Chapter Six
Kai slid behind the clothing display, and selected an off the shoulder, black maxi dress. She smiled at the quirky saleswoman, who wore an artificial flower in her hair. Giving a quick nod, the woman pointed to the dressing room, ushered her in and closed the door. Kai leaned against the wall, clutching the envelope of cash she’d received from the gold dealer down the street.
Her mind played over how she’d left Jake’s house. After she’d taken a shower, she’d rummaged through his drawer, and donned a pair of his shorts as well as one of his large t-shirts. She’d cracked the bedroom door open, and had heard the vampire discussing her with the wolf. Listening, a sense of appreciation for their concern washed over her, but as soon as they’d brought up Ilsbeth, she went cold. Why the vampire wouldn’t reveal her secrets to Jake, she wasn’t certain. Yet they both knew that she needed protection. Kai didn’t have the energy to argue with them, nor would she allow two men to determine what she did and didn’t do.
She’d returned to the bedroom, frustrated and angry. Everything she’d owned was lost in San Francisco, and she needed money. But as she caught sight of her necklace curled on his dresser, she’d hoped to engineer an escape. Kai had always worn a gold chain, a reminder of her innate powers. She never took advantage of her gift, but its existence was a safety net. For as long as she could remember, the fine metal had emanated from her pores, and she controlled it like the moon did the tides. The magick came from within, and she’d let her power morph the elements, multiplying it within her hands. Within seconds she’d created enough gold to exchange for money.
Although she’d only materialized once, it had been enough to teach her the basics. Wearing only Jake’s shorts and a shirt, she transported herself out of his home, settling onto the rocks on the riverfront, near Jackson Square. She’d taken several minutes to compose herself before trekking her way to Royal Street in search of a dealer who’d give her compensation for the thickened gold necklace. After making the exchange, with nearly fifteen hundred in cash, she made a beeline for an electronics store, picking up a new cell phone, then headed straight to a clothing boutique.
Inside the changing room, Kai made quick work of getting dressed. It was just a matter of time before Jake and Quintus discovered she’d gone missing. The vampire had already demonstrated his formidable powers and Jake knew the city like the back of his hand. She wouldn’t be surprised if he’d alerted all of the wolves and set up a search. In New Orleans, most humans had no reason to be afraid of shifters, and were familiar with Acadian Wolves. Although Kai had deliberately chosen a shop with a human clerk, she couldn’t be sure the saleswoman wasn’t working with supernaturals.
With no time to waste, Kai opened the door and made her way toward the counter, snatching a canvas backpack and a pair of flip flops off a rack. Kai slid the saleswoman a hundred dollar bill, and stuffed the envelope and cell phone into her bag. By the time the clerk was finished making change, Kai was already out the door, flagging down a cab. Seconds lingered like hours as she slipped into the taxi and they pressed into the midday traffic. Tick tock. Tick tock. Her Alpha would come for her, she knew, but he’d have to find her on her terms. Kai sought the witch, would get the spell she needed and then she’d find her sister.
Kai stared up at the huge Victorian mansion. It had been over a hundred years since she’d stood in the same place, yet oddly, the home remained the same in many ways. She closed her eyes, attempting to reach out around her, sensing if any supernaturals were present. Although nothing registered, she suspected protective wards had been erected around the home.
She took a step onto the walkway, and immediately sensed the magick. It swirled around her like spun sugar in the air, thick and sweet, feminine in nature. As Kai set a foot onto the stairs and ascended to the wooden porch, she suspected that more than one witch was present in the home. From what she’d overheard Jake and Quintus discuss, Ilsbeth had been injured. No matter what they’d said, Kai couldn’t fathom the fierce witch incapacitated for very long. If she was breathing, she’d find a way back from whatever hell she’d seen.
Placing her palm on the beveled glass door, Kai tested the energy around the house. Her skin buzzed from the hum of magick. She raised her fist but before she had a chance to knock, the door opened.
“We’ve been expecting you, Miss Beckett,” an attractive young female greeted her. She flipped a lock of her thick blonde hair away from her perfectly painted face, ushering Kai into the foyer.
“Thank you. I’m here to see Ilsbeth,” she answered cautiously. This person was not Ilsbeth and although she appeared to be in her mid-twenties, it was likely she had lived many more years on this earth.
“Samantha will join you soon. She’s very busy this time of year. Many, many ceremonies will soon commence. Please.” She snapped her fingers, mumbling a word. The walls appeared to give way, opening to a sunny parlor.
Kai vaguely recalled the unique architecture, and was aware the home held many secrets. As she stepped into the room, she turned to her host. “I need to see Ilsbeth. She knows my name.”
“Samantha is aware of your existence, and is expecting you,” she repeated. “It’s a lovely time of year in New Orleans, don’t you agree?”
