Page 107 of Hunter

“We’ve got it.” The energy shifted but for a second and Viktor materialized directly in front of Ilsbeth.

“What are you doing?” Ilsbeth snapped, her lips drawn tight. Her eyes narrowed onto the vampire.

“Just having myself a little looksee, Priestess. Don’t want any surprises.”

“Where’s the book?” she demanded.

Hunter retrieved it from his backpack. The skin resonated with evil energy but with a swift rush of his Alpha power, he sent it back into the hard cover.

“I need the spells,” Ilsbeth insisted.

“For what? Looks like you already have something cookin’ outside. I can smell the dark magick. No, no, no. You don’t need the spells, you want them. Big difference.”

“I can’t do this without them,” she insisted.

“Just stop with the bullshit, Priestess. You conjure up the demon. I’ll give up the book.”

“Pfft. What do you know?” Ilsbeth’s mouth tightened in discontent.

“We don’t have time for this shit.” Anger rolled through him. He glanced at Willa, whose brave façade reminded him exactly why she was royalty. But he had no intention of living his life constantly fearing retribution from demons.

“I’m going to have to plead my case. Demons are unpredictable. If the book is not required, I’m keeping it.” Ilsbeth defiantly glared at him.

“No can do. I wanna hear the words from the demon. The book for freedom. Willa. Viktor. Julian too. But this book here.” Hunter waved it in the air. “Whatever is inside here isn’t good. There’s a reason this thing was stuck between the rocks in that godforsaken cave. It’s because no one is supposed to have it. I don’t know if it should be destroyed but I know it’s not supposed to be with you.”

“Nonsense. I am the High Priestess. I gave you that knife.”

“Not up for discussion,” Hunter said, his voice firm, noting Viktor’s unusual silence. “Anything else?”

“Fine, but it doesn’t belong to you,” Ilsbeth told him.

“If it belongs to anyone, it’s me.” Willa stepped forward. “This slain wolf was from my lineage. His energy.” She reached for the book.

Hunter held his breath as his mate placed her palm on its cover. She closed her eyes and quickly removed her hand.

“I don’t know what the spells do but the energy inside this book must not be released.”

“Of course there are spells. I’m the one who told you.”

“If this book belonged to you, you would have gotten it sooner. You sent us for it. Something evil is in here. Something no one is ever supposed to see. It belongs in Hell.”

“Whatever is inside, if the demon wants it in exchange for Willa, he can fucking have it,” Hunter told her.

“All right then.” Viktor sighed. “Miami’s waiting, people. No offense but this cookout is boring. I’m ready to roll.”

“When I bring him forth do not bargain. Do not ask for favors. Do not engage,” Ilsbeth instructed.

“Demons. Slippery little suckers,” Viktor added.

“My witches can only hold it for so long. It’s dangerous.”

“Tell us something we don’t know.” Hunter stared at Ilsbeth with distrust.

“Keep your mate on a leash. We cannot have any slipups,” she spat back.

“Easy, witch. You’re the one who needs a leash. Playing with demons got your ass a round of hurt.”

“I need to offer the book,” Willa told them. “I know you don’t want me to.” Her focus went to Hunter. “These wolves who took me. They must be killed. But this offering. If the witch is telling the truth and Hell wants this, then it must be me to hand it over.”