Page 73 of Hunter

“It’s the witching hour, friends.” Viktor smiled, wiggling his fingers in the air.

“What?”

“You know. Ilsbeth. She sent me some super-secret double handshake text. Meeting her in Pirate’s Alley in the Quarter.”

“What? Why there?” Hunter plowed his fingers through his hair and returned to the bed.

“I know. It’s super scary, huh?” He laughed.

“Are you high?” Hunter growled.

“What’s going on?” Willa asked, her voice rumbling, still partially asleep. So tired, she didn’t want to get out of bed.

“Yeah, you’re right. Totally cliché. Ah. Well. I suppose Ilsbeth didn’t get the memo.”

“We should have talked to Samantha first.”

“Luca’s not exactly keen on us involving his fiancée.”

“Why can’t Kade get involved?”

“Seems Quint old boy caused a bit of ruckus at their backyard barbeque. Few demons here and there. As I remember it, it wasn’t so bad. It’s not like they destroyed the house. Spilled a few drinks maybe.”

“You got sent to Hell. How much worse can it get?” Hunter shot back.

“Hmm. Yes. Very true. Not my finest hour.”

“Get to the fucking point.”

“All I know is when Ilsbeth texts me, I think we should go,” Viktor told him.

“What if it’s a trap?” Willa asked.

“The shit is going to hit the fan if we go meet this bitch and don’t tell Samantha.” Hunter shook his head.

“All true. Still though. I do enjoy a good ghost story.” Viktor rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Come on, you two. The witch is back.” He clapped his hands. “The Ilsbeth I know and love does whatever the fuck she wants. Samantha or no Samantha. And honestly, what is Kade going to do about it if we meet her? You’re an Alpha from another state.”

“I was born here,” Hunter replied.

“Willa wasn’t. She wasn’t even born in this country. Or continent. And besides, Kade may be in charge down here but I’m still older and so is Quint. Kade needs to get Luca in line.”

“We need information. We have to go,” Willa urged. “I know wolves have rules but…”

“Packs have rules. And you’re a wolf, so you better get used to it, sweetheart.”

“I don’t need to get used to anything. I’ve been around far longer than any of these other wolves,” she said.

“There’s an order to things. You can’t be tellin’ an Alpha what to do. Not Logan. Not me.”

“Well perhaps the rule and order is about to change,” she challenged. Her pulse raced with anger as she shoved up and swung her legs over the bed.

“Okay now.” The corner of Viktor’s mouth ticked upward, his eyes drifting over Willa’s bared body.

“She’s mine,” Hunter growled at him.

“What?” Viktor asked.

“I belong to no one but myself,” Willa stated, her defiant eyes locked on Hunter’s. “In fact, I won’t be here anymore if we don’t figure out how to stop the wolves and the demons after me.”