Chapter Four
Kai burned from within, and she tore at the restraining fabric until her bare skin kissed the cool night air. The dream swirled in her mind. The Alpha’s lips ignited her body, consuming her with a craving she’d never known. Light turned to darkness with the demon’s touch, its razor sharp talon slicing into her leg, giving way to the good fortune spilling from her body. Too many supernaturals, their energy filling her faster than she could control. Like being hurled off a cliff, she clutched at the air around her in a futile attempt to gain traction as she plummeted into a frantic wild descent. Falling, falling, falling.
Kai’s eyes flew open, her chest heaving for breath. Her fever broken, she was thankful to be alive. As she adjusted to the darkness, the hard jawline of the Alpha came into view. Her savior. Her executioner. When she’d entered the ballroom with Quintus, he’d assured her safety. As much as she’d wanted to believe the ancient vampire, it had been an empty promise. She had rarely been in the presence of supernaturals, and the party had been more than she’d been able to handle. Wolves. Vampires. Their energy rushed her, making it nearly impossible to breathe. The Alpha had immediately detected her presence. The moment he took her hand in his, a connection seared her palm. His power ran through her skin, filling her with strength. As she’d danced with him, she’d vacillated between terror and arousal.
Her gaze painted over the contours of Jake’s face. Handsome, there was something about this wolf, so strong yet gentle. He’d saved her in the courtyard, and now kept her protected in what she assumed was his home. Kai closed her eyes and listened, attempting to sense any other beings in his home. We’re alone. Relief flooded through her that he hadn’t brought in his Alpha. Despite all he’d experienced with her, he wasn’t afraid, and now lay sleeping with her alone.
Kai’s pulse raced as she lay bare in his bed, yet she made no effort to conceal her body. Her eyes drifted over his muscular chest, and she recalled his searing kiss. Drawn to his energy, the urge to touch him surged, and her palm slid over the smooth cotton sheets, reaching toward him. Oh Goddess. No, Kai. Don’t do this. He’s a wolf. As her fingertips brushed his shoulder, she shivered with arousal. Kai placed her palm on his chest, and his peaceful vibrations ran through her. Unlike with other beings, it simply merged with her own power.
Her luminescent creature within purred, sensing his wolf. Alpha. The word ran through her mind as a command. Desire twisted through her body at the thought of making love to him, and she startled at her fantasy. Jake’s eyes flew open, his intense stare boring through her. As if she’d touched fire, she yanked her hand away, and jolted as strong fingers wrapped around her wrist.
“Whatcha doin’, sweetheart?” he growled.
“I’m sorry…I just had to…” Kai’s eyes roamed down his tanned abs before flashing up to meet his gaze. “Your energy. It’s special.”
“My energy, huh?” A small grin formed as he glanced at her bared skin. “So that’s what you call it?”
“I…I’ve never been around anyone like you,” she confessed. “Not like this.”
“Now call me crazy, but I’m pretty sure when I put you in bed, you had your dress on. Am I wrong ‘bout that?” He cocked his head and raised an eyebrow at her.
“The poison. I was so hot. I had a dream.”
“I’d say by the look of things, you’re pretty damn hot all right. I’m just hopin’ I was in this dream.”
“No, my leg…” Kai yanked at her arm, but he held tight. Her heart fluttered as his thumb trailed over her skin.
“About that.” Jake pinned his eyes on hers. “You seem to heal quickly. And for a supe, that’s fair play. But the thing is, your blood…you do know about the gold thing ya got goin’ on?”
“Yes,” she whispered. Kai had hidden it all her life. As Jake inched closer to her, Kai struggled to thwart her arousal. His masculine scent drifted into the air, and her beast urged her to press her cheek onto his chest.
“Yes.” He nodded. “So it seems we’re getting somewhere with the truth.”
“I can’t tell you everything. I need time.” Time for you to find my sister. Time for me to disappear.
“Never in my life have I seen someone bleed gold, which tells me that whatever you are, your species, you’re rare. How do you breed?”
“We are simply born,” Kai countered, defensively.
“Now, everyone’s bred. It’s just a matter of how and when.”
