Page 50 of Viktor

“I am,” Waverly said, determination in her voice. “She had issues. But she didn’t deserve what happened to her.”

“We need you to look at the painting.” Viktor pinned him with a stare.

“First glance, it appears authentic, but I didn’t get a chance to complete my evaluation,” Waverly said. “I can’t be sure.”

“The nun created many pieces of art. Had trained others to do so as well. But her artwork is rare. That being said, new pieces of art are discovered all the time. It’s not unheard of.” Greyson looked to Viktor as he popped a piece of cheese in his mouth, chewing while he spoke. “Where do you keep the wine?”

“White or red?” Viktor attempted to be polite.

“White? Blah. It looks like piss. Tastes like it too. A hearty glass of red will do.”

“I’ll get it in a minute. There are a few other things you should know.” Viktor continued explaining the situation. “We returned to San Diego and stopped off at Waverly’s apartment.”

“Someone left a satanic message in my bedroom,” she told him.

“I suspect it was done by a human. There was stale human blood on the floor. They’d thrown in a goat head for good measure.”

“Hmm.” Greyson shrugged; his face grimaced in consternation. “The plot thickens.”

“And then we went to meet with the detective at the museum…she said the shooter had a picture of me in his pocket.” Waverly fought tears but remained calm.

“Don’t cry, lass. We’ll get you set right. I promise,” Greyson assured her, his tone softening.

Viktor noted his brother’s change in demeanor. The gruff vampire had always had a soft spot for humans, much more so than he ever had. Hard as granite on the outside, his brother had a soft jelly center.

“The detective appeared perfectly normal just minutes before. Then she turned like a dog with rabies. My guess is possession,” Viktor said.

“An oldie but a goodie.” Greyson nodded.

Viktor crossed to the temperature-controlled wine cabinet and selected a bottle. He made short work of opening it and retrieved three glasses. As he poured, he caught sight of Waverly staring at him. She knew he didn’t indulge but he’d already broken his own rules. He inwardly laughed. One more broken rule seemed in order.

Viktor handed a glass to Waverly and slid one in front of his brother. They both watched in interest as Viktor reached for his wine.

“You’re joining us?” Greyson cracked a wise smile and looked to Waverly. “Perhaps leopards do change their spots?”

“Cheers.” Tones of blackcurrant danced over his tongue, and he smiled at Waverly.

“Ah, I get what’s going on,” Greyson grumbled and nodded to Waverly. “Well, I knew it’d happen someday.”

“Not now,” Viktor told him.

“I’m going to enjoy this.” Greyson winked at Waverly and took a sip of his wine.

“Let’s have a look at the painting, then we can go to—” Viktor began.

“Hold the train, brother. I told Quint I’d come help you with a painting. Look at art. I said nothing about going on a scavenger hunt. And what are we looking for? A secret, bumfuck human society that wants to play vampire? Nope, I’m good. And you know what? I sure as shit don’t want anything to do with demons.”

“You’re afraid of a little demon?” Viktor scoffed.

“You know I don’t like demons. I don’t do stupid shit like you do. Shit like going into Hell. Sticking your neck out for alphas and playing with packs of dogs. No. I’m not you. I don’t need or want demons in my life.”

Viktor shook his head. “Stop lying. You know damn well you’d do whatever you needed to do to save a friend.”

“Not get involved with demons. Nope. That’s a firm no.” He held up a dismissive finger at him.

“You’re a pussy,” Viktor scoffed.

“I’m smart. It’s called self-preservation.” Greyson shook his head. “Nope. No demons.”