Willa’s pulse raced as she opened her eyes and sensed the Alpha. His powerful energy twisted through her, stirring her to consciousness. Although grateful to be alive, she trusted no one.
For most of her life, she’d lived in secrecy. Her parents had been viciously murdered long ago. An ancient wolf, she lived rogue, living in isolation without a pack. As a physician, she worked with the disenfranchised, flying under the radar, until one day she was kidnapped and sold into Hell. Demons paid well for the pleasure of torturing her.
Her wolf had gone silent, beaten into near submission. Demon magick had been known to kill wolves, but her royal lineage gave her beast great powers. Although her wolf lingered in the shadows, she immediately sensed she couldn’t shift.
Exhausted and traumatized, she was tempted to close her eyes and fall asleep. But fear set in, knowing both the demons and wolves would come for her again when they found out about her absence. She trembled, praying the wolf before her had benevolent intentions.
“You’re safe now. No one is going to get you here,” he promised, his voice low and smooth.
“I…I’m not safe. They’ll come for me.”
“Listen, sweetheart. You’re a helluva lot safer than you have been. Whoever’s coming for you has to get through me first.”
“Where am I?” Willa’s voice softened. Her focus was drawn to the cathedral ceiling, smooth cedar planks forming a steep apex. The warm masculine energy of the home calmed her nerves. As she settled her gaze onto the stranger who’d saved her, Alpha resonated in her mind.
“You’re in Jackson Hole. Wyoming. You can stay here as long as you need to. I promise you my protection.” Hunter sighed, aware of the reality of the situation. He’d just punched a hole into Hell. Stealing one vampire might go unnoticed, but he’d also poached a witch and a wolf.
“Who are you?” she whispered. “What kind of a man goes to Hell on purpose?”
“Long story…” Hunter glanced to her bite marks. “I needed to get someone out.’
Willa quickly tucked her arm under the blanket. Once she’d been untouched, no longer.
“My friend, he, uh…there was this zombie thing. She took him.” He sighed. “Yeah, well…doesn’t matter.”
“And?”
“I got him too. I’ve gotta ask you…and I know it’s hard, but how long? How long were you in there?”
“I’m not sure.” Willa closed her eyes, her mind swirling with the torturous memories. “It seemed like years, but I don’t know. I think more like weeks. I don’t think I would have survived. I was put there. Sold.”
“Jesus. Who? Who sold you?” Hunter asked.
“It doesn’t matter. I don’t want to involve you. They could come after you or your pack.”
“I’m already involved. I just saved you. I’m not going to let some assholes take you back.”
Willa averted her gaze. Her savior stood nearly six foot four, towering over her. His nudity didn’t offend her, but without her wolf, a relationship with this Alpha served no purpose. As if he’d noticed her unease, he reached for a throw blanket and wrapped it loosely around his hips.
“I…the thing is, I’m not well,” she confessed. “My wolf…I need a few minutes. I need to go but I…”
A surge of emotion tightened in her chest. She’d lost everything and had still somehow survived. But her great beast had disappeared, and she feared they’d come again. Demons. The wolves . Her tough exterior faltered as tears filled her eyes.
“Hey. It’s gonna be okay.” Hunter’s expression softened. “I mean it. I brought you to my home. There’s no one here who can hurt you. When you’re feeling better, I’ll help you get back home.”
“I’m Willa. Willa Jacobs,” she reluctantly offered.
“Hunter. Hunter Livingston. I’m Alpha of Teton Wolves. This here…I, um, I don’t want you to get the wrong impression.” Hunter glanced down and adjusted the throw. He scrubbed his hand over his cheek. “I’ve been away for a while, so I’ve got to take care of a few things…”
“Alpha.” Willa heard the muffled voice of a female call for him, and her stomach dropped. Her panicked eyes went to his. If he were a mated Alpha, his partner would attack her. She shoved up onto the bed. “I’ll get out now. I’m sorry.”
“Hey now. Just take it easy.” He held up his palms.
“I shouldn’t be in here. I need to go. Your mate…” Willa wrapped the sheets around her.
“I’m not mated. It’s just a friend. I’ve been away for weeks. Pack members are going to come snooping round.”
