Viktor

by Teresa Gabelman

  Chapter 16

  Bishop stared at his phone with a frown. The small diner was packed, but he was able to get a booth toward the back of the place with a full view of the front door and kitchen area where he knew another exit would be. He was late. Bishop glanced at his phone again before raising his eyes to assess the area.

  He was always aware of his surroundings. The comings and goings of others. It had kept his ass alive for this many years. And others alive as well. The door opened and in walked one big son of a bitch. The big-ass vampire looked like a biker with his leather jacket, fingerless gloves, long hair, and “I’ll kill you without thinking about it” look. Charger McNeil spotted him right away.

  Sliding into the booth, Charger put his knuckles out, and Bishop bumped them. “How’s it going, you ugly bastard?”

  “It’s been going.” Charger grinned, then glanced around. “So where’s that asshole you call a brother?”

  “He’s found himself a woman.” Bishop grunted, then rolled his eyes.

  “Damn, didn’t think after all that shit with Emilia he’d be up for that,” Charger said after appearing to think on it for a second. “She hot?”

  “Come on, man.” Bishop leaned back and laughed. “Don’t start that shit. Viktor will kill you, and we both know it.”

  “Viktor’s a pussy.” Charger snorted, then grabbed Bishop’s menu. “I got time to eat?”

  “No.” Bishop glanced at his phone. “You’re late.”

  “So what exactly is going on. You weren’t too forthcoming on the damn text. Then when I tried to call you, you didn’t answer, just texted again. I hate fucking texts.” Charger tossed the menu to the side.

  “Forthcoming?” Bishop laughed. “Expanding your vocabulary?”

  “Fuck you, man,” Charger hissed, then leaned forward. “What in the hell is going on? I had to fly to get here this fast and then buy a fucking bike to get around.”

  “You could have rented a car, dumbass.”

  “Over my dead body,” Charger responded without pause.

  Looking around, Bishop really didn’t want to get into it here. “Have you noticed an uptake in demon activity?”

  Suddenly Charger became serious. He also peered around, then leaned forward. “Yes. Much more than usual.”

  “That’s what’s up,” Bishop replied, and stood. That was all that needed to be said here. “Come on. It’s time you met the VC Warriors.”

  “Ah, damn.” Charger stood. He was a few inches taller than Bishop, which was saying something. “I should have worn my best leather for this.”

  Bishop held back his snort. “They’ll like you,” he said after throwing a fifty on the table.

  “Oh yeah? Why’s that?” Charger opened the door, walking outside.

  “Because they’re smartasses too.” Bishop climbed on his bike, starting it up. He’d already called Sloan to get the guys together. Charger was good at one thing—actually, he excelled above all others—killing demons.

  Viktor stood, waiting for his brother. He texted him a fucking hour ago to meet him here. He stood in Sloan’s office ready to kill Steve. How no one in this room had killed the guy yet was beyond him. His constant talking was driving him insane.

  He had shit to do and very limited time to do it. Since leaving Lacey last night, all he wanted to do was take care of his past and move on with his future. Though he didn’t know if that was possible or not. Fuck it. He would make it possible. No matter what was in that small little book that Bonnie gave him, he needed to get past all this. It was time. Way past time. Meeting Lacey had shown him that.

  “You have to let me interview you if you want to be in my book,” Steve was saying, bringing his attention back to the present. “Or I’ll write what I want and make you sound like a douchebag.”

  “You write anything about me in anything I will kill you,” Sid growled, and glanced at his watch. “Where in the fuck is your brother?”

  “Hell if I know.” Viktor frowned, then glared when Steve turned his way. “Don’t even think about it.”

  “I really don’t know you, but I’ve met you,” Steve replied before he sighed. “If this is my life story, then I have to have you guys in it. What the fuck, man? I could make you all famous.”

  “Steve, give it up.” Jill patted him on the shoulder as she walked back to where Becky’s empty desk was and sat down. “When in the hell do you have time to write anyway? Sloan giving you extra time off because I sure as hell don’t have time to do anything.”

