As the server extended a glass to Waverly, she caught sight of her glowing crimson eyes. Though she inwardly trembled, she accepted the drink, wearing an impassive expression. “Thank you.”
Waverly looked to Viktor who nodded. Demon. It’s okay. I’m right here.
“Cheers to reunions.” Thorn held his glass to the air and promptly drank without waiting for the others.
Waverly nodded with a dry smile. Although she brought the glass to her mouth, she kept her lips sealed, feigning to drink.
“So, tell me, when are you going to introduce me to this beautiful human? I’m on pins and needles,” Thorn said with a snicker.
“This is Dr. LaFleur.” Viktor wore a flat demeanor as he introduced her.
“Waverly,” she offered.
“A doctor?” he asked with interest.
“A curator,” she replied, her voice calm and steady. “Art. I’m based in San Diego, but I work all over the world on consult. I’ve been working with Mr. Christianson.”
“Consult? Is that what this is?” Thorn laughed. “Viktor, you do surprise me. Brains. Beauty. She’s extraordinary. Simply delicious.”
Waverly’s heart pounded in her chest as his gaze smothered her. She returned his slimy smile with a resting bitch face that wouldn’t crack.
“She’s under my protection,” Viktor stated.
“So, you’re saying she doesn’t belong to you per se?” Thorn’s eyes lit up with excitement.
“She’s with me,” Viktor insisted.
“But are you bonded?” Thorn inquired, raising a questioning eyebrow at him.
“We appreciate you having us tonight, but this topic is not up for discussion. Waverly is with me and only me. Don’t test me.” Viktor flashed a cool smile. “I have business to discuss with you.”
“Before we begin, I’ve got a surprise for you both. I was going to wait but I can’t stand the anticipation.” Thorn clapped his hands. “Consider it a gift, Greyson.”
Through a thick cloud of red-tinged smoke, a figure emerged. Waverly steeled her nerves as the striking woman came into view. With long platinum blonde locks and wearing a snow-white, floor-length gown that clung to her body, the otherworldly creature exuded a powerful energy. Drawn to her, Waverly stared, shocked as the woman appeared to glide toward them. Who is she?
Viktor exchanged a look with his brother.
“What the hell?” Greyson’s jaw dropped in awe at the sight of the guest. “Are you kidding me?”
Thorn laughed out loud and clapped his hands. “I love a surprise.”
“Ilsbeth,” Viktor acknowledged her, but his tone remained cold.
“Well, fuck.” Rafe sighed. “It’s Mommy.”
Captivated by the ethereal presence, Waverly barely noticed their voices. As the woman approached her, she stood from her chair. Viktor moved to stop Waverly, but she shooed him away. “No, it’s fine.”
As Waverly accepted Ilsbeth’s hand to shake it, the visions slammed into her. Pain. So much pain. The flames of Hell surrounding her as she screamed for mercy. Waverly instinctively jerked her hand away.
“I’m sorry,” Waverly whispered.
“What an interesting human,” Ilsbeth responded without a blink of an eye, immediately turning to Viktor. “Why are you surprised to see me, vampire? You know I always land on my feet.”
“I’ve learned never to underestimate you,” he told her, protectively wrapping his arm around Waverly’s waist, pulling her away from the high priestess. “What are you doing here?”
“I was invited, of course.” She winked at Greyson but made a beeline for the wolf. “Rafe, darling. Are you feeling well?”
“You’re something else, momma witch. Something scary. But still—"
“Teenagers.” Ilsbeth shrugged him off and focused on Greyson who stood towering above her. “You are looking well.” Her gaze painted over him. “Nice suit.”
The great vampire glared at her, heat flickering in his eyes. He stood firm as she placed her palm to his chest.
“Been a long time. Haven’t seen you in New Orleans lately.” She glanced to Viktor. “Or Hell.”
“I’ve been busy for a few hundred years,” Greyson replied.
“We need to catch up soon,” she suggested, smiling with her eyes.
“Heard you were taking up with wolves. Betas no less.” Greyson stood his ground, staring at her.
“A temporary infatuation, I assure you.”
“Infatuation? More like attempted murder,” Rafe insisted.
“It was a misunderstanding. We must look to the future if we want to achieve the climax of life. Our greatest desire.” A devious smile formed on her lips. Ilsbeth moved past Greyson, taking a seat next to him. “Let the past be the past.”
“This is some bullshit here,” Rafe grumbled.
“Don’t mind Ilsbeth,” Viktor told him.
“He’s welcome to mind all he wants. He’s family.” Ilsbeth shot Rafe a side glance. “Just so long as you know your place.”
“Know my place? First of all, we’re not a family. I needed your blood. And second, I don’t need you,” Rafe shot back.
“And you, vampire,” The witch pinned Viktor with a stare. “Did you think I wouldn’t find out about the human?”
“She is none of your concern,” Viktor asserted.
“You left Rafe alone in San Diego. He’s too young,” she chastised.
“He’s learned control. He’s a grown wolf for fuck’s sake.” Viktor shook his head. “And by the way, witch. You don’t get a say in how he’s raised. Your participation was limited to your blood. It’s over. You’re the one who should mind your business.”
Waverly stared at Ilsbeth as they traded barbs. The paranormals had lived lifetimes, and it clearly was not the first time they’d argued. Ilsbeth dripped with jealousy. She treated Viktor as if he were her ex, leaving Waverly with the impression that perhaps there was far more between them. Did he sleep with her? Waverly’s stomach clenched in anger, but she bit her tongue, remaining silent.
Waverly glanced at Greyson, whose expression revealed nothing. Yet the slight softening in his eyes as Ilsbeth briefly reached for him and brushed her fingers over his arm spoke volumes. Did he love her?
“Enough.” Viktor slammed his hand down on the arm of the chair.
Thorn held his goblet up into the air and huffed. “You’re killing the vibe, people.”
“You can stay, but this is confidential. If I find out either one of you,” Viktor pointed, “Thorn. Witch. Like if I ever hear a fucking peep about this meeting, I’m going to hunt you down and drag your asses back to Hell. The only reason either of you are out again is because Hunter came for me.” He focused on Ilsbeth. “I’ve saved your sorry ass so many times over the century, too many times to count.” He blew out a breath. “So, this is how it’s going to go. I’m going to share with you something that’s happening, you’re both going to keep it confidential.”
Viktor glanced downstairs, his eyes widening. “Motherfucker. You invited Kellen to this party? He’s glowing red like he’s fresh out of Hell.”