“Are you sure? I can go.” Willa exhaled a relieved breath. He’s not mated. She quickly shoved the thought to the back of her mind, aware that even if he wasn’t, there was no chance in hell she’d have time to get to know him further. Her mere presence in the pack put them all in danger. She would never forgive herself if they harmed any of his wolves.
“You can take a shower in there if you want. I’ll see about fixin’ you some clothes. Or um…wait a second.”
Willa watched in fascination as Hunter crossed the room to an enormous armoire. He opened the heavy oak doors and retrieved a t-shirt, sweatpants and socks.
“It’s kinda remote out here and it’s not like I keep girls’ clothing on hand. So, uh…” He returned to her bedside and set the clothing on the mattress. “Yeah.”
“Yeah,” she repeated, her mind focused on the fact he didn’t have any women’s clothing. He isn’t mated. Still doesn’t matter. I’m leaving. “Thank you.”
The Alpha turned to leave but stopped mid-step. “For what it’s worth…I’m sorry this happened to you. I know what it’s like to be in Hell, and I’m not just talking about for a few days. I…”
“Alpha, you in?” The female voice grew louder.
“We need to talk about some things.” Hunter paused. “I’ll be back in just a bit, Willa. Just sit tight.”
The door clicked shut. Alone, Willa broke down, her emotional walls crumbling around her. Although she’d survived Hell, the others she’d seen still remained. She didn’t know their names. Innocent or guilty, the tortured souls suffered.
The Alpha, while well-intentioned, could not anticipate the level of evil searching for her. The rogues sold her for a price. Now that the demons had a taste of her, they’d pay even more to have her returned to Hell. The only way to defeat the wolves would be to provide them with an alternative item to sell or agree to be forcefully mated. Everyone around her was in danger.
No, she had to rally and get away from her heroic rescuer before they came for him, his wolves. She wiped the back of her hand across her face and shoved up onto her arms. A dull ache pulsed through her legs as she swung them over the bed. Her head pounded as her blood rushed to her toes. With her magick weak, her body hadn’t healed properly.
To fully regenerate, she’d have to shift. But the wolf within had gone into hiding. The demons had spent the vast amount of their torture attempting to tempt her beast to the surface, but she’d crept further into her psyche, eventually disappearing.
Willa brushed away the tears from her eyes and steeled her nerves. She’d fight and find a way to survive.
She grounded her feet onto the stone floor. Its heated tiles emanated warmth through her muscles, making it slightly more tolerable to stand. As she crossed the room, she stopped cold, noting her shocking reflection in the mirror. A mere shell of her former self, fang marks mottled her skin.
She brought her fingers to her cheek and brushed away a blackened smudge of ash. Her entire body was covered in it as if she were wearing the devil’s clothing. The scent of Satan filled her nostrils and she was reminded of the lashes that stung her back. She closed her eyes, willing away the memories.
Willa reminded herself she was no longer in imminent danger. You’re okay. Do what you need to do. Time was short. After she showered, she’d talk to the Alpha, and secure passage to New Orleans before they found her.
Willa pulled Hunter’s shirt over her head and brought the soft cotton fabric to her nose. She inhaled the masculine scent of the Alpha and closed her eyes. Who is this man who rescues a total stranger from Hell? She recalled his handsome face, but her mind drifted to the sound of his smooth sexy voice.
She’d been alone for such a long time she’d forgotten the pleasure of a man. As a girl, she’d dreamed of finding her mate, but it had all been forgotten as she learned her family’s secret. What man would want a she-wolf tainted by hellfire?
Willa reached for the sweats and shoved her legs into them. He thinks I’m going to fit into his pants? Well, maybe. She smiled. The Alpha was tall, nearly six foot four. She gave a small laugh and proceeded to roll up the cuffs and then slipped on a pair of well-worn cotton socks.
She ran her fingers through her long curly brunette hair and tugged on its unruly locks. At least some things never changed. The demons had cut, burned and shaved her hair to no avail. While her body faltered after the blood loss, her beast fought back the only way it could.
Willa closed her eyes and searched once again for the great animal. A rustle in the darkness alerted her to its presence but it still would not surface. Deep inside, the hellfire burned, and she called on its power. As she opened her eyes, she caught sight of the sparks flickering under her skin. She reasoned she might not be able to shift yet but held faith her beast would soon return.