Flaky witch, she thought, recalling Jake’s dislike for their kind. At the time Ilsbeth had done the spell, Kai had respected her candor. Aware that the witch did nothing for free, Kai had willingly accepted the cost of the exchange. Somewhere in this house, Ilsbeth stored a vial of her blood, but the price had been well worth it.
“Excuse me, but do you know how long it will be before Ilsbeth can see me?” Kai asked, ignoring the female’s insistence that Samantha would join them.
“My name is Holly. You know, like the plant,” she answered. Wearing nothing but a cropped t-shirt and cut-off jeans, the girl appeared to float across the room, and began setting teacups on a bar. “Would you like peppermint tea?”
“I…uh…I’m not thirsty,” Kai sighed.
“I much prefer peppermint in the summer. I know it seems like a winter tea but it’s quite refreshing. We have lemon if you’d like.”
“Really, it’s okay.” Kai was hesitant to ingest anything within the walls of the coven.
“Tea is good for the soul they say. Perhaps a special blend? Jasmine is quite relaxing.”
“Lemon. Lemon will be fine,” Kai responded, struggling to conceal her irritation.
“Lupines enjoy lemon as well.” Holly produced a pot of steaming water from behind the bar and poured it. She scooped loose tea from two different jars into silver tea strainers and set them into the cups.
“I’m sorry, what?” Kai asked, intrigued that the witch had brought up wolves.
“Funny, you would think they’d choose pumpkin, but I’ll say, they do prefer lemon.”
“I wouldn’t know anything about that.” Kai eyed the witch as she picked up the teacup, taking care to note she didn’t put anything in it. “Would you mind seeing to Ilsbeth? I don’t have a lot of time.”
“The attraction to a strong wolf can be irresistible, even to witches. Well of course we cannot bear them children, but it’s understandable, the desire to mate.” Holly crossed the room and set the cup onto a pewter tray that rested on a white chemise ottoman. “Please sit. Samantha will be here within minutes.”
Suspicious of the witch, Kai walked toward the sofa and gently sat on its edge, ready to attack if needed. She scanned the conservatory. Entirely made of windows, its cathedral ceiling sprawled two stories high. Beyond the glass, an elaborate garden flourished, and she imagined the witches held moonlight ceremonies in the privacy of the ivied walls.
“I don’t recall this room being here. Is this new?” she asked.
“The coven home has undergone renovation. We must cleanse the property. Begin anew. This room was recently completed. Isn’t it beautiful? Samantha attends to every detail.” Holly retrieved her cup and padded toward Kai, sitting across from her on a pale yellow, velvet winged chair. Although dressed like a teenager, she sat as if she were a princess, properly crossing her legs and quietly sipping her tea. “I do miss the old room, but alas, change comes in like the tide. So do tell me, are you planning to stay long in New Orleans?”
“I really just need to see Ilsbeth.” Kai glanced to the tea but didn’t reach for it. Footsteps in the hallway alerted her to another presence. Instinctively she stood, her heart pounding in her chest, hoping to see Ilsbeth. Her face dropped in disappointment as a diminutive redhead stepped into the room.
“I’m sorry,” she said softly.
“Sorry for what?” Kai asked.
“You’re disappointed not to see Ilsbeth. I’m Samantha,” she said, extending her hand.
Kai reached for it, giving it a gentle shake. The firm steady energy flowed into her skin, and she sensed the benevolent strength behind the witch. “It’s I who should be sorry. It’s just that I’m in need of her assistance. My name is Kai Beckett.”
“Please. Let’s sit. Holly,” Samantha turned to the young witch, “please give us privacy.”
“But of course.” Holly gave Kai an odd smile that she wasn’t sure how to interpret as she left; an uneasy shiver ran through her.
As the wall closed behind the young witch, Samantha began to speak. “I’m going to be perfectly honest. Your arrival was not unexpected in that I had a dream about you. You seek a spell. Tell me what you are looking for.”
“Several years ago…” Kai paused and took a deep breath, nervous about disclosing her secrets. She hadn’t told anyone what she was since the conversation she’d held with Ilsbeth. Running out of options, she chose to trust her instinct and Samantha. “Over a hundred years ago, I sought Ilsbeth’s assistance. My kind. I am not bred. My abilities are not inherited.”
“They are gifted from the Goddess herself,” Samantha told her.
“Yes. I have not met anyone like me. My sister, Shilan, she possesses magick, but she’s not of my kind.”
“You weren’t born here?” Samantha asked, but her tone implied she was merely stating a fact.
“I was born in China. My parents…soon after I was born, the vampires, they knew about me. My parents were tortured, killed trying to protect me. They wouldn’t reveal where they’d sent me.”
“And your adoptive parents?”
“They were killed as well. It happened here. The vampires in San Francisco…well, I’m sure you are aware of their reputation.”
One moonless night on Angel Island, the demonic vampire had torn through the buildings, searching for her. Hidden under the floorboards, Kai had huddled with her sister as screams cut into the silence. The blood of her family swept down upon them, and it was the first time her creature had stirred in her mind, exposing its existence. With no control over her own power, her illumination had blinded the vampires, driving the bloodsuckers back to their lair.
