Page 68 of Viktor

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.

“This way.” A servant dressed in a red satin pantsuit gestured toward a great arched hallway which led to the festivities.

Waverly did her best to remain calm as she stepped into the extravagant dance hall. As if hung on marionette strings, red pillar candles appeared to dance overhead. Perched above the crowd on a small stage, an orchestra played a classical version of What I’ve Done. Dressed in formal attire, partygoers danced in the center of the ballroom.

“Where are we going?” Waverly whispered, her eyes adjusting to the darkened room. “Is everything okay?”

“All is well,” Viktor assured her. “We shall see Thorn when he comes to us.”

“Comes to us?” she asked, fighting the anxiety that churned in her stomach.