Page 4 of Hunter

“But what? I mean, really? You might have bonded with that bitch and you don’t even know it. I don’t care if she put on some crazy show down in NOLA after Jake found her ass in the woods. The fact is that she almost killed Dimitri.”

“I know but she…”

“She…she…she bargained with a demon. Who knows which one? Could have been the one in New York or there might be more. And now, High Priestess in there is floating around with demon juju. Fuck me.” Hunter blew out a breath and crossed the room to the female who still lay unconscious. She needed a bath but fuck if he was going to do it. When she woke up and shifted, all would be right with her world. Sort of. He knew differently but the good news was she was alive.

“Ilsbeth seemed different down there. She saved me. She saved her." He gestured toward the female curled into Hunter's bed. "If she hadn't allowed me to feed from her, that wolf there would be dead."

Hunter sighed. Exhaustion rushed over him as he realized he hadn’t shifted since he’d returned above ground. Hell had sucked the life out of him. Regardless of the wolf, vampire and witch, he had a pack to run and was responsible for over a hundred wolves. He owed it to them to get his shit together before the entire pack sensed his condition.

Stripping off his clothes, he listened to Viktor, knowing full well that nothing was ever simple when it came to Ilsbeth. A debt was owed and would need to be paid. And while it wasn’t his responsibility, he’d have to answer to Quintus.

“I’ve got this with Ilsbeth. It’s going to be fine,” Viktor assured him. “I’ll take her…”

Hunter stripped off his pants, tossed them on the floor and stood naked. “You’re not going anywhere, vampire. Oh no. You’re going to help me figure out who the hell this wolf is and get her back to wherever she belongs. You fucking owe me too and don’t you forget it. Fuck.”

“I’m not a prude but…would you shift already? You and Quint might have a bromance but…”

“Get used to it, vamp. You should keep an eye on that slippery witch of yours.”

Hunter called on his power, shifting into his beast. A rush of energy twisted through him. The second his paws hit the floor, he released a guttural howl, alerting the pack to his presence. He’d been gone far too long. Tonight, he’d run with his wolves.

Hunter caught sight of Viktor hovering over the injured female, and he growled.

“Seriously? I’m just…I think that something isn’t right here.” Viktor cocked his head in disbelief as the great wolf swiftly blocked him from edging any closer to the woman. “Something’s wrong with her,” Viktor insisted.

Hunter bared his teeth at him. Vampire. His beast blamed him for her condition. Hunter knew better but the last thing the she-wolf needed to see when she opened her eyes was the fanger who had attacked her.

“It’s not like I’m an expert but don’t you think she should’ve shifted by now? Maybe we should…” Viktor jumped back as Hunter instantly shifted back to his human form.

“Don’t touch her!” Hunter yelled, glaring at him. The Alpha softened his stance when he detected regret in the vampire’s eyes; he hadn’t meant to hurt her. Fucking hell. Nothing was easy. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Vik. I risked my ass to come get you. Some shit went down in New Orleans after they took you. Whatever. It doesn’t matter. Right now, this wolf…I’ll take care of her.”

“She’ll tell you when she wakes up. I didn’t hurt her.”

“But you bit her.”

“I had no fucking choice. Hell. I can’t tell you what happened but I…” Viktor averted his gaze and speared his fingers through his hair.

“I know what happens in Hell.” Hunter blew out a breath and shook his head. “Look, man. I’ve got a pack to run. Ilsbeth…Jesus I can’t believe she’s even alive…that you drank from her. And this one.” His stomach clenched as his fingers brushed over her wrist. “She’s my responsibility now.”

“They did something to her. I don’t know what. She’s special.” Viktor turned and slowly walked toward the door. Without turning back, he paused and gripped the doorjamb. “I know why you did what you did, coming for me in there. But the girl. Ilsbeth. I owe you.”

“Just keep an eye on the witch. I’m staying with…”

“Ilsbeth isn’t going anywhere,” Viktor interrupted.

“Does she have a name?” Hunter asked, transfixed on the woman before him.

“No but I told you. She’s special. More specifically, her blood tastes unique. I have my suspicions. But I’ll defer to you. Ilsbeth rouses.”

“But she…” The Alpha’s fingertips tingled as he brushed them over her skin. “What is she?”

Without another word, the vampire disappeared from the room, and Hunter stood alone, silently watching the female. He knelt by the side of the bed and inspected her face. In the short time since they’d escaped Hell, her bruises had lightened as if she’d miraculously healed in her human form. No wolf had such powers, but Viktor had told him of her special blood. Okay, what is she? A hybrid? Something about her energy was extraordinary yet altogether familiar.

Hunter gently placed his palm on her forehead. Her skin emanated a unique blend of sophisticated vibrations. The Alpha concentrated his powerful energy, seeking her wolf. Yet as he called to her, he could not locate her beast.

She’d been to Hell. Anything could have happened to her while she was down there. Demons thrived on the innocent, stealing, manipulating their magick.

The Alpha focused on feeding her his energy. Be well, little one, be well. His thoughts roamed to her wolf, and he imagined a beautiful white creature running free. Her soft moan broke him free of his contemplation.