“So this spell…” Samantha said, interrupting Kai’s silent reflection.
“Sorry,” she replied and continued. “My instinct is telling me I can trust you, and frankly, I have little choice at this point. Ilsbeth is the only one to ever know the truth about me. In exchange for my blood, she cast a spell cloaking me from all supernaturals. I have lived my life in virtual isolation, deliberately hiding. I had no interest in testing the spell. And until recently, it worked. But you see,” Kai sighed, her chest tightening at the thought of Shilan dying, “my sister. She’d been alone for such a long time. She’s gone missing. Her magick had never been concealed but if you’d met her, you’d suspect she was a witch, which she very well might be. But she’s lacked training. I am the one they want, not her.”
“Have her abductors contacted you? No request for an exchange?” Samantha inquired.
“No. She’d gone to California to meet friends but never reached them. She may have been captured by wolves.”
“I see,” Samantha said, then let silence fill the air whilst she looked to the garden and then back to Kai. “And Jake?”
“Jake…” Kai lost her words, a rainbow of emotions running through her at the sound of his name. “The current Alpha of Anzober Wolves won’t talk to me. Jake…he has a reputation. He can be trusted. When I was in California looking for my sister, I got myself in a situation and ended up transporting here. He was all I could think of. But,” Kai sighed and shook her head, recalling the experience of being bitten by the vampire, “I messed up. Do you know of Kasdeya?”
Samantha simply nodded but offered no further information.
“Our meeting didn’t go as planned. I escaped before I died. My arrival at Jake’s wasn’t planned. It was the first time I’d materialized. And well, you must understand, I was….” Bitten. Another exchange. “So you see, this is why I’m here in New Orleans. I needed Ilsbeth to fix the spell. I can’t have other supernaturals finding me while I look for my sister.”
“Yes, we shall discuss that.”
“Please. I want you to know that even though the spell does nothing to thwart or deter my power, I do not use it. I don’t want to attract attention. You don’t have to fear me.”
“I take it you have not morphed?”
“No, and I don’t want to. It’s not as if my powers come with a manual. All I have is a notebook that was given to me by my parents as a child. My mother, she’d made notes to me. There were no specific words about my ability. I shouldn’t have taken it with me to California, but when Shilan went missing…it was the only thing I had from my family. I don’t have it anymore…somewhere during my trip to California… I can’t believe it’s lost.” Desperation churned in her gut, with the disappointment that she’d screwed up, losing her mother’s notebook.
“Kasdeya has it?”
“I don’t know. That night I went to her, I’d left it at the hotel. It’s a blur. It doesn’t matter. I need to hide. I don’t want to change into anything. I need the spell revived. Please. Where’s Ilsbeth?”
“And Jake? What are your intentions?” Samantha pinned her with a somber stare.
“Jake? Why do you ask about him?”
“Answer carefully. What are your intentions?” Samantha glanced to her fingernails and refocused her gaze on Kai. “Do not lie.”
“I…I…” Kai considered her answer, reflecting on the truth that lay in her heart. “Jake. There’s something about him. I came here for his help. He’s an Alpha. Whether he realizes it or not, Anzober Wolves…they recognize him as theirs.”
“And you?” Samantha asked.
“Well, I don’t know. He’s…” Kai recalled their intimacy. “He’s connected to me. I’m not sure how. It’s just,” she paused, aware she was disclosing her inner thoughts to a virtual stranger. Yet there was something calming about the witch. “The Alpha. I had to leave him today. I didn’t want to. But I need protection from Ilsbeth. He doesn’t understand this. She’s the only one who can help me. The strange thing is that when I’m with Jake, he doesn’t affect me like the others.”
“How’s that?”
“He’s the only supernatural who’s ever touched me. I don’t absorb his energy…I don’t know how. He’s different. Special.” Kai’s voice went quiet as she struggled to explain. She’d come undone under his command. There had been no one she’d ever considered submitting to, yet in his presence, she’d been willing to do anything. “I’m sorry. I really can’t describe it. But you must know I wish him no harm.”
“A pixiu,” Samantha stated plainly, her expression flat.
Kai sucked a breath, hearing the ancient word on the witch’s lips. Magick swirled around her and she responded.
“It’s what my mother always called me. My existence is only a myth. I’ve tried for years to deny my powers. Others, they’ve searched for me. And now they have my sister. What am I to do? I need to see Ilsbeth. I need to be hidden once again.”
“I understand your dilemma, Kai,” Samantha said. “But there are a few things I need to share with you.”
“Ilsbeth…she’s the only one who knew.”
“Come, give me your hands.” Samantha reached for her.
