Page 93 of Hunter

“But Ilsbeth…” Willa’s eyes lit up, anxiety gripping her chest.

“I want to see this book first before we go back to her house.”

Doubt weaved itself into her thoughts. “She wants it, but you’re right. Something about this whole thing doesn’t feel right. She’s manipulating us. This book belongs to my family. I think she wanted me to get it because she knows I was the only one who could release it.”

“Of course, we aren’t giving it to her. Not right away anyway. She can’t be trusted. Not for one witchy minute.” Viktor violently shook his head, sending water droplets flying into the air.

“I had a spider crawl up my face! My face !” Willa visibly shuddered. “Get me out of here.”

“Let’s go.” Hunter reached for Willa’s hand and set his palm on Viktor’s shoulder.

Willa’s mind swam as she drifted, billions of atoms reconnecting all at once. Her bottom landed on the hard wood with a thud. A rush of sea air filled her lungs and she blinked toward the blinding sun. She shoved to her feet, but the floor seemingly moved beneath her and she tumbled back onto the smooth wooden planks.

“Where are we?” she managed.

“Viktor.” Rage blazed in Hunter’s voice.

“Are we….” Turquoise waves rolled into view as she steadied herself on the rocking surface.

“What are we doing on a boat?” The Alpha knelt down and extended his hand to Willa. “You okay?”

As her eyes caught his, butterflies danced in her stomach. How could I forget that I almost died after having my face eaten by a spider? My sexy Alpha. Yeah, that’s why. She smiled.

“Willa? You good?” he asked gently, a corner of his lip tugging upward.

“Yes, sorry. I’m okay.” Willa reached for his hand, grunting as Hunter pulled her onto her feet. Thankful to be alive, she wrapped her arms around him, holding tight. “Just hold me.”

“Hey, now.” Hunter kissed the top of her head, his eyes meeting Viktor’s.

Overwhelmed, she fought to regain control of her emotions. “I’m good.”

“It’s okay, sweetheart.” Hunter glanced at Viktor who smiled at him.

“Welcome aboard the Bloody Mary.” The vampire held the book up in the air, the knife still protruding from its cover. “Ahoy matey. Or in your case, just mates.”

“Fuck me.” Hunter sighed as he scanned the horizon, noting there was no land in sight. “What the hell, Vik?”

“As much as I’d love to chat, I smell like pig’s ass. And you two.” He sniffed. “Dog’s ass.”

“We’ve got to get to Ilsbeth.” Willa wrenched herself out of Hunter’s arms, glaring at Viktor.

“We do. But not right now. We’re about to go fight a demon. This isn’t a backyard boil party we’re going to. You both need to rest after that little adventure.”

“I hate to admit it, but the vampire’s right. Whatever battle awaits us isn’t going to be a day in the park.”

“But…” she protested.

“We’re safe out in the open water. My boat has wards, but it’s well known that demons have a harder time materializing in water.”

“Viktor,” Hunter began.

“Not another word. Come. It’s time to get clean. We’ll talk after.”

Although Willa’s first instinct was to argue, she considered their predicament. Within hours they’d go to Ilsbeth’s, and hand a book to the demon responsible for her torture. The possibility of death or eternal damnation loomed over their heads. They had to be at the top of their game. Strategy over impulsivity; she resigned herself to accept the needed respite. Food. Sleep . Then fight like hell.

“The Bloody Mary?” Hunter brought the glass of whiskey to his lips. “Clever, Vik.”

“Makes the humans at the yacht club more comfortable. I fit right in.”