Chapter Seven
Find the Kris. Beyond the serpent’s breath you will find the Kris. Your blood is his blood. In that you will hide. Samantha’s words led to another damn mystery. Nothing is ever easy, Jake thought. Fucking Ilsbeth. There was seemingly no end to her destruction. He didn’t necessarily buy the Sybil act she was playing but there was no other choice but to search for the clue.
Jake and Kai had traveled home in silence, and she’d immediately retreated to the bedroom, claiming she was tired. After they’d left the coven, Kai had shut down. As if her emotions were his own, Jake sensed her despair. The unfamiliar sensation overwhelmed him. He’d always known Alphas were in touch with the pack, able to gauge their state. But he’d never actually experienced telepathic empathy to this degree, let alone with someone who wasn’t wolf.
As he climbed the stairs, Jake’s mind churned as he tried to reconcile his developing connection to Kai. His wolf stirred at the thought of her, and he attempted to suppress the craving. He couldn’t understand why his beast sought her, but he suspected that his attraction to her was far deeper than just a happenstance meeting. He’d never heard of a pixiu, and the quick research he did turned up little information.
He padded down the hallway toward the bedroom, his thoughts broken as he heard her crying. He’d been fully prepared to drill her, to punish her for leaving, yet as he opened the door and caught sight of her sitting on the floor, her face in her hands, his chest tightened.
“Kai,” he said, softening his tone. “I know things seem bad but we’re going to find the Kris.”
Jake approached and settled himself in front of her on the cool hardwood floor. “It’s going to be okay.”
Kai stared up at him, her eyes reddened. “I should have told you everything when we met, but you must understand. I’ve been in hiding over a hundred years. I’ve avoided supernaturals.”
“Where have you been?”
“In Wyoming. I’m a geologist. I work alone. My sister, we think she’s a witch, but she doesn’t know how to use her powers. You wouldn’t even know if you met her.” Kai reached for his hand, locking her eyes on his. “I’m a pixiu. My parents were killed trying to protect me. After I came to America, my stepparents were killed. Every caretaker I ever had was threatened. Eventually, I left home and went to Ilsbeth. Her spell allowed me to live in peace. But when Shilan left…this is all my fault.”
“Look Kai, I don’t know who’s got your sister or how this is tied into what’s going on with Anzober Wolves, but you’ve gotta trust me. You can’t go running out of here like you did.”
“You wouldn’t let me see Ilsbeth. I had to go without you,” she insisted, shaking her head. “When I was with Samantha, I saw something. I’ve always known my beast existed. But dear Goddess, I saw her. Jake…I cannot allow this to happen. I don’t want to shift. I’m scared.”
“I’ll help you, sweetheart. But you’ve gotta tell me everything if we are going to do this, and that includes what you’re going to shift into. Now I know it’s not easy.” Shifting for the first time was never to be taken lightly. Given she wasn’t wolf, he didn’t know what complications could arise. “But you can do this and I’ll be here with you.”
“There’s something else I need to tell you, Jake.” Her eyes widened and she rocked her head in disbelief. “I…I heard something….I heard…I don’t know….but I swear, I think it was a wolf.”
“A wolf? Maybe you’re a hybrid?” If she had even a sliver of lupine blood inside her that would explain his connection, how he could sense her emotions.
“No, I don’t think so. I don’t think it was me.”
“Well then…” Jake couldn’t repress a small grin at her statement. “Who else ya got in there? Because I’ll tell you, I don’t think you could have two things. You shift into one thing or another. That’s how it works.”
“I’m not a shifter.”
“You’re gonna shift so yeah, you kinda are.”
“I’m pixiu. The energy others have. Their good fortune. I sense it. I absorb it. I even think I might be able to transfer it, but I’m not sure how yet. I have a book. My mother gave it to me. I didn’t spend much time reading it because I always thought if I did, then it would somehow break my spell, attract supernaturals. It scared me.”
“And where is this book?” Jake glanced to her hand, and turned it over, revealing her palm.
“I don’t know. I left it in the hotel room I was staying in…this was before I saw Kasdeya. It’s possible it got thrown away. Or knowing her, she might have it. If we could get it back, maybe it could help me. It’s stupid to think I’ll get it back though. It’s impossible.”
“Nothing is impossible, Kai. If we need the book, we’ll look for it. But why do you think you can transfer your power to someone else?” As he ran the pad of his thumb over her palm, a twinge of arousal danced through him.
“Samantha. It’s what she said. I don’t know where she heard this.”
