Fated by the Hunt

Never, not even in her wildest dreams, could Ashina have ever thought she would be riding in a private jet. That was a kind of luxury she had never understood.

Yet, here she was on the Blood Moon Agency's very own plane. As Wilder had explained, this was for her protection. He didn't want her on a normal commercial flight where she could be an easy target for eight hours in a flying tin can.

Those were Wilder's words, and though Ashina didn't like to admit she was afraid, she definitely was. She'd be a fool not to sense that something else was happening. Something entirely more dangerous than she had bargained for when Nathan brought her the Vases of Destiny story.

If it weren't for Nathan, Kayla would have continued investigating cold cases and disappearances. This wasn't her usual type of story, and she was out of her depth.

Ashina had warned Nathan that this story would need more time to simmer before it could be attacked, but Nathan was adamant that if Ashina wanted to keep her show and listeners, she needed something more. Something with a wider and broader audience.

That Nathan had also threatened Ashina's life ... and her brother's too ... was immaterial to the other woman. All Nathan wanted was the Vases of Destiny story out in the open.

And that was how Ashina began her journey across Europe, looking for a murderer.

The private jet's flight attendant doted on Ashina, and every thirty minutes, the beautiful blonde woman came to ask Ashina if she needed anything.

"Perhaps some sparkling water?"

"No, thanks, Camilla," Ashina said.

Camilla, as her name tag read, smiled and returned to the cockpit with the pilot.

What kind of wealth did Wilder Wolverton have if he had this type of service at his beck and call? And, more to the point, what kind of family were the Wolvertons?

Ashina had never really heard the name, but that seemed insane now that she knew the kind of wealth and power the family had. From quick research on her phone, she saw that BMA, as Wilder had called it, employed many of the Wolvertons' own family members.

Wilder's younger brothers also worked for the company. One of these, Gonzalo, was of particular interest to Ashina.

He was the man she was on her way to see. Wilder had assured her that Gonzalo would protect her from whoever was after her.

This Gonzalo guy had better let her finish her research, or Nathan will have her ass. Of course, Wilder had already warned Ashina that she couldn't finish her report on the Vases of Destiny. It was too dangerous. She didn't accept that.

She would revisit the issue with Gonzalo just as soon as she landed. As the flight continued to slice through the night sky, Ashina continued research on Gonzalo Wolverton.

His picture was on the company website, and she'd been shocked to find that he was attractive. In fact, everyone with a Wolverton or Lupine last name seemed to be made for the runway.

They were a stunning bunch, but there was something in particular about Gonzalo. His eyes seemed to be looking at her in his picture.

He ran the international crime unit for the Blood Moon Agency. Ashina didn't understand what that could mean or what kind of job Gonzalo must do for his family. It was all very vague on the company website.

Then, there were the tabloid pictures. The Wolverton matriarch, Valerie, was in many of New York's top charities. She was New York royalty.

How did a socialite end up having sons in the protection business? Shouldn't they all be the typical playboys with more money than sense?

Ashina pursed her lips in thought as she continued to scroll through Gonzalo's online presence. She was so engrossed by everything she read that she was quite startled when Camilla came by.

"We'll be landing soon, miss. Do you need anything before we do?"

"No, thanks. Do I need to put my laptop away?"

Camilla smiled. "This is a private plane, miss. You can keep working." Ashina was a little shocked, but since she wasn't a fan of flying, she decided to count her blessings and keep reading up on the Wolverton family.

She needed to be prepared. Of course, if she had known what was waiting for her on the private airstrip at JFK, maybe she would have done a bit more to prepare herself.

No sooner had the plane landed, and the steps rolled down from the aircraft that Camilla was helping Ashina disembark.

The tarmac was completely empty save for one sleek black car that would have looked at home in a spy movie. A lone man leaned against the driver's door. His face was obscured by sunglasses as he bent over his phone, reading something.

Even at a distance, Ashina could tell this man was tall. Very tall. His stature was formidable. He was muscular and built to protect himself.

Yes. Gonzalo Wolverton was even more handsome in person.

His smile faded when he finally lifted his head, and his entire body tensed. Ashina looked over her shoulder, expecting to see someone standing behind her. Someone that would have warranted such a change in Gonzalo's demeanor.

There was no one behind her. The anger on his face was entirely for her.

Ashina rolled her shoulders back and tried to think of the best way to approach this angry man. She was usually a pretty good judge of character, but she could tell that this man would be hard to win over.

It was written in the tense line of his body and the way he stuffed his phone in his pocket and crossed his arms. He barely wanted to look at her, and once she held out her hand for him to shake, he winced.

I know I've been on a red-eye, but it's not like I stink, you big jerk!

Ashina put on her sweetest smile and grinned through it. She'd interviewed murderers before, and she'd never been scared of them.

Gonzalo Wolverton wouldn't get the better of her just because he was rich and handsome.