“I am chosen. While my mother gave birth to me, she had no choice in my creation. The Goddess decides our fate. Our kind, we exist…we are created.” Relief rushed over Kai as she spoke the words that had never passed her lips, admitting the secret. A mythological being, her kind didn’t breed. She’d never know children.
“Tonight in the courtyard. Those friends of yours?” he asked.
“No, I don’t know who they were,” she lied, suspecting the demon mistress had sent them.
“They seemed to know you.”
“Others…they sense my power. They will come for me. Someone took my sister. I need to find her but first I need to see the witch.” Kai avoided confiding in him regarding Kasdeya. It was too soon; she didn’t trust him with all her secrets.
“The witch?” Jake’s tone went cold.
“Yes, Ilsbeth.”
“Hell no,” Jake replied flatly.
“She knows a spell…”
“Oh, I bet she does. We aren’t getting anywhere near that woman. No way.”
“But she can help me,” Kai insisted. “Keep me safe.”
“I’ll keep you safe.” His eyes pierced through her, his tone serious.
Kai’s heart tightened at his words. No one had ever offered to protect her, to keep her safe from the evil that would take her life. Hunter Livingston knew she was supernatural, had promised her refuge on his land, but never offered anything else.
“Jake, I need you to help me find my sister…”
“Yeah, yeah. Got that bit. But you, Kai? I’ve protected you. You are the one I care about. Don’t ask me why, because right at this moment I’m goin’ on nothing but instinct. Something about you…”
“You don’t owe me anything. It’s just your wolves…they might have her.”
“No way my wolves have her. Not Acadian. Not Anzober. I can do some askin’ around anyway, find out if anyone knows anything.”
“Please. I have to see the witch.”
“Ilsbeth? Jesus Christ already. Do you know what she’s capable of?”
“I know she’s dangerous.” Kai recalled trading her own blood to Ilsbeth in exchange for the spell. “But I’m exposed. Tonight at the ball, I could have been killed. I could feel everyone. It’s just a matter of time. After all, I’m in New Orleans.”
“What are you?”
“I’m a creature that others want,” she confessed, not ready to disclose her true nature. A partial truth would have to sate his curiosity. “They think they can use my power if they drain my blood.”
“And what power’s this? What you did to me in the woods?”
“Yes.” The lie rolled off her tongue like a bitter pill.
“That’s it, huh?” he asked, his tone skeptical.
“I’ve been hidden for a long time. The witch…”
“I don’t want to talk about her tonight.”
“She hurt you?” Kai detected the anger in his voice.
“She hurt a friend.” He paused. “No more talk of her.”
“Alpha, all I can promise is that when this is all over, I’ll tell you everything. I know I have no right to come to you. You have no reason to help me. But my kind, if I’m taken, something bad could happen.”
“Tonight in the courtyard.” His eyes drifted to her lips and back to her eyes.
The kiss. Kai knew it had been trouble. Something had stirred within her, and she struggled to shake it.
“I’m not wolf,” she began. I’m not his. I could never be what he needs.
“I think we established that.” Jake smiled.
He released her wrist, and Kai sighed, desire threading through her as his fingers trailed down her arm.
“I’m gonna be honest here, sweetheart. I’m not sure you and I should be startin’ anything, but after kissing you tonight, well, I’m not sure I can resist you here in my bed. I think I oughta be coverin’ you up.”
“No,” Kai breathed. Bared, her skin burned for the wolf’s touch. “Alpha.”
“I’m not your Alpha. I’m not anyone’s Alpha.” He brushed the back of his hand over her cheek.
“You don’t recognize who you are,” she breathed. Alpha. Her pulse raced as he continued his slow path, his knuckles grazing over her collarbone, then slowly down her chest.
“And you do?” he questioned, never taking his eyes off hers.
“I feel you,” she responded in truth.
“You’re beautiful,” he told her.
“I…” Kai lost her words as he brushed his fingers over her taut nipple. She leaned into his touch, an ache growing between her legs. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Never again, sweetheart.”
Kai’s heart pounded as his lips met hers, his palm caressing her breast. Consumed with desire, she relinquished control, her hands reaching around his neck. Jake tugged her flush against him as he kissed her. His tongue swept against hers, and she opened to him, tasting his powerful essence. She wrapped a leg around his waist and tilted her pelvis against him, seeking friction. His strong lips took hers and she sucked a breath as his fingers slid down her hip, his grip firm on her ass. The Alpha’s energy washed over her, and she reveled in his touch.
