Page 9 of Hunter

“You work with humans? As a doctor?”

“It’s not that unusual. For wolves anyway.”

“True. But for a rogue. Alone among humans. That is unusual. Rogues aren’t usually the type to help others.”

“I’m not all rogue.” Tempted to tell him the truth, she bit her lip.

Hunter leaned forward and tilted his head. “So, listen. I’ve been thinking about this. I still don’t have the full story but there’s something about you. So, I’m just going to say it. I think you should stay with my pack for a while.”

“I…” I can’t put your wolves in danger, “can’t impose.”

“Tell me something, Willa. How did you get in Hell?”

“I…I was, um, sold there,” she admitted. That much was the truth. “Ambushed. Then sold.”

“I’ve gotta say I’m not an expert on the rules but that’s also a little unusual.”

Willa glanced down into her glass, remaining silent.

“Whoever did it could be coming for you again. Every time you leave, they say the demons get a little bit of a taste for your soul. Everyone who escaped…”

“Everyone?” Willa’s focus drifted to the fireplace. The lick of the flames appeared to dance inciting warmth over her thoughts, yet in Hell, they screamed, tearing away the flesh of their victims. One of the many tools utilized to inflict pain. She recalled the torture, hearing her own screams in her mind. The others…the feedings. Her fingertips brushed over the newly healed skin on her forearm. Something had happened while she was there. The memories lingered just out of reach. Their faces and voices eluded her. “There were others.”

“There were.”

“I don’t remember. I just know…awful things happen there.” Her strength faltered, her voice shook. “But I can’t stay.” I really want to stay.

Willa hadn’t been around an Alpha in such a long time. His powerful energy soothed the terrified wolf inside that still feared for her life.

“But of course, you can stay.”

“I can’t.” Her eyes softened as they locked on his, tears threatening to fall. Willa swallowed the emotion back and brought the glass to her lips, taking a long draw of the wine.

“Willa.” Hunter set his drink on the end table and moved to sit next to her. “You can.”

“I’d like to but…” Her heart sped as the Alpha closed the distance between them. Her hand shook as she settled her glass next to his on the table.

“I know what happens in Hell. I know the kind of torture you’ve been through. And also, I know what it’s like for a rogue wolf. It’s probably why it was so easy for them to ambush you. You have no pack to help you. Look, I don’t know what made you go rogue, but it has to be exhausting. You’re on your own. I’m offering you refuge. Just stay a little while. Let me protect you.”

Hunter reached for her hand, and her body pricked in awareness at his touch. The calloused pads of the Alpha’s fingers told her he worked with his hands. She studied the contours of his face. Handsome, the scruff on his cheeks accentuated his strong jawline. While the sea of the truth lay between them, she fought the allure of the dominant Alpha.

“I appreciate your offer. It’s just…the reason I was in Hell. I can’t bring that to you. There’s something I need to get before…” Willa stopped herself before divulging too much more. She needed to go to New Orleans.

“Then tell me the why.”

“I can’t. I can’t put anyone else in danger. It’s not fair to you.”

“I just brought you out of Hell. Do you think I’m afraid of a little danger?”

“I’m not like you.”

“I can tell that already. Your energy. When I touched you. I don’t know what it is but it’s different than most wolves,” he commented.

“It’s…” Hellfire, “unique.”

“But what is it? Why are they after you, Willa?” Hunter exposed her palm and lazily drew a circle with the pad of his thumb on her skin.

“I can’t talk about this. I…” No one outside of her family knew her secret. For it was the original magick of the wolves that danced in her blood.