Page 34 of Viktor's Temptation
Gracie blinked. “She’s the shy one?” she muttered, her voice dripping with disbelief.
The man only laughed harder, and Viktor’s scowl deepened. “Put some clothes on, Jace,” Viktor growled, his arm tightening protectively around Gracie.
“What’s the matter, Viktor?” Jace teased. “Afraid she’ll start taking notes?”
Viktor’s jaw tightened, but Gracie couldn’t help herself. “Don’t worry, Viktor. I’ve seen worse.” She paused, giving Jace a once-over and adding with a smirk, “Not better, though.”
Jace howled with laughter, while Viktor groaned and muttered something in Russian that sounded suspiciously like a curse. Gracie, meanwhile, tried her hardest not to laugh at Viktor’s expense—or to stare too long at the unapologetically smug wolf-man.
The man’s suddenly serious tone pulled Gracie’s gaze away from the blissfully happy she-wolf. “We found what seems to be the dumping ground for a second set of bodies,” the naked man behind her was saying.
“Where was it?” Viktor’s voice sharpened, a mix of command and concern.
The man gestured with a thumb over his shoulder, the movement making the muscles in his arm flex impressively. Gracie couldn’t help but notice—because who wouldn’t? Even his upper body was sculpted to perfection.
“Wilhelm Avenue,” the man explained. “Behind that old factory that burned down years ago. It’s condemned now, so it’s the perfect spot to dump anything—or anyone—you don’t want found.”
Gracie spun toward him, her stomach churning. “A dumping ground?”
“Sort of,” the man continued. “The bodies are charred. Looks like they’ve been burned with something hotter than a normal fire. Not a crematorium, though—the remains aren’t completely reduced. Just crisped beyond recognition.”
“That’s a new twist,” Viktor muttered, irritation flickering across his face.
“My pack’s trying to pinpoint the original site, but the winds have made tracking difficult,” the man added.
“Thanks for letting me know. It’s another piece of the puzzle,” Viktor said, his tone grateful but distracted as he processed the information.
Viktor absently ran a hand over the she-wolf’s head, scratching behind her ears. The wolf leaned into the touch, clearly pleased, but the naked man growled low in his throat.
Viktor smirked and removed his hand, entirely unbothered. “Relax, my friend. She’s beautiful, but I know she’s yours.”
Gracie watched the interaction with a hint of amusement as the she-wolf trotted back to the man’s side and pressed against him. The wolf actually purred—a sound so soft and contented that Gracie couldn’t suppress a smile. How could a wolf purr?
Viktor turned back to her, his mind clearly still on the grim news. “Now we have two points of reference. That’s progress. It gives us a starting place to–”
“The shifting!” Gracie blurted out, clutching her temples as a sudden, sharp pain lanced through her skull. “Why does it hurt so much when a memory comes back?”
“What’s happening?” Jace demanded, his gravelly voice full of concern.
Gracie couldn’t answer, the pain too overwhelming. She squeezed her eyes shut and clutched her head as if she could hold it together by sheer willpower.
“Gracie, breathe,” Viktor said gently, scooping her into his arms with ease. His voice was low and soothing, a balm against her fraying nerves. The soft brush of fur joined his warmth—Anikka, she guessed. A cold, wet nose pressed against her cheek, followed by a gentle lick and Gracie tried to smile despite the pain.
“Take a deep breath,” Viktor urged, his lips close to her ear. “In through your nose…hold it…and out slowly through your mouth. That’s it. Again.”
Gracie followed his calm, no-nonsense instructions, focusing on his voice and the comforting strength of his arms. After a few breaths, the sharp pain dulled to a manageable throb. By the time she opened her eyes, it had faded to a manageable level.
She blinked and found herself looking directly into Viktor’s silver eyes, his expression soft and full of concern. Gracie realized then that he’d carried her to a small bench tucked into the alley, likely a break spot for nearby businesses. She was curled up in his lap, her head resting against the warm crook of his neck.
“You okay?” he murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from her damp forehead. His touch was careful, almost reverent, as if she were something fragile and precious.
Gracie nodded, her breath catching at the tenderness in his gaze. “Yeah… I think so.”
“Good.” He stayed where he was, his arms secure around her, as if unwilling to let go until he was absolutely certain she was fine.
Something melted in her at that moment. Viktor’s strength was undeniable, but it was the quiet kindness—the way he held her like she was the most important thing in his world—that undid her. She felt the knot of fear and tension inside her loosen, replaced by an unexpected sense of safety.
Gracie reached out and stroked the she-wolf gently. “The men. There were two of them. Not all the time, but sometimes,” Gracie explained slowly. “I think.” The she-wolf nudged Gracie’s hand with her wet nose. It felt like encouragement and Gracie smiled as the pressure eased even more.
