Page 75 of Viktor

“You’re safe now,” he repeated. “We’re at my place.”

“Where’s Greyson?” She swiveled her head around, searching for him. “Where’s Rafe? Are they okay?”

“They’ll be fine. They’ll probably go to Quintus’ blood club and blow off some steam. Greyson may be sweet on the High Priestess, but he hates demons. He only went tonight because I asked him.”

“That monster with the fire. What was that thing?”

“Seems as though Thorn has become friends with a herd of dragons.”

“His boyfriend. He was a dragon. His eyes—”

“Yeah. Dragon eyes flicker. It’s creepy. Some of them wear contact lenses to remain discreet among humans. But these guys were letting it all hang loose.”

“That dragon scared the shit out of me. I can’t believe what I saw tonight.”

“Thorn’s an asshole for allowing them to throw fire inside the house like that, but I would never have let them hurt you.” He gave a tight smile. “They’re usually only aggressive when they are protecting something. I’m sorry about tonight.”

“I’ve never been around so many paranormals. Those dragons. I mean, come on, they were flying. No one would ever believe it.” Waverly’s head spun, trying to comprehend what she’d experienced. “Do you think Thorn and Ilsbeth will really be able to tell us more about the fleam? It didn’t seem like you trusted them.”

“I don’t trust either of them. But I’m confident I can see the truth from a lie. It’s a talent of mine.” He winked at her.

“Did you sleep with her?” Waverly regretted the words as soon as they left her lips. She inwardly cringed at the seed of jealousy that had been planted.

“Ilsbeth?” he laughed.

She nodded but didn’t say a word, afraid she’d say something else stupid.

“No way. Now don’t get me wrong, she’s always been attractive, but she’s like Lily of the Valley. Beautiful. Fragrant. But deadly as fuck.”

“Greyson seems smitten,” she observed.

“He’s a fool.” Viktor shook his head. “They had a thing once. She must be good in bed, because my brother’s ancient and still pining over the witch’s kitty.”

“He loves her?” she asked.

“Aw, hell no. He doesn’t even know her anymore. But I do. I’ve seen her in Hell, and I know how she got there. Rafe is not too far off with what he says about her. She’s a piece of work. But,” he held up a finger, “she did help me out in Hell. Fed me. And she helped me with Rafe. And it’s not the first time over the years. So yeah, she’s what you’d call a paradox.”

“It’s hard to believe she’s Rafe’s mother.”

“Yeah, it is. But Rafe was too far gone. I needed help. I had to make a quick decision.”

“Why did you really do it?”

“I don’t know. I was helping a friend, and you know, I just thought I could save him right there. But I miscalculated, so I had to bounce. Try something else. I brought Ilsbeth over to my island, and she gave him her blood too. Now he’s hybrid. It’s not the best situation but it is what it is.”

“Why don’t you have others? Other children.”

“I didn’t want that responsibility. My master…Baxter. He was just the very worst. And I didn’t want to chance being like him. And it turns out I’m not. Ilsbeth had a point that I probably shouldn’t have left him that long in San Diego. But then again, I’m also right about Rafe being an adult. If there were any issues, Jake would’ve handled it. She’s just being a bitch.”

“He seems quite fond of you.” Waverly looked around the dimly lit living room, through the windows to the city. “It’s beautiful here. I don’t think I’ve ever been up this high in an apartment.”

“It’s a little chilly this time of year,” Viktor said.

“Do you spend a lot of time in New York?”

“I spend most of my time in Miami, but I have other homes around the world. New Orleans. LA. London. Amsterdam. Paris. Milan. Fiji.”

Viktor retrieved his cell phone and tapped at the glass. Within seconds, the room illuminated with soft lighting. He slid his finger across the screen and a gas fireplace ignited, ambient reggae music began to play. “I’m in the process of buying a property in Croatia.”