop being a pussy, Don,” Brad said but continued to stare at Bonnie. “And shut the fuck up. Bonnie and I have some things to talk about. We’ve been looking for you.”

  “The only pussy I see in this room is you,” Bonnie sneered, her eyes narrowing. “You know me, but obviously I don’t know who you are. And by the way, I haven’t been hiding, bitch.”

  Brad cackled loudly, then stopped immediately as his hands slammed down on the table. “You’ve pissed off some very powerful beings, dear.”

  Bonnie snorted, but Viktor saw her prepare herself by slowly pushing away from the table. “What’s new.” Bonnie chuckled, then turned serious. “What demon are you working with, witch?”

  “A powerful one.” Brad’s voice changed as he, as fast as lightning, leaped the table, heading straight toward Bonnie on all fours. “Who will see you in hell!”

  Viktor was faster.

  Grabbing Brad by the throat, he lifted him up in the air and slammed him down on the table. Bishop had grabbed Bonnie, pulling her away, but she fought him.

  “Let me go,” she cried out, then pushed out of his arms and scrambled up on the table where Viktor held the thrashing Brad, who was cursing them all. Bonnie got right in his face. “Who are you and who are you working for?”

  “You have sealed your fate, witch.” Brad’s voice cracked as his head shook back and forth so quick Viktor could hardly see his features anymore. “The fires of hell await you.”

  Suddenly, Brad went still. His eyes closed for a second before they popped open. They focused, and he began to struggle. “What’s going on?” He tried to move, but Viktor’s hand gripping his throat made that impossible. “Who are you? Where am I?”

  “You can let him go.” Bonnie moved to get off the table, Bishop there to help her. “Whoever it was is gone.”

  “No black breath.” Viktor let Brad go, and his buddies helped him up and off the table.

  Bonnie glanced around at the non-Warriors before shaking her head. “Do you think you guys can stick around for a little while longer?” Bonnie asked as she glanced at Sloan, who nodded. “I have a feeling that in a few hours they’re goi
ng to remember a lot more, things we’re going to want to hear.”

  “Yeah, I’m good with that ’cause I’d really like to know what the hell is going on,” Don said, and the rest agreed, even poor Brad. “But can I call my mate?”

  “They’re good, Sloan. They really were under a spell,” Bonnie said with a frown.

  “But we’re full-bloods,” Jay added, looking at Bonnie. “How is that possible?”

  “It’s possible,” Bonnie replied, adding nothing more.

  Steve and Adam took them out of the room. Once the door closed, Viktor looked at Bonnie. “You okay?”

  “For the moment.” Bonnie grimaced. “But looks like I have a bounty on my head and someone from hell wants me to burn. Unfortunately, anyone on my side will burn right along with me.”

  “Vampires aren’t afraid of fire.” Bishop’s growl took Viktor by surprise. His black eyes focused on him from over Bonnie’s head.

  “Then you’ve never felt the fires of hell.” Bonnie shivered, then straightened her shoulder. “But fuck it. If it means finding out who is behind all the chaos, I’ll welcome the heat.”

  Viktor didn’t like the sound of that. He knew enough about her side of the paranormal world to know that this wasn’t good. Not good at all. Everyone was vulnerable now, and the VC Warriors may not be enough to take down this enemy.

  Chapter 12

  After losing a whole night’s sleep from replaying the kiss she shared with Viktor, Lacey went down to the tavern and worked. She just couldn’t stop thinking about it—the feel of his lips, his fangs, and the strength of his body holding her. Holy hell, she wanted much more, and it was driving her insane.

  She hoped if she threw herself into work her mind would be too busy to think. Her father used to do all the paperwork, but now he just sat in his small office watching his small television set while the tavern was open. She hoped that soon he would snap out of his depression, but after close to a year, it didn’t look like that was going to happen.

  Now she was at her father’s house, and after making him breakfast, she started cleaning. She had tried to get him to sell, move into a smaller home, but he refused. Taking a full laundry basket upstairs, she set it on his bed and began putting the clothes away.

  Opening the closet for some hangers, she peered inside. It looked the same as if her mother was still alive. Half the closet was filled with her mother’s clothes, the other half his. Taking empty hangers, her eyes glanced toward her mom’s things. Her hand automatically reached out as it always did to feel the softness of her mother’s favorite shirt. Leaning forward, she sniffed the fabric. Only a small remnant of her mother’s scent remained, and that broke her heart. Soon it would be totally gone. Lacey had tried to get her father to box her mother’s things up, but he flat-out refused. Actually got angry, asking her to leave. She’d never brought it up again.

  Lacey quickly finished her chore, wanting to escape her parents’ room quickly. Even though everything in the house stored memories of better days, their bedroom was the hardest for her. Grabbing the now empty basket, she headed downstairs going to the kitchen.

  “Wow, somebody was hungry,” Lacey said, pleased her father had eaten almost all of his breakfast.

  “I didn’t eat last night.” Ted Cruz glanced up from the newspaper Lacey had brought him.

  “Dad, you have to eat.” Lacey frowned, refilling his coffee. “I have meals prepped for you in the freezer. All you have to do is pop them in the microwave.”

  He wrinkled his nose at her but remained silent.

  “Ah, excuse me... what was that look for?” Lacey put her hand on her hip. Some days it was like she had her dad back, only for moments, but she’d take it.

  “Honey, you can’t cook.” He gave her a contrite look. “Whatever that was you made the other day, was... horrible.”

  “Please don’t hold back on my account, Dad.” Lacey snorted, grabbing his dish to rinse it off before putting it in the dishwasher. “By all means, speak your mind.”

