Page 51 of Viktor's Temptation
Sorcia’s smile was soft, her green eyes holding a flicker of something deeper—something wistful. “No apology needed,” she said gently. “I understand. Jealousy can be... overwhelming.” She paused, glancing down at her wine glass as she swirled the liquid inside. “And sometimes, it’s justified.”
Her voice carried a hint of sadness, her posture shifting slightly as though she was retreating into a memory. For a moment, the confident, radiant high priestess seemed vulnerable, her smile tinged with a bittersweet edge.
Gracie blinked, her own embarrassment briefly overshadowed by curiosity. Sorcia’s reaction didn’t seem like simple reassurance—it felt personal. Had Sorcia once loved someone so deeply that jealousy had burned within her too?
“I mean it, Gracie,” Sorcia said after a moment, her tone lightening but not entirely shaking the shadow of her past. “I’d probably do the same thing in your shoes.”
Her lips curved into a soft smile, but her hand rested protectively over the stem of her wine glass, her fingers tightening just slightly. “Sometimes,” she added, her voice almost too quiet to hear, “you have to fight for the people who matter most.”
The words hung in the air, and for a heartbeat, Gracie wondered if Sorcia was speaking from experience. The hint of a story untold lingered in the room, an unspoken tale that made Gracie’s curiosity flare.
Viktor’s arms tightened around Gracie, grounding her, and his lips brushed her temple. “You’re all I want,” he murmured, his voice low and intimate, as if it were a promise meant only for her ears.
Gracie exhaled, her tension melting as she leaned into his strength. Whatever ghosts of the past might haunt Sorcia, they were hers to share or keep. Viktor was here, now, holding Gracie as if nothing and no one could take her from him.
Yet, as Sorcia’s expression softened into something unreadable, Gracie couldn’t help but wonder who the man was that had left such a mark on her heart—and why she hadn’t claimed him for her own.
Chapter 29
Gracie tried to relax, but it wasn’t until Sorcia resumed her seat with an air of serene elegance that she realized how tightly she was clutching Viktor’s hand. His fingers were splayed protectively over her abdomen, grounding her, as though he’d sensed her unease before she even recognized it herself.
Over the next half hour, the room buzzed with low voices and sharp focus as the seven of them dissected the events of the night. Viktor’s great room, with its warm tones, leather armchairs, and soft golden light from ornate sconces, seemed at odds with the dark subject matter they discussed. Trent described the transition site in clinical detail, sparing no horrors, while Mikail elaborated on the grim discovery of two vampires—Charlie, a pitifully inexperienced fledgling, and Johnny, a vampire out for revenge who would be disciplined appropriately.
“We need to find this Dave guy and then have him lead us to whoever Cerberus is,” Mikail said, his deep voice carrying the frustration everyone felt.
Trent rubbed his hands together, a glint of dangerous intent in his eyes. “I’ll handle Johnny. He’ll give up the guy’s last name.”
Sorcia leaned forward, her wineglass cradled delicately in her fingers, a small, knowing smile playing at her lips. “Perhaps I could offer my services?” she said smoothly.
All eyes turned to her. Gracie couldn’t help but admire the witch’s calm confidence, though it made her stomach twist uneasily.
“You think you can torture a name out of him?” Mikail asked, his tone dubious.
Sorcia laughed, the sound soft and melodic, but with a hint of steel underneath. She shook her head, a cascade of curls brushing her shoulders. “Good grief, no. Torture is so... crude. I have far more effective methods.” She lifted her hand, a trail of sparkles drifting lazily from her fingertips like stardust. “Men are remarkably pliable when you know how to ask the right questions.”
The room fell silent, the air charged with curiosity and wariness. Trent and Mikail exchanged uneasy glances, but Viktor’s nod of approval was immediate.
“We’re already relying on your ties to restrain them since nothing else will hold a vampire,” Viktor said. “If you can get the answers we need, by all means.”
Sorcia’s smile widened, her emerald eyes glinting with mischief. “Thank you. This will be fun.”
“Apparently, you don’t need us anymore,” Jace said, rising and pulling Anikka to her feet. His arm slipped easily around her waist, and she leaned into him with a radiant smile.
“Call me if you need anything at all,” Jace added, shaking Viktor’s hand.
“I will,” Viktor replied, his tone grave.
As Jace and Anikka departed, Trent stood with Mikail. “Let’s introduce Sorcia to our guests. She seems eager to get started.”
“Oh, always,” Sorcia replied with a smirk, standing and smoothing her skirt. “There’s nothing more satisfying than reducing men to drooling fools.”
Trent and Mikail paused mid-step, their wary expressions earning a laugh from Sorcia. “Relax, boys. You’re safe from my charms—today.”
The three exited, leaving Gracie alone with Viktor. The silence that followed felt heavy, the air between them crackling with unspoken tension.
Gracie stared at her hands, twisting her fingers together nervously. She couldn’t bring herself to meet Viktor’s eyes after the way she’d hissed at Sorcia earlier. It felt ridiculous in hindsight, her jealousy blazing so hot and fast.
“Gracie,” Viktor called out softly, taking her hand in his. He turned it palm-up, his thumb tracing slow circles that sent shivers up her spine.
