Page 70 of Viktor

“Quite a set-up you’ve got here. Dark but chic,” Viktor commented. He nodded to Greyson, who wore a scowl.

His brother grumbled as he took a seat. Rafe slid back into a chair and smirked.

“Greyson doesn’t seem impressed.” Thorn glared at the cantankerous vampire.

“My brother is adequately interested. He’s here, isn’t he?” Viktor told him.

“I suppose so, but we all know that he holds a grudge. It is a weakness of humans.” He looked to Waverly and back to Greyson. “And vampires.”

“Demons don’t have a soul, so what do you know about vampires?” Greyson spat out.

“Ah, he speaks.” Thorn gave an icy smile.

“My brother may be able to forget that you delivered that thing from Hell to Quintus. That Mao lookalike demon or whatever the fuck it was, but not me. That’s right. I heard all about it. You’re a sick fuck.” Greyson’s hands tightly gripped the chair arms. “I don’t know why Viktor even speaks to you.”

“I’m not always responsible for these things,” Thorn replied.

“Yeah, well, what about Camille? You took her to Hell, asshole.”

Waverly’s expression remained nonchalant. Viktor’s brother appeared to have a specific, personal issue with the demon. A woman? A human?

“Ah yes, I admit I did take her. But in fairness to me, you know I have no choice in these matters. The human made a blood contract. It was her time. It’s not as if I had a choice. It happened well before I gained my freedom to walk in this realm. I was in a different head space back then.”

“Camille didn’t deserve to go to Hell,” Greyson said. “She was working to recover her life.”

“I’m not in charge of these things. You know there’s a hierarchy. There are some things I’ll fight for, but not a woman who clearly made a deal with a devil. You know how this works.”

“She was a friend,” Greyson told him, anger in his voice.

“She belonged to a demon with a higher pay grade than my sexy ass. As I said, not in charge.” Thorn pursed his lips, staring at the vampire.

From out of the darkness, a topless woman with pierced nipples, wearing a slate blue taffeta skirt approached. With thick dark hair and striking beauty, she moved in silence as she attended to the guests.

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.