Page 19 of Hunter

“I’m afraid we’ll have to agree to disagree.”

Willa didn’t argue further. Although she longed for a pack, she knew where she belonged. With humans, the disenfranchised, with the dead whose secrets were yet to be discovered. She’d continue to provide ambiguous answers without outright lying to the Alpha. But divulging her heritage wasn’t an option.

“A few ground rules.” Hunter changed the subject.

“Such as…” His strict tone took her off guard. Alpha , she reminded herself.

“I know you’re used to doing your own thing, but I need you to listen to me if things go south. This is Jackson Hole. This isn’t some big city underground blood club we’re going to. We don’t have a strong vampire presence. A few regulars but mostly transients, many of whom are looking to let loose. It’s not strictly vamps either. Witches, wolves. Every now and then we get a fae, but that’s rare. You know how they are.”

“I…uh, I don’t know what you mean,” she lied. Willa clenched her hands together, afraid the Alpha would sense the hellfire that lurked beneath her skin.

“Damn fairy almost killed me down in New Orleans a week ago. At least I think it’s been a week. Time flies in Hell. And not because you’re havin’ a good time.” Hunter cocked his head and continued. “But like I said, it’s rare. To tell the truth, it’s either really quiet round here or all hell’s breaking loose. With the vampires, you just never know.”

“Do you get…” Willa took a deep breath, keeping her voice soft, “demons?”

“We’re just like any town really. You can’t rule them out. But if you’ve got to worryin’, you don’t need to. No one’s taking you back, Willa.”

“I always knew…” someone would find out about me, “someone would want what I’ve been working on. But I never really thought…I mean I’m strong. But that day…”

“Don’t blame yourself.”

It’s all my fault.

“It could happen to anyone. Not to beat a dead horse, but you were at risk being rogue. But I can promise you this. I’m never going to let anyone hurt you again.”

“I knew it was dangerous. The jungle can be unforgiving. Jaguars, crocodiles, poisonous snakes, spiders. But I learned not just how to live there but thrive.”

“What made you stay?”

“The people. Adventure. It’s a beautiful place. There’s thousands of undiscovered ruins within the jungle. I’ve helped out with a few archeological excavations. And the rainforest is a biodiverse treasure trove. Plants, animals, insects. Microorganisms. It’s been theorized there could be a million undiscovered species. It’s like nature’s pharmacy. Potentially anyway.”

“Humans are fragile. I know it’s difficult to lose them, but I’m surprised you put yourself at risk like that.”

“Wolves have been gifted by the Goddess to live eternally, which is a double-edged sword when you watch their species struggle.” She sighed. “I feel like it’s my responsibility to give back.”

“Even if it puts you in danger?” he asked.

“Yes. Who better to do it? If I get bitten by a poisonous snake, I shift.”

“But depending on the injury, you could bleed out.”

“Yes, well. I’m not entirely helpless. I’ve been around a long time. And before you ask, a lady never tells her age.”

“What happened down there? How exactly did they get you?” he pressed.

“It was a stormy night.” Willa closed her eyes, letting the memories rush forth. After the torrential rain subsided, she’d heard the squawking chickens. Within seconds, the howler monkeys went wild, their deafening cries alerting her that a predator had made its way into their territory. Although she suspected a jaguar, she knew local gangs had been working their way through the jungle.

It wasn’t the first time she’d confronted drug traffickers. As wolf, she’d take them out with great precision, picking them off one by one. They’d barely hear the branches break under their own feet before she’d ripped out their throats. In the morning, it’d be blamed on a jaguar. With no lack of predators in the area, the remains often would be eaten before they were ever discovered.

That wet and tempestuous night, confident she could handle the situation, Willa left her home to investigate the intrusion and padded cautiously into the darkness. As she detected the sulfur in the air, she froze, the silver net instantly immobilizing her. Captured, she’d been forced to shift into her naked human form.

“Willa?” she heard Hunter ask, jarring her from the dark memory.

“Yeah…sorry. I was ambushed. I’d never had a problem before that night.”

“Did they hurt you?”

“They, uh, the silver…a little. I wasn’t there long.” Willa blew out a breath. “There’s things. Things about me. Whatever. It doesn’t really matter. Whoever came for me the first time…this isn’t over. And next time, I’m going to kill them all.”