Kai hesitated at the request, aware of the power the witch emanated. Samantha knows what I am. Just do it. Her eyes went to the witch’s, and she took a deep breath. Samantha nodded, encouraging her to do as she was told. As Kai laid her palms onto hers, the jolt of energy took her by surprise. She attempted to yank her hands away, but Samantha held tight.
“Stay still. Close your eyes,” the witch instructed, her voice firm.
Kai did as she asked. In her mind’s eye, the beast roared, its spectacular wings extended as it stepped forward from the shadows, revealing itself for the first time. Oh Goddess, I can’t control it. Fear gripped her chest. It shook its golden mane furiously, its massive paws lifting off the ground. As it leapt toward her, Kai’s mind became one with the beast. With a massive bellow, it retracted its wings, and settled onto the ground. As her mind went silent, she heard the distinctive howl of a wolf in the distance. What the hell? Her eyes flashed open to Samantha’s, and she tore her hands away, protectively wrapping them around her midsection.
“It’s okay, Kai,” Samantha told her.
“No, no…what was that? What did you do?” Her voice rose in panic.
“Is this the first time?”
“That’s me? No, that thing, it can’t be me.”
“You are Pixiu, and you’re very, very special.”
“I’m dangerous, that’s what I am. They took my sister because of me.” Kai jumped up from the sofa and began to pace. “I haven’t ever shifted…”
“But you have the power to drain others?”
“Yes. No. I don’t really know how it works. It’s like this.” Kai nervously twisted a strand of her silky hair with a finger. “Good fortune. The magick of a supernatural. I absorb it. It goes into me and most of the time, I can’t stop it. Maybe if I had more experience I could control it but right now, I can’t.”
“And so you harbor it?”
“Yeah, I guess. But the other day, after Kasdeya bit me. I did something to Jake. I froze him. I think it was the poison. I don’t know if I could do it again.”
“But were you truly threatened?”
“I was afraid, angry, but no…he didn’t attack me. I suppose if he had…”
“You do realize that what you did to Jake, that’s impossible? Impossible for most creatures. Now imagine if you could do that to a whole pack at once, to control them.”
“No, only an Alpha can wield that kind of power.” Kai closed her eyes, her heart racing.
“You attract the supernaturals, Kai, because they want your power. Kasdeya. She’s tasted you, knows what you are. Imagine if they could gain even a tenth of your power over the wolves by draining you. And the wolves, they will sense you but won’t know what you are.”
“I can’t control the magick when I’m around others. It seeps into me. Their good forture. I steal it.”
“That is the nature of Pixiu. But you don’t steal anything. It’s true you absorb good luck. Your master, he alone will control how it is used. For good. For evil. He will guide your beast. You are powerful.”
“Master?” Kai’s eyes flashed to Samantha’s. “No one can control me. I will hide forever. I’ll go to Siberia if I have to.”
Samantha stood and crossed the room, her tone gentle. “In this life, we all have a soul who is meant to be ours. Fate shall bring you together. You have lived a very long life, Kai, isolated from everyone. Your beast, she has a match.”
“No, I don’t breed. I cannot have children.”
“Magick.” Samantha raised her hands up to the ceiling and smiled as a rainbow of sparks danced in the air. “You cannot wish it away. I once tried.”
“But you’re a witch.”
“Not always. I was once very much human. And Luca? He’s vampire. They do not breed either. We were not supposed to be able to have a child, but we did. So you see, magick, it is capable of beautiful things.”
“I don’t want a master. I’ve never even…” Made love with a supernatural. “I can only be with humans.”
“What else did you see just now?” Samantha blew a kiss and the sparkles dissipated.
“Nothing…I saw her. Me. I have wings. But I’ve never shifted and then at the end I heard something.” A wolf. “It makes no sense.”
“Let me tell you what I saw.” Samantha went to the wall, running her palm along its seam. “I saw a magnificent creature. A strong one that has grown over the years. It’s fierce. Protective of its master and those it loves. It’s been around supernaturals the past couple of days, has flexed its wings. You will shift soon. You need guidance when it happens.”
“No, that cannot happen. I don’t have a master and I definitely cannot shift. I cannot allow that to happen.” Kai bit her lip, shaking her head. “No, no, no.”
“There’s no stopping this. I suggest you stay close to those who’ve stepped up to protect you. They’ve been brought into your life for a reason.”
“I have no one. Shilan. She was the only person I had and now she’s gone.”
“There are others. I know them. And so do you,” Samantha continued as she depressed a lever along the wainscoting. “Keep them close and they will help you find your sister.”
As the wall slid open, Kai’s heart caught at the sight of the powerful Alpha. She’d known it was just a matter of time before he found her. Aware she’d escaped without saying a word, guilt rushed through her. As her eyes locked on his, she took a step backwards, the back of her thighs brushing against the windows. Tendrils of his energy wrapped around her, and she shivered. Anger. Attraction. Dominance. Her beast roared and Kai’s eyes widened as he stalked toward her.
“Jake.” His name danced on her tongue ever so softly.