“Heard what?” Jake scooted closer to her, taking both her hands.
“She said…” Kai averted her gaze and whispered, “She said I have a master.”
“A master? What the hell is that supposed to mean?” A shot of jealousy jolted through Jake at her revelation, and his wolf growled.
“I don’t know.” Her eyes flashed to his. “It can’t be true. I’ve lived alone for over a century. No being has ever had power over me.”
“Have you been around other supernaturals at all? I know you said you haven’t but it’s kind of hard to avoid.”
“Hunter Livingston. I’ve only met him once and that was eighty years ago when he took over the territory. After Ilsbeth did the spell, I went to university in Wisconsin. Earned my degrees. I worked remotely for a different university. Also did some work as an editor for a geological publication. Hunter, he knows I’m supernatural, but he doesn’t know what I am. If he did, he’s never said anything.”
Kai’s leg brushed his and his cock stirred. The beautiful creature before him had finally revealed her truths, trusting him with her secrets. His gaze drifted to her pink lips, tempting him to kiss her.
“I’ll make you a deal.” He smiled, and forced his focus to her eyes. “We’ll do this together. I’ll help you find your sister. But no more lies, Kai. Like you, I’m in the middle of a change. My wolf will not tolerate it. What you did today, sweetheart? I wasn’t kidding about that spanking.”
“You’re Alpha,” she acknowledged, in a soft voice. “I feel your strength all around me. I’ve felt it from the beginning.”
“I feel you too. You’ve got this energy…but this thing between us…” He paused, considering his words carefully. He craved her like no other, but she deserved to know the truth about their future and he couldn’t risk hurting her. “Kai, I don’t want to mislead you. You aren’t a wolf. You need to know that I can’t mate with you. So we have to keep things light.”
“As pixiu, I cannot mate with anyone. I can’t have children.” Sadness washed over her expression, and Jake cradled her face with his palms.
“I’m sorry. I just need you to know, because I like you. There’s this connection with us. I can’t explain it.” Jake’s lips brushed her cheek. He recalled how she’d come undone at his touch, and his cock hardened. “About last night…”
“Jake…you’re different than others…when I’m with you,” she breathed. “I’m free.”
Jake reached for her waist, and she gave a scant squeal as he slid her onto his lap. Her legs draped around his waist, and he buried his nose into her neck, scenting her. So familiar, yet not wolf. Confusion mixed with arousal as his lips grazed over her skin. His wolf rose, growling as it circled its prey.
“Your energy flows through me. Around me…Goddess, it feels so good…you feel so good,” Kai moaned as he trailed his lips up her neck.
“Something about you…my wolf…he…” He wants to claim you. Logic prevailed, and Jake shoved the errant thought away, aware it couldn’t happen. His palms slid up her back as he focused on his prize, memorizing every contour of her body.
“Please,” she begged, shivering as his warm breath danced over her skin.
As his lips crushed onto hers, his wolf howled, demanding he take her. She responded in kind, wrapping her hands around his neck. His fingers plowed into the back of her hair and he held her in place. Feral, he kissed her with an urgent desperation. With one hand he reached for her dress, tearing down the flimsy elastic that held it in place. She gave a cry as he exposed her, and bit at his lip. His tongue swept into her mouth, exploring and tasting the creature who’d begun to turn his world on its axis.
He tore his lips from hers, their eyes locked in a heated stare. With a rough tug, he turned her head, and his wolf went wild at the sight of her bared neck. She is not wolf. Do not mark her. She does not belong to you, he told himself. Jake restrained the instinct to bite her, averting his gaze. His mouth went to her breast instead, and he sucked her perfect tip into his mouth.
A twinge of pain snapped at him as she dug her fingernails into his back, crying his name. Losing control, Jake reached under her thighs and pressed to his feet. Stumbling backwards, he steadied himself and pressed her back to the wall, gaining leverage. With one hand, he tugged down his jean zipper freeing his erection. As his other hand slipped under the pooling fabric of her dress, he quickly discovered she wasn’t wearing underwear. Holy fuck. Was she walking around all day like this? So tame yet so wild, she was a walking contradiction. Blood surged to his cock.
He reached between her legs, a thick finger sliding through her wet folds. Plunging it deep into her tight core, he lapped at her nipple, teasing it with his teeth.
“Ah, yes…” she cried at the erotic intrusion.
“Look at how fucking ready you are for me,” he breathed, trailing his lips along her delicate neck.
