Page 6 of Hunter

“Hey now. Just take it easy.” He held up his palms.

“I shouldn’t be in here. I need to go. Your mate…” Willa wrapped the sheets around her.

“I’m not mated. It’s just a friend. I’ve been away for weeks. Pack members are going to come snooping round.”

“Are you sure? I can go.” Willa exhaled a relieved breath. He’s not mated. She quickly shoved the thought to the back of her mind, aware that even if he wasn’t, there was no chance in hell she’d have time to get to know him further. Her mere presence in the pack put them all in danger. She would never forgive herself if they harmed any of his wolves.

“You can take a shower in there if you want. I’ll see about fixin’ you some clothes. Or um…wait a second.”

Willa watched in fascination as Hunter crossed the room to an enormous armoire. He opened the heavy oak doors and retrieved a t-shirt, sweatpants and socks.

“It’s kinda remote out here and it’s not like I keep girls’ clothing on hand. So, uh…” He returned to her bedside and set the clothing on the mattress. “Yeah.”

“Yeah,” she repeated, her mind focused on the fact he didn’t have any women’s clothing. He isn’t mated. Still doesn’t matter. I’m leaving. “Thank you.”

The Alpha turned to leave but stopped mid-step. “For what it’s worth…I’m sorry this happened to you. I know what it’s like to be in Hell, and I’m not just talking about for a few days. I…”

“Alpha, you in?” The female voice grew louder.

“We need to talk about some things.” Hunter paused. “I’ll be back in just a bit, Willa. Just sit tight.”

The door clicked shut. Alone, Willa broke down, her emotional walls crumbling around her. Although she’d survived Hell, the others she’d seen still remained. She didn’t know their names. Innocent or guilty, the tortured souls suffered.

The Alpha, while well-intentioned, could not anticipate the level of evil searching for her. The rogues sold her for a price. Now that the demons had a taste of her, they’d pay even more to have her returned to Hell. The only way to defeat the wolves would be to provide them with an alternative item to sell or agree to be forcefully mated. Everyone around her was in danger.

No, she had to rally and get away from her heroic rescuer before they came for him, his wolves. She wiped the back of her hand across her face and shoved up onto her arms. A dull ache pulsed through her legs as she swung them over the bed. Her head pounded as her blood rushed to her toes. With her magick weak, her body hadn’t healed properly.

To fully regenerate, she’d have to shift. But the wolf within had gone into hiding. The demons had spent the vast amount of their torture attempting to tempt her beast to the surface, but she’d crept further into her psyche, eventually disappearing.

Willa brushed away the tears from her eyes and steeled her nerves. She’d fight and find a way to survive.

She grounded her feet onto the stone floor. Its heated tiles emanated warmth through her muscles, making it slightly more tolerable to stand. As she crossed the room, she stopped cold, noting her shocking reflection in the mirror. A mere shell of her former self, fang marks mottled her skin.

She brought her fingers to her cheek and brushed away a blackened smudge of ash. Her entire body was covered in it as if she were wearing the devil’s clothing. The scent of Satan filled her nostrils and she was reminded of the lashes that stung her back. She closed her eyes, willing away the memories.

Willa reminded herself she was no longer in imminent danger. You’re okay. Do what you need to do. Time was short. After she showered, she’d talk to the Alpha, and secure passage to New Orleans before they found her.

Willa pulled Hunter’s shirt over her head and brought the soft cotton fabric to her nose. She inhaled the masculine scent of the Alpha and closed her eyes. Who is this man who rescues a total stranger from Hell? She recalled his handsome face, but her mind drifted to the sound of his smooth sexy voice.

She’d been alone for such a long time she’d forgotten the pleasure of a man. As a girl, she’d dreamed of finding her mate, but it had all been forgotten as she learned her family’s secret. What man would want a she-wolf tainted by hellfire?

Willa reached for the sweats and shoved her legs into them. He thinks I’m going to fit into his pants? Well, maybe. She smiled. The Alpha was tall, nearly six foot four. She gave a small laugh and proceeded to roll up the cuffs and then slipped on a pair of well-worn cotton socks.

She ran her fingers through her long curly brunette hair and tugged on its unruly locks. At least some things never changed. The demons had cut, burned and shaved her hair to no avail. While her body faltered after the blood loss, her beast fought back the only way it could.

Willa closed her eyes and searched once again for the great animal. A rustle in the darkness alerted her to its presence but it still would not surface. Deep inside, the hellfire burned, and she called on its power. As she opened her eyes, she caught sight of the sparks flickering under her skin. She reasoned she might not be able to shift yet but held faith her beast would soon return.

She lightly padded across the room toward the door. As she turned the doorknob and opened it, she heard the voices. She proceeded deliberately down the hallway, but with caution. The Alpha had been kind so far but just because he rescued her didn’t mean he was trustworthy. She’d seen her fair share of wolves turn on her when they discovered her lineage. Her mother and father had always taught her to face the unknown with courage. Fear was an emotion for humans. Royal blood pumped through her veins, and her adventurous spirit had driven her far through life.

Willa paused as she approached the ledge of the stairs, the voices growing louder. Men. A woman. The Alpha.

Butterflies danced in her stomach as she stepped into the light. She blinked, her eyes adjusting as she proceeded. She curled her fingers over the railing. As she descended the voices dimmed into silence. The Alpha strode through the strangers. His familiar face wore a sexy smile. Her heartbeat raced as his eyes caught hers, and the most unfamiliar emotion curled in her chest. As if his gaze were a magnet, he drew her to him. Willa couldn’t understand the attraction, yet she didn’t hesitate, stepping forward, drawing upon her bravery.

“Hey. You’re dressed.” Hunter approached the intrepid she-wolf.

His smooth voice swam in her head. Does he have an accent? Hmm, yes. A little. Maybe southern. Her pulse raced. Jesus, Willa. Speak like a grown up. “Yes. Thanks for the clothes.”

His smile broadened. “How do you feel?”