Page 10 of Hunter

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.