She quivered around him as he speared another finger inside her pussy. Her citrus feminine scent teased his nostrils, and his gaze locked on hers. His wolf growled in response, urging him to mark her and Jake again shook off the instinct. Jesus Christ, what is wrong with me? A twinge of regret stabbed at his heart knowing he couldn’t mate with her.
“No, don’t stop,” Kai panted as he set her on her feet. She blinked up at him, her lips swollen.
Jake lifted her arms above her head, and without a word, he gripped the dress and yanked it off her body. He tossed it aside, never taking his eyes off her, giving her a sexy smile before turning her around.
“What are you doing?”
“Keep your hands on the wall,” Jake instructed. He kissed her shoulder, resisting the urge to nip her skin. He blew out a breath, soaking in the sight of her full bottom. “You’re fucking perfect.”
Jake ran his palm over a globe of her ass, nudging her thighs open with a knee. Kai’s head lolled forward, and she shifted on her feet, nuzzling her cheek into his palm.
“Aw, sweetheart, I promise you we’ll do this properly later but right now…I gotta be inside you.”
Jake made quick work of shucking his pants onto the floor. Taking his cock into his hand, he rocked upward, grazing his tip through her wet pussy.
“That’s a girl, bend over for me,” he directed, pleased when she did as she was told.
As he plunged deep inside her hot core, her sexual energy slammed into him. Her tight hole contracted around his cock and he sucked a breath to keep from coming. Holy fuck. No, no, no. You’re not a teenager.
“Don’t move, don’t move,” Jake repeated, his body on fire with desire. His fingers gripped her hips as he fought his release.
“Jake. Now,” she told him, tilting her ass to take him deeper.
“Jesus, Kai,” he breathed, seized by her power. Adjusting to the sensation, he slowly eased in and out of her.
“I…Jake…I need to tell you…”
“No talking.” Jake slid his fingers down between her legs, brushing them over her clitoris. His little pixiu liked to give orders, and he wasn’t having it. “Listen sweetheart, you’re gonna have to learn I’m in charge, now. No more running.” He flicked the pad of his finger over her swollen bead, eliciting a moan. “Your pleasure. Your pain. It’s mine now. And yes, that spanking is coming.”
Kai’s eyes widened yet her hips kept rocking toward him, seeking his touch. “I don’t think…”
“After that stunt you pulled today, I’m thinking I’m not the only one who gets an apology.” The image of sharing her with Quintus flashed in his mind, spanking her in front of him, turned his cock to concrete. “I’m gonna enjoy your punishment, you know that girl? But right now,” Jake thrust up into her, holding her in place, “I’m goin’ to fuck you hard so you don’t ever forget me…” Who you belong to…you’re mine.
“I’ve never…” Kai lost her words as he rammed into her.
His fingers traveled up her back, his cock pounding into her tight pussy. He gripped her shoulders, bringing her upright. His mouth went to her neck, tasting her delicious skin. He resisted looking into her eyes, denying the instinct that curled in his chest. She’s not yours. Just fuck her. But his beast demanded her submission.
“You will obey, Kai. Do you understand?”
“What are you…”
“There can be no other way.” His wolf growled, urging him to claim her.
“Please…please, Alpha. Oh Goddess,” she cried as he circled her clit with his thumb until she trembled beneath him. His fingers danced over her swollen bead, leaving her shaking. Contracting around his stiff length, she panted his name.
Alpha, he heard her call to him, and he increased his pace. Reaching his hand around her neck, Jake tilted her chin and slammed his mouth onto hers. His ferocious kiss muffled her words. His wolf paced, but he still refused to mark her.
As she tore her lips from his, bracing her forehead on her arm, he held her tight to him. Jake gave a final thrust, exploding deep inside her. The heat of her back sizzled against his chest, the tendrils of his orgasm spearing through him.
What the hell is going on? She cannot be mine. She isn’t a wolf. Fuck. Jake slipped his cock out of Kai, turning her into his embrace. His mind spiraled with questions as he panted for breath. He glanced to the hallway; a sound emanated from downstairs. Quintus.
“Maybe we should leave her home?” Quintus suggested, setting the bottle of wine on the kitchen counter.
“I don’t want to bring her but there’s no way I’m leaving her with anyone else. No. She stays with me.”
“You could leave her at my place. I have wards. She won’t get out.” He extracted the cork and sniffed the rim. “Colore Del Testamatta. Goes well with dinner.”
“I’m not sure how she’d take to being locked up,” Jake commented. “She won’t be happy.”