  “It’s all up here.” He tapped his temple with a nod. “All up here in the old melon.”

  “Yeah, well if you don’t shut the hell up about this book, I’m going to pay Damon a handsome fee to rip that damn melon right off your shoulders,” Jared grumbled.

  “I’ll put in some cash,” Sid announced with a nod.

  Viktor glanced over at Damon, who was glaring at Steve, indicating clearly it wouldn’t take much for him to do just what Jared suggested.

  “Just wait,” Steve warned them all. “When I’m describing you in my book and you have a little wiener, you’ll have only yourselves to blame.”

  Jill’s laughter rang out over the growls in the room. “I swear I’m going to kill you.” Sid swiped at Steve, who pushed himself behind Adam.

  Viktor readied himself for an all-out war, though he actually chuckled when Steve threatened them all. The door opened and in walked Bishop and following him was... Charger?

  “Damn, Charger.” Viktor walked toward him. “How the hell are you, you sorry son of a bitch?”

  Charger looked around taking in everyone before his focus settled on Viktor. “It’s been a long time, Viktor.” They gave each other a man hug. “Like I told Bishop, I’m hanging in. Heard you all are having trouble down this way.”

  “Demons seem to be making a comeback,” Viktor replied with a frown.

  “Brother, they never left.” Charger once again glanced around. Bishop began introductions. Viktor stepped back giving Bishop a nod of approval as he continued to introduce Charger to the Warriors. Damn good thinking on his brother’s part. Charger was one hell of a guy and an expert where demons were concerned.

  After Charger met everyone, he nodded. “I’ve met a few of you around the world. Appreciate all the hard work you do for our kind.”

  “Excuse me.” Jill stood, walking from the back of the room. She wedged her way between all the Warriors to stand in front of Charger. The top of her head barely came to his chest. Charger stood even taller than Damon. “I’m Jill.”

  Charger smiled down at her, then to Bishop before looking back at her. “You’re a Warrior?”

  “Oh shit,” Steve and Adam said at the same time.

  “Here we go again.” This time only Steve commented, but Adam sighed, rubbing his forehead.

  “Yes, but obviously a forgotten one.” Jill glared at Bishop, who actually threw up his hands.

  “Sorry, I didn’t see you back there.” Bishop grinned at her. “And yes, she is a Warrior. A badass in her own right.”

  “Yeah, so don’t test her.” Steve leaned toward Charger to whisper, “We just got the walls fixed.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Jill.” Charger winked at her, gaining a growl from Slade.

  “She’s a mated Warrior,” Slade’s voice rumbled through the room.

  This time it was Charger who threw up his hands. “Point taken.”

  “Okay, now that all the dick measuring is over....” Sloan rolled his eyes from behind his desk as he watched the little show. He glared at Jill, warning her to keep her mouth shut.

  “Not saying a word, boss.” Jill gave him a fake smile. “But—”

  “You come highly recommended, not only by Bishop, but I did my own research and called some of my sources.” Sloan eyed him in what seemed to be approval. “We can sure use your help.”

  “That’s why I’m here,” Charger replied, turning serious. “Bishop filled me in on very little. We have seen more activit
y on our end with the demons.”

  “We?” Steve frowned.

  “I work with others.” Charger answered Steve, but didn’t elaborate. “Let’s just say we’re not as well known as the VC, but we’re out there. Why don’t you tell me exactly what’s going on and why you think you have a demon infestation?”

  A few chuckles filled the room, but one of the few wasn’t Sloan. “One of my Warriors’ mates, Nicole, works for Children’s Services. While doing a follow-up on a kid, she found cages full of vampires.”

  “That seems to be coming up a lot.” Charger cursed, then nodded for Sloan to continue. “We thought that a warlock named Orjyll was in charge, but now we aren’t sure.”

  Viktor watched Charger closely. He glanced toward Bishop, then him with a frown. “Witches are involved?”

  “Yes,” Viktor replied and looked at Steve, then Ronan. “Three to be exact.”

