“I have a regular donor here in the city. She’s…” Viktor inwardly cursed, not expecting to have this conversation with her. Regrettably this was who he was. He couldn’t expect her to fully understand. “There are professionals. It’s simply business.”
“She’s a woman? Will you have sex with her?” Waverly bit her lip. “I’m sorry, it’s none of my business.”
“I’m vampire. This is a part of my existence.” Viktor scrubbed his fingers through his perfectly coiffed hair. “Donors are donors. Some are male. Some are female. It’s of no consequence to me. Human blood is blood. Sometimes I throw in a witch or wolf for variety. And no, I don’t always have sex.”
“I’m sorry. It’s none of my business. I shouldn’t have asked.” She averted her gaze.
“Waverly.” His fingers brushed her cheek, magick danced through his palm. Desire burned as she lifted her gaze to meet his.
“It’s okay,” she whispered, her hand brushing his chest.
Heat sizzled between them as Viktor gave in to his true craving. His mouth crushed upon hers, tasting, seeking the beautiful human that had divinely entered his life. Her energy threaded through him as if he’d become one with her, his soul demanding more. As her body molded to his, hunger spiked. He tore his mouth from hers, moving to her neck.
She moaned as his lips brushed her ear. Losing control, his fangs dropped, nearly nicking her neck. Do it. Bite her, temptation whispered.
“Viktor,” she breathed, her body writhing against his rock-hard erection.
His fangs hovered above her delicate skin, her pulse beckoning him to taste her. As her delicious scent enticed him, his erection pressed tight to her hip. Their magnetic energy intertwined, urging him to bite her.
Viktor retracted his fangs and reluctantly pulled away from her. “I should go.”
“What? I shouldn’t have—” Waverly panted, steadying herself.
“I’m sorry,” Viktor apologized. Though drawn to her, he didn’t move to touch her.
“No, it’s fine.” She blinked, averting her gaze, attempting to conceal the rejection. “It shouldn’t have happened.”
“I’ll bring you back something to eat,” he responded without disputing her. Perhaps she was right. His utter lack of self-control was driving him mad. Pure lust for a human that didn’t like vampires had been one of the single most asinine things he’d engaged in in his lifetime. “Are you okay?”
“I said I’m fine,” she bit out, turning toward the windows.
“Don’t go anywhere. The house is protected by wards, but I can’t help you should you decide to leave.” Viktor knew full well she couldn’t escape the gates or the magick. “My property is safe from everything.”
“Everything? You mean like what we just ran from in the museum?”
“Yes. The possessed. Demons. Witches.” Fucking hell. Who knew what the hell else might be after her? “I’ll be back in an hour. Don’t leave.”
Viktor and Waverly exchanged a heated stare, the room still thick with frustration and desire. It took every ounce of self-discipline to leave, but if he stayed one minute longer, both his fangs and his cock would be deep inside the gorgeous Dr. LaFleur.
“Hello, brother.” Viktor glanced up at Quintus and sipped his blood, not quite satisfied.
“So, you just left her?” His brother gave him an amused smile and shook his head.
“Yep. I had no choice,” Viktor replied with a tone of regret. Nothing would sate him but Waverly.
“And the wolf? Your son.” His brother laughed.
“He’s with Jake. It’s only been a day. He’ll be fine for a while. I’ll get him soon. I just need a minute.”
“You sure that’s a good idea?”
“He shows good control. He’s got to get back with pack. The full moon is upon us.”
“What does Hunter think of this?”
“He agrees. Rafe needs time away from his own pack. He’s no longer pure wolf. This is better for him. He can get lost in California. Go surfing.”
“You’re serious?” Quintus laughed.
“The wolf will find his way back to pack or he won’t.” Viktor circled his finger around the rim of the glass.
“You think he’ll go rogue?” Quintus raised a curious eyebrow at him.
“Perhaps.” Rafe had already insinuated as much. Viktor swallowed his guilt with another gulp of blood. “Finding brotherhood within the pack will be difficult. He’s no longer like them.”
“But he is a wolf. He shifts,” Quintus explained.
“He’s far superior to a simple wolf. He’s a miracle. A gift from the Goddess if you will.” Viktor looked to Quintus, who stood behind the bar, and laughed. “Or a curse. Whichever, no matter. What matters is that he is vampire. He carries the blood of an ancient in his veins. He will grow stronger, faster than any other wolf.”
“He’ll best any Alpha, but without an established pack, he’d be forced to fight. It could be a disaster.”
“He won’t fight. Not yet anyway.”
“How do you mean?”
“It means he knows how to fight as wolf. But not as vampire. Regardless, he’s going to need a mentor of the lupine nature. Someone who can keep him in line. Help him while he gets adjusted.”
“You should go to Yellowstone. Go stay with Hunter,” Quintus suggested.
“Do you seriously think I plan on running all over Wyoming? In the forest? During winter?” He gestured to his red, crocodile leather loafers. “Steffano Ricci. I’ve already ruined enough pairs of shoes lately. I’ve spent a fortune.”
“Jesus fucking Christ, you’re something else.” Quintus shook his head and laughed.
“Just stop already. You know it’s not happening.” Viktor held up a dismissive hand. “Does running through mud in the forest with a bunch of dogs sound like something I’d be interested in? No fucking way. I’m going back to Miami.”
“He’s going to need guidance,” Quintus told him.
“I think I’ve got just the person to help me. Hunter’s mate has a brother who’s rogue. Julian. The wolf is decent. I’ll simply make it happen.”
“Have you discussed this with him?”
“No, but I will. Eventually.” Viktor sipped his blood. “I’ve got bigger issues at the moment.”
“The art dealer?”
“She’s the head curator at one of the finest art museums in southern California. She’s smart. Funny.” Viktor’s thoughts drifted to Waverly and he smiled, the scent of her still fresh in his mind.
“Attractive?” Quintus asked with a knowing grin.
“She’s a surfer. You should see her ride the waves.”
“Athletic, is she? I’m guessing a wave isn’t the only thing you’d like to see her ride.”
“She made me eggs,” he confessed with a smile, ignoring Quintus.
“Eggs?” Quintus slapped the granite counter and laughed. “You ate human food? For real?”