Page 26 of Viktor’s Temptation (East Coast Territory #2)

The secret room was a study in contrasts, combining opulence with magic-induced functionality.

The privacy dome shimmered faintly overhead, creating that familiar otherworldly glow that seemed to hang in the air.

Within its boundaries, the ceiling glittered like it had been studded with thousands of diamonds, their light refracting in hypnotic patterns.

Below, upholstered chairs in deep crimson and royal blue were arranged around a sleek, polished table.

Without Sorcia’s magic, the room would appear empty and desolate. The old warehouse was only transformed during these secret meetings.

Viktor entered silently, his presence a ripple in the sphaera.

The layers of security he’d passed through to get here were almost as impenetrable as the privacy dome Sorcia was now securing.

As the high priestess lifted her hands, the air shimmered faintly, a slight hum filling the room as her spell activated.

Her fingers moved in fluid, intricate patterns, and finally, with a sigh, she lowered her hands.

“We’re protected,” she announced, her voice soft but firm.

Viktor and Jace both waited as Sorcia moved to her chair and took her seat. Today, the high priestess’ attire was unexpectedly casual—fitted jeans and a snug tee-shirt replaced her usual business suits with stiletto shoes.

“What’s with the casual look?” Jace asked, settling into a chair and leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees, his hands clasped in front of him.

Sorcia exhaled wearily, rubbing her thighs as if to ground herself. “I needed a break. We’ve had a flood of home closings this week. I’ve been running from bank to bank, meeting humans and dealing with too many emotions.”

Her coven’s vast real estate empire spanned banks, mortgage firms, and renovation teams—industries where her witches worked their magic, literally and figuratively. But even for Sorcia, the emotional chaos of emotions from her human clients could sometimes take its toll.

“Humans are exhausting,” she continued, waving a hand as if brushing the thought aside. “Their emotions are always so…” she paused, searching for the right word. “Messy.”

Jace nodded knowingly. “I can’t imagine having to feel all of that all the time.”

Sorcia offered a faint smile. “Usually, it’s manageable. But lately, the sphaera has been filled with a kind of emotional turbulence. It’s... merciless,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, as though the word itself carried weight.

“That’s probably my fault,” Viktor admitted, his voice laced with regret. He leaned forward to mirror Jace’s posture. “I’m sorry, Sorcia. I’m doing everything I can to fix this.”

She gave him a gentle smile, her luminous features softening. “I know you are. What can I do to help?”

Viktor straightened. “You and your witches sense emotions. The closer you are to the source, the stronger those feelings, correct?”

Sorcia nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, proximity amplifies our perception.”

“Good,” Viktor replied. “If I can provide you with some locations, could your coven members help pinpoint a place where... extreme pain has been experienced?”

Sorcia tapped a crimson nail against her cheek, considering his words. “It’s possible. But if the emotions are as intense as you suggest, my witches could be overwhelmed—potentially immobilized.”

“Too dangerous,” Jace interjected, shaking his head. “It’s not worth the risk.”

Sorcia’s melodic laugh filled the room, lightening the tension. “Ah, you men underestimate us yet again. I said it could immobilize us. I didn’t say it would . We’re witches, dear friends, not fragile flowers. We have spells and potions to shield us from such things—when forewarned.”

Jace leaned back, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Only a woman would turn a weakness into a strength.”

Viktor chuckled, but his eyes were serious. “If you can prepare your witches, this could give us an edge.”

Jace’s gaze sharpened. “You think Gracie’s torture is the key to this?”

Sorcia tilted her head, her interest piqued. “Gracie? Who’s Gracie?”

Viktor shifted slightly, as if the name alone unsettled him. “She’s the new vampire I mentioned earlier. She survived her transition but has no memory of who did this to her or why. She’s starting to get flashes of the experience, though.”

Sorcia’s expression brightened, and a teasing smile curled her lips. “And you’re in love with her?”

“Absolutely not,” Viktor replied sharply, punctuating his denial with a snort.

“He will be,” Jace interrupted with a smug grin. “Give him a day, maybe two. He’s already more than halfway there.”

Viktor rolled his eyes. “I’d like to think I’m made of sterner stuff.”

Jace leaned back, arms crossed. “You’re not. She’s your mate.”

Viktor bristled, offended by the term. “Vampires don’t have ‘mates.’”

“Call it what you want,” Jace said with a shrug. “She’s your forever person.”

Sorcia leaned in, her green eyes sparkling with mischief. “Do your eyes glow when you’re around her? Is that a real thing? I’ve heard rumors, but I’ve never seen it myself.”

Viktor sighed, resigned. “A vampire’s eyes glow when we’re aroused.”

“Convenient,” Jace quipped. “So, at dinner, if she touches her neck or brushes her shoulder, your eyes light up like a disco ball? Must make things awkward.”

Viktor glared. “Only vampires can see it. It’s part of a mutual... chemical reaction.”

Sorcia clapped her hands together in delight. “So she’s special to you?”

Viktor shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “She’s... intriguing,” he replied, unwilling to explain to his friends before he and Gracie had figured this out with each other.

Sorcia and Jace exchanged knowing glances but let the subject drop.

“Back to business,” Sorcia said briskly. “If you provide the locations, my witches will search for emotional hotspots.”

Jace nodded. “And my pack can sniff out anything suspicious in bars or other public places. We’ll meet here in two days to update each other.”

The trio dispersed, each taking a separate exit, the glittering dome fading as the room fell silent once more.