Chapter Five
Jake shut the door tight, and sucked a breath. The scent of her desire called to him, his wolf pacing with regret as he walked away. Jesus fucking Christ, he cursed inwardly. He glanced to his hard-on and adjusted his cock.
When he’d woken this morning, he’d sworn not to touch her again. Last night had been a lapse in judgement. Jake struggled to understand why the hell he was so damn attracted to her. Despite the shit storm at the party, his protective instinct roared, and he couldn’t simply turn her over to Logan. If he didn’t know any better he’d think his wolf knew her, but there was no fucking way. Wolves only mated wolves. Yet the second she knelt onto the bed, presenting herself to him like a king cake on a platter, his cock had hardened to steel.
“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck,” Jake repeated out loud as he attempted to shake off his arousal. “She’s nothing. And even if she were something, she doesn’t belong to you. Help her find her sister and then sort your own mess.”
Jake stopped short at the top of the stairs as the loud clang of a pot sounded from downstairs. What the fuck is it now? Bounding down the steps, skipping every third one, he tore into the kitchen. The smell of fresh pastries hit him as soon as he entered the room. The refrigerator door slammed and the vampire came into view.
“What in the hell are you doing in my house?” Jake asked. He glanced to the plate of food on the counter and shook his head.
“You know…you’re a little uptight for a wolf. Did anybody ever tell you that?” Quintus asked, peeling back the wax paper from a stick of butter. “Where do you keep your utensils?”
“Are you serious?” Jake ignored his question and switched on his coffee maker. He opened the cabinet and snatched a bag of the French chicory.
“You need to relax.” Quintus slid open a drawer and selected a knife, “Ah, this will work.”
“Maybe I’d be a little more relaxed if I didn’t have a certain vampire in my life. No offense but after New York, I never expected we’d cross paths.” Jake opened the coffee, scooping the grounds into the filter and slid it into the machine.
“True. True. I supposed we’d never meet again.”
“You fucking attacked me.”
“As I recall, you were in my town. My club.”
“You threatened Kat,” Jake countered as he added water to the well.
“You misunderstood my intentions.”
“I don’t think so. You wanted to bite her. To drink her blood.”
“Well, yeah. That’s pretty much how it works, wolf. I’m a vampire. Do you need a lesson on our requirements?” Quintus picked up a cinnamon roll and began to spread butter onto it, continuing to lecture Jake in a nonchalant manner. “I drink blood. I need it to survive. Some tastes better than others. Yadda, yadda, yadda. Kat’s was tasty. I think that about covers the basics.”
“What in the hell are you doing here?” Jake blew out a breath, and rummaged through the cabinet for coffee cups.
“Breakfast?” He bit into a pastry and moaned. “So good. I got beignets too. Croissants. Plenty here.”
“Thanks. I guess,” Jake said, a hint of irritation in his voice as he opened the refrigerator in search of cream. “Answer the question. And while you’re at it, how’d you know where I was and how’d you get through the wards?”
“I know lots of things. You don’t get as old as I am without resources. Your wards are good, but not good enough. I’ve spent a lot of time with witches. Picked up a few tricks of my own.”
“What the hell do you want?”
“I want to discuss the female you brought home with you.” Quintus made his way to the kitchen table, sat down on a chair and popped the remaining bite of food into his mouth.
The hair on the back of Jake’s neck stood at the mention of Kai. His wolf growled in warning, threatening to shift.
Quintus held up a defensive hand. “Settle down there, Alpha. I’m not here to harm her. Or you.”
“What in the fuck is wrong with everyone? I’m Jake. Jake Louvière. Wolf. Not a beta. Not a fucking Alpha. Jesus, already, will you all stop?” As long as his feet were on Acadian soil, he’d never consider himself Alpha. Having Kai and Quintus call him by that title bored a hole in his stomach. Jax’s words never left his mind, but until he led a pack, he wasn’t Alpha.
“I’m very old, you know.” Quintus raised an eyebrow at Jake.
“So you keep tellin’ me. Coffee?”
“Please.” Quintus nodded. “You know, I’ve been around Alphas in the making.”
“Yeah, so have I. Logan. He’s my Alpha.” Jake poured two coffees and set them on the kitchen table.
“Jax knew, didn’t he?” the vampire pressed.
“Why are we doing this?” Jake opened the refrigerator, retrieved the cream and handed it to the vampire.
