by Kym Grosso
Jax gestured for them to descend, and Katrina looked up to him, uncertainty registering in her expression. In her human form, as lupine, she could see in the darkness, but she’d never willingly step into a pitch black cavern, one that appeared as ancient as the vampire they were going to visit. Trusting the Alpha, she followed him into the confined space, startled as the exit sealed shut behind them. With her hands on Jax’s shirt, she blindly put one foot in front of the other.
The sound of the heavy bass alerted her that they were no longer alone. A splash of scarlet-red light appeared as they stepped into a vestibule. Katrina took in the sight of the black granite lobby. White silk fabric lined with strings of lights hung in columns from the ceiling. A clatter echoed in the foyer as a thin tall man passed through a waterfall of iridescent glass beads. Dressed only in black satin pants, his pale skin appeared translucent. He addressed Jax, but made no eye contact with Katrina. Black and silver flecks floated in his red irises. As he spoke, he licked at the crusted brown substance in the corners of his mouth. He shot her a vile smile, and she noted the black lines running down his teeth.
Katrina didn’t scare easily. Over the years she’d been exposed to many different creatures in her brother’s nightclub. From vampires to witches, she’d interacted with both good and evil. But as she watched the creature speak to Jax, the hair stood up on the back of her neck, chills rolling over her skin. Sensing an otherworldly vibe from the maître d, she wondered if he’d been possessed. Her hand found its way to Jax’s shirt. Seeking contact with her protector, she breathed out the dread that had crept over her. Comforted by the warmth of Jake at her back, she never took her sight off of the macabre greeter.
“He’s expecting you, Mr. Chandler.”
“Indeed,” Jax replied.
“This way.” The thin man granted Katrina a sinister stare before turning back through the beaded entryway.
“Stay close,” Jax whispered in her ear, taking her hand.
Katrina nodded, suspecting that whatever lay in the other room would be both dark and abominable. She caught a glimpse of Jake’s tense expression, but Finn remained impassive. With her curiosity piqued after Jax had easily gained them entry, Katrina resisted asking how well he knew Quintus.
Her questions faded as they pressed through the shimmering baubles and entered the bar. The pulsing bass of techno music resonated under the soles of her boots. Unshaken, Katrina scanned the club for the vampire. Brick walls adorned with rusty hooks and chains surrounded a triangular bar, its shiny tinned surface littered with glasses and ashtrays.
Patrons of various ages ignored their entrance. Katrina noted that most of the women wore little clothing, baring their breasts, and the men followed suit. Her attention went to a woman who stood spread eagled atop bar stools. With her hands bound to the ceiling, each high-heeled foot was set firmly onto a seat. Men took turns licking between her legs. A trickle of blood ran down her thigh, a vampire at her hips. Screaming in ecstasy, she writhed toward the waiting mouths.
They weaved their way throughout the sea of dancing bodies. As they approached the back of the club, a woman, perched on her hands and knees, grunted, her fangs solidly embedded into the arm of a waif who lay dazed on a red velvet sofa. From behind her, a man buried his cock into the vampire, his eyes glazed over in a hedonistic frenzy.
Katrina’s heart pounded against her ribs, her breath quickening. A firm stroke of Jax’s thumb to her palm told her he sensed her unease. He responded with a wave of power, reminding Katrina that he’d protect her. Whatever happened, Jax Chandler was every bit as deadly as the creatures that slithered in the night.
In an instant, the music rolled back into a quiet thump, and flaring lights blinded Katrina. Disoriented, she held tight to Jax, immediately detecting the vampire’s presence. Quintus.
“Jax,” Katrina heard a distinctive male voice call. The familiar Italian accent caught her attention.
Jax released her hand, readying to approach the dark figure. He nodded to Finn and Jake, who immediately flanked Katrina, taking her hands.
As his face came into view, Katrina recognized the attractive vampire. Dressed in black leather, he appeared larger than life. His beard had been trimmed close, the penetrating gaze of his black eyes bored into her. She noted the brief glint of recognition that flashed right before he diverted his focus to Jax. Despite the tension, instinct told her he wouldn’t hurt her.
