Page 21 of Hunter

“Ah, glad you both joined me for the fun.”

Willa jumped, a hand touching her shoulder, warm breath on her ear. She spun around on instinct, slamming her fist into the stranger’s solar plexus. Viktor tumbled backwards, groaning with a laugh.

“What the fuck is your issue?” Hunter shook his head, his lips drawn tight with annoyance. “You’re lucky she hit you and not me.’

“Your girl’s got a good punch on her.” Viktor stood and stretched his arms.

“She isn’t my…” Hunter paused. “This isn’t a fucking joke. You’re going to get someone killed with that shit.”

“I agree with the Alpha. In my professional opinion, there really is something wrong with you. You really should see a doctor about that. Oh, that’s right. I am a doctor. I’m afraid there isn’t a cure for being a jackass.”

Hunter laughed.

“It’s good to see you’ve got some fight in you, doc. It’s about time,” Viktor told her.

“I’ve killed vampires like you before.” It wasn’t as much a threat as a statement of fact. Not many over the years, but she’d withstood her fair share of fights.

“There aren’t many like me, so don’t test me, pet. I assure you, you will not win.” His cool expression warmed into a closed smile. “That being said, I have no intention of hurting you. Always remember that. Even at my worst…” his eyes softened, “I will do right by you.”

“I…” Willa stumbled over her words, struggling to remember him. The way he spoke was oddly familiar, as if he’d been a childhood friend she’d long forgotten. Hunter’s warm voice brought her focus back to the club.

“Don’t pay the vampire any mind.” His attention went to Viktor. “I don’t want you to go stirring up trouble tonight. We get in and out. If the human you spoke to is here, let’s talk to her and get out without causing a fuss, got me?”

“But of course, oh great wolf. Ahroooo,” Viktor howled with laughter.

“Fall in line, asshole.”

“Ah, yes. Pleasant as always. Shall we?” Viktor extended his hand, ushering them forward.

“Ready?” Hunter asked Willa.

She nodded, and stole a quick glance back at Viktor, who wore an impassive expression. The sound of the heavy wooden door creaking sent her heart racing, and she took a deep breath, putting one foot in front of the other as they stepped into the bar.

A large woman approached, her black leather boots stomping across the room. Long rainbow-colored curls spilled over her shoulders. Her royal blue, shiny, latex corset forced up her ample bosom, flesh spilling over the edges of the tight fabric.

“What are you doing here?” she growled, a scowl painted on her face.

“Come to see you, beautiful,” Hunter told her.

Willa’s eyes widened with surprise at his statement.

“Come give me some sugar, Alpha.” The burly woman stretched out her arms to him with a broad smile.

“No bitin’ now,” Hunter half joked as he hugged her.

“One of these days you’re goin’ to give me a go,” she promised, laughing.

“Now, you know I’m not lettin’ anyone bite me. Nothing personal, but I can’t go about doing that, Cheryl.”

“I’m just messin’ with you. If I were Alpha, I wouldn’t be puttin’ my pack at risk for a good bite either. And you know I’m good. Real good.” She waggled her eyebrows at him.

“That you are, that you are.” Hunter wore a cool smile as he scanned the room.

“So, I know you didn’t come down here tonight just to see me now, did ya?” Cheryl tilted her head, her gaze painting over Willa. “A new friend?”

“Yes, this is…a friend. She’s staying with me a few days.” Hunter set his focus on a group of humans who were huddled deep in conversation in a darkened corner.

“Hello.” Willa nodded but made no effort to shake hands. Hunter may have trusted the vampire, but Willa didn’t and preferred not to give her the chance to sniff her skin.