“We’re doing this because we’re going to work together to help the woman in your bed.”
“How the hell did you know she was in my bed?” Jake held up a silencing palm. “You know what? Don’t tell me. I don’t wanna know. I’m good.”
“She’s a special creature. She must be protected.”
“Yeah well, I can see she’s got special witch-like powers goin’ on. What I don’t get is all the secrets. I’m kinda getting sick of this shit.” Jake sat down at the table facing Quintus and sipped his coffee.
“Her sister. She’s alive. I sense her but I cannot find her. You must help.”
“Why do you care? What’s your involvement in this show?” Jake asked, his eyes locked on Quintus.
“The female. She’s very special.”
“Yeah. I got that.”
“She’s rare. A unique being among us. Her powers, they can be used by others.”
“All I know is that she’s scared. Last night, she was freaking out. Something about all the supernaturals.” Jake sighed in frustration. “Would you just do me a fucking favor, okay? Tell me what she is. Why all the secrecy? I can’t help her if I don’t have all the pieces of the puzzle.”
“I am not permitted to tell you.”
“Seriously?” Jake scrubbed his chin. “I can’t do this. All this shit is for the fucking birds. No. You want my help? Then you need to tell me what the hell is going on.”
“It is not my place. I’m sworn to silence on this. And I ask you, do you really want to hear it from me?” Quintus cocked his head and gave him a pointed stare.
Silence drifted between them as Jake pondered the question. Fucking vampires with their condescending attitudes. He knew the answer. After having Kai within his arms, he’d only be satisfied with the truth from her lips.
“Can you at least tell me your involvement in this mess? Last night…those wolves seemed to know you. That demon, whatever the hell it was, it knew to go after you first before Kai,” Jake noted.
“I have many enemies. But this evil that comes for her? It knows I am a protector…as it now knows of your existence. You see, Kai,” the vampire paused, as if to listen, and lowered his voice, “she doesn’t know of my place in this. There is a vampire on the west coast who seeks to kill her, she’s dangerous. Not just to Kai, but to other vampires, wolves…she rules over many species within her territory. She does so with an iron fist. She’s brutal beyond comprehension.”
“So I take it she’s as old as you?” Jake asked.
“Quite, if not more so. You asked how I got through your wards. My long life has given me both the opportunity and means to explore the craft. The one of whom I speak…Kasdeya. She is a master of the dark arts. Over the years, I’ve taken care to help keep Kai and Shilan hidden. If their powers are stolen…this will be very bad for everyone, supernaturals and humans alike.”
“Does Kai know?”
“She doesn’t know that I’ve helped her, but I believe the Elders have told her about me. The night in the bayou. I sensed her distress, but it’s the first time we’ve met.”
“She was injured.”
“Yes, and it’s the first time she’s materialized.”
“I thought you just said she was powerful.”
“Very much so, but she’s been hidden for so long. She doesn’t practice her powers. Hasn’t transformed yet.”
“Transformed? Into what?” Jake’s concern grew at Quintus’ statement. He’d been certain she wasn’t a shifter.
“Her true powers will reveal themselves in time. Like a seedling, she requires care and attention, protection from the elements yet freedom to explore. Her sister, Shilan, she’s similar to Kai but not the same kind.”
“The other night in the bayou. She’d been bitten. What did that?”
“Kasdeya. I suspect Kai went to plead for her assistance. Foolish,” Quintus scoffed, standing from the table. He crossed the room and reached for the plate of beignets. “Now that she’s tasted her blood, she will not give up searching.”
“The demon? Was that her?”
“Yes, I suspect so. It’s a demon-like apparition. A form of Kasdeya. While her physical presence remains in San Francisco, these demons, the ghosts if you will, they search for Kai. She’s vulnerable without the spell. Especially in New Orleans.” Quintus set the plate on the table and sat down again.
“What about the wolves?”
“Probably just rogues for hire.”
“She asked to see Ilsbeth,” Jake told him. There was no fucking way he was going to see the witch.
“The witch is dangerous. She was responsible for what happened in New York. Mick may have carried out her deeds but she’d spurred his creation. She’d taught him.”
“That bitch has been doing bad things as long as I’ve known her. She blackmails people into giving them pieces of their bodies, their souls. She’s got a whole mad scientist lab goin’ over at her place. Dimitri gave her fur from his wolf. She’s got vampire fangs. I think Ilsbeth already did something to Kai. Her blood. Have you seen it?”