“Quintus,” Jax nodded, acknowledging his presence.
“Fucking with demons isn’t good for your health, my friend,” Quintus commented, his attention darting to Katrina and back to the Alpha.
“I hear they captured you as well,” Jax countered.
“It’s been a long time, Alpha.” A corner of his mouth ticked upward.
“That it has. Perhaps this time, we work together?” Jax glanced to Katrina, who tore her hand from Jake’s.
“Ah, Katrina, my lovely little savior.” Quintus smiled.
“She’s mine, Quint. These things…” Jax stepped in front of Katrina, blocking her view, “…they must be stopped.”
“You’ll get no argument from me. However, my existence is unaffected by their actions. It seems to me that you’re the one with the problem. You see,” Quintus gave Jax a slick grin, easing toward Katrina, “it’s the Alpha’s sister they want. She’s special.”
Katrina’s heart raced as he brushed his roughened finger over her cheek. Before she could respond, Jake had shoved her out of the way, clutching Quintus’ arm. She screamed as the vampire took Jake into his grip. With his arm around the wolf’s neck, he dragged his fangs over his throat, drawing a bubbling line of blood.
“No!” she screamed. Katrina attempted to rush to Jake’s aid, but was restrained by Finn. “Get off me.”
“Quintus, no,” Jax ordered.
“This wolf,” Quintus stated, licking the sanguine fluid over his lips. “He’s not yours. His Acadian blood…how I do love the taste of a virile wolf.”
“Leave him be,” Jax insisted. “He’s learning, testing his new role. It’s Katrina. He’s protective of her. Please, show mercy so we can continue.”
“Don’t hurt him,” Katrina cried. With a strength she didn’t realize she possessed, she elbowed Finn, breaking free of his hold. But as she went to run to Jake, Jax commanded her.
“Do. Not. Move.” Jax held his hand out to stop her.
The rush of his command slammed into Katrina, and she heaved for breath. She’d never experienced the negative energy that could be utilized by an Alpha. Clutching her gut, her eyes teared. Despite the passion she’d felt earlier for Jax, she hated him for attempting to force her submission. Refusing to lower her eyes, she glared at Jax in defiance.
“No, Jax.” Katrina stopped cold, her voice a shaken whisper. Although he’d overpowered her, she refused to submit when Jake’s life was at stake. “Maybe I was wrong about…”
“Don’t interfere,” Jax warned.
“Quintus.” Katrina’s scolding tone morphed into a soft plea, begging for mercy. “Please. Jake is my friend. He meant no harm.”
“Ah, bella, what they did. I could not let them have you.” Quintus’ hold on Jake loosened and the wolf gasped for breath.
“I never expected you to save me that day.” Katrina wiped the moisture from her cheek as she recalled what had happened. “I just knew I had to save you. One of us had to get out of there.”
“Cara mia, I was a fool. I should’ve known when I saw her…it was too good to be true.” Quintus shoved Jake to the floor, and took a seat in a large leather chair.
Katrina noted the change in the vampire’s demeanor and speculated that he spoke of someone he’d lost long ago. Slowly, she backed away, noting that Jake was unhurt. Jax’s eyes narrowed on her, his displeasure evident.
“I need your help, Quint,” Jax stated, his gaze remaining locked on Katrina. “We need your help. This thing, these demons, whatever the fuck they are…they’re trying to kill her.”
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br /> “I see, and your interest in her?” Quintus spread his legs open, lounging backward. He paused, contemplating his words, and stroked his beard. “What is she to you? Don’t fuck with me, Jax.”
“Why do you need to know? Katrina’s relationship to me is no concern of yours,” Jax growled.
“Interesting,” Quintus mused with a small smile. “Why does the great Alpha answer my question with a question?”
“All you need to know is that she’s mine. She belongs to me.”
Katrina seethed at his statement. After tonight, their future was uncertain. She would not mate with an Alpha who could not trust her, one who’d use his power to force her into submission.
“We’ve been friends a long time,” Quintus continued and barked a laugh. “Maybe that’s a stretch. Perhaps, we have a mutually beneficial relationship. Regardless of what you call it, I know you, Chandler…perhaps better than you think.”