“Ah sweetheart, this is all wrong, but you feel so good,” he spoke into her mouth.
“Please, I…” she moaned, losing her words as he shifted his hand, gliding his fingers between her legs. “Goddess, yes.”
“Kai,” he breathed into their kiss.
“I’ve never…please don’t stop,” she begged. His strong fingers slid through her wet folds and she cried out loud as he plunged a thick digit inside her core.
Kai threw her head back, gasping as he pumped it inside her. Jake peppered kisses along her neck, and she tilted her hips into the thrust of his hand.
“What are you?” she heard him ask.
“I’ve never…Alpha, yes…” Her words faltered as his thumb brushed over her clit.
His lips grazed her breast and he lapped at her nipple. “Jesus, you taste so fucking good.”
Kai, barely cognizant of time and space, panted as he teased her swollen nub. His teeth bit gently onto her plump tip, a slice of sweet pain spearing through her. Her pussy quivered around his fingers and she cried out as her orgasm slammed into her.
“Ah…Jake, please.” The wolf had lit her body on fire, and she wouldn’t be satisfied until he was buried deep inside her.
“That’s it baby, come for me now. Fuck yes.” He speared his fingers into her hair, fisting it in his palm.
Kai’s lips parted as her head tilted backwards, her eyes locked on his. Jake crushed his mouth onto hers, and Kai succumbed to his devastating kiss. His power simply washed over her like a warm waterfall. Her conscience warned her that she might hurt him, but goddess help her, she’d lost control, needed him to make love to her.
As she reached for his cock, he clamped his fingers around her arm, thwarting her advance. “No, sweetheart.”
“What?” she panted, her senses clearing.
“Jesus Christ I want you, but not like this, Kai.”
“Jake.” His name on her lips speared through her heart, and she imagined screaming it as he made love to her.
“Come here, sweetheart.”
Kai didn’t resist as he rolled onto his back and pulled her into his embrace. A warm blanket covered her and she laid her cheek on his chest. Her heart pounded as she realized what she’d done. For the first time in her life, she’d allowed a supernatural to touch her.
“Jake, I’ve never…you need to know…” She attempted the confession, but struggled to find her words.
“Shh…we’ve got lots to talk about. Let’s do it in the morning.”
As he pressed his lips to her hair, confusion swept through her. This should never have happened. Not only had she let him touch her, she’d begged for more, and feared she’d never be the same.
A life alone, she’d been told by the Elders. Cursed, there was no creature on Earth worthy of her good fortune. She’d absorb the energy of others, robbing them of their powers. Yet the Alpha appeared stronger than ever, and his vibrations only raised her higher.
As she drifted off to sleep, she considered that he hadn’t wanted to make love to her. A seed of doubt had been planted, and she grew more determined to find the witch. The only way to protect herself and others was the spell. Shilan’s voice played in her mind as sleep set in, the pain of her loss reminding her of her purpose to find her sister.
Light speared into the room, and Kai threw her arm over her eyes, blocking it. Where am I? She brought the sheets to her nose, inhaling Jake’s masculine scent, and she recalled his sensual touch. Images of her and the Alpha entwined flashed in her mind, and she smiled.
Kai’s thoughts shifted to her sister, and guilt speared through her. Although she craved to explore her fragile relationship with the wolf, she shouldn’t be bothered with him. Kai knew the first thing she must do was see Ilsbeth, but Jake had adamantly refused to entertain the discussion. Given little choice, she would go with or without him to seek the spell, and ask forgiveness later.
Pattering water sounded, and Kai glanced to a slightly ajar bathroom door. Jake. He’d been the only supernatural who’d touched her skin, sent her over the edge of ecstasy. Ignoring the temptation to go to him, she heeded the logic that told her to be cautious.
She blinked, rubbing her eyes, and took in the sight of her surroundings. Sunlight streamed through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows of the master bedroom. Stark white walls surrounded the California king bed. She shoved up onto her elbows, resting her head against its black leather headboard. A Brazilian rosewood armoire faced the bed, a matching floor mirror rested against the adjacent wall.
