Page 14 of Viktor

“Of course you have a Monet; because everyone does.”

“There’s something about her,” Viktor replied, ignoring Rafe. “I can’t put my finger on it just yet.”

“What about the blood? What happened?” He glanced to the clothes crumpled on the floor.

“There was a shooting last night during the event.”

“Trouble follows you everywhere.”

Viktor shot him a look of annoyance. “I prefer to think of myself as someone who can offer assistance.”

“Like a superhero? Does your cape have a big V on the back of it?”

“I just got off the phone with her boss,” Viktor continued, ignoring him. “Spoke to the SDPD too. It appears she was the only one who was injured.”

“And the perp?”

“He’s dead. He was human. Semiautomatic weapon. No one else was injured. Just our lovely curator there.”

“You shouldn’t get involved,” Rafe warned. “If her human friend went missing at a blood club, the police aren’t going to take it seriously. You know some of those places are sketch.”

“All true. But what the police don’t know is that I scented demons at her friend’s apartment.”

“Again, not your problem. Tell PCAP,” Rafe insisted. “They handle all the paranormal problems the police don’t.”

“But there is a problem now of my own doing. I healed her.” Viktor sighed, his gaze settling on Waverly, who gave a soft moan. “I tasted her.”

“And? So what? You’ve bitten men, women…anyone who wanted it. And a few who didn’t.” Rafe laughed and continued. “I’m not saying they didn’t deserve it.”

Viktor shook his head and shrugged.

“Why get involved with trouble?” Rafe asked. “It’s one thing to help a girl out in a bar. It’s another to go across the country to do it. I mean, come on, Vik. She’s just another human with human problems.”

“Perhaps.” Viktor recalled the taste of her blood, the energy that flowed between them as he held her in his arms, dancing. “She may be human, but there’s something else about her. I’m not sure what it is.”

“Dude. Don’t take this the wrong way, but you aren’t the kind of guy who loves to babysit. Call PCAP. Jake probably already knows if something is going on in San Diego. He’s an Alpha. He can help her.”

“I’m not handing the human over to a wolf. I found her. She’s my responsibility,” Viktor whispered, noting a slight change in her breathing pattern.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“You don’t need to worry about her. She’s my problem not yours. I have this.”

“Are you hungry?” Rafe changed the subject. “I ordered a donor. Do you want me to call one in for you?”

“Yes.” Viktor gave a hint of a smile as she stirred, rolling onto her side. “Please leave us.”

“You got it. But I’m hoping the next time I walk in here you’ve already flashed her back to Cali.” Rafe closed the door as he left.

Viktor rose and slowly approached, careful not to startle her. While he usually was a ‘fuck your feelings’ sort of guy, something about this frail human in his bed gave him pause. But the wolf was right. Bringing her to Miami was a mistake. He’d have to return her and consider contacting the Alpha like Rafe suggested.

“Hmm…” Waverly moaned and shifted in bed, tugging at the covers, her tanned skin exposed. A hint of her nipple peeked through the sheets.

Although tempted to reach for her, he resisted the urge. Long before he tasted her blood, the attraction to the quick-witted curator had been sparked.

While his interest in her had been piqued in Miami, the sight of her in the ocean had captivated him. She navigated the waves like a pro. Her lithe, muscular body, one with the board, appeared as if it could tame the sea itself.

When he’d discovered the serendipitous fundraising event, he’d decided to meet her at the museum. Having collected art throughout the centuries, he’d been delighted at the opportunity to lend a piece from his private collection.