“But what do the fae want from us?”
“They’ve learned their tricks from the very best in Hell. Extortion is what they’re best at. They can broker the sale of a soul, or make deals otherwise related to souls. They can even make trades with paranormals. And when things go wrong, which they inevitably do from time to time, they’re fairly good at the art of torture, making someone’s life like…well, hell in fact.”
“Why?”
“They might want a human to do their bidding, to do something only humans would do. Could be mundane tasks or just for money. But for the purposes of this evening, don’t ask anyone for any favors. Choose your words carefully. And again, never leave my side.”
“Yeah, don’t worry about that. I won’t.” Waverly’s stomach clenched into a tight knot. The last time she’d been around vampires and other paranormal creatures, she’d nearly gotten killed.
“We should go downstairs. The limo is waiting.” As Viktor reached for the doorknob, he stopped short of opening the door. He reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved a black box, Waverly’s heart pounded in her chest. “I forgot something. I picked this out for you. Not Beverly.”
Waverly gasped as he opened the box, revealing a graduated diamond necklace displayed upon black velvet. The spectacular, bright stones sparkled under the light.
“Viktor…” She placed her hand across her chest, shocked at the sight of the extravagant piece of jewelry.
“Turn around now, pet,” he told her.
Waverly did as she was told and lifted the curls off her back. The weight of the diamonds rested upon her chest as he locked the clasp. She let her hair fall and turned to the mirror, astonished at the gorgeous piece of jewelry, her fingers brushing over the exquisite diamonds.
“This is too much. I shouldn’t wear this…it’s too expensive. What if something happens to it?”
“There are many diamonds in this world. But this diamond,” he brushed his finger along her collarbone, onto her chest, briefly touching the apex of the necklace, a large center diamond. “When I found it long ago, I kept it shielded from the world because I knew others would covet it, attempt to steal it. Over time, I secretly had it shaved, cut in such a way that others would have disagreed with. I enhanced its clarity. Perhaps not as large as it was originally but now it’s flawless.”
“It’s stunning,” she whispered, bringing her shaking fingers to touch his. The vision struck her instantly. Viktor stood before her in tattered clothes. As he lifted his head and revealed his unwashed face, she caught a hint of his familiar smile. In his soiled hands, he held a muddy rock. Surrounded by trees, he looked over each shoulder before kneeling and rinsing it through the murky creek water.
Viktor jumped to his feet, inspecting the treasure. With lightning speed, he tore a strip of fabric from his already tattered clothes and wrapped the rock. He again checked over his shoulder and spied a boulder at the base of a tree. Viktor stumbled toward it through the thick brush, fell to his knees and began frantically digging. Within seconds of him burying the rock, voices in the distance shouted his name. He kicked leaves over the fresh dirt and took off into the forest.
Waverly blinked her eyes into focus, her gaze settling on his. He knew. He’d shown her a sliver of his journey. She reached for him and cupped his cheek.
“I saw it. I saw you. You hid it near the boulder,” Waverly said, shocked by what she’d seen.
“I retrieved it years later. When I finally got my freedom.”
She smiled. “How is this happening?”
“What?” He smiled at her.
“How are you showing me? It’s not just a random memory like before. I saw what you wanted me to see.”
“I don’t know. You’re the one with visions. Maybe it’s you?” He winked. “You’re a clever, talented human. I told you about the magick.”
“Are you telling me the truth?” She laughed.
“I will always tell you the truth. This thing that’s happening with us…” His voice trailed off as he checked his watch, and then quickly changed the subject. “Ah, the truth is we’re going to be late. But I promise you, we’re due for a conversation. But it’s not one to be rushed.”
“All right,” she agreed, noting the serious tone in his voice. Waverly rested her hand on his extended arm as he ushered her to the door.
Her attraction to the charismatic vampire had deepened. No matter how much she attempted to rationalize how it had happened, she couldn’t shake the strong feelings.
She steeled her nerves and focused on their purpose, attempting to ignore the surreal connection with Viktor. Waverly pictured herself walking into the demon’s party like a queen. Show no fear.
Waverly nervously fiddled with her fingernail as the limo traversed the hour’s drive to Chappaqua, New York. Viktor had warned that although they’d take a car to the party, should the need arise, they might dematerialize back to his penthouse.
Her thoughts raced, imagining a party filled with paranormals from all walks of life. As a human, she suspected she was very much outmatched in strength, but she’d decided to take Beverly’s attitude. Walk in like you own the place.
The driver turned into the long and winding driveway, and she peered out the windows, noting a church that edged the property. Pillared candles dripped wax onto headstones, the flicker of their flames illuminating the cemetery.
As the sight of the enormous home came into view, she looked to Viktor. She deliberately reminded herself to breathe, to remain calm.
“You’ve got this,” he told her. “Remember. No favors. Don’t so much as ask for directions to the bathroom. It’s likely fae are attending and we don’t want any issues.”
“I heard what happened to Hunter,” Rafe said, craning his head to get a better look at the ostentatious mansion. “Fae got him with hellfire.”
Waverly’s expression dropped. “Hellfire?”
“The fae have the ability to manipulate fire. Use it to enter Hell. Hellfire is poisonous.” Viktor gave Greyson a nod and focused back onto Waverly and Rafe. “Listen up everyone. I’m going to say it one more time. No favors. No going off alone. If for some reason we get broken up, buddy system applies. Do not be tempted by the ladies. I’m talking to you, wolf. If you get hungry, tell me or Greyson. Okay, let’s go see Thorn.”
“I hate demons,” Greyson grumbled.
“He knows Hell,” Viktor countered, hoping Thorn would give them answers.
“Yeah, fuck him.”
“Game faces on. Here we go,” Viktor warned.
Waverly’s stomach flipped as the car rolled to stop. An attendant in a purple crushed velvet uniform approached the car and opened the door.
“Welcome to Shangri-la,” he greeted them.
Wearing a nonchalant expression, Viktor exited the car and turned to Waverly. She accepted his hand as he turned to her, assisting her out of the car.
They walked along the path towards the entrance. With great dramatic fanfare, two attendants reached for ornate gold handles and swung open a set of enormous brass doors, gesturing for them to enter. As they stepped into the foyer, the sound of pounding bass echoed throughout the open space. Waverly held her chin up, walking with confidence and grace.