Kai bunched the sheets around her as silence settled, the sound of dribbling water echoing in the room. As he pressed open the door, her breath caught at the sight of the glorious Alpha.
“Mornin’ sweetheart. Feel free to shower. I’ve gotta go call Logan.” Jake gave a sexy smile as he dried his hair.
Kai wished she possessed a shred of control but as he came closer, her eyes fell to his broad chest, devouring the sight of him. The hard ridges of his abs tapered into a v, and she resisted the urge to tear away the towel that hung low on his hips. Get your shit together, she told herself. She took a deep breath and diverted her line of vision to the window.
“You like what you see?” Jake asked with a small laugh.
“Um, yes…it’s quite a view,” she nodded, her cheeks heating. “Breathtaking.”
“Sometimes you just don’t expect to see such a beautiful sight in the morning.”
“It’s definitely,” Kai turned her head to face him, and stared at the bulge pressing through his wet towel, “um…spectacular.”
Jake gave a laugh, edging toward the bed. “Spectacular, do ya say? Well, you haven’t even seen all of it.”
Smartass. Kai grinned, her eyes lifting to meet his gaze. “Well, I suppose in order to really give an honest opinion, I’d have to see the whole thing. I mean, it’s only the right thing to do.”
“You sure about that, now?” he joked.
“Fairly sure. I think I should experience it for myself.” Kai’s courage rose and she dropped the sheet, exposing her breasts. The sexy as sin Alpha teased and tempted her, and her need to play outweighed reason.
“Ah, Kai. I’m not sure this is such a good id…” Jake sighed as she pressed to her knees and inched closer to him.
“I’ve lived many years confined to good ideas. Last night…it seems we didn’t finish.” She reached for him, placing her palms on his chest, brushing her hardened nipples against his skin.
“We can’t do this…ah…” Jake paused as Kai ran a fingertip under the rim of his towel.
“I’d like to see the full view.” Kai’s body flared in arousal. This man, this wolf drove her wild with desire. She attempted to flick open the edge of the towel, and he snatched at her hand.
“That’s the thing, Kai. Sometimes we want things. They’re so close in front of us we can touch them.” Jake tugged away the covering, his erection springing free. He pressed her palm along his abs, slowly sliding it down his skin, but stopped short of his cock.
“Alpha, please,” she begged. Her pussy ached, and she struggled to maintain eye contact.
“Someday, sweetheart. I’m goin’ to fuck you so hard, you’ll scream my name so loud that they’ll hear you across the state line. But it’s only happening after I get the truth.” Jake leaned toward her, the tip of him mere inches from her lips.
“I can’t…” Kai whispered, her breath brushing over his sensitive crown.
“And so, this lesson is a hard one. I’m afraid all you’re going to get is the view,” Jake told her. Releasing her, he turned and walked away. He opened a drawer, retrieved a pair of loose sweatpants and slipped inside them. “Good things come to those who tell the truth. It may seem like there’s nothin’ between us, but there is. You think on this and we’ll have a chat over breakfast.”
Anger stabbed through her as he strode toward the door. Kai tore a sheet off his bed and covered herself, her eyes filled with rage.
“There’s a robe in the bathroom. And Kai,” Jake paused and shook his head with a grin. “You are beautiful…last night, you have no idea how much I wanted to take things further. But I meant what I said. There’ll be nothing between us when we make love. I’ll help you find your sister, but no lies.”
“Fuck you,” Kai mumbled under her breath, and threw herself back onto the bed, her head landing on the pillow.
She cursed the wolf for teasing her. The truth. She’d never spoken the whole truth out loud. Safety had been paramount. She didn’t even fully understand her powers, let alone how to use them in front of others. The anxiety that had rushed through her in the ballroom was proof enough that she couldn’t handle the energy of supernaturals. Why she could control her urge to absorb the Alpha’s had been a welcome mystery but she couldn’t let him become a distraction. Although she needed him to help her find Shilan, her priority was the spell.
As she bounded out of the bed, she became more determined than ever to right her glamour. Whatever journey lay ahead, cloaking her existence was essential. If the wolf wouldn’t go with her to Ilsbeth, she’d go alone.