Page 65 of Hunter

Willa shook her head, but Hunter knew the diabolical cackling all too well. The voices, encouraging the torture.

“It doesn’t matter. What matters is that I bit you without consent. And while I’ve killed and will do so again, I don’t harm innocents.”

“It’s not your fault,” she responded, empathy for the ancient vampire in her voice. “You had no choice.”

“The Alpha keeps the secrets of his mate.”

Willa’s eyes flashed to Hunter’s and quickly returned to Viktor’s.

“Why are the demons after you?” he pressed.

Her spine straightened as if she wore a crown. “I am Aline Ermenjarta Lobo. Princess Aline Ermenjarta Lobo.”

Viktor gave a knowing smile. “Your parents?”

“Aren’t alive. My lineage is why the wolves kidnapped me. They knew they’d get money. Like trophy hunters hunting a rare animal, they snatched their prize. Julian is my brother.” Willa held out her hands, sending light to her fingertips. “I have hellfire in my blood.”

Viktor shook his head. “Fucking demons. Always thinking that they’ll have the last laugh. Now I’m finding out that you were sportin’ hellfire.”

“I wasn’t exactly in the condition to tell you.”

“No wonder I’m not myself.”

“I think it’s why I don’t react well when you dematerialize. Something about my blood. It could be you. Or it could be me. Julian…”

“He’s a Lobo too. Prince.” He shook his head. “His power.”

“Yes. I didn’t know he could flash like he did. It’s not like wolves…well…you know we don’t do that.”

“But you aren’t just any wolves. You’re royalty. Still holding onto that teensy tiny bit of hellfire. Like the missing link.”

“It’s not as though we can control it. In the jungle. I…I…” she stammered.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. Nothing’s going to hurt you here.” Hunter wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and she relaxed against him.

“I can move things. Like if I focus all my energy.”

“Telekinesis!" Viktor clapped his hands together and laughed.

“Like witchcraft,” she said.

“Like an original wolf,” Viktor replied. “Or,” he locked his gaze on hers, “an ancient vampire.”

“How do you mean?”

“He’s just saying that the powers within you. They develop so to speak.”

Viktor nodded.

“Vik probably didn’t start flashing right away. The vamps are like little babes in the woods when they’re first turned.”

“Easy.” Viktor grimaced at his words.

“Whatever. You’re a fledgling. It’s why his master could be such a dick to them for so long.”

“It’s true. I didn’t flash right away but neither did Quintus. He tells everyone he did it first but he’s wrong. I just didn’t tell him. He’d be quite jealous.”

“Someday Quint is gonna hear you talkin’ shit about him and kick your ass.”