  “Sorry.” He grinned at her over his coffee cup. “The breakfast was... edible. Is there any steak in the freezer?”

  “There is,” Lacey replied, knowing without looking since she did the grocery shopping. “Why?”

  “Think I’ll grill me a steak for dinner,” he said, then started reading the paper again.

  Lacey bit her tongue, preventing herself from saying anything stupid. This was progress. It was the first time he’d ever said he would cook let alone grill something. He was an excellent griller. “Cool.” Tears pricked the back of her eyes, but she calmed herself. “Throw yourself a tater on there too.”

  “Got any?” he asked absently.

  “Yes, sir,” she replied, then headed out of the kitchen with a large grin. She didn’t want to get too excited, but she hoped and prayed that maybe her dad was finally coming around. Lacey knew it would never be the same. It was her mother who held the family together, and losing her had been a blow to both of them, but she not only missed her mother, she missed her dad, and he was right here.

  Finally finishing everything she needed to do here, she walked back into the kitchen. Glancing around, she wondered where he went. Looking outside, she saw him sitting on the deck. With a sigh she headed that way sitting down in the chair opposite of him.

  “It’s nice out today.” She watched the birds going from one bird feeder to the next. “I swear I just filled those up. Guess I’ll have to fix up some hummingbird feed soon.”

  “Barbara loved sitting out here watching the birds. She made sure the feeders remained full even in the winter.” Ted’s voice didn’t crack like it usually did.

  “The hummingbirds were her favorite.” Lacey sighed, leaning back and enjoying this conversation more than anything.

  They remained silent just enjoying each other’s company as well as the birds flittering everywhere. Glancing at her phone at the time, she frowned. She needed to go shower and get ready for work tonight. Her stomach tightened, her heart fluttering at the thought of seeing Viktor again, even if it would only be for a few minutes.

  “Dad, I have Kim working for me tonight,” Lacey said as she raised her head. “I’m starting another job, but I’ll still be working at the tavern too. I just have to see what kind of schedule I’ll be working.”

  “I can manage the tavern, Lacey.” Ted stared at her with a frown. “You’ve already put your life on hold because of everything.”

  “My life has been far from on hold, Dad.” Lacey’s reply was filled with sincerity.

  “I may have been a little lost, still am, but I see what’s going on.” Remorse laced her father’s words. “You do what you need to do, Lacey, and stop worrying about me. I’m fine.”

  “Will you stop worrying about me?” Lacey shot back, her eyebrow cocked.

  “I’m your father. I will never stop worrying about you.” Ted’s eyes narrowed.

  “Exactly, you’re my father and all I have in this world, so I will never stop worrying about you.” Lacey leaned over and hugged him tightly. “I love you, Dad.”

  “I love you.” He sniffed, squeezing her before letting go. “I miss her so much.”

  “I know you do.” Lacey swiped a tear from her eye. “But she’d want you to get on with your life. She would be kicking you in the ass, and you know it.”

  A sound came from her father that she hadn’t heard in such a long time. A chuckle. “Yes, she would.” He also wiped at his eyes. “I’m sorry I haven’t been here for you.”

  “You’ve been here for me my entire life. It was my time to be here for you.” Lacey reached over and squeezed his hand.

  He nodded, clearing his throat. “So where’s this new job?” Ted asked, changing the subject.

  “The Red Dragon,” Lacey replied, not wanting to lie to her father.

  Her father frowned. “You sure about this? I’ve heard it’s a pretty rough place.”

  “Nah, it’s not too bad, and they have great security.” Lacey shrugge
d off his worry. “I’ll be fine. You raised me to be tough.”

  “That was actually your mother’s doing.” He grinned, but the sadness in his eyes was still present. “Just be careful.”

  “Always.” Lacey stood. “Now, I better get before I’m late for my first night.”

  “Lacey.” He stopped her from going back into the house. “Maybe next time we can talk about your book.”

  She stifled a sob. Nodding, she smiled. “That would be awesome.”

  After a completely normal day of working at the tavern, heading over to her dad’s, then going home for a shower, she now stood in a back room of the Red Dragon staring at herself in a long mirror.

  “Holy shit.” She said as she stared at herself. Her tight halter top pushed her boobs practically under her chin. “Guess I should have tanned.” Her eyes went to her bare white stomach. The miniskirt was shorter than what she was comfortable with. Actually, she really liked the boots—the only part of her outfit she felt comfortable in. They were badass, going all the way up her thighs.

  “Just beware... guys will drop so many tips hoping you bend over.” Sasha grinned, looking at Lacey with an approving eye. “Bend at the knees, not the waist.”

  “Good to know.” Lacey nodded, checking her hair and makeup. She wasn’t a fan of makeup but wore it when working the floor at the Gypsy. “So, am I following you around tonight?”

  “Maybe for part of it, but if you’ve done this before, I don’t think you’ll have to hang with me long,” Sasha said while fluffing her hair out in the mirror. “We’re so short-staffed, so the quicker you can take tables, the better. Plus more tips for you and, girlfriend, they are going to love you, so prepare for a good night.”

  Lacey gathered her things and placed them in a locker that was provided to her. “Okay, I’m ready. I hope.”

  “You’re going to kill it.” Sasha gave her a wink. “Come on. Dexter needs you to do something before we can start.”

  Nodding, Lacey followed her out. She wasn’t really worried about working the floor. She had been doing this kind of work for a long time. Sasha gave a quick knock on the door. Instead, she was petrified to come face-to-face with Viktor Valentino after their kiss last night. Her thoughts kept going back to how awesome it had been, then to wondering if he regretted it. Urgh, so many feelings hit her since the kiss. It was pathetic.