“It’s for her own good,” Quintus told him.
“Yeah, I don’t think that’ll work.”
“It did the first time.”
“I have wards, too.”
“Not like mine.” Quintus gave a sly smile. “Glasses?”
“Upper right cabinet above the sink.” Jake picked up his cell and opened his text messages. He tapped on Logan’s. Status. Now.
Jake had called him before they’d left for the coven. The Alpha had insisted he bring Kai to the pack house, but Jake convinced him that after what had happened in the courtyard, Wynter and the entire pack would be safer with her kept at a distance.
“What’s up?” Quintus asked.
“Nothin’.” Jake pecked out a message to his Alpha. Ilsbeth’s a no go. Spell’s at Serpent’s Breath. Quintus & Kai in tow. He’d call him afterwards and tell him everything he knew about Kai’s nature.
“You know, trust is an important part of a relationship.” Quintus gave a half grin.
“You and I don’t have a relationship,” Jake countered. He peeked inside the takeout bags. The smell of jambalaya wafted into his nostrils and his stomach growled.
“We do have a relationship. You may have been a little irritating at first, but you’re growing on me.” Quintus set three glasses in front of him and began to pour. “Alligator Sauce Piquant?”
“That’s rich. Me growing on you?” Jake paused, not hearing what he’d said. “What about alligators?”
“Alligator Sauce Piquant? You like?”
“Sure do.”
“Lots of good things for dinner.” Quintus laughed, continuing to fill the glasses.
“Hey man, don’t take this the wrong way,” Jake retrieved the containers and set them onto the table. He ripped the end off a piece of French bread and bit into it, continuing, “But you’re a vamp. Shouldn’t you be craving blood?”
Quintus nodded, handing him a glass of wine. “Yes and no. It’s true I need blood to live. And some vampires, they prefer only blood. Purity of the race and all that bit. I, myself, I still embrace the comforts of my humanity. Life does not lie within my breath. It lies within the enjoyment of the day. Shrimp creole? Ah, well, that brings me enjoyment.”
“Fair enough.” Jake glanced to the large curved stairway, listening for Kai.
“You’ve tried to mark her?” Quintus asked.
“Mark her?” Jake exclaimed, spitting out his wine onto the table. He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Jesus, look what you made me do.”
“It’s happened, no?”
“I’m goin’ to give you the benefit of the doubt, Quint. But if you are as old as you say you are, my guess is that you know about the birds and the bees and how it goes with us wolves.”
“Yes. Of course I know how it works.” Quintus rummaged through the cabinet, looking for plates.
“Upper left. Next to the fridge.” Jake went to a drawer and opened it, retrieving utensils. “So then you know how it is. I already told ya. Wolves mate with wolves. We aren’t like vamps. I mean, I guess you can be a part shifter and it still can take. Dimitri’s mate was a tiger. But still, she was wolf. If she’d been all tiger, it couldn’t happen.”
“Kai is not a shifter?”
“Yeah, technically she is. Look, I’ll be the first one to admit that there are some differences. A pixiu? I don’t know what the hell all her powers are or what she’ll change into, but she says she can’t mate. Not at all. She also says she can’t bear children.”
“Pixiu. They can take a partner of sorts. I suspect you are hers.”
“Jesus fucking Christ. This cannot be happening.” Jake blew out a breath and hung his head. He recalled his wolf’s feral reaction to her.
“I see you already feel something.” Quintus shrugged and sat down at the table.
“I know all about destiny. Hell, I’d be the first one to tell a wolf to suck it up and accept his mate, but Kai? I’m just really into her. But I shouldn’t be. She’ll get hurt if this continues. Not that it’s any of your damn business but I try to stick with other wolves. I’ve had an occasional vamp here and there. These girls all know the score. We aren’t mates but we get it on with no worries. You’ve gotta be careful with other species. Humans. Witches. Can’t get too close. Look what happened with Ilsbeth. She almost killed D trying to off his wolf. That’s some serious shit, right there. And my guess is that she’s not the first witch to try something like that when she’s hot for a wolf.”
“Ah, but the pixiu. She has more than just a mate.”
A look of confusion washed across Jake’s face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Why in the ever-loving hell would I mark her?” Because your wolf wants her.
“Because,” Quintus held the glass in the air, pausing as he swirled the red liquid, “the pixiu. She has a master. You, my friend, shall be hers.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to even mean? I like a little Dom play as much as the next guy but shit, I’m not into being anyone’s master. Nope. I don’t want a slave. Not for me.” Jake’s pulse raced at Quintus’ claim.