“Then you’ll tell me everything you know?” he pressed.
“Sit.” Quintus pointed to the chair next to him. “These two,” he gestured to Jake and Finn, “we talk alone.”
“Go get a drink. Don’t leave her alone,” Jax ordered.
Jake’s mouth closed tight, his lips pursed in anger. Finn’s temple pulsed in concern but he didn’t challenge his Alpha. Finn gestured for Katrina to follow Jake.
Jax expected her to obey, to allow them to talk without her. Katrina’s anxiety rose as she debated her next action. Defying Jax twice would further anger the Alpha. Quintus called her name, requesting her presence, and without asking, she stepped forward.
“She stays. Tell them, Alpha.”
Katrina noted the amusement in Quintus’ eyes even though his mouth revealed no emotion. Jax nodded in acknowledgement, his eyes going to hers. Although he didn’t speak, she sensed his irritation with the vampire.
“I’m fine,” she assured Jake, in the hopes he’d go willingly with Finn.
Jax sat next to Quintus, in a set of matching intricately carved mahogany chairs. The plush leather seats, embroidered with fleur-de-lis, reminded her of New Orleans. With no room to sit, she stood in front of the small round coffee table, protectively crossing her arms.
“Shall we begin again?” Quintus tapped the wood with his fingers and smiled up at Katrina. “Which one of you would like to tell me the nature of your relationship? How exactly does the sister of the Lyceum Wolves’ Alpha come into the company of Jax Chandler?”
“Katrina and I are together because we both were kidnapped,” Jax explained.
“That may be true but there is something else. Now what could that be?” Quintus extended his hand to Katrina. “Come, bella.”
Afraid to look to Jax for approval, she allowed the vampire to take her palm in his. As he pressed his cool lips to her skin, her wolf growled in warning. Katrina attempted to jerk her arm away but he held tight.
“Quid pro quo, my friends. I shall help you in exchange for the truth. And,” he gazed at Katrina and then to Jax, “a taste of her blood.”
“No fucking way.” Jax lurched to his feet. “We’re leaving.”
“Jax, please. We need to know. We need his help,” Katrina pleaded.
“Have you lost your mind?” Jax gritted out, his eyes flared in rage.
“I can tell you about the demons who seek to steal her magick.” Both Jax and Katrina were silenced by his statement, and focused on him. “That’s right, my friend. Her magick.” Quintus brought her palm to his nose and sniffed. “She’s strong this evening, but she’s filled with your energy.”
“No, that can’t be,” Jax protested.
“Ah, it’s true, isn’t it? You’ve been feeding on his strength, haven’t you? Maybe unable to control it? You’re sucking it up like a beautiful little sponge, but sadly,” he reflected, “your own magick, the very essence that makes you shift, come alive into the beautiful creature you are… it’s weak.”
Katrina’s eyes blurred with tears as Quintus confirmed what she’d suspected. She’d felt stronger but it was Jax who’d invigorated her being. She drew on his power, and without him, she’d be unable to sustain her own magick.
“I don’t know what’s happening,” she admitted, her response quiet.
“No, don’t listen to him, Kat. He just wants to feed from you.”
“Indeed I do,” Quintus quipped. “She’s lovely.”
“She’s my mate,” Jax declared.
Katrina shook her head no, wishing he hadn’t provided the information to Quintus.
“Really now?” Quintus laughed in amusement. “But you haven’t mated? She’s unmarked. You didn’t claim her right away. Hmm…well, now, what does that say?”
“It says nothing.” Jax shook his head in annoyance. “It says we’re still trying to figure out what in the hell is going on. Look, Quint, if you can’t give us answers, we’re done here.”
“No,” Katrina interrupted. If they didn’t get the answers they sought, they might never be free. Even in New Orleans, where she’d been less visible to the demons, she suspected they’d eventually find her.
“I said, no. We’re leaving,” Jax replied.
Quintus released a hearty laugh. “The Alpha has indeed met his match. Refreshing to see the almighty Jax Chandler challenged by such a lovely creature. This tells me she must be deadly.” His expression went serious as his gaze washed over Katrina. “You must be careful, my friend. Like many of the world’s most beautiful plants, she could be lethal.”
