Page 63 of Hunter

“I haven’t found him yet. I looked,” Viktor offered. “There was nothing inside or outside of that building.”

“Are you reading my mind or something?”

“You have your secrets. I have mine.” Viktor flattened a palm onto the table. “He could be in Hell, but he could have flashed somewhere safe. Speaking of which, I sensed that he flashed when we were back at the house. It does leave this tangible energy in the air. We didn’t have time to discuss it, but don’t you find it odd? A wolf with that sort of power? In all my years, I’ve never met a wolf who could do that. A witch every now and then. This wouldn’t have anything to do with Willa would it?”

“If he flashed away, then why isn’t he here right now?” Hunter ignored Viktor’s question. Hellfire. Royals.

“I was able to flash in, but the entire thing had been burnt to a crisp. Fucking demons. Maybe he’s got a tail on him. Can’t shake it and doesn’t want to bring it our way.”

“Hopefully it’s that, because I sure as shit don’t feel like taking another trip to Hell.”

“What was your girl doing in Guatemala anyway?” Viktor set his attention on Hunter, who was carefully arranging crackers onto a plate.

“She got into some trouble.”

“What kind of trouble?”

“Human trouble.”

“They can be quite difficult.”

“The short of it is that she found a rare plant.” Hunter popped a piece of cheese into his mouth and continued. “There was a kid who was going to die, and she used a special serum to save her.”

“And?”

“She used her blood in the serum.” Hunter sighed. “Even you vamps don’t go around saving humans with blood very often.”

“Some have. It’s a rookie mistake. Your girl is no rookie though. And besides, wolf blood won’t do shit to save a human, which means there really is something special about her. And since you’re being cagey, let me guess. It has something to do with her blood.”

“She went to Guatemala to destroy the formula.”

“I’ve had her blood,” Viktor mentioned casually.

“Yes, I know. You said it was tainted. We’ve discussed this.”

“Now I know it was Hell so things are a little fuzzy but there was something about it.” He scratched his head.

“I told you. She has to tell you herself. With Julian missing…” Possibly dead. “Just give her a night before you ask her, okay? Tomorrow we’ll see if Ilsbeth knows if there’s anything we can do to get the price off Willa’s head. She’s neck deep in demon shit and I know she probably has an idea how to deal with them. Assuming Ilsbeth is operating with a full deck. I wasn’t there when you dropped her ass off at the coven so who the hell knows? But I know the old Ilsbeth. That one? She knows demons.” He set the cheese plate onto the table. “We should buzz Samantha. She’ll know what’s up.”

“About Ilsbeth. You’re not going to like this bit of news that I have.” Viktor’s voice morphed into a serious tone.

Hunter’s stomach tightened. “What now?”

“Now don’t panic because I did get a text from her.”

“What happened?”

“She refused to stay at the coven and flew the coop.”

Hunter slammed his hand down on the counter, rage tearing through him.

“Easy now. Just listen. She’s going to meet with us.”

“I told you not to take her…”

“Perhaps you were right about that bit but…”

“Where is she?” Hunter demanded.