Page 11 of Hunter

“I took care of things.” Viktor sniffed again, this time into the air. “Is something burning?”

“It’s the grill. Don’t worry about it. Where? Is she?” Hunter struggled to control his anger at the vampire’s nonchalant attitude.

“Ilsbeth is under control, man. Just chill. Like seriously, did you think I’d leave her by herself?”

“No, no, no.” Knowing it would be counterproductive to saving his ass, Hunter resisted the urge to choke him. “You did not fucking let her go.”

“Do you take me for a fool? We’re talking about Ilsbeth. I took her where she belongs. New Orleans.” Viktor stood and crossed the room to the kitchen, waving a hand in the air. “But don’t worry.”

“She threatened to leave, didn’t she?” The Alpha rolled his eyes. “Of course, she did. That fucking bitch.”

Hunter stormed across the room and slammed his fist onto the cold granite countertop. Willa flinched at the sound, but kept her eyes trained on the vampire.

“Yeah, about that bitch thing.” Viktor glanced to the seasoned steaks that lay on a plate. He wrinkled his nose. “Something is definitely burning.”

“I just told you. It’s the grill, for fuck’s sake.”

“Let’s get to it. Can’t you see she is starving?” Viktor smiled at Willa, who sat across the room, wearing an expression of annoyance. “Please continue making sexy with the pretty wolf. Although you probably need to tend to that burning first.”

“What do you know about wolves and hunger? You don’t even eat.” Hunter plowed his fingers through his hair. “Why the fuck did you take Ilsbeth back to New Orleans? I told you I needed to talk to her. I want to know her involvement in this. What was she doing in Hell? Who put her there?”

“I don’t know the details, but I suspect whatever demon she’d traded favors with had come callin’. Time to pay the piper. Could’ve been for the black magick she used to try to trick Dimitri. Could be for something else we don’t even know about. Who knows? Who cares?”

“Where exactly is she?” Hunter asked, keeping a concerned eye on Willa as she stood and walked to the fire, her back to both of them.

“Ilsbeth is where she belongs…in the coven.” Viktor looked to Hunter. “I can cook if you let me. I used to be a chef.”

“No, you didn’t. Fuck off, vamp. The only thing you know about is blood. Quintus told me you don’t eat.” Hunter took a deep breath, restraining his anger. He reached for the plate of steaks and curled a finger around the door handle. As he slid the glass open, fresh air rushed into his lungs and he stepped outside onto the porch. He proceeded to fork the meat onto the grill, a hiss sounding as the hot metal seared the steaks.

Viktor raised an eyebrow at him, smiled and glanced to Willa. He closed the door, keeping his voice lowered to a whisper. “She doesn’t remember me.”

“She’s struggling,” Hunter sighed.

Viktor leaned against the door. “I meant what I said. I didn’t hurt her. But her lack of memories? She’s traumatized. It was Hell. Who knows how long she was there? And speaking of which, why hasn’t she shifted? It would help. She still has a few bruises. Granted, they look like they’re better but…”

“I don’t know. I’m not sure what’s happening.” Hunter flipped the steak. “It’s what you said. Something’s different about her. She’s special.”

“I already told you that.”

“No. I mean it. There’s something else. I’m not talking about how she tastes.”

“Well, this is interesting.” Viktor laughed. “Are you smitten?”

“Smitten? Who the fuck even uses that word?” Hunter snapped.

“You are. Fancy that.”

“Ilsbeth left the coven before,” Hunter commented, changing the subject back to the witch. “What makes you think she won’t get on her broom and fly the coop again?”

“Ilsbeth won’t be going anywhere. And more importantly, nothing will be getting in to take her. Samantha will take care of it. Don’t worry yourself with the witch. Pay attention to the wolf you brought back. Willa, she’s a lovely little…”

“What do you know of Willa?” Hunter’s heart pounded as he said her name. “You fed from her. So fucking what? You have no claim to her.”

“No, but apparently the thought of it really twists you up. Delightful as that is, I can’t claim to know anything about her except she was used as a blood slave in Hell. I’m afraid that’s it.”

“She said someone is after her and I believe her. Going into Hell on purpose would be…”

“Stupid. Idiotic.”