She lightly padded across the room toward the door. As she turned the doorknob and opened it, she heard the voices. She proceeded deliberately down the hallway, but with caution. The Alpha had been kind so far but just because he rescued her didn’t mean he was trustworthy. She’d seen her fair share of wolves turn on her when they discovered her lineage. Her mother and father had always taught her to face the unknown with courage. Fear was an emotion for humans. Royal blood pumped through her veins, and her adventurous spirit had driven her far through life.
Willa paused as she approached the ledge of the stairs, the voices growing louder. Men. A woman. The Alpha.
Butterflies danced in her stomach as she stepped into the light. She blinked, her eyes adjusting as she proceeded. She curled her fingers over the railing. As she descended the voices dimmed into silence. The Alpha strode through the strangers. His familiar face wore a sexy smile. Her heartbeat raced as his eyes caught hers, and the most unfamiliar emotion curled in her chest. As if his gaze were a magnet, he drew her to him. Willa couldn’t understand the attraction, yet she didn’t hesitate, stepping forward, drawing upon her bravery.
“Hey. You’re dressed.” Hunter approached the intrepid she-wolf.
His smooth voice swam in her head. Does he have an accent? Hmm, yes. A little. Maybe southern. Her pulse raced. Jesus, Willa. Speak like a grown up. “Yes. Thanks for the clothes.”
His smile broadened. “How do you feel?”
“I’m good. It’s fine, really.” I can’t shift. Not fine at all. Fake it.
“Are you in pain?” Hunter’s smile disappeared, his eyes locked on hers.
“No. I mean, I’ll feel better when I can shift but right now…”
“Hunter,” a female voice called from behind him.
Willa gave Hunter an awkward smile. She knew she was an outsider. One who needed to leave as soon as possible.
Hunter took her hand and pulled her toward him, lowering his voice as he spoke. “I want you to stay.”
Willa’s smile broadened. The warmth in his eyes drew her in, and for a few seconds, she became lost in his gaze. She released a breath, and forced her eyes away from his, taking in her surroundings.
The large cathedral ceiling gave way to a wide-open family room area. Black furniture blended with the dark cherry floor. A grand piano sat in a corner and she wondered if he played. The entire back of the home was made of glass. The sun set in the distance, sinking into the mountains.
A touch to her hand brought her attention back to the commanding Alpha. Her pulse raced as his fingers wrapped around hers.
“You need something to eat. It’ll help.”
“I…” Her wide brown eyes met his.
Willa froze as he leaned into her ear, his warm breath teasing over her skin as he spoke. The sudden closeness caused her to be aware of his masculinity. Her cheeks heated as his chest brushed hers.
“I haven’t told them anything. It’s okay.”
Just as quickly as he’d touched her, he released her hand. She brought her palms together, his energy tingling through her fingertips.
“This here is Janet. She’s my assistant.”
Willa gave a hesitant smile and nodded at her. The blonde she-wolf’s closed smile spoke volumes as to her discontent. Girlfriend? All the more reason to be on her way. Packs were instinctively territorial. Willa surmised that a remote pack such as Hunter’s would be even more so.
“This is the she-wolf? She looks unwell.” The imposing stranger inspected her from a distance. “Why didn’t she shift?”
Willa remained silent and crossed her arms, self-conscious of the bites. Yet she kept her eyes trained on the female, staring her down. Her royal instincts demanded respect.
“She’s not feeling well. She just needs something to eat,” Hunter responded, not missing a beat.
The brooding male approached and glared at Willa. “What was she doing in Hell?”
“Easy, Remus. Willa, this is my beta. That dude over there. Rafe.” Hunter turned to his wolves. “Let me be clear y’all. Willa is my guest. So, play nice.”
“You sure you don’t need help with the female?” he asked.
“Yes, I can bring her something to wear if you…” Janet said, her lips still tight in a frown.
“I’m good,” Hunter said, tension lacing his words.
“Nice to meet you,” Willa managed. Her eyes darted up to the Alpha’s.
“Hey guys, I’ve gotta get some food rustled up so if you wouldn’t mind.” He nodded toward the door. “I’ll be out in a few and we can go for a run.”
As the strangers reluctantly walked out the front door without saying goodbye, Willa relaxed. She wasn’t in the mood, but if attacked, she’d fight to the death. The female had been less than welcoming, and she sensed they viewed her as a threat.
