Page 75 of Hunter

“A human?” she whispered.

“A nun.” Viktor rolled his eyes. “Not food.”

“Now you’ve got morals?” Hunter asked, his voice low.

“Well, yes.” He paused, his hand on his chin. “I suppose it’s more of a pecking order. Hot chicks. Hot guys. Not attached. All at the top of the list. Nuns? Not exactly available. But, also not out of the question. Will do in a pinch.”

“There’s something wrong with you,” Willa told him, her heart pounding as the nun walked with her head to the ground, unaware of the ghostly presence.

A shift in the energy alerted her to the danger, dark magick intensifying. What’s happening? The priest turned his attention directly to Willa and began to open his mouth. His shriveled lips distorted as claws extended from his hands. Before Willa had a chance to react, the nun began running toward it, her soft chants morphing into screams.

Hunter held Willa tight. They watched in fascination as the specter exploded, shards of red flames shooting into the sky as it disappeared.

“What the hell?” Viktor blinked in an attempt to avoid the glare.

As the nun approached, she lifted her gaze. Ilsbeth.

Willa’s stomach rolled, aware the demon had once again come for her. Although the witch had banished it, she didn’t trust that the high priestess didn’t have a hand in its appearance.

“Annnnndddd….she’s back!” Viktor laughed.

“Jesus Christ, what the hell is going on?” Hunter asked.

“It’s too dangerous out here,” Ilsbeth told them. “This way.”

Ilsbeth quickly strode to an arched wooden door, its planks painted green. She brandished a silver key, stuck it into the keyhole and unlocked it.

Willa looked to Hunter and he nodded, his lips drawn tight in concern. “I’ll go first. Stay between us.”

Willa thought to argue but acquiesced to his order. Her caution of the witch remained intact. It was not as if Viktor could protect her from a demon. He’d been just as vulnerable as she was. But he and Hunter had known Ilsbeth far longer, and it was prudent to follow their lead.

A single dim lightbulb illuminated the passageway. As Willa stepped into the tunnel, dank air rushed into her nostrils. She covered her face with her arm and coughed. The bang of the door slamming behind them echoed loudly.

The snap of fingers sounded in the small space. Ilsbeth turned to face them, her nude figure surrounded by the glow of a purple aura.

At the sight of the High Priestess, Willa drew a slow deliberate breath, attempting to calm her heart rate. Magick swirled in the air like a toxic cloud, and she slammed up her walls, sealing out any psychic connections.

“This.” Ilsbeth clapped her hands and raised them into the air. “I open this passage to only four. No creature shall follow, sealed from entering this door.” Her hands parted and circled the air, creating a large white ball of energy. “We’ve got to get out of here before they come. I go first.”

“But…” Viktor began, holding up a finger.

“No arguments, vampire,” Ilsbeth interrupted. “The demons will find us. If you want answers, come through the portal.”

Ilsbeth nodded at Hunter once before she turned and disappeared through the white shimmering light.

“Shit.” The Alpha blew out a breath.

“She’s gone.” Willa steeled her nerves, knowing they’d have to follow.

“Nun to naked. Now that’s a trick. She has a flair for the dramatic. I’ll give her that.” Viktor ran his fingers through his hair and turned to the Alpha.

“We’re going,” Hunter told him. “Because that thing we just saw probably has friends. Okay, I’m going first. Hold my hand.”

Willa nodded, her heart racing as she watched him stride into the shimmering portal. His body disappeared and her feet followed him. She closed her eyes, praying that whatever lay on the other side wouldn’t kill her.

The scent of fresh cut grass and cinnamon incense swirled around her, the sounds of a sensual drumbeat in her ears. She blinked open her eyes, releasing an audible breath. Nearly twenty naked men and women danced in a circle upon the lawn. Tantric chanting filled the warm night air, the ceremony illuminated by pillar candles placed in a huge circle. A pentagon created out of white rose petals rested under their feet.

Willa’s eyes were drawn to a grand mansion. A limestone driveway and massive walkway led up to seven enormous Doric columns at the front of the home. Candlelight flickered upon the dew-kissed blades of grass.