Page 76 of Hunter

Ilsbeth nodded in reverence toward the witches and waved her hand at Hunter and Willa. They followed her in silence toward the great home.

Willa glanced upward, noting the clear sky, millions of stars twinkling from above. The song of crickets replaced the din of the ceremony. Wherever they were was far beyond the city, but the Spanish Moss drifting from the limbs of the Southern Oak trees caused Willa to suspect they were still in Louisiana.

Ilsbeth swung open the elaborately decorated brass doors. A butler dressed in a formal white uniform presented the High Priestess with a red satin robe, which she accepted with a silent nod.

“Let’s have a talk, shall we?” Ilsbeth never made contact as she strode through the home.

Willa’s eyes widened as she took in the sight of the enormous foyer. The ultra-modern white stone architecture was complemented by a chic red décor. She glanced up to a domed ceiling which had been painted with an elaborate illustration of the galaxy. As they walked through a sitting area, she noted the pentacles of various sizes woven into the decorations.

Ilsbeth placed her palm upon a rectangular etched glass wall, mumbling an incantation. The hum of the enormous wall disappearing, sliding inside itself revealed a secret room. The scent of frankincense drifted in the air, and as Willa stepped inside, she instantly registered the magick all around her.

“Take a seat,” Ilsbeth commanded.

“Goddess, I love the drama.” Viktor smiled and put his hands up, slowly spinning. “Look at this room.”

Willa’s eyes widened at the two-story beveled glass curio cabinet that embodied an entire wall. Candles shone bright upon an elaborate granite altar in the corner.

Ilsbeth turned on her heels and locked her gaze on the Alpha. “I’m forever in your debt.” She flipped a strand of her long blonde locks and they spilled over her shoulders. An ethereal presence, the witch seemingly floated toward them. She turned her sights on Willa and gracefully extended her hand. “I believe a formal introduction is due. I am Ilsbeth, High Priestess of Louisiana.”

“I…I…thank you,” Willa managed but hesitated to shake her hand. As she stared into the witch’s violet eyes, she swore she detected the same hellfire that flowed inside her own veins.

“You’re welcome, darling. Sometimes we have to fix each other’s crowns.” Ilsbeth smiled and turned her attention to the Alpha. “So, let’s talk demons, shall we?”

Hunter nodded. As he gestured to Willa to sit on the blood-red velvet sofa, the entrance to the room sealed shut. Although Willa feigned indifference, the powerful magick hadn’t gone unnoticed. It had existed as long as time, but rarely in her lifetime had she experienced the dark energy of an ancient witch.

“Ilsbeth,” Hunter began. He wore a cautious smile, as if amused by her theatrics. “I’m glad…well, I think I’m glad you appear to be okay. I have to say, you seem completely unaffected by your trip to Hell.”

“It’s the latest spa treatment. Haven’t you heard? Sweat it out. Your skin looks like a baby’s bottom,” Viktor quipped.

Ilsbeth smiled broadly and gently sat down in an intricately carved red leather chair. She delicately perched her feet upon an ottoman.

“I’m not exactly sure where to start.” Hunter gave a closed smile, concealing his emotions. ‘Look, we might as well not ignore the elephant in the room.”

“I do enjoy a circus,” Viktor mused.

“You left the coven. The only friend you’re going to have left in this town might be Kade, but you know Luca’s not going to have it.” Hunter’s brows narrowed. “And High Priestess of Louisiana? Really? Is that some new title you have? I take it Samantha’s not abdicating the New Orleans throne to you.”

“Coven politics is not that simple, Alpha.” Her smile disappeared. “As you know, I’ve been missing the past year or so. Samantha is an extraordinary witch. Elemental. It was only right she led the witches. But you see,” Ilsbeth paused, her gaze drifting to a life-sized painting depicting Adam and Eve, “I grew weak to temptation and accepted the fruit.”

“Dimitri. Logan will never forgive you. He’s going to have my ass if I don’t tell him where you are.” Hunter blew out a breath. “I know you saved Viktor. Willa.”

“Yes, your mate,” Ilsbeth noted. “Very interesting. The coupling of a royal with a Livingston.”

Willa unconsciously fingered her shoulder where he’d bitten her. Although her mating mark wasn’t visible, the witch must have detected a change in their scent.

“He doesn’t even know I’m here right now,” Hunter continued, ignoring her statement. “You obviously got in a little over your head.”

“I was…not myself,” she commented, her voice soft but firm.

“Zella? She got nothin’ on you. Boring. And that hair? Pluh-leeze. Personally, I’m glad you’re back. You’re always a little scary. That vibe works for you.” Viktor gave a cool smile, his tone flippant.

“I am over a thousand years old. There is much you don’t know about me. Perhaps will never know. Dimitri.” She sighed reflectively. “He was a temptation. One I should have resisted. I suppose I didn’t fully contemplate the ramifications.”

“You could have killed him,” Hunter accused. “Not only that, whatever demon you summoned, I’m guessing it’s the one that stirred all that shit up in New York, that could have leaked out, if it didn’t already. Jake saved your ass but only because you weren’t you. Now what the hell is this?” He gestured toward the altar. “We aren’t even in New Orleans. Where the fuck are we?”

“Easy,” Viktor warned.

“No, no, it’s true.” She lowered her eyes and spoke softly. “I’ve had many lovers in my lifetime. But Dimitri.” Ilsbeth raised her gaze. “He’s quite charming. I’m not sure how it happened. It wasn’t supposed to. I just fell for him.” She sighed. “I knew better than to fall for a wolf. Wolves have mates. No matter how many years go by, they will eventually mate and leave you in the cold. You never know where you will find that mate. Even in Hell. It’s proof that the Goddess always provides us with our destiny. And so.” Her lips tightened, a sad expression crossed her face. “I knew better. It’s true. Alpha, I know you may find it hard to believe but I loved him. I know he never loved me back. But it didn’t matter. I just loved him.”