Page 22 of Hunter

“A shy one. Well, it takes all kinds to make the world go round. This one here,” Cheryl turned to Viktor and gave an audible sigh. “He’s a troublemaker. Got to watch him, all right.”

“Lovey, you know I’m just a friendly visitor in your establishment,” Viktor cooed.

“You’re always welcome, indeed,” she responded.

As Cheryl gave Viktor a nod, Willa wondered why a stranger would look at him almost with reverence. Her focus settled on Hunter who’d craned his neck, eyeing two girls dancing near the bar.

“We’re not here for blood. We’re here for humans. Word on the street is a pack of rogues passed through town and roughed up a girl’s brother.”

“I don’t want no trouble with anyone,” Cheryl stated, her voice somber. “I’m not a gossip, of course, but I hear things.”

“We need to see the girl. In private. We’ll need a secure room,” Hunter told her.

“I’ve heard a rumor the Smith boy on Hollow Bend got in a fight last night, but that’s all I know. The girl, who goes by the name Shelley, told a few vampires. Can’t trust the humans with their stories so I paid her no mind. She didn’t say who the wolves were, but I suspected you’d either already know about it or be comin’ to see her. Either way, not my responsibility, Alpha. I’m just a bar keep.” She held her palms up to the air and smiled.

“You’re much more than that, and you know it, but you’re right that humans lie. So do vampires. And wolves. It’s my business to know the difference. She’s over there?”

“Yeah, yeah. The redhead with the blue hair extensions.”

“Ah, but she did taste good, though. Like a fine year of wine.” Viktor gave a closed smile, recalling his encounter. “Clean as can be. Like a mountain spring.”

“He has a way with words, doesn’t he?” She gave a hearty laugh.

“So, you’ve had no strange wolves through here?” Willa asked.

“Darlin’, strangers are always passing through town, but rarely a rogue wolf the Alpha doesn’t know about.” She shook her head. “Now listen, I’d love to stay and chat, but you know I gotta keep tabs on the rooms. I have a few special headliners tonight. You should stay for the show. It’s a human vamp act. She strips. He eats then does an artistic dance. I know, I know. It sounds basic. But I’m telling you, they’ve been getting rave reviews.”

“No, thanks. I’m good,” Hunter replied dismissively.

“Speak for yourself.” Viktor shrugged with a devious smile. “I’m always up for watching a musical act.”

Hunter shot him a glare. “No.”

“Just like Broadway.” Viktor turned to Willa who vacillated between amusement and disgust at his assessment of the situation. “See, she thinks I’m funny.”

“I didn’t say…” Willa crossed her arms protectively around her chest and guarded her thoughts. How is he doing that? No vampire had ever sensed her, let alone read her mind.

“Ignore him,” Hunter growled at Viktor.

“The Avocado room is empty, but I think you’ll be needing enough space for four, so you’d better take the Coconut room. Plenty of room for play if ya know what I mean. Just got in a new shipment of product from Fiji. You’re gonna love it.”

“What is she talking about?” Willa asked as Hunter took her hand and led her through a sea of bodies.

“Get the girl and meet me in the back.” The Alpha shot out the command at Viktor, but never stopped moving.

Willa studied patrons as they made their way through the crowd. She could sense the humans, the scent of sex and blood filtering through the air. A labored cry tore into the din and Willa twisted her neck, catching sight of a nude man kneeling. His body shook as his mistress ran her long talons over his pale skin right before shoving him onto his back. The female vampire, dressed in a skin-tight purple satin jumpsuit with four-inch spiked heels, smiled as a trail of blood bubbled onto his skin. Willa’s mouth gaped open as the man obediently lay flat onto the cold wooden floor and the vampire pressed her foot between his legs, crushing his testicles.

The sadistic mistress’s cold eyes flashed to Willa and she hissed in displeasure. Willa stared down the vampire, holding her gaze until she looked away. When she turned to Hunter, she caught the momentary surprise in his expression. He quickly recovered, and his eyes narrowed in on a hallway hidden past the side of a stage.

As they entered, the walls appeared to dance; spiraling tubes of lights dangling from the wall changed colors. Willa imagined the humans might find the rhythmic pulsing unsettling, but she remained unfazed by its intensity.

“Here,” Hunter said, opening a bright neon-green door.

“Wow. Okay.” Willa’s eyes widened as she studied the uniquely decorated room. Coconuts of various sizes and colors were placed about the room. The island-themed wall mural displayed palm trees. “Um…this is different.”

“Yeah. Cheryl likes fruit.”

“You mean she decorates all the rooms like fruit?”