“A master doesn’t always refer to slavery. The master, he is a teacher. He is the leader. Proficient at his skills. Others defer to them, devote themselves to their happiness. Kai, though, she’s not going to be one to easily submit. Her powers, they will become the treasure of her master, to be utilized as he sees fit. To protect others. This good fortune she absorbs from others? It becomes his.”
“I don’t know about any of this…I just met her the other day. I can’t accept that a pixiu is just going to fall into my life. I’m not even the Alpha of my own pack. How do you know so much about the pixiu anyway?”
“I cannot say how this will play out but I’m certain of what’s going on. I told you. I am very…”
“Old. Yeah. Got the memo.” Jake caught the flicker of hurt in Quintus’ eyes and it took him off guard.
“Your wolf. He knows.” Quintus reflectively glanced into his wine as if he were about to recall a memory, but continued to press Jake about his relationship with Kai. “You have made love?”
“Are you asking me that for real?” Jake asked, angry at himself that he hadn’t yet showered.
“But of course I scent her on you. I cannot be one hundred percent certain, but…”
“Enough, Quint. Okay, yeah…so we’ve been together, but I’ve already explained this to her. This is just a fling. Nothing heavy. I’m helping her out of a sitch and I’ve gotta go to Cali anyway. Two people helping each other out. That’s all it is. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
“It must be nice.” Quintus laughed and took a sip of his wine.
“What now?” Jake glanced to the food and then up the steps. He didn’t want to be rude but he was starving.
“To be utterly in the dark, not accepting fate.”
Jake glared at Quintus, ripping off another piece of bread and shoving it into his mouth.
“Let me put it another way to you. Suppose I am her master. Perhaps I shall make love to her. See if she bonds with me.”
“Don’t you even fucking think of touching her,” Jake growled, nearly choking on his food. Anger speared through him at the suggestion.
“Just a fling. That’s what you said.”
“Fuck you.”
“She’s had my blood, after all. Perhaps I need to taste hers.” Quintus cocked his head and gave Jake a broad smile. “Maybe I am her master.”
“You are not her fucking master.” I am. Jake shot to his feet, blood rushing to his face. “She’s mine, Quint. I’ll kill you if you touch her.”
“And there ya go.” Quintus laughed. “You know, I’m so glad to be back in New Orleans. Best creole ever. What’s she doing up there anyway?”
The asshole had baited him, making it difficult to ignore Quintus’ theory. Jake exhaled, reining in his anger and changed the subject. “We need to talk about tonight.”
“Yes, yes. The Serpent’s Breath. You know it’s changed hands many times, this past century. Its management has been difficult to say the least.”
“I though Kade had jurisdiction.”
“The borders are blurred. With it being in Iberville’s parish, it’s within the Baton Rouge limits. The leadership up there, it varies city to city.”
“Yes, up toward St. Gabriel. So what’s the deal?”
“Kade tells me a vampire named Jonathon’s running things.”
“And?” Jake heard the creaking floorboards, but continued with the conversation.
“He’s into Voodoo. Has quite the reputation for killing on a whim. Peculiar fellow. Has a bit of a temper. Not as old or as powerful as Kasdeya. Or me.”
“Could work to our advantage. Guess he’s like most vamps. No offense if I’m over generalizing, but y’all are a competitive bunch. Vamp eat vamp so to speak.” Jake cracked a small smile, sensing the irritation in Quintus’ expression.
“We are not petty,” he asserted.
“You’re competitive. There’s a difference. You have sires but no allegiance to anyone but yourselves. You know that if Jonathon had the chance, he’d try to take down Kade. But instead, he’s lying in the outskirts. So maybe he’s not as powerful. Maybe he wants to help us take down Kasdeya? Score a few points.”
“Make no mistake. Kade isn’t to be trifled with. I’m his sire once removed.”
“Yes, but he doesn’t fly around like you and Leo.”
“Fly around?” Quintus rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. “We do not fly around.”
“Disappear. Reappear. It’s like a fucking magic show.”
“We materialize, shifting our atoms, into a new location. It’s very simple.”
“Yeah, it’s not normal. Not even for you vamps. Don’t even try to tell me that bullshit because in all my years I’ve only seen you and Leo do it.”
“We are but the tip of the iceberg, my friend,” Quintus commented but explained no further.
