Page 103 of Hunter

“I’m serious, man. If she gets a whiff of this before we strike a deal with the demon, she’s likely to fly off on her broom. But before she goes, she’s gonna fuck some shit up. That’s how she rolls.”

“I’ve known Ilsbeth for a long time. While I agree with your assessment, it’s my responsibility to bring her to the coven. Nothing more. I’ll get her to go willingly. If I can anyway. If not, all I need is a small touch. She won’t be happy to be flashed against her will, but she’ll get over it.”

“Yeah, because Ilsbeth is the understanding type.” Hunter rolled his eyes. “Hey, if we get through the demon shit, then it’s all good. You can marry her for all I care.”

“Bite your tongue, wolf.”

“That’s what you humans do. You said so yourself.”

“I’m a vampire. There’s very little human left in my soul. I embrace my dark nature. It’s why I’m irresistible.” Viktor smiled and turned back toward the ocean, concealing his expression from the Alpha.

“None of us are perfect. Not supes. Not humans.”

“Look, none of this matters. Back to the topic at hand. It shouldn’t surprise Ilsbeth that Samantha wants her back at the coven. I’m simply doing Luca a favor for his woman and then moving on. Perhaps I’ll take a vacation on the French Riviera.”

“I think you should…” Hunter lost his train of thought as Willa emerged from the galley, walking out onto the deck. As if she was the only woman in the world, she captivated him. Dressed in jeans, with a black leather jacket and boots, his mate appeared tough as nails. But as the smile broke over her face, his heart melted. “Hey, beautiful.”

“Hey, handsome,” she responded.

As she reached for his hand, her magical energy tingled on his palm. Her smile widened and his chest tightened with emotion.

“You look sexy,” Willa purred.

“What can I say? Seems the vampire has taste in clothes.” Hunter glanced down to his black t-shirt and shredded slim fit jeans.

“Why he has female clothes here on his yacht I don’t know, but I’m grateful he does.”

“Old girlfriend,” Viktor interjected. “Several girlfriends, actually. I do enjoy shopping.”

“Of course you do,” Hunter replied.

“Are we going to go over the game plan now? Or would you two like to stand out here on the deck for a few hours and make eyes at each other? I mean I’m willing to go another round if you are.”

She laughed.

“First of all, there will be no other round. That was a one-time, limited deal.” Hunter smiled at his mate, who wore a sexier-than-fuck smile, tempting him to sweep her off her feet and take her back into the cabin.

“Young love, so sweet but so bitter for me. To be denied what I once…”

“Shut it, Vik.” Love. The Alpha slammed down his guards, ensuring neither his mate nor the vampire could read his thoughts. Jesus, Hunter. Love? Really? Hunter smiled at Willa, briefly brushing his lips over hers, taking care not to linger too long, so as not to reveal his feelings. What the fuck is happening to me? This mate thing.

“We flash onto the property. Pick a spot behind the brush or something.” Hunter released Willa’s hand, his voice serious. “We’re adapting more to the dematerialization, but we can’t risk flashing into her house and then needing a moment to recover. Not with her there.”

“Further from the house, I can do. But honestly, I wish you two would get used to it,” Viktor replied, a hint of annoyance in his tone.

“It’s getting better,” Willa told him.

Hunter nodded. “It’s going to be dark when we get there which is good. Gives us time to assess the situation. If things are clear, we go to the house. We stay together at all times. Ilsbeth isn’t getting the book. I’m going to hold on to it. We can’t risk her skipping off to a tropical island and leaving us with a herd of demons. No way.”

“Although I have to say the thought of her in a bikini is…”

“Focus! Please.” Hunter shot him a glare.

“We can’t let her take the book anywhere,” Willa said.

“She won’t. If I have to give up the book for any reason at all, it’s going to one of you two. The book…it’s our leverage. We give it to the demon and off we go. Willa and I can take a car back. And you can do your thing.”

Willa’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion, her hand on her hip. “Why isn’t he going with us?”