“Forget to say goodbye?” he asked, a cool smile on his face.
“I think you two should have a word. I have something to attend to and will return shortly.” Samantha nodded to them as she exited the room.
“I had to see Ils…” Kai began, her hands falling to her sides.
“Oh, I know what ya came here for. But where I grew up, it’s not very polite to go running out on your host.” Jake cocked his head and raised an eyebrow at her.
Kai felt the air escape from her lungs. Anger rolled off the Alpha, his eyes reaching into her soul. Her beast cowered in response. What kind of a powerful beast hides? she asked herself.
“No, that kind of behavior would earn a spankin’ ‘round here. Is that what you need, Kai? Because I’m startin’ to think so.”
A spanking? Kai’s face flushed at his tempting suggestion. Jesus, stop thinking of sex already.
“Oh no, sweetheart, not that kind of spanking.” He gave a small laugh.
Kai’s pulse raced. She’d forgotten how easily supernaturals sensed both fear and arousal.
“That’s right, I’m talking about a bit of a punishment, because you’ve got one coming. And it’s going to be a little more painful than what I did this morning. Now I won’t lie. It was difficult to walk away, but you seem to have a problem with tellin’ the truth.”
“You won’t lay a hand on me,” Kai spat back.
“I imagine I’ll enjoy turning your pretty ass pink.”
“Stop it. I’m not one of your wolves. You don’t command me.”
“Oh but you will submit, sweetheart. Because what you did leavin’ the house like that, I’m not having it.”
Is he fucking serious? Fresh anger tore through Kai, confused at her body’s reaction, desiring the Neanderthal who’d deliberately left her aching in bed that morning. She closed her eyes, focusing her energy like she’d done at the cabin.
“No, no, no, ya don’t with that magick again,” he warned.
Kai’s eyes flew open as he rushed toward her. Caging her with his arms, he flattened his palms against the glass. His legs straddled hers, and Kai’s taut tips brushed against his hard chest.
“Whatever you did to me…funny how just now it didn’t work. You see, sweetheart. I reckon that only happens once. And Kai?” Jake brushed his lips to her cheek. “That spanking is absolutely happening now.”
Kai pressed her palms to his chest; his masculine scent stirred around her. Heat from his body emanated onto hers, and she struggled to remain focused as he continued to speak.
“Something about you. You came to me…sought me out, and now things are going to be done my way. But you know…” Jake pressed his lips to her ear, sucking its fleshy lobe between his teeth. Biting gently, he held her in place. “…I think you like this. Being at my will. Against the wall. This is what you want.”
“I’m sorry for leaving…you wouldn’t listen. I had to come see her.” Kai’s head rested against the warm, sun-drenched panes. As Jake moved his lips to her neck, heat blossomed between her legs.
“You will learn to trust me,” he murmured against her creamy flesh.
“I…I have been on my own a long time,” she stated.
“No longer,” he said.
His beard lightly grazed her cheek, and Kai opened her eyes. His gaze held hers as his lips brushed over hers.
“You will submit, Kai. There can be no other way,” he growled.
As Jake’s mouth crushed onto hers, Kai melted underneath his strength. Alpha. She kissed him back, gently tasting him. Running her hands down his chest, they settled on his hips and he pressed his body onto hers. Dear Goddess, what is it about this man?
“Do not fight me on this, woman, because this,” Jake rocked his erection up against her, “you and I. We have something to explore. But it won’t be done on a bed of lies.”
“Ah, Goddess,” Kai breathed, continuing to seek his lips as he lightly kissed her.
Jake tore himself away, his eyes focused on Kai’s. “Sam’s coming. We will deal with this when we get home.”
Home? Kai blinked, and his words settled in her mind. Home was far, far away. Not in New Orleans.
“Here she is.” Jake released Kai, backing away.
Captivated by the Alpha, words failed her as he commanded her body. Master. There was no person who’d ever dominated her, yet there was no denying her beast’s response to the wolf.
The sound of Samantha’s voice drew her attention, and Kai’s eyes flashed to the redheaded witch who now stood in the room. Quintus nodded to her as he entered the room.
“Before we get started, I want you to be clear on Kai’s kind…she will need your guidance,” Samantha told him.
“I want the truth.” Jake focused on Kai.
Samantha nodded at her. Kai’s stomach tightened as she summoned the courage to tell the wolf. She bit her lip and turned to look out the window.
“My kind. We are very rare.” She rubbed her fingers over her eyes and faced the Alpha. “I am Pixiu.”
“What?” Jake raised his eyebrows, his tone skeptical.
“Let her finish,” Samantha said quietly.
“Pixiu. Bìxié. I am known as several things and nothing at all. I’m not certain of my powers but know I absorb the good fortune of others. I don’t have control over it right now, but I suspect if I honed my powers, I could wield them as a sword. I’ve spent a lifetime avoiding other supernaturals because I was told long ago that others would attempt to steal my powers, have them for themselves.” Tears brimmed her lashes as she spoke, emotions threading through her chest. “My sister has always been vulnerable because of me. Ilsbeth helped me over a hundred years ago, to hide my abilities from the others, to make me appear human. Without the spell, I will be hunted.”