“Jonathon? He probably doesn’t materialize. You’re stronger. We should be safe. But my concern is…” Jake lost concentration as Kai descended the stairs, wearing only his t-shirt. Her pointed tips strained against the white fabric. His cock stirred as his gorgeous creature smiled at him. But as her eyes went to Quintus, jealousy flared. Jake fought the urge to cover her up, aware that it would give credence to the vampire’s insistence that he was her master.
Jake rose from the table, going straight to her. He paused, resisting the attraction. Touching her would make it harder to separate after he found her sister. As she closed the distance, their eyes connected. Jake sucked a breath as she wrapped her arms around him, and his heart tightened.
“Jake,” she whispered, burying her nose into his chest.
Her hands wandered up his back, and his dick lengthened. She glanced up to him, her molten eyes smiling into his. He shouldn’t kiss her again, he knew, but the instinct rose from within, and his mouth found hers.
She moaned, and he hardened to concrete, pulling her closer. His hand slid over her bottom, his fingers teasing the edge of the shirt until he palmed a fleshy globe.
A low laugh broke his concentration, and he glanced to Quintus, who wore a smile. The vampire’s heated expression told him that he was enjoying the show, his eyes falling to her bared ass. Jake slowly broke the kiss, his eyes locked on hers.
“I think we’d better eat something, sweetheart, before we don’t get through dinner.”
“Maybe I’m not hungry for food.” Kai winked, giving a flirtatious smile. As she turned, she grazed her ass over the hardened bulge in his sweats.
Jake grunted as his girl wiggled against him, her arousal drifting into his senses. My girl enjoys a little public play. Interesting. He clasped his arm around her belly, stilling her movement.
“Don’t stop on my account.” Quintus laughed. “I always did enjoy a dinner show.”
“Hmm…I wish we could just stay here tonight.” The back of her head lolled onto his chest.
“We’ll be back soon enough. Tonight we get the Kris. Tomorrow, we need to go to the west coast. I have to find out what the hell is going on with Anzober Wolves, and we need to find your sister.” As soon as the words left his mouth, the mood turned somber. He glanced to the food and ushered her to the table. “Come sit.”
“Where are we going tonight?” she asked.
“A vampire club. It’s up in Iberville. A bit of a ride. We’ll take the limo.” Jake gestured to a seat, waiting until Kai sat before he joined her.
“This Jonathon. I’ve heard he’s slick.” Quintus nodded, reaching to scoop the jambalaya onto his plate. “Don’t be surprised at what you see.”
“We don’t even know the Kris is going to be there. For all we know, the bitch is leading us on a wild goose chase.” Jake slid a glass of wine to Kai.
“I just don’t get how a knife is going to help protect me. And you do know when I walk in there, the vampires are going to sense me. They’ll know I’m not a wolf or a vamp.”
“True, but they won’t know what you are,” Quintus responded.
“He’s right. Hell, I didn’t even hear of a pixiu until today.” Jake reached for a spoon and served the creole onto their plates. “We go in strong. Stick together. Once we find Jonathon, you and I will negotiate. Quintus will look out for trouble. The other vamps won’t mess with him.”
“But how do we even know he has it?” she asked, stabbing a shrimp with her fork and putting it into her mouth. Moaning, she smiled at Jake. “This is so good.”
“Thank Quint over there. His food game has been on point lately.”
Kai laughed and continued to eat.
“We don’t know he has it. We don’t know anything about what we’re getting into and frankly, I still am not buying this shit with Ilsbeth. But we’ve got to give it a try because it’s our only lead.”
“It’s possible this athame…it has a spell connected to it,” Quintus suggested.
“Which again…no one seems to know where that spell might be.”
“We have to get my book,” Kai interjected. “Maybe there is something about the Kris in it.”
“How much of it have you read?” Jake questioned.
“Some, but you must understand. I’ve only done it on the rare occasion over the century.” Kai’s eyes went to Quintus. “There’s a book my parents gave me. I lost it in San Francisco. Left it in my hotel room before I went to see Kasdeya.”
“Why didn’t you read it all?” Quintus asked.
“I didn’t want to draw attention to myself. I was afraid if I said any of the words…even read them, that I could cause something to happen. I know very little of pixiu. And as far as I was concerned, I was undetectable. I never thought my sister would go missing. Or that there was a possibility I’d ever shift.” Kai shook her head in disbelief. “I still can’t accept that’s going to happen. I mean, I’ve always known there was something in me, but to think I’d transform? No way.”
“We’re going to have to deal with that too, but first things first. Tonight we go to see Jonathon. Get the knife.”