Quintus nodded, reached for a mug and sipped his coffee.
“It’s gold. Who the hell bleeds gold?” Jake asked. He threw his head backwards and blew out a breath. “This is some freaky shit. I’m tellin’ you right now, Quint. You might as well know. Logan is going to be coming over here in about forty-five minutes and he’s going to want to interrogate Kai. And I must be losing my fucking mind because I’m about to text him and tell him not to come over. You know damn well I shouldn’t do that. I’m a fucking idiot for getting involved with her. What wolf tells their Alpha no?”
“One who is also an Alpha,” Quintus countered. He picked up a white powdered treat and bit into it. “Goddess, I missed these things. They don’t make them like this anywhere in the world.”
Jake stared out the windows onto the horizon, contemplating the vampire’s statement. Alpha. Although it may have been true, Acadian Wolves was not his pack to lead.
“I can’t let her see Ilsbeth,” Jake stated, his mind drawn back to the witch.
“I agree. But it’s very possible there are no others who can help Kai.”
“Have you even seen Ilsbeth?” Jake asked. He reached for a beignet and pointed it at Quintus. “Because three months ago, when I found her, she was a shell. And when I say a shell, I mean she didn’t recognize me, wasn’t speaking. Just naked and shaking out in the middle of the fucking woods. I don’t even know how the hell she got there.”
“Why didn’t you kill her?”
“Because,” he paused; his lips tensed as he recalled the dichotomy of emotion that had seized him when he’d found her, “I’ve been around a long time too, Quint. I’ve been to war. I’ve seen the very best and the very worst in people. I’ve seen kids who carried bombs into villages, knowing they’d kill others. But I’ve also seen these same kids, you know, before they were forced into a life of death. They weren’t born evil. And Ilsbeth? Despite what she did to Dimitri, and it was as evil as you get, she tried to fix things. She tried to stop Mick. And before that, she’s helped Kade over the years. I don’t know…it wasn’t up to me to kill her.”
“So you’re saying she’s pure?” Quintus gave a skeptical laugh.
“Hell no. She’s one manipulative bitch. But her last act had been one of benevolence, so to speak. Forced to make a choice, I chose mercy. It wasn’t an easy decision, man, trust me.”
“And this is why you will be Alpha.”
“Ilsbeth is alive,” Jake continued, ignoring him. “But I’m tellin’ you, there’s no way the coven was taking her back the way she was, not as witch anyway. Honestly, I don’t think she’d be breathin’ had Jax suspected she held any power.”
“Kai needs a spell,” Quintus stated. “You both need each other. Finding Shilan will not prove easy. But it’s going to be even more difficult if she’s not cloaked. Her power is like a beacon to others. Kasdeya is not the only vampire who will seek to taste her. Others, they may seek her out. There’s no telling what could happen.”
“I’ll call Luca Macquarie’s mate, Samantha. She’s powerful.”
“But she’s new.”
“Maybe, but she’s heading up the coven down here. I hear the vamp isn’t too happy about it either.” Jake bit down into the sugary delight.
“Luca has always been a bit protective but he’ll have no choice but to help Kai. I will see to it.”
“Listen, I have to ask you. What went down in New York? It’s not like you’re small change. Why don’t you just help Kai on your own? Leave me out of it.”
“I have many powers, this is true. But if wolves have stolen or hidden Shilan, it would be easier for a wolf to find her. You’re an Alpha. Your dominance over the actions of the pack is essential. I can tear a wolf limb from limb…”
“Easy,” Jake coughed.
“Well, this is true. And if it’s a human, I can drain them until there is nothing but skin.”
“Jesus.” Jake held up the pastry. “Breakfast. Eating.”
“You get my point. I can fight. This I can do. But the wolves, I cannot make them tell me anything, and then there is Kasdeya. Her craft is strong. She’s grown powerful over the years. To go against her alone? Perhaps I will win. But she holds many secrets. I need an ally and so do you.”
“And in the end, we are doing all this to save some glow chick?”
“As I’ve said, I cannot disclose everything to you now. Kai must choose to trust you. If her gift falls into the wrong hands, packs across the country will be at risk.”
“If this is true, why not tell Logan?”
“Because he is Alpha of Acadian wolves. You, however, are the Alpha of Anzober Wolves.” Quintus held a palm up, silencing the expected protest. “I felt your strength in New York, as did Jax. You may not have accepted your destiny, but you soon won’t be able to deny it. Your beast rises.”
