Page 36 of Viktor

“Slidell, Louisiana. Like you, I’ve always fancied living near the water. Close enough to New Orleans but away from the noise of the city.”

“You don’t like cities?” She gave a small smile. “The French Quarter seems like it would suit you.”

“Depends on the city. I do have a condo in the Quarter. But I prefer the seclusion of the lake right now. It’s secure. Isolated.”

“What happened at the museum? The detective. She’d changed. I mean physically…she was a monster.”

“My guess is full possession. So, we’ve got that going for us.”

“How’s that?”

“Demons that have managed to break free of Hell are more dangerous than weaker ones who need humans. Whatever was going on with the poor detective…well, she’s going to need an intervention.”

“An exorcism? Is that a real thing?”

“Yes, and that would be a good place to start,” Viktor agreed.

“I can’t believe that happened to her. Do you think we should call the police? I mean we just skipped out.”

“No. I’m going to put in a text to PCAP. It’s time to put an end to this nonsense.” He pulled out his cell phone and began pecking at the glass.

“What’s PCAP?”

“Think of it as a woo-woo FBI. If it’s paranormal, they handle it. Humans can’t handle the shit that goes down in our world. Bullets don’t kill supernaturals.” He shrugged. “Unless it’s silver or wooden. But regular bullets are merely a nuisance.”

“I know there are humans like Teagan that want to get bitten, make a choice to go to blood clubs, but I swear I don’t do that. I’m not sure why it’s important for me to keep telling you. But I’ve never been bitten.” Waverly’s fingers trailed down her neck.

“As I said, you just needed to meet the right vampire.”

“Maybe,” she hedged, the corner of her mouth tugging upward.

“Ah, progress!” Viktor declared in victory, his voice lighthearted. “It’s good you’re finally coming to acceptance. I’m irresistible.”

“You’re impossible.” Waverly flashed a flirty smile but quickly averted her gaze and fiddled with her hair.

Viktor smiled at the human on his sofa, his chest tight with emotion. Despite the recent unfortunate events, Waverly proved resilient, perhaps unfazed to an extent, that he’d dematerialized them to his home. Beautiful and determined, she challenged his own rule not to date them. Fuck them? Yes. Friends? No. Girlfriend? Absolutely not. Love? Hell to the no.

Yet here she was. Sitting in his home, no less. And he couldn’t bring himself to let her go.

Her delicious scent grew stronger. His attraction to the beautiful human was too far gone; he struggled to control the thirst. The feelings creeping in threw him off kilter, an unfamiliar craving only she could sate. Hunger gnawed at his gut. If she’d been any other donor, he’d have bitten her by now. But she isn’t a donor.

“I’ve got to go.” Viktor took a deep breath, attempting to rein in his appetite.

“What? Where are you going?” she asked, her voice laced in disappointment as she pressed to her feet and walked toward him.

“I’ve got to feed.” Viktor settled on the truth.

“You’re going back to one of those blood clubs?” Her expression fell flat.

“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.