Page 82 of Hunter

Hunter cursed as the limo pulled away from the mansion. The minute they’d arrived at Ilsbeth’s house, he’d used his GPS, and texted the coordinates to a personal driver. Willa slept soundly next to him, her heart beating in rhythm with his.

Mate. He still couldn’t believe this woman was his. Feisty and brave, Willa both played and fought. His heart squeezed as he traced his finger over her cheek, brushing a hair from her eyes.

He’d spent hundreds of years without love, watching others find their mates. His brother Tristan. His sister Katrina. Yet living remotely in Wyoming, he’d never given consideration that he’d actually find a she-wolf who matched his beast.

Willa. So delightfully unexpected. A serendipitous encounter. Meeting his mate in Hell did make for a good bar story, but it wasn’t exactly romantic. He glanced down at his beautiful mate, her hand resting on his thigh. Willa should have loving memories of her mating, not simply a chance relationship born of Hell. When this nightmare ended, he planned to court her like she deserved…fitting for his princess.

“She’s special, yeah?” Viktor commented, sitting across from him in the limo.

“Our mating shouldn’t have happened like this.”

“You can’t control it. You know that. The Goddess does what she wants.”

“But it should have been different. She deserves flowers and dancing, not death and demons. We should have had time to get to know each other.”

“Says who? You? The universe does what it wants. And besides, you’re one lucky son-of-a-bitch.”

A corner of his lip turned upward, his heart warmed at the sight of her snuggled in his lap. “I am.”

“She’s a princess.”

“I’m a king.” Hunter laughed.

“Don’t get too crazy. Don’t let all the royalty bs go to your head.”

“Definitely the king.”

“You’ll have time when we get done with all this demon shit. Time to woo. Have a life. Not everyone gets that.” Viktor’s expression flattened. “You’ve got a few hours until the plane leaves.”

“That we do.” Hunter smiled.

“Maybe I can help you out with a little romance. I’ve got friends in high places. Don’t get me wrong.” Viktor laughed. “Plenty of friends in low places too. Wouldn’t want you to get the wrong impression of me.”

“I don’t want to do anything to attract the wolves or the demons before we leave.”

“Are you sure you’re going to be safe at your house for a few hours? I know you’re not in town much.”

“As safe as anywhere. It’s daybreak and unless we go outside and start to deliberately provoke ‘em, we should be okay. Wards are up but it’s never one hundred percent. We should probably eat before we leave for Belize, but it’s not like we can go out, so I guess I’ll have to make something.”

“That’s where I come in. I’ll flash in and flash out. Bring you what you need. I’m like a regular fucking fairy Godmother.” Viktor raised his hands in the air, wiggling his fingers, a mischievous smile growing on his face.

Hunter laughed. “I don’t know. Don’t take this the wrong way, Vik, but you don’t strike me as a party coordinator.”

“I’ve got this.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea. Willa’s got to sleep. I can just make us eggs or something. Soup and sandwiches maybe. Got some French bread back at the house. I’ll scrounge somethin’ up.”

“Ten hours until the jet’s ready. Besides, you can sleep when you’re dead.”

“Easy on the d word.” Hunter’s eyes widened as he shot the vampire an annoyed look.

“I’ve got this.” Viktor lit up in amusement.

“There is something wrong with you, you know that?”

“You’ll thank me later.”

Hunter considered the vampire’s suggestion. He glanced to Willa. She’d been through so much, tortured, lost her brother, and now believed she’d had a vision with him alive. She’d sworn she’d connected with Julian, that he was running from wolves to keep her safe.