“I’m sorry I don’t have much of a variety. I’m defrosting a few steaks and I’ve got some potatoes boiling. I haven’t had a chance to order in food since I’ve been away. And unfortunately, I’ve been away from my house for a good long while.” The Alpha crossed the room to a bar that extended into the living area. The curved wood had been intricately designed. Smooth curved planes of mahogany swirled on its surface.
He reached for a bottle on an overhead rack and retrieved it. “I may not have a lot of food right now. But what I do have is a shit ton of red wine. So, we’re good on that.”
“Works for me.” Willa’s instant response surprised even her. Something about Hunter seemed familiar. More than safe, his mere presence both excited and calmed her, but she resisted her attraction to him.
“Ah, a lady after my own heart.” Hunter made quick work of uncorking the bottle, slipped two glasses in front of him and poured it. “The thing is. Hell.” He exhaled and shook his head. “Bad things. Very, very bad things happen there. And you know, even though we’re immortal, we certainly can die.”
The Alpha paused and reached for a remote, pointing it at an enormous stone fireplace. As he clicked a button, the fire roared to life. He set it down and picked up the wine glasses.
Willa struggled to keep her eyes on his face. The wild, shirtless Alpha seemed unaware of his effect on her. As he approached, her focus painted over his broad muscled chest that led down to his ripped abs. He extended the glass, and she quickly lifted her gaze to meet his. She nervously accepted the wine as he handed it to her, giving her a knowing smile.
“Thank you.” Jesus, I’m an idiot.
“Sorry, lost focus there a minute. Where was I? Immortal.” He cocked his head. “Maybe that makes Hell all the worse. We don’t die easily and when you get out, you don’t forget.”
“I’ll be okay,” she lied. Exhausted, the fear of closing her eyes wormed through her gut. The nightmares of Hell would linger in her dreams.
“Yeah, hmm, if you say so.”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” she said, her voice soft.
“How about now, let’s toast.”
“Toast? Really?” She managed a small smile.
“Hell yeah. We’re alive, aren’t we?” He raised his glass into the air. “Here’s to meeting beautiful strangers.”
Willa held his gaze as her glass touched his, barely aware of the soft clink. With her eyes still locked on his, she brought the rim to her lips. The warm cherry notes danced on her tongue and she swallowed, her insides warmed by the drink.
“Come sit.” Hunter nodded to the sofa.
Willa complied. Breaking eye contact, she surveyed the room as she walked. Something about his opulent home felt lived in, comfortable. She sat on the sofa and curled her legs under her. He smiled and fell back into an oversized chair and propped his feet on the ottoman.
“So, what’s your deal?” he asked outright.
“I don’t have a deal.” Secrets maybe. “I’m just a wolf.”
“And your mate?” he inquired.
“No mate.” The corners of her lips curled upward. Was he interested?
“And your pack?” Hunter took a sip of his wine.
“I don’t have a pack.”
“You’re a rogue she-wolf? I find that hard to believe.”
“I travel often. I don’t have time to belong to any one pack.” It was partially true.
“You can travel and still belong to a pack,” he challenged. “Where are you from? You have…a slight accent, yes?”
“I was born in Brazil. Most of my time in the States has been spent in New Orleans. About twenty years ago, I bought a home in the French Quarter. Logan knows of my presence.”
“Does he know you’re rogue? Because I’ll clue you in on a little secret, sweetheart. I have a place in New Orleans, and no one’s ever mentioned you.”
“I keep a low profile. I don’t run with the pack. Logan grants me permission to run.” Willa ran the pad of her finger in circles around the rim of her glass.
Hunter raised a suspicious eyebrow. “And where else do you live?”
“Mostly central America.”
“What are you doing down there?”
“I’m a doctor. I’m part of an international physician group that volunteers across the globe. Initially I was sent to Guatemala after a volcano erupted. I ended up staying a little longer. Did some research.”
“You work with humans? As a doctor?”
“It’s not that unusual. For wolves anyway.”
“True. But for a rogue. Alone among humans. That is unusual. Rogues aren’t usually the type to help others.”
“I’m not all rogue.” Tempted to tell him the truth, she bit her lip.
Hunter leaned forward and tilted his head. “So, listen. I’ve been thinking about this. I still don’t have the full story but there’s something about you. So, I’m just going to say it. I think you should stay with my pack for a while.”
