Page 108 of Viktor

Viktor’s thoughts drifted to Waverly, the one who reminded him that the ability to love someone, the very essence of being human, still existed within his soul. I love you. In a sleepy whisper, she’d said the words to him that no one had ever spoken. Love had been an elusive, precious treasure that he’d long resigned himself to never owning. Yet his heart, the burning in his soul for her, told him that, indeed, he’d found the one, and he loved his incredible human woman.

Nevertheless, Viktor hadn’t completed the bond. He’d never do to her what had been done to him, to steal her choice, to deprive her of growing old, experiencing life with her friends and family. Whether he simply completed the bond to give her eternal life, or further turned her, it would inflict pain she’d never comprehend, an acceptance of continual loss over time. Being forever young, while watching others around you die, was a living hell for some vampires. Although the instinct to bond would grow stronger within him, the craving tearing at his heart, he’d resolved to give her as much time as she needed.

He considered how they’d met at the bar, how it at first appeared a serendipitous event designed by the Goddess to bring them together. But was it fate or an orchestrated plan? Viktor had shown weakness the night he’d met Waverly. Saving her was a mere indulgence at the time, but going after her to San Diego, taking interest in a human tilted the scales, making her a more than casual interest.

When Waverly had touched the fleam, something powerful, something evil had reached through the realm and attacked her. With her abilities strengthened, he wondered what else she could see, possibly conjure. With the scratch still fresh on her skin, Viktor raged with vengeance, determined to exact retribution.

The sound of the wolf’s footsteps jarred his contemplation and Viktor sighed. Rafe had been endangered as well. The weight of responsibility rested heavily on his mind.

Viktor had contacted Greyson and given them their location in Iceland. His brother flashed himself and the wolf to his home.

“You all right, Vik?” Rafe asked as he walked into the room.

“Yep.” Viktor kept his eyes closed. “Brennivín’s on the bar.”

“Uh, what? I don’t think I’ve ever had this stuff.” Rafe glanced at the bottle.

“Well today’s your lucky day,” Viktor’s eyes remained closed, both his expression and tone detached. “Welcome to the land of ice and fire.”

“When in Rome,” Rafe joked.

“You’re not.”

Rafe sniffed the open bottle, shrugged and then poured the liquor. “Is Waverly okay?”

“Nope. She isn’t.” Viktor opened his eyes and stared at the fire. “This is all my fault.”

“Can’t blame her. That was some kind of scene back there at the bar. What the actual fuck was that thing? She was one scary bitch.” Rafe shook his head.

“I dunno.” Viktor concealed his thoughts, waiting on his brother to tell them what happened with the fleam and Waverly’s vision.

“Dude. Is Baxter alive?” Rafe asked point blank.

“No,” Viktor responded without hesitation. “He’s in Hell. And that’s where he’s going to stay.”

Greyson materialized next to Rafe, who jumped back almost spilling his drink. “What the hell, bro? That’s not funny.”

“Yeah, it is.” Greyson laughed.

“No, it isn’t. It’s old. Just like you.” Rafe chuckled and pointed to the bar. “Grab some.”

“How’s Waverly?” Greyson asked, going to the bar.

“She’s shaken up,” Viktor replied not taking his gaze off the flames. “And Rafe here was just asking about Baxter again.”

“Bro. We’ve got to stop going down this road. He’s dead.” Greyson shook his head as he poured a glass.

“Someone knows him though. That vampire back there in the bar. She knows that son of a bitch,” Viktor speculated, “and she’s a monster just like him.”

His brother took a sip and grimaced, releasing a loud breath. “Like fire! Argh.”

“She’s playing us.” Viktor raised his glass to the flickering lights of the fire and took a sip. “A puppet master.”

“She’s playing way too well for an amateur. Perhaps she’s gettin’ a little help?” Greyson walked to the sofa and sat. With his knees spread open, he leaned toward the fire. “Who would do this?”

“I don’t know yet but I’m gonna find them and kill them.” Viktor paused in thought. “The last time I went to Hell, Baxter was still there. I don’t know. Maybe the fucker really is making a play to get out.”

“Devil’s not going to simply release him from a blood contract.”