“This is over. Come on, Kat. We’ll go to New Orleans.” Jax stood.
“No, please.” Katrina tugged her hand away from Quintus and slowly reached for Jax. By the time her palm touched his face, her body hummed with his energy. “He’s right about me. This is your magick you feel, not mine. I need answers. We’re running out of time. Let him bite me. Anything I feel, I will only ever feel for you. It’s not real.”
“I can’t let you do this.” His forehead pressed to hers.
“That’s the thing, Jax….you don’t let me do anything. As much as I want you to be, you aren’t my Alpha yet. I know you don’t want me to get hurt, but I can’t let these things kill you or me. We need answers. And if that means sacrificing, then I need to do this. Please understand.”
“This isn’t a good idea.” Jax’s focus went to the vampire as he considered her argument.
“I want to be free,” she maintained.
“Jesus, this isn’t right. But if we do this, I’m going to be right here with you.”
Katrina gave Jax a small smile as he reluctantly granted his permission.
“Quintus, I give you my blood only. Nothing else, do you understand? Don’t force me to shift,” Katrina warned, unsure what would happen if she panicked. The demons had changed her, and the incident in the woods with Jax served to remind her that they’d infused her with whatever evil they held.
“Jax, you can’t let her do this,” Jake called, hearing every word of their conversation. Finn held him back, and while she understood his concern, there was no turning back.
“Jake, stop.” Katrina held her hand up to him, and focused on Jax. “Stay with me. Don’t leave my side. Quintus won’t hurt me.” Katrina paused, catching the delight in the vampire’s dark smile. “Will you?”
“As a man of honor, I swear it. There’s one thing you should know about me, and I’d think my friend Jax would know this by now; no action is without reason. And your blood,” Quintus reached for her wrist and brought it to his nose, “it’s no different. You saved me once and I save you in return, bella.”
“Tell me now. How do we kill these things?” she asked.
“We’re agreed, Alpha? Knowledge for blood?” Quintus asked, continuing to press his nose to Katrina’s skin.
“Katrina…” Jax began.
Katrina sensed his hesitation. As her eyes locked on his, she attempted to push her magick back at him. Hoping he could feel her strength, she prayed he’d trust her. Although not marked nor bonded as ma
tes, she knew his wolf would likely go feral having any man touch her. But with little choice, desperation sliced through her chest.
“It’s just blood,” she said, her tone confident. No matter how shaken she was inside, she’d never show fear.
“Just blood,” Jax confirmed. “Do not touch her, Quint. It will be the last thing you feel before you die.”
“Agreed?” the vampire asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes,” Jax bit out. “Go. What do you know?”
“Circe,” Quintus stated.
“What?” Katrina asked, confused.
“It’s a who. Greek mythology,” Jax responded, his focus trained on the vampire.
Quintus laughed. “Ah, I always knew you were a smart one.”
“A goddess,” Jax continued.
“Of magick. It was said she turned men into animals. Which is interesting, as you shifters are animals.” Quintus smiled up at Katrina and licked his lips.
“Would you stop with the cryptic answers,” Jax demanded.
“Circe worshippers. They harbor magick, stealing it.”
“But why would anyone do that? Why not just go to witches? They conjure it naturally, both good and bad.”
“Who’s to say they aren’t witches? Some say witches. Some say demons. Not much is known. What you see is an illusion. They shift, indulging in the deception. The torture they practice, the pain and fear, the energy it elicits. They use it.”
“What in the hell for?” Jax asked, scrubbing his chin.
“They have a dark master, one who hasn’t been able to break free of the underworld.”
“Circe? But she can’t be real,” Katrina countered.
“I cannot say one way or another.” Quintus’ tone resounded low and rough. “Whispers. Rumors. Blah. In the end, all the three of us know to be true is what we saw in there. And even then, the illusions…they’re so very real.”
Katrina’s arm broke out in gooseflesh as the chilling tone of Quintus’ voice rolled over her. “Why take me? I’m just a wolf.”