“Negotiate,” Quintus stated.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Kai asked.
“Vampires are like cats.” Jake shrugged.
“Not exactly,” Quintus said. “But we do enjoy the chase.”
“They like to play.” Jake rolled his eyes.
“Chase.”
“Don’t listen to him. They’re like cats. Sometimes they just bat their victim around a bit. Other times they kill it.” Jake looked to Kai, a serious expression crossing his face. “You stay with me. Do not leave or wander. I know you think you can just puff out of there, but you don’t know how you’re going to feel in a room full of bloodsuckers.” Jake glanced to Quintus. “No offense.”
“None taken.” Quintus sipped his wine thoughtfully. “Jake’s right. Jonathon will want something in return.”
“Money?” she asked.
“Could be anything. Whatever you do, don’t let him in on your powers,” Quintus told her.
“Tell them you’re a witch. For as long as we’re in there, they won’t know the difference,” Jake said.
“I can’t believe we’re going to do this.” Kai pressed her lips together, holding her breath for several seconds before continuing. “I’m going to need something to wear.”
“Tabitha will be here in a few minutes.”
“Who?” Kai asked, gripping her fork tight.
“She’s a friend. She owns a few shops downtown. She’ll get you set up.” Jake glossed over the fact that he’d slept with the she-wolf. He’d known it wasn’t the optimal situation but she was the best person to assist with clothing and there was no way in hell he was letting Kai go shopping out of the house. They already were in enough danger without her stirring up supernatural interest.
“I see,” she responded in a cold tone.
“We have about an hour and a half before we go. Logan knows we’re going to see Jonathon.”
“As does Kade. If anything happens, I’m taking you both out of there.”
“He’s right,” Jake agreed. “I’ll entertain reasonable offers to get the Kris. But for all we know he doesn’t even have it. Jonathon has a reputation for being an asshole, not a liar. So if he says he doesn’t have it, we’ll go back to Sam.”
“Today what she said…about me. I could shift. What if it…”
“It’s not going to happen tonight. If I had to guess, something’s going to kick it off. Just like you being bitten gave you the will to materialize.”
“Your powers have always been there, Kai. You may be taking longer but you will shift,” Quintus said.
“How do you know about me?” She set her eyes on the vampire, her intense stare curious.
“I knew someone once.” Quintus wiped his mouth, and gave a small closed smile as if pained by his words. “Hey, it doesn’t matter how I know. I just do, okay? And contrary to popular opinion, I’m not always an asshole.”
“None of our business,” Jake replied, sensing that whatever was going on with Quintus edged around some deep-seated issue. When he’d first met the vamp in New York he’d thought him to be an egotistical psychopath. Far from it, Quintus appeared driven by a clandestine mission, a moral warrior on a quest. “But let’s not forget, Sam also knew what you were, so while you’re rare, some people know what you are. Kasdeya already tasted your blood. Maybe thinking it could bring her fortune? But it seems like if it were just as easy as draining you, she would have kept you in San Francisco before you had a chance to puff. It’s almost like she was looking for something.”
“The Kris?” she asked.
“Possibly. I can’t imagine what she’d want it for but she isn’t getting it. And above all else, they’re not getting you.”
The doorbell rang, and Jake shoved to his feet. He crossed the room, peering through the security hole before opening the door. The perky brunette she-wolf wrapped her arms around him, still holding shopping bags in her hands. He gave her a hug and quickly released her.
“Come in.” Jake ushered her toward the kitchen. “Thank you for bringing the things. Um…this is my friend…”
“Kai,” she interjected.
“Kai, this is Tabitha. Tabitha. Kai.” Jake sensed her displeasure, yet he’d made the right choice. He could trust Tabitha to keep her mouth shut.
Quintus stood, extending his hand. “May I help you with your things?”
“Nice to meet you,” Tabitha said, wearing a confused expression.
“It’s okay, Tabitha. Quint he’s, uh…” Dangerous. Lethal. “A friend.”
“I think we can manage.” Tabitha eyed Kai, and Jake suspected she was sizing up her competition.
“Please, let me,” Kai said.
“I don’t mean to be rude, Tabby, but time is short. I’m sure Kai can manage.”
“No, no, darlin’. I insist on helping your guest with her things. I know you told me her size but better safe than sorry. These may be a little too big.”
“It’s fine, really,” Kai insisted, reaching for the clothes. Tabitha clutched the bag to her chest, her focus on Jake.
“Fine, but we don’t have all day,” he said. “Y’all can use the guest room.”
