Page 71 of Viktor

“She’s with me,” Viktor insisted.

“But are you bonded?” Thorn inquired, raising a questioning eyebrow at him.

“We appreciate you having us tonight, but this topic is not up for discussion. Waverly is with me and only me. Don’t test me.” Viktor flashed a cool smile. “I have business to discuss with you.”

“Before we begin, I’ve got a surprise for you both. I was going to wait but I can’t stand the anticipation.” Thorn clapped his hands. “Consider it a gift, Greyson.”

Through a thick cloud of red-tinged smoke, a figure emerged. Waverly steeled her nerves as the striking woman came into view. With long platinum blonde locks and wearing a snow-white, floor-length gown that clung to her body, the otherworldly creature exuded a powerful energy. Drawn to her, Waverly stared, shocked as the woman appeared to glide toward them. Who is she?

Viktor exchanged a look with his brother.

“What the hell?” Greyson’s jaw dropped in awe at the sight of the guest. “Are you kidding me?”

Thorn laughed out loud and clapped his hands. “I love a surprise.”

“Ilsbeth,” Viktor acknowledged her, but his tone remained cold.

“Well, fuck.” Rafe sighed. “It’s Mommy.”

Captivated by the ethereal presence, Waverly barely noticed their voices. As the woman approached her, she stood from her chair. Viktor moved to stop Waverly, but she shooed him away. “No, it’s fine.”

As Waverly accepted Ilsbeth’s hand to shake it, the visions slammed into her. Pain. So much pain. The flames of Hell surrounding her as she screamed for mercy. Waverly instinctively jerked her hand away.

“I’m sorry,” Waverly whispered.

“What an interesting human,” Ilsbeth responded without a blink of an eye, immediately turning to Viktor. “Why are you surprised to see me, vampire? You know I always land on my feet.”

“I’ve learned never to underestimate you,” he told her, protectively wrapping his arm around Waverly’s waist, pulling her away from the high priestess. “What are you doing here?”

“I was invited, of course.” She winked at Greyson but made a beeline for the wolf. “Rafe, darling. Are you feeling well?”

“You’re something else, momma witch. Something scary. But still—"

“Teenagers.” Ilsbeth shrugged him off and focused on Greyson who stood towering above her. “You are looking well.” Her gaze painted over him. “Nice suit.”

The great vampire glared at her, heat flickering in his eyes. He stood firm as she placed her palm to his chest.

“Been a long time. Haven’t seen you in New Orleans lately.” She glanced to Viktor. “Or Hell.”

“I’ve been busy for a few hundred years,” Greyson replied.

“We need to catch up soon,” she suggested, smiling with her eyes.

“Heard you were taking up with wolves. Betas no less.” Greyson stood his ground, staring at her.

“A temporary infatuation, I assure you.”

“Infatuation? More like attempted murder,” Rafe insisted.

“It was a misunderstanding. We must look to the future if we want to achieve the climax of life. Our greatest desire.” A devious smile formed on her lips. Ilsbeth moved past Greyson, taking a seat next to him. “Let the past be the past.”

“This is some bullshit here,” Rafe grumbled.

“Don’t mind Ilsbeth,” Viktor told him.

“He’s welcome to mind all he wants. He’s family.” Ilsbeth shot Rafe a side glance. “Just so long as you know your place.”

“Know my place? First of all, we’re not a family. I needed your blood. And second, I don’t need you,” Rafe shot back.