”How will others use your power?” Jake asked.
“I don’t know. Samantha said what I did to you at your cabin…what I just tried to do, they might be able to use it. But I’m still not convinced it wasn’t the poison. It’s possible if someone controls me, the good fortune would be theirs, but Jake, you need to know this,” Kai’s eyes lifted to his, “I’ve known almost forever she was there, but today…”
“Who?” Jake’s voice was laced with concern.
“Her beast. She will shift soon,” Samantha answered.
“It was the first time I’ve seen her. She looks like a lion. I…I think I have wings.” Kai stuttered as she spoke an almost unbelievable truth.
“What you did just now.” He gave Kai a pointed stare and then set his attention on Samantha. “Kai just tried to focus her power on me, but it didn’t work.”
“At the cabin…I could have been affected by Kasdeya,” Kai explained.
“But you just said, you’re not absorbing my energy. So the question is, do you still need Ilsbeth and this spell?”
“Others can sense her. Kai’s power grows by the day. Your presence in her life, it obviously has affected her,” Samantha answered.
“Is this true?” Jake directed his question toward Kai.
“I don’t know. Look, I just need the spell. I have to go find my sister and I can’t do it the way I am right now. Please,” she begged.
“She will shift. You must help her,” the witch insisted.
“Where’s Ilsbeth?” Kai pressed.
“You must tell him what we discussed,” Samantha told her, ignoring her question.
“Later. I need Ilsbeth.”
“Can’t you just whip up whatever she needs?” Jake asked Samantha.
“I agree with the wolf,” Quintus interjected.
“Neither one of you gets to decide about this. This is my life. My sister. If you don’t like Ilsbeth, then get the hell out.” Kai’s anger spiked at his interruption. “I need Ilsbeth.”
“She’s dangerous. There’s no way I’m letting her hurt…” Jake began.
“Please, Jake.” Kai reached for his arm, her tone softening. “I know this witch did something awful. But I need help. I swear when we leave I’ll tell you anything else you want to know. But right now I need you to trust me…please.”
“Fucking hell,” Jake cursed.
“Please.” Kai slipped her hand in his, sending her energy to him. She needed him to feel her, to know she was telling the truth.
“Samantha, tell me you can do this spell,” he pleaded, frustrated.
“I cannot. You must understand. I’m breastfeeding. My magick, while stronger than ever, must remain pure. And I’m afraid Ilsbeth…I’m very sorry, Kai. I’ll let you see her but she’s no longer the same.” Samantha’s face offered sympathy as she revealed the witch’s state. “She no longer does magick. It’s gone.”
“I need to see her.” Kai’s stomach dropped at the revelation.
“Holly,” Samantha called into the foyer. “Bring Zella to us.” The feisty redheaded witch turned her attention to the group. “Please sit. All of you. Do not be surprised by what you see.”
“Zella?” Quintus asked.
“We have changed her name. For she has changed. Please.” Samantha gestured to the sofa.
“Stay with me,” Jake said, tightening his hold on her hand.
Kai allowed him to lead her to the couch. He sat at one end, deliberately arranging Kai protectively between Quintus and himself.
A thick silence filled the air as the fragile woman entered the room. Kai recalled Ilsbeth’s appearance when they’d met long ago, astonished at the change. Her iconic thick platinum hair had been cut short into a brunette pixie. Instead of the expensive fabrics the high priestess favored, she wore a yellow sundress that dusted the floor as she walked. The female ignored the guests, listening only to Holly as she directed her into the winged chair.
“Do see, Zella. We have company.” Ilsbeth looked through Kai as if she weren’t there, and quickly gazed back to Holly.
“Come now, you must remember Jake.” Holly flipped her hair, and gave him a flirtatious smile. “Hey, stranger. I hope you’ll stay afterwards. We can catch up.”
“Thank you, Holly. Would you mind taking a seat so we can talk?” Samantha asked.
A flare of jealousy sparked as Holly winked at Jake. Kai glanced to Jake, whose stare was focused solely on Ilsbeth.
“You may ask her questions, but since her injury she has no recollection of who she was. She does not practice magick,” Samantha said.
“What happened to her hair?” Quintus asked, his tone terse.
“When she returned to the coven, it fell out. It just started growing in a month ago. We suspect her magick influenced the color. As you can see, it’s no longer the same. Nothing is the same.”
“Ilsbeth,” Kai began.
“Zella,” Samantha interrupted. “We prefer not to speak the high priestess’ name for she is no longer with us.”
Kai glanced at Jake, who rolled his eyes in response to Samantha’s explanation. “My name is Kai Beckett. I came here a long time ago. I am a Pixiu. You did a spell to hide my magick.”