“I…” I can’t put your wolves in danger, “can’t impose.”
“Tell me something, Willa. How did you get in Hell?”
“I…I was, um, sold there,” she admitted. That much was the truth. “Ambushed. Then sold.”
“I’ve gotta say I’m not an expert on the rules but that’s also a little unusual.”
Willa glanced down into her glass, remaining silent.
“Whoever did it could be coming for you again. Every time you leave, they say the demons get a little bit of a taste for your soul. Everyone who escaped…”
“Everyone?” Willa’s focus drifted to the fireplace. The lick of the flames appeared to dance inciting warmth over her thoughts, yet in Hell, they screamed, tearing away the flesh of their victims. One of the many tools utilized to inflict pain. She recalled the torture, hearing her own screams in her mind. The others…the feedings. Her fingertips brushed over the newly healed skin on her forearm. Something had happened while she was there. The memories lingered just out of reach. Their faces and voices eluded her. “There were others.”
“There were.”
“I don’t remember. I just know…awful things happen there.” Her strength faltered, her voice shook. “But I can’t stay.” I really want to stay.
Willa hadn’t been around an Alpha in such a long time. His powerful energy soothed the terrified wolf inside that still feared for her life.
“But of course, you can stay.”
“I can’t.” Her eyes softened as they locked on his, tears threatening to fall. Willa swallowed the emotion back and brought the glass to her lips, taking a long draw of the wine.
“Willa.” Hunter set his drink on the end table and moved to sit next to her. “You can.”
“I’d like to but…” Her heart sped as the Alpha closed the distance between them. Her hand shook as she settled her glass next to his on the table.
“I know what happens in Hell. I know the kind of torture you’ve been through. And also, I know what it’s like for a rogue wolf. It’s probably why it was so easy for them to ambush you. You have no pack to help you. Look, I don’t know what made you go rogue, but it has to be exhausting. You’re on your own. I’m offering you refuge. Just stay a little while. Let me protect you.”
Hunter reached for her hand, and her body pricked in awareness at his touch. The calloused pads of the Alpha’s fingers told her he worked with his hands. She studied the contours of his face. Handsome, the scruff on his cheeks accentuated his strong jawline. While the sea of the truth lay between them, she fought the allure of the dominant Alpha.
“I appreciate your offer. It’s just…the reason I was in Hell. I can’t bring that to you. There’s something I need to get before…” Willa stopped herself before divulging too much more. She needed to go to New Orleans.
“Then tell me the why.”
“I can’t. I can’t put anyone else in danger. It’s not fair to you.”
“I just brought you out of Hell. Do you think I’m afraid of a little danger?”
“I’m not like you.”
“I can tell that already. Your energy. When I touched you. I don’t know what it is but it’s different than most wolves,” he commented.
“It’s…” Hellfire, “unique.”
“But what is it? Why are they after you, Willa?” Hunter exposed her palm and lazily drew a circle with the pad of his thumb on her skin.
“I can’t talk about this. I…” No one outside of her family knew her secret. For it was the original magick of the wolves that danced in her blood.
Hunter brought her palm to his lips and she cupped his face. This man turned her inside out and she’d just met him. No, this couldn’t be happening.
“I’ll stay one night,” she blurted out, unable to resist his spell. “I mean here. Not with you. Well yeah, with you but not with you. I’m sorry I just…you really make me nervous for some reason…I…”
“Shh. It’s okay, Willa. There is a reason I found you when I did and I’m not letting you go. Not yet.”
“One night, yes?” She wasn’t sure whether she was telling him or asking. Her eyes fell to his lips and the energy between them sizzled.
“One night.” He smiled.
Her gaze returned to his and he leaned in toward her. Just one kiss. One night. I’ll go tomorrow, she told herself.
As she closed her eyes, his lips brushed hers and she moaned. Who was this man? He lightly kissed her and then brought her into his embrace, his warm breath upon her ear.
She relaxed into his arms, wishing she had time. Tick Tock. Tomorrow would come quickly and off to New Orleans she’d fly. But for this moment, she indulged. Her heart squeezed, knowing she was both safe and wanted.
But just as she relaxed against the strong Alpha, the energy in the room switched again. Her eyes flashed open and she screamed at the sight of the tall stranger looming above them.