“See? That was easy. Come along, now,” Tabitha said, brushing past Kai.
Jake caught the pain that flashed in Kai’s eyes. It was quickly replaced with an icy indifference. She shook her head and moved toward the stairs. Jake reached to her but she tugged her arm out of his reach.
“Kai,” Jake said, unsure of what to say to her.
“I’ll get ready,” she responded, not looking backwards as she ascended after the she-wolf.
He turned to Quintus, who wore a broad smile.
“What?” Jake shrugged, lifting both palms upward.
“Nothing.” The vampire began to laugh as he cleared the table.
“What the fuck is so funny?”
“You may be an Alpha but you sure do have a lot to learn about women.”
“What do you know?” Jake reached for his glass of wine, aware Kai was jealous of Tabitha.
“Where shall I begin? You just fucked one girl, and you invited a lover over to dress her? Good stuff.” Quintus chuckled. “You got big cojones. I’ll give ya that.”
“Oh that.”
“Oh that, he says.”
“Well, I know Tabitha pretty well.”
“You seemed to know Holly too.”
“She was a momentary lapse in judgement a few decades ago. Believe me, I’ve sworn off witches.”
“But what about pretty little Tabby cat?”
Jake blew out a breath and scrubbed his hand over his chin. “She’s a wolf. We have an arrangement. Friends with benefits kind of thing.”
“Yeah, okay.” Quintus raised his eyebrows, his tone laced with doubt.
“She’s not my mate. And she owns a few stores. Who the hell else am I supposed to call? I’m a guy. I don’t do clothes stuff. I pay someone to dress me.”
“Good luck later.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“It means, your pixiu is not happy. You know that saying, ‘happy wife, happy life’?”
“Hold the train, vamp senior. That woman upstairs. No, that creature. She’s not my mate, let alone a wife. That’s a human thing anyway. Maybe you vamps get married but us wolves…yeah, no.”
“I think you, my friend, are in denial. But perhaps you just need time. Becoming Alpha. Even I’ll admit it’s a lot for a guy to take.”
“I’ve gotta get dressed,” Jake said, ignoring Quintus. What the hell is taking Tabitha so long?
As he stepped into the foyer, the she-wolf bounded down the stairs. He nodded as she approached, and headed to the front door.
“Thank you for coming over on such short notice.” Jake curled his fingers around the handle. Quintus was right. This had been a mistake, at least as far as his relationship with Kai was concerned.
“So what’s going on?” Tabitha reached for his hand and he stepped backward. “Are you dating this woman? She’s not even a wolf.”
“I’m helping her.”
“Helping her? Really? Is that what they call it? Because I could scent you all over her.” Tabitha sniffed. “What is she anyway?”
“It doesn’t matter what she is. And you’re going to keep this quiet.”
“Yeah, well maybe I will or maybe I won’t. I can’t believe you’re fucking a witch, after everything Dimitri went through.”
“Lower your voice, woman. I’m telling you right now, and this is as good as Logan speaking, if you breathe a word of this to anyone else in the pack, you’re going to face consequences. This is a serious matter.”
Tabitha crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, her lips pursed in anger.
“Not a fucking word, Tabby. You hear me? You and I, when this is all over, we’ll sort things, but we are not mates, so cut the shit.”
“You’re such an asshole.”
“Yeah, I am. But you will listen or you’ll find yourself in a shitload of trouble with Logan.”
“But she’s not even pretty. You shouldn’t be with a witch.”
Tabitha went to reach for him, but Jake backed away again, opening the door. “We’ll talk when I get back.”
“Fine. I won’t say anything but when you get done with this slut, you have a real wolf waiting for you.”
Jake gestured for her to leave. Tabitha exited, giving a curt wave as she did so. He closed the door and shook his head. Jesus Christ. Fucking women. As he glanced up the staircase, guilt settled in his stomach. Kai would be pissed but they both knew the score when they’d had sex. He could only mate with other wolves, so there was no use in getting emotionally attached. Trouble was that his wolf couldn’t get enough of her, and he’d already invested in saving his beautiful creature and her sister.
Jake sighed, attempting to shake off the uneasy feeling creeping into his chest. Emotions were messy, distracting. Tonight he needed to focus. Jonathon was not to be trifled with and although Quintus was lethal in his own right, they’d be outnumbered. His coven of vampires would be well represented. As Jake trod upstairs, he grew determined to get the Kris, praying like hell it would help Kai and they could go get her sister.