Page 47 of Hunter

“You do it because I saved your ass,” Hunter replied.

“True. True.”

“I smell fae,” the Alpha growled. His long strides increased as he pressed through a thick brush. He stopped short as the devious fae came into sight. “Kellen.”

“You lived?” he spat.

“Hey, Rafe.” The Alpha nodded, stepping around the fae. The last time he’d seen Kellen, Hunter had been in a bar on Frenchman Street, dying from demon poison. He looked over at the usually cool as a cucumber fae who lay hog tied in the middle of the woods. “Karma’s a bitch.”

“Alpha.” Rafe nodded toward the struggling fae. “Surprised him from behind. He must have been worshiping or deep in thought because he never saw me comin’. His fire’s over there. I stoked it just in case he’s going back.”

“Oh, he’s going back all right.” The Alpha was careful not to make any deals as the fae were always looking to make a buck off of information. The unique creatures could easily pass between earth and the netherworld. They could not possess or curse, yet they’d been known to kill or trade souls to Hell in exchange for favors.

Hunter knelt, making eye contact. “How’s it hangin’, fire boy?”

“You treat me like this after I helped Quintus? Never again will I do a favor for the lot of ya. Never. Fuck you and your wolves.”

“Someone seems to be havin’ a bad time of it.” Hunter glanced at Viktor.

“And this was worth getting my new shoes dirty? Now I’m in a bad mood. Do you hear that, fae? My patience is thin.”

“How’s about you tell me exactly why your hairy ass is trolling about in my territory?” Hunter glared down at the bound fae.

“I like the wilderness.” He laughed, saliva spraying from his mouth. “I’ve got a right to go to Yellowstone like anyone else.”

“Got news for ya. You’re not in Yellowstone. You’re running on pack lands now. You remember nawlins, do you?” The fae had enjoyed watching him suffer as the demon blood spread throughout his bloodstream, nearly killing him. “All you wanted was money.”

“You pay for information. I give it. That’s how it works.” Kellen laughed.

Hunter leaned forward, coming within inches of his face. “That’s right, asshole. That’s exactly how it works. The way I see it is you’ve been campin’ out here on my property. Possibly for days.”

“Days? Well, that’s going to be expensive,” Viktor said, with a coy smile.

“Yeah, you know property out here is pretty pricey. Rent’s been goin’ up,” Rafe added.

“Now I’m willing to bargain. But you’re going to have to pay to even things up.” A cold smile crossed Hunter’s face.

“But I’ve only been here for a day,” the fae protested.

“Well isn’t that a shame, guys,” Hunter laughed and stood up, towering over him. “Ole Kellen here has to pay even though he’s only stayed a day. But rent ain’t free, bud. Nope, ‘fraid not.”

“You owe the Alpha,” Viktor told him.

“Ah…you both can go to Hell!” Daggers shot from his eyes as he glared at Hunter.

“This guy interrupted my ride. Damn inconvenient for me, Alpha.” Rafe leaned over and picked up a few sticks and threw them into the pit, the flames licking up into the air. “Could’ve started a forest fire.”

“See now that’s gonna cost extra. I don’t make the rules. Fair is fair.”

Kellen squirmed, attempting to pull apart the iron chain that wound about his wrists. Unsuccessful, he winced as it burned his skin.

“Information’s the name of the game. Even up. Tell me. What’s an urban fae like you doing snooping out here in the woods?”

“A couple of wolves owe me,” he confessed. “They sold a soul to Hell. She got out so now they can’t keep the reward. No, no, no. The demon will have its due if the money isn’t back soon.”

Willa. Hunter’s stomach clenched at the thought and he resisted the urge to kill the fae. While she’d been in Hell suffering, this bastard was out to make money off of it.

“I want to know the names of the wolves who owe you,” Hunter demanded.