  “Actually four,” Sloan added.

  “I want to talk to them,” Charger said quickly. “Are any of them dark?”

  “She was forced to practice the dark arts, but she isn’t a dark witch,” Bishop replied, and Viktor knew he was talking about Bonnie.

  “What about the other three?” Charger asked, looking around, his eyes falling on Ronan who was glaring at him. “I take it one of them is your mate?”

  “You guessed right.” Ronan’s drawl wasn’t pleasant. “And she’s not a dark witch.”

  “I believe you, man. I’d still like to talk to her.” Charger looked back at Sloan. “Demons are known to use witches, especially those who are banned to hell.”

  “One of the witches claims that the demon Jezebeth is here,” Bishop said, his eyes narrowing. “And I think she’s right.”

  Charger looked at Viktor who nodded, then whistled. “If that’s true, I may need to call in backup.” Charger frowned, glancing at Viktor. “Lots of backup.”

  Chapter 17

  Lacey felt like she was doing her daily routine in a fog. She couldn’t sleep, and that seemed to be a problem whenever a certain sexy Warrior was around. She couldn’t keep her mind off him, but she actually got some writing done. It seemed like Viktor Valentino was making a fine hero of her book. Well, not exactly him.... Yeah, who was she kidding? Every steamy line she wrote last night was about him.

  Glancing at her computer, she frowned, wishing she could spend the rest of the night writing to see what her hero was going to do next, but work beckoned. Maybe Viktor would take her up on the offer of wings and show up tonight.

  With a sigh, she closed the door behind her and headed down to the tavern. She wasn’t due to work for another few hours, but she always made herself available until her shift. A few cars were already in the parking lot, indicating it was going to be a busy night. Once inside, she headed toward the bar as the smells of the tavern hit her—bar food, which was actually very tasty, and beer.

  “Hey, Clem.” Lacey smiled with a wave. “Dad in the back?”

  “As always.” Clem scrubbed the bar with a towel. “Sonny has to leave early tonight so I’m telling the girls to let the customers know the grill will be closing at eleven instead of midnight.”

  “Okay, no problem,” Lacey replied, aware if a customer complained, she would go in the back herself and cook them up something. Clem would know it too since she did it all the time. Sonny took care of his mom, which was sweet, so sometimes he needed to leave early.

  “Hey, Sonny.” Lacey stuck her head in the kitchen. “How’s your mom doing?”

  Sonny was of Mexican heritage, and a boss on the grill. He was funny, with a quick wit, and loved his momma. He was a good man. His wife was just as sweet. “She’s had another spell.” He frowned with a shake of his head. “They can’t seem to find out what’s causing her sickness.”

  “I’m sorry.” Lacey walked further inside. “Is there anything I can do?”

  “A few prayers wouldn’t hurt.” He smiled her way. “And Mel wanted me to tell you she is waiting for you to have dinner with us.”

  “I know.” Lacey frowned. “Tell her I will soon. I promise. And if you all need any help with your mom, let me know. I’ll even babysit those cuties if you need me to.”

  “You’re good peeps, Lacey.” Sonny grinned, glancing at her after flipping a hamburger. “And we may take you up on that. The twins are going to be the death of me.”

  “They’re angels, and you know it.” Lacey chuckled at the look he threw her.

  “Yeah, tell me that when they’re both screaming at the same time.” Sonny snorted, and finished the plate, shouting out the order was ready.

  “I’ll talk to you later.” Lacey turned to leave. “Looks like it might be busy tonight.”

  Heading toward her dad’s office, she jumped at the loud clap of thunder that rattled the place. “Wow, that was loud.” She frowned, glancing at the ceiling. Please don’t leak. She said that silent little prayer as she peeked in the office. Her dad wasn’t there.

  The sound of pounding rain hitting the roof sank her heart. Rushing toward the storage room, she opened the door. The room for storage was a single-story area with a flat roof. They’d had nothing but trouble with leaks for as long as she could remember. No matter how many times it was patched, more leaks sprang up. Her dad raced around putting buckets wherever water was coming in. “Get more buckets.” He looked at her over his shoulder.

