Page 80 of Hunter

“You spilled your blood for this formula you speak of?” Ilsbeth gave a closed knowing smile.

“Yes. And before you say it, I know it wasn’t a good idea. My blood alone doesn’t heal humans or anyone else. But combined with this plant I found, I cured a girl. A human.”

“We aren’t meant to intervene,” Ilsbeth said.

Viktor rubbed his forehead. “It’s true we turn humans but it’s rare. Like really rare.”

“I know but…” Willa had grown far too attached to the humans to let one die. Yet it was the very action of saving one that had put them all in danger.

“The Goddess gifts all supernaturals. You run with the animals. Witches possess magick. Vampires? Their blood can heal humans should they choose. If the demons got into the structure, my intuition tells me the plant holds a tie to Hell. And while I’d normally ask to have a leaf for my collection, now is not the time. They’re still after me.”

Although Willa knew a plant grew outside the ruins, still living within the rainforest, she deliberately kept silent. The specimen she’d attempted to take with her was destroyed as she’d left the tunnel. Her hands trembled, her heart heavy with guilt. “Julian. I can’t feel him but something…I don’t know why…I have to believe he’s alive.”

“There may be a good reason why he hasn’t contacted you. Perhaps they’re on his tail and he doesn’t want to lead them back to you. Or the wolves are involved. Either way, now is not the time to look for your brother,” Ilsbeth told her.

“We need to go get the book,” Hunter began.

“Once you bring it to me, we can safely summon the demon. Make the exchange,” she suggested.

Viktor stood and walked toward the windows, gazing toward the dancing witches. “You think you can help with narrowing down the exact cave?”

“I can do more than that. I have the knife that is supposedly tied to the skin book. Before you ask, it was given to me years ago by a wolf in exchange for a favor. She’d supposedly inherited it but who am I to ask? None of my business really, but I’m certain she was truthful. I had always intended to use the blade for a spell. It should lead you to the skin book, from the soul from whence it came. I will direct it and you, dear Viktor, can use it to guide them.”

“I’m not sure I can handle another flash thing. The last time…” Willa blew out a breath.

“We can take a private jet. Four hours, tops. We can be back by tomorrow night.” Hunter pulled out his cell phone and tapped at the glass.

“Are you sure this is going to work? This skin book?” Willa stared at the witch, doubting her intentions.

“I sense your hesitation.” Ilsbeth brought the rim of the glass to her lips and took a small sip, her gaze settling on Willa. “There are no rules when it comes to demons.”

“The plane will be ready to roll this afternoon. We can get down there before sunset. We’ll be back tomorrow night, but it could be late,” Hunter warned.

“The witching hour. It’s almost daybreak as we speak. May I suggest you stay here until you leave? The demons…they search for you. My home is protected.”

“No offense, Priestess, but that would be a hard no from me. I’m good.” Viktor turned to face her, a smirk turning upward on his lips.

“Yeah. No. We’ll go back to my place and take our chances with my wards,” Hunter agreed.

Panic curled inside of Willa’s chest. “We have to be realistic. They could come after us anywhere. And Julian’s still missing.”

“Willa, look at me,” the witch demanded.

As she gazed into Ilsbeth’s violet eyes, everything around her faded, a silver glow surrounding the otherworldly witch.

“The skin book is the only way I can think of to sate the demon. I cannot guarantee it will work. I can’t even say that finding the book will be easy. Or safe. I swear to you on the Goddess that I will help you, but a wolf, a royal wolf in particular, is the only one who can take the book from the caves. It will not release itself to any others. I suspect the researchers who claimed to have found it were killed by a curse, although I can’t be certain.” Ilsbeth drew a deep breath and released it, her eyes transfixed on Willa’s. “I know the Alpha does not trust me. Nor the vampire. And perhaps with good reason. I want the spells. But I assure you that I have no other motivation at this point beyond my own salvation and redemption. I will not go back to Hell. And neither will you.”

Tears welled in Willa’s eyes, her thoughts drifting back to Julian.

“We will find your brother. I can scry for him now. Come.” She extended her hand.

Without hesitation, Willa reached for Ilsbeth, her heart pounding like a drum, their combined magick sizzling through her. This woman had saved her. Powerful. Ancient. Dangerous. Their connection, for good or for bad, was sealed into her soul.

Willa followed her to the far-right corner of the room to her altar. Wax dripped from candles, a myriad of colors melted onto its dark wooden surface. Surrounded by red rose petals and cinnamon sticks, a white skull-shaped candle burned brightly. Although Willa’s curiosity spiked, she resisted the urge to ask.

Ilsbeth released Willa’s hand and reached for a glass bowl and pitcher. “This has been blessed by the Goddess in many rituals over the years. I don’t often do favors without return but I will search for him.”

Willa’s pulse raced as Ilsbeth poured water into the bowl and set the pitcher upon the altar. She released a deep breath as Hunter approached, the warmth and comfort of her mate behind her.