Page 41 of Hunter

“But right now, you are my responsibility. Look, phone’s over there. I’m headed downstairs to call Jake and meet with my beta and Viktor. I’d like you down there with us.” Hunter strode toward the staircase, stopped at the landing and turned to her. “If you won’t take an order, then do it as a favor. Stay away from Julian until I have a chance to check him out.”

“He is my brother.” Willa suspected he knew she was telling the truth, but his pride kept him from admitting it. “I want you to know that I don’t want to lie. Everyone has secrets, Hunter. We all do. But some secrets are the kind that can get you killed. What happened between us,” she bit her lip, her body tensed with frustration, “it meant something to me. It’s just that I’m not ready to talk about what’s going on. And just so you know, I’ve had good reason to keep my relationship with Julian a secret from others. He’s deadly, no doubt. But he’s no murderer and there’s no way he’d ever help wolves like that guy out there. And for as much as he was acting a twit with all his smirking, he’d never in a million years hurt me.”

“Get dressed. We’ll talk later. But know this, Alpha or no Alpha, you’re not going this alone.”

Chapter Seven

Hunter stomped down the stairs, rage seeping from his pores. His mind spiraled, as he attempted to process his conversation with Willa. How could this woman be my mate? Ever since they’d made love, the question had been repeating in his mind.

“Jesus fucking Christ. Really? Leave it to me to find my mate in Hell,” he grumbled under his breath. “And a rogue. What the fuck?”

What the hell was he supposed to do with a wolf who’d never become pack? She’d been fairly adamant that she wished to remain on her own. The pack was his life. If word got out he’d mated a rogue, they’d likely challenge his loyalty to the pack. Fuck me.

He rolled his eyes and headed toward his office. She’d called their love making irrelevant, regrettable. Her fingernails digging into his shoulders while she screamed his name told him otherwise. His beast demanded he claim her, but he refused to indulge it. No, this whole fucking mating thing had to be some sick demon joke.

Walking away from his mate might kill him, but he would survive. He’d been through Hell already, so what was a little more torture?

No doubt Willa radiated a unique power. Glistening skin set her apart from any other wolf he’d ever encountered. But she’d made it clear she didn’t need him, insisting Julian would protect her. Jealousy flared when he saw them together. Siblings. Although she’d appeased his wolf with her explanation, a darker secret bound them together, excluding all others, especially him.

There was only one way to know for sure if Julian was legit. Hunter reached for his cell phone, quickly tapping in the digits.

“Yo,” Jake answered.

“Hey, bro. How’s it going in San Diego?” Hunter asked casually.

“’Bout to catch some waves on this beautiful California morn. What’s up?”

“Some shit’s been going down since I got back from…” the Alpha coughed, aware that it sounded insane, “Hell.”

“Hell?” Jake laughed. “Because everyone goes to Hell for a quick vaca. Guess it’s more of a staycation for the demons. Nice and hot.”

“Yeah well, I was busy saving a vampire.” I sound completely certifiable now.

Jake laughed harder. “Stop fucking around. I’ve gotta roll. Swells are sick today.”

“Nope.” Hunter released an audible breath. “It’s true. You know that vampire you rolled in with. Your buddy, Quint. He, uh, he’s got this brother.” Jesus, it sounds worse. “Viktor. Had to get him out.”

“Come on. Stop fucking around.”

“I know it sounds crazy as fuck, but this is my life.”

“You seriously went to Hell to save someone outside pack? A vampire?” Jake’s voice raised in disbelief.

“Yeah, I did.” The Alpha pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s a long story but that’s exactly what happened. Viktor. I managed to get him, but I also picked up a couple more folks on the way out.”

“Are you trying to get killed? Because going to Hell for any reason will get you dead on its own. Now you picked off a few more souls. Jesus, Hunter. You know they’re gonna come after you for shit like that. You’re lucky you’re even calling me right now.”

“Look, I know it was dangerous but it’s just something I had to do.”

“Who else did you nab?”

Hunter cringed as he said her name. “Ilsbeth.” There. He knows.

“What the fuck? Are you kidding me? She was in Hell? Now wait. You brought her out? You know she messed with demons.”

“Last I was in New Orleans, Samantha told us that she’d gone missing. Zella flew the coop. Sam suspected she was taken and didn’t leave on her own. I don’t know. Whatever. That witch has got more lives than a cat. She’s back in New Orleans now. Vik took her back to the coven. But I’ve gotta say. The Zella shit is done. I mean, she didn’t mention one word of it. She was as cool as a cucumber. Every bit the high priestess she used to be. Word from Viktor is she helped save him from killing the other wolf.”

“What other wolf?” Jake asked.