  Lacey hurried toward the corner where he kept the buckets and slipped. Falling on her wrist, she held in her scream of pain. Trying to ignore it, she managed to stand, holding her wrist against her chest. Grabbing more buckets, she slid them toward her dad. Her wrist throbbed so bad she felt it in her toes. Fearing it was broken, a tear slipped down her cheek. Okay, maybe it was fear mixed with excruciating pain that caused another tear to escape.

  The rain kept coming. Her dad looked panicked, and she was afraid she was going to vomit. Her fingers felt numb, and there was tingling at the tips. She had no idea how long they had been back there, but she was a mess. A series of loud booming claps of thunder shook the room as the rain came down in buckets.

  “Ah, come on!” Lacey shouted at the ceiling.

  “Hey, you guys okay in here?” Val opened the door looking in. “Oh shit.”

  “Yeah, oh shit is right.” Lacey scooted a large bucket of water toward the door to dump it out, then placed it back under the leak. She stood looking at Val. “Are you guys okay out there? I’m sure I’m late already.”

  “Don’t worry about it. We can handle everything out there.” Val frowned, looking at Lacey’s hand that she held to her chest. “What happ—”

  Lacey shook her head vigorously, stopping Val in midsentence. “Let me know if you need help,” Lacey said and went for another full bucket. “And please tell me there are no leaks up front.”

  “No, all is good up there, but it’s coming down hard outside.” Val frowned.

  Looking at the ceiling, Lacey felt like crying. “I know.” The front had been patched so many times she just prayed it held. The back not so much, obviously. “Thanks, Val.”

  “You got it, girl.” Val backed out of the storage room. “Let me know if you need anything.”

  “You do the same.” Lacey bent to drag another full bucket toward the door to empty it and wanted to cry. She looked around as she heaved the bucket backward while trying to keep her hand still. They were fighting a losing battle here, but she knew that if they let it go, the water could back up and go into the kitchen.

  It felt like they had been emptying buckets for hours. Actually, it probably was close to that. At times the rain seemed to ease, to only start up again. Glancing at her dad, she saw his will begin to fade.

  “Come on, Dad. We’ve got this,” she said, trying to get his spirits up. “This is just a drop in the bucket compared to what we’ve been through.” She tried to make light of the situation with a little bucket joke, but it fell flat, even to her.

  “I should have gotten up there and patched it.” Her dad huffed
as he carried two buckets to empty.

  “Who knew we were going to have a monsoon?” She frowned at how pale he looked. “Take it easy, Dad.”

  As she bent to drag another bucket, a familiar voice had her head snapping up. “Don’t you dare pick that up.”

  Head down, her eyes rose to see Viktor heading her way. “What are you doing here?” She gasped, then realized how rude that sounded. Before she could say anything, he was taking the bucket from her as he looked at the ceiling with a large frown.

  “I was promised some wings to die for,” he said as he looked down at her. “But looks like that will have to wait.”

  “Who’s this?” her dad said as he watched Viktor take Lacey’s bucket and another one to the door to dump.

  Setting down the buckets, Viktor held his hand out. “I’m Viktor Valentino, a friend of Lacey’s. You must be Mr. Cruz.”

  Her dad took his hand in a firm shake. “I’m Ted Cruz.” He nodded, then looked at the empty buckets. “Thank you for your help.”

  Lacey walked over to grab the empty buckets with her good hand, her eyes taking in Viktor’s wet appearance. He looked damn good wet. “Still raining I take it.”

  He once again glanced at the ceiling that had more leaks than dry spots. “Just a little shower.”

  Another flash of lightning out the door lit the room, followed by another loud clap of thunder. Her dad actually chuckled. “Just a little shower my ass.”

  “How did you know I was back here?” Lacey followed him as he emptied two more buckets.

  “I asked for you, and the lady up front told me what was going on and showed me the way,” Viktor replied, his gaze traveling to her holding her hand. “What did you do to your hand?”