Ilsbeth wrung her hands in her lap, and innocently looked to Kai. “I live with many witches. I’m not sure who my parents are or how I got here but Samantha and the others, they take good care of me. I do chores in return for their kindness.”
“I need you to think. To remember. Please, I need you to do this spell.”
“I’m very sorry but I don’t do magick. My name is Zella. I’m human.” Ilsbeth wore an expression of innocence, her words sincere.
“Oh Goddess,” Kai said softly, resting her head against Jake’s shoulder.
“Don’t do this, Ilsbeth.” Jake glared at her.
“I am Zella,” Ilsbeth repeated.
Although she presented an empathetic disposition, Kai questioned Zella’s story. Nothing about the high priestess was ever transparent. It was how she’d climbed her way to the top of the food chain, how she’d led the coven for over five hundred years. Deception. A clever sleight of hand in her dealings with everyone around her kept her allies in debt and her enemies cowering in fear, that was if they lived. To imagine her simply without magick seemed impossible. As long as life breathed through her cells, a trace of magick had to exist.
“Stop with the shit,” Jake growled.
“Did you really think we’d believe this act? There’s no way if she’s sitting here she doesn’t practice magick,” Quintus barked, his eyes roaming over the ancient witch. “Look here, Ilsbeth. I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing but I’m not in the mood. If you think…”
“Mr. Tullius, I’m afraid I won’t tolerate you berating our guest,” Samantha chastised.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Quintus countered. He stood and turned, plowing his fingers though his hair. “Me berating her? That’s rich.”
“You must remain calm. We cannot have negativity brought to our sanctuary,” Holly interjected.
“You,” Jake pointed to the attractive witch, “have no place here. I don’t even know why you are here.”
“I am her caretaker,” Holly stated. “And besides, Jake,” her eyes narrowed, darting from Kai to the wolf, “you know me. Intimately, one might say.”
Kai’s blood boiled at her assertion. Jealousy stabbed her, its white-hot pick boring into her chest.
“If you’re only her caretaker, your job is done. I do not want her here,” Kai told Samantha.
“She is harmless,” Samantha insisted. “Our magick is pure.”
“I don’t want her to hear another word.” Kai pointed to Holly and then focused on Ilsbeth. She gripped Jake’s forearm, drawing strength from him. “As for her. Zella or whatever you are calling her. She owes me a spell. A debt was paid to her. She did not keep her word. This is a breach of contract on behalf of her and the coven.”
“As you wish.” Samantha nodded to Holly, who glared at Kai. She did as she was told, leaving the room and closing the door behind her.
Jake glanced at Kai, catching her gaze. No words spoken, she could sense he was taken aback at her demand. The slight smile in his eyes gave his approval.
“We must get the spell from her. I don’t know if she’s faking it or not,” Kai continued, regaining her determination.
“I can assure you she isn’t. You saw her, Jake. She was practically dead when you found her,” Samantha interrupted.
“With all due respect Samantha, I feel your power. I sense your strength. Obviously you’re leading this coven, but I’ve known Ilsbeth much longer than you have. Assuming she isn’t faking it, that doesn’t prove her magick is completely gone. Even if you cannot sense it, I might. And if it is there, I may be able to feed off her energy. I cannot be certain but we must try,” Kai pleaded.
“Even if you sense anything, she has no recollection of her existence. She is simply Zella.”
“Take her hand,” Kai told her.
Samantha gave an audible sigh, and her lips pursed in irritation.
“Just do it, Samantha. I don’t know if this is even going to work. But if I’m as powerful as everyone thinks I am, I might be able to jump start her.”
“Yeah, I’m not sure that’s a good thing,” Jake commented.
“It’s the only way. We have no choice,” Kai said.
“Some days I wish I’d left her in the woods.”
“Just take her hand,” Kai insisted. “Zella, assuming you are not Ilsbeth, you would want to help me, right? I’m in great danger. The person you don’t remember, she was a great witch.”
“I’m willing to try but there is nothing. The witches have tested me every way they know.”
Kai noted that Ilsbeth fingered her short hair, playing with the ends as if her muscle memory recalled the long locks that once flowed over her shoulders.
“I sense no magick but I have been on the receiving end of your deception. For all I know, this is all a spell,” Jake said.
“Perhaps,” Quintus agreed.
“I have nothing to hide. You may try.” Zella extended her hands.
Kai stood, and Jake grabbed her arm, stilling her movement. “Are you sure ya want to do this, sweetheart? I don’t sense any danger but it’s like I just said, this could all be an illusion.”
“I need to try.” Kai gave him a small smile. “Will you stay with me?”
“Wild horses couldn’t tear us out of here.” His eyes went to Quintus, who nodded. “We’re not goin’ anywhere.”
