Page 15 of Viktor

The sight of Waverly in the ebony, floor-length gown had taken his breath away. Her wavy blonde hair had been swept up, revealing the creamy skin of her neck. Her eyes shone with the same fire and defiance as the first time he’d met her, yet she was a far cry from the shaken girl he’d rescued in a blood bar. The brilliant, eloquent curator captured his attention throughout the tour, demonstrating her vast knowledge of art. When they’d danced, he’d been tempted to taste her lips, but desire had quickly been thwarted by the shooter.

Enraged amid the melee, Viktor had acted without thought, killing the attacker. Within seconds, he dematerialized them both to his home. While he reasoned Rafe was correct, that he should have allowed humans to care for her, he didn’t regret keeping her safe, still not convinced the shooting was random.

Viktor’s thoughts focused back onto Waverly as he knelt beside the bed. He studied the contours of her face, her full, pink lips pursed as her eyes slowly blinked open. He braced for the firestorm he expected to come from his spirited human.

“Hmm,” she moaned, clutching at the comforter. “Lights.”

Viktor reached for the night table, dimming the brightness.

“Dr. LaFleur,” he whispered.

“Just one more,” she said, her eyes closed.

“Well, of course I’d love to indulge you in whatever fantasy you’re having,” Viktor said, his voice soft.

Waverly fluttered open her eyes. Several seconds passed as she took in her surroundings.

“Where am I?” she asked, panic in her voice.

“It’s all right now. You’re safe. You’re in my home.”

“Oh my God.” Still curled in a ball, she quickly pulled the covers over her head.

“It’s okay, Waverly,” Viktor said, keeping his tone calm. “How are you feeling?”

“I…I was shot.” She lowered the covers, revealing just her eyes. “My leg. Wait…my leg.”

Viktor smiled, watching as she shuffled underneath the sheets, ducking her head back under.

“There’s no wound.” Waverly popped her head halfway out of the covers. “But...I’m naked! Why am I naked? Where are my clothes?”

“I’m afraid the dress didn’t fare as well as you did. It’s drenched in blood. It’s black but I’m not sure your dry cleaner will be amicable to removing that big of a spot.” Viktor glanced to his bloodstained shoes and inwardly cursed that yet another pair were damaged. “No worries. I’ll have my personal shopper replace it for you. I’ve already sent her a text.”

“You have a personal shopper?” Waverly asked, her mouth still covered by the sheets. “Of course you do. Why am I even asking that?”

“It’s a time saver.”

“You saw me naked,” she gritted out.

“Well, yes but I promise you I didn’t look. I swear to you on the graves of my ancestors.”

“Seriously? What are you saying?”

Viktor gave a small smile. “I promise I was not looking.”

“Did you bite me?” Her eyes lit with anger.

“Of course not, but I could later, if you’d like.” Viktor shot her a devious smile. She simply had no idea how much he would have loved to sink his fangs into her skin.

“Please tell me you took me to an emergency room.” Her leg shot out of the sheets, and she continued to inspect it.

“It was unnecessary. I healed you. Was just a bit of a scratch.” Viktor’s expression fell flat as he recalled killing her attacker. He’d easily wrestled the gun out of his hands and crushed his trachea.

“But…I was shot. Oh God…the pain. It was horrible.” Her face was awash in confusion. “This doesn’t make sense. Are you sure you didn’t bite me?”

“I’ve already told you that when I bite you, you’ll beg me to do it. And believe me, you will most certainly remember it.”

“In your dreams,” she huffed, regaining her defiance. “I don’t date vampires.”