Page 105 of Hunter

“Listen to me, Willa. This is your Alpha talking to you now, not your mate. I’m not letting anything happen to you. You will listen to me on this. No arguments. We’re walking into a volatile situation tonight and you won’t survive another round of Hell. Promise me you will go.”

“I’ll try. But if anything happens to you, I’m not leaving.”

“Ah, the first lovers’ quarrel. How touching. So…” Viktor rubbed his hands together in amusement. “Shall we get this show on the road? I’m gassed up and ready to fuck with some demons, then I’d really love to get on with life.”

“I’m sure you are.” Willa rolled her eyes and smiled.

“I’ll get the knife.” Hunter turned to go retrieve it.

His mate’s trepidation drifted over his mind. No matter how brave she was, she feared the loss of the vampire. His connection to her would forever be a part of her yet their bond as mates took precedence, and the Alpha appreciated Viktor’s loyalty and friendship. He shut down his feelings about the situation, aware he’d sense his concern.

Whatever had torn down the vampire’s humanity hadn’t destroyed his sense of family. Transporting Ilsbeth was a risk. Viktor knew it more than anyone else. Yet for Quintus, Kade, Luca, this family built on generations of sired vampires, he’d bravely taken on the High Priestess. And perhaps for Dimitri, justice would be served.

Hunter reached for the hilt of the knife and held it in the air. When it was all said and done, neither the book nor the blade would end up in Ilsbeth’s hands again. Even if there was a miniscule probability that she’d double cross them, he’d block her before she ever got the chance.

As he stepped onto the deck, the salty sea breeze rushed his lungs. Both Viktor and Willa wore a solemn expression. They all knew what was about to go down.

His stomach tightened, his wolf growling in anticipation of the hunt. Tonight, they’d shut the door to Hell and send whatever demons showed up to the party back to the fiery pit from whence they came. He’d protect his mate at all costs even if it meant giving up his own life to do so.

The chanting grew louder, and Hunter was grateful they’d materialized several feet into the woods. Concealed within the brush, they assessed the situation.

“What’s happening?” Willa whispered.

Flickering lights in the distance drew Hunter’s attention. “Witches.”

“You both okay?” Viktor asked them. “Best you be ready before we do anything.”

“I’m good.”

“What are they doing?” Willa asked. “I don’t see any people moving.”

“Witchy voodoo that they do. Conjuring a portal to Hell.” Hunter shrugged.

“Cooking up a demon like she’s making a Thanksgiving turkey. Steaming hot and fresh out of the oven,” Viktor joked.

“She’s determined, I’ll give her that. She went through a whole hell of a lot to get those precious ingredients she keeps in her house. She took time finding a demon that would help her with Dimitri. And find him she did.” Hunter glared at the mansion.

“How did she know for sure we’d show up?” Willa asked.

“I texted her, of course.” Viktor gave a sly smile. “There’s a place and time for magick. I’ve got no time for games. Hers anyway. She knows we’re comin’. All this fuss? She’s taking care of shit.”

“Hopefully she’s worked out a plan to send the demon back,” Hunter said.

“She’d better.” Willa reached for her mate’s hand.

“I’m not going to let anything happen to you. The rogues had no right to sell you to Hell anyway. The most you did was wake up these assholes to your royal presence by saving the kid, but Goddess knows you were only trying to save a life. No, they sold something that didn’t belong to them. Hell’s for shit but even the demons have their rules.”

“He isn’t wrong.” Viktor stepped forward and peered around a large oak tree, attempting to get a better view.

“Do you have the book?” Willa asked.

“Got it,” Hunter responded. “And the knife.”

“But of course.”

“Let me deal with Ilsbeth,” Hunter told them. “I saved her ass and out of all of us, she owes me.”

“As you wish.” Viktor set his sights on the witches in the distance. “Ilsbeth must be inside. I feel her energy but it’s not strong.”