Kai slid past Jake, pleased that the Alpha refused to leave her side. As she sat on the coffee table in front of Ilsbeth, her heart pounded in her chest. It was likely it wouldn’t work. She could barely control the infinite energy that spun inside of her, let alone direct it. And while she prayed to the Goddess that Samantha was a good witch, she had no experience with her.
“You ready?” she asked Samantha, who nodded.
Kai locked her eyes on Ilsbeth, and placed her palm against hers. A faint tingle danced on her skin but she couldn’t discern whether it was Samantha or Ilsbeth.
“Am I supposed to feel anything?” Ilsbeth asked, looking to Samantha. “I don’t think this is working.”
“Be quiet and concentrate,” Kai scolded. Closing her eyes, she reached within, calling on her beast, demanding she release energy into Ilsbeth. Anger coursed through her as she recalled how her sister had been kidnapped. The witch owed a debt. If she would not give it willingly, Kai would tear it from her.
“I don’t think it’s…” Ilsbeth began. As if hit with a jolt of electricity, she seized, her eyes glazing over in a crimson hue.
Kai sensed Samantha’s resistance, and assumed the witch had sealed the connection so that all energy would filter through Ilsbeth. Silence. No, no, no. Disappointment flooded her, but she held tight to the witch.
“Don’t let go…don’t let go…” Kai’s words rambled until a soft voice broke her concentration.
“The wolf shall bind you.”
“What?” Kai’s eyes flew open and her attention went to Samantha, who stared blindly ahead, as if in a daze.
“The wolf shall bind you,” Samantha stated with no emotion.
“I need a spell,” Kai said.
“Must find the Kris. Your blood is his blood. In that you will hide,” the witch repeated.
“What is she talking about?” Kai asked.
“Shh…” Quintus knelt before Samantha as she repeated her words. “It’s an athame.”
“A Kris. Your blood is his blood. In that you will hide.”
“Where is it?” Jake pressed.
“Kris. Find the Kris. Beyond the serpent’s breath you will find the Kris. Your blood is his blood. In that you will hide.” Samantha released both their hands and she sucked a deep breath.
“I don’t understand what you’re saying. I need the spell. Please,” Kai begged. She closed her eyes, struggling to swallow the tears that threatened to fall. Despite the despair hovering over her, she focused on Shilan, telling herself she’d find her sister. A calming touch on her shoulder slammed the brakes on her racing thoughts and she blinked her eyes open, finding Jake at her side.
“It’s gonna be okay, Kai,” he promised.
“Some things are meant to be. The universe brings people together who have no reason otherwise to connect. Listen to it,” Samantha whispered.
“Let’s get out of here,” he suggested, supporting her arm as he stood.
“I’ve got to find Shilan,” Kai said, her heart heavy. She wore the devastation on her face like a death mask. “Samantha. Thank you for trying to help.”
“Look, Sam, ya know I appreciate your help, but I’m telling you, I think you need to be careful here with Ilsbeth,” Jake warned. ‘Whatever just happened…that wasn’t you speakin’.”
“Holly,” Samantha called as she pressed to her feet. She swept both hands into her thick red hair and twisted it into a bun. The young witch entered the parlor, and rushed to Ilsbeth’s side. “Please take Zella to her room. I’ll be there shortly.”
Holly nodded, and Kai wondered if the witch had overheard their conversation. Ilsbeth stood as if nothing had ever happened, her expressionless blue eyes dazed. Holly gave Kai a cool smile as she escorted her toward the exit. Ilsbeth stopped mid step and turned to face them.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t of help today. As I told you, I’m human. These kind witches have looked after me, but I expect I’ll leave soon.” Without another word, she exited the room.
“Luca is not going to take well to this news. I’m not gonna tell him directly, but he’ll find out,” Quintus said.
“I’m gonna have to tell Logan and Dimitri. I don’t know what exactly just happened here, but this info about the Kris; I’m pretty sure that didn’t come from you.” Jake shook his head in disappointment.
“Don’t worry yourself with Luca. I will tell him as soon as possible. As for Zella, I can assure you her powers have vanished. But now that we’ve done this, Kai pushed magick through her, I cannot be certain of the ramifications. But be assured that she cannot escape. Still, after today, I will revisit the situation.”
As Kai stepped through into the foyer, and Quintus opened the door, the cool breeze blew, scattering the magick around her like a deck of cards. Kai wasn’t well versed in witchcraft, but whatever had been in the home when she’d first arrived had been amplified; a renewed hum sang in the air.
Find the Kris. Beyond the serpent’s breath you will find the Kris. Your blood is his blood. In that you will hide. The words played in Kai’s mind. She was aware they’d been given a clue, a first step in her sister’s salvation. As the Alpha wrapped a strong arm around her, Kai relaxed into his protective touch.
A master. An Alpha. She glanced up to Jake, whose expression told her they’d be having a long conversation when they returned home. Kai suspected he’d never let her go again. Two souls brought together by the universe, her beast called for him. The wolf. Her wolf.