Jake turned his gaze to the Mississippi, the sun reflecting off its surface. New Orleans had always been his home, yet his wolf had changed. No longer would it be satisfied to be counted equal within the pack. It sought to lead, and would roam to find its own fate.
“Your connection with Kai, I cannot be certain, but she is drawn to you for other reasons. Your magick complements hers.”
Jake’s focus snapped back to Quintus, quickly inferring his meaning. “Hold up there. If you’re saying what I think you’re trying to say…no. She’s not my mate. I don’t know what the hell she is but she’s not a wolf.”
“I’m not saying that. I’m only saying you may have a connection. There are many things we cannot explain. It is too soon to tell,” Quintus countered.
“It’s simple. Wolves only mate with wolves, and Kai isn’t lupine. We may have some cosmic tie through the universe but it’s no different than you and me. And hell, we aren’t even friends.”
“Don’t discount the possibility. We just shared a meal. Who knows what else we shall share?” Quintus laughed.
“You’re as full of secrets as Kai is. When the two of you start sharing with me, then we’ll talk about being friends.”
“Speaking of which, the house is quiet. Where is she?” Quintus asked.
Jake closed his eyes, panic rising in his chest. He’d heard the shower running when he’d made the coffee, and noted the creaking above him while they’d talked. Yet the distinctive sound of silence filled the room, and as he concentrated, reaching for her as if she were a wolf, he knew for certain she’d disappeared.
“She’s gone.” Jake’s eyes flew wide open and locked on the vampire. “How the hell did she get out of here?”
Quintus smiled and shook his head. “The same way she got from California to New Orleans. She’s testing her abilities.”
“Why the hell did she leave? I told her I’d help her.” Jake slammed his palms onto the kitchen table, and stood. He strode over to the sliding patio doors and pressed his hands to the glass. Ilsbeth. “The witch. Kai heard us talking. I told her we weren’t going.”
“She’s strong. Determined.”
“She’s got a death wish. Look Quintus, I know you’ve been out of things for a while. I heard as much from Jax. But I’m tellin’ ya, Ilsbeth is not to be messed with.”
Quintus pressed onto his feet and approached Jake. “She’s in New Orleans. Where would Kai go first?”
“Well, considering she had nothing to wear, who the hell knows? But given this is New Orleans, depending where she is, no one may pay her any mind.” Frustrated, he sighed. He’d pushed her this morning, denying her sex. He’d sensed her desire. It had taken everything for him to walk away from her. “Jesus Christ. You know she could be anywhere.”
“Where’s the witch?”
“Leo said something about Samantha taking care of her but there’s no way Luca would have her at his place. No way. Not with the new baby. Ilsbeth used to have a mansion in the Garden District, but I heard they’d renovated it after things went to shit in New York. The place…” Jake recalled searching her home with Jax and Katrina. It had been a labyrinth of magick and secret passageways. “Let me call Sam and Luca. See if they know where she’s at. I doubt Logan even knows, because none of us wanted anything to do with her.”
“Jake,” Quintus said, stroking his beard. His eyes went to the wolf.
“Yeah?”
“Kai’s going to need you. What she did today? Materializing, it’s only the beginning. Like a caterpillar, she will morph. It may be that her spell is broken. Or perhaps the energy of this city has called to her, but her abilities will grow. She will need your guidance.”
“You keep talkin’ like that but again, she’s not a wolf.” Jake reached for his cell phone and slid a finger across the glass.
“She will reveal herself to you. She’s a chosen creature. Fierce yet fragile. One in need of a master.”
“Did you ever hear the expression, ‘less is more’? Ya see, that right there. This ‘chosen creature’ bullshit. That’s where you lose me. Now maybe you weren’t born one but even y’all vamps are made. Shifters are bred. Witches are born, with rare exceptions like Sam.”
“The Goddess, she chooses. You will see, Alpha.” Quint gave a knowing smile, but didn’t elaborate.
Jake shook his head, frustrated with the vampire’s enigmatic words. He wasn’t convinced Kai would ever tell him what she was, and although he didn’t necessarily trust Quintus, the vampire had proven himself to be an ally in the past. Kai would have to learn to trust him if he was going to help her. Submission was instinctive to most wolves yet she had no such heritage. His wolf growled, asserting his dominance, and Jake suspected he’d enjoy making her submit.