by Kym Grosso
“Be careful, D. He’s old. Powerful. Does stuff Kade can’t do. Think more like a radioactive Leo. He does the disappearing act. Got all the vamp tricks down.” Jake recalled how the vampire had nearly strangled him to death in his underground Central Park club. “Quintus is one bad motherfucker.”
“Hey, I have no quarrel with him. Logan said be cordial, so cordial I’ll be. There’s a few out-of-town vamps attending tonight. The pack knows they’re here but not by name.”
“Just avoid him if you can, okay?”
“Jake, I know you got a mask on but I can see that fire in your eyes. What do you have planned?”
“Some things went down last night. That’s all I can say. I haven’t told Logan yet, so keep it quiet. It’s just a matter of time before this shit explodes, but I need to do this on my own. This is my business. I don’t want the pack hurt.”
“You’re sounding more and more like Logan every day.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just sayin’. You’ve always been a leader. Sometimes this is the natural path.” Dimitri nodded.
“Goddammit. What did Logan tell you?” Jake’s jaw ticked, his stress rising. Does the whole damn pack know? He hadn’t told anyone about his conversation with Jax.
“No one told me anything. It’s okay.” Dimitri lowered his voice. He went to place his hand on Jake’s shoulder but hesitated. “I saw what happened last night. You broke away from the path. Ever since New York, you’ve been distracted. Going to San Diego…it did something to you.”
“Nothing good, that’s for sure.”
“Not true, man. I’ve been around a long time. I’ve met lots of Alphas. They’ve all got this vibe. I don’t know what you want to call it but it’s power. They’re in touch with their wolves. Sometimes they can feel wolves that aren’t even theirs. I think it’s why you and Jax butt heads. But it’s also why you’re close. There’s this common bond. Now I don’t know how this is all goin’ to work out, but trust me on this. You gotta follow your gut. Don’t fight it. Fightin’ it is gonna get you nowhere real fast. And I’ll tell you another thing,” he paused and glanced across the room, “I don’t know what business you got with Quintus, but the fact you have any interest in this guy is trouble. If you were just pack, you wouldn’t even be thinking about talkin’ to him by yourself.”
“This thing with me.” Jake set his focus on Dimitri, his expression serious. “You gotta keep it under wraps, okay? I’m not challenging Logan. But I don’t know what I’m gonna do yet. As for Quintus, something happened last night, and he’s involved. I need answers.”
The air went cold, a twitch of magick swirled through the room, and their attention was drawn to a congregation that had formed in the entryway. Jake registered Quintus’ presence, recalling how his powerful aura had buzzed through the vampire’s underground club in Central Park.
“He’s here,” Jake stated calmly.
“You do remember tonight’s for charity?” Dimitri asked. “One of the rare times we play nice with the bloodsuckers.”
“You play nice with Leo all the time,” Jake responded, never taking his eyes off the crowd as it dispersed. “In fact, y’all are gettin’ along like a house on fire. You’re like the damn fang whisperer.”
“Hey now. I’m just in touch with nature. Hence the bear.” Dimitri pointed to his mask and grinned. “You know I have a magick touch with all beings.”
“Not witches.” A small smile formed, yet Jake’s attention never faltered.
“Oh, brother. You pain me.” Dimitri held his hand to his chest and shook his head. “Tru dat. Those witches…nearly the death of me.”
“There he is.”
“Who?”
“Quintus. Don’t follow me, ya hear?”
“Last I recall, I don’t have two Alphas,” Dimitri shot back.
“I’m not fucking around, D. Stay here. This is my fight.”
“Twice a year bro. Peace. Charity ball. All getting along as one!” Dimitri called as Jake took a deliberate step toward Quintus.
“I’ve got this. No worries, man.”
“Fucking famous last words,” Dimitri muttered under his breath. With a final attempt to stop Jake, he yelled to him, “Five thousand a head. Fancy ass party. Don’t fuck this up, bro.”
“It’s cool. Just having a conversation.” Jake held up a dismissive hand at the beta as he walked toward the door.
“Yeah,” Dimitri blew out a breath, “sure ya are. Logan’s not gonna be happy.”
Jake had no intention of causing a scene. All he was after was answers. Aware of Quintus’ lethal nature, the event seemed the perfect setting for a civilized discussion.
Like disturbed flies, the partygoers dispersed, and Jake honed in on Quintus. Within a split second, his attention flashed to the stunning female he’d seen in the woods. A stab of jealousy pierced through him at the sight of their joined hands. But as his eyes locked on hers, he sensed her unrest. The unusual sensation was something he’d only experienced with wolves, yet this creature was no wolf.
Quintus released Kai’s hand as he approached, and Jake watched in fascination as the female backed away from the vampire, quickly disappearing into the crowd. His eyes darted to Quintus who gave him a nod as if giving him permission to chase her. The unsettling approval drilled a hole in his stomach, and he questioned why the vampire would offer her up as a sacrifice. Jake’s instinct warned him that it could be a trap, but he increased his pace as she weaved through the sea of dancers. Darting left, Jake rounded towards the band, and as she blended into a corner he came up behind her, wrapping a firm hand around her waist.
“Ah, ma caille. Where’re you flyin’?” Jake purred into her ear.
“Let me go,” she squeaked.
A delightful mixture of honeysuckle and lemon registered, and he resisted pressing his nose to her skin. Ignoring the distracting scent, he spun her around, pressing his hand into hers. “You look even more beautiful in clothes.”
“I…I…” she stuttered as her eyes met his.
“Name’s Jake. Jake Louvière.” His gaze wandered over the gorgeous creature he barely recognized. At first glance, her beauty had shone through her dirt-covered skin, but this evening, dressed in a ball gown, she was stunning. Her emerald eyes blinked up at his, and he gave a cool smile as she attempted to tug back her hand. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, but I’m not letting you go just yet. I think we have a talk comin’. Shall we dance?”
“But I…” The beautiful stranger never took her eyes off his as he swept her into his arms.
Jake kept her close but his chest remained inches from her tiny form. “You came to see me last night, yes?”
“I needed to talk to you. But all these people…” She glanced to the dancers around them.
“Ah yes, I would prefer to be alone as well. But it’s a party, and I must say I wasn’t expecting to see you. Quintus? Yes. You? Well now, you’re a pleasant surprise. Perhaps a dangerous one, though?”
“About last night…” Her gaze fell to his chest then slowly rose to meet his. “I’m truly sorry.”
“Nasty little trick you got goin’ there.” Jake tilted his head to the side and shrugged. “But I suppose a girl’s gotta protect herself.”
“I was hurt,” she replied. “Your pack was close.”
“As was Quintus. Speaking of which, you do know you just walked in here with one of the deadliest vampires on the east coast?” Jake asked, annoyed at the jealousy that seemed to bloom out of nowhere.
“Alpha, you must understand,” she began.
Jake stopped dancing, his eyes trained on hers. A serious expression washed across his face. “Watch your words, sweetheart. There’s only one Alpha in the room, and I’m not him.”
“But you are. I know what I feel,” she insisted.
“Name’s Jake. Let’s stick with that.”
“I can’t stay here.” Her voice softened to a whisper. “They’ll know what I am. I’m in dange
r. Please, Alpha.”
Jake cringed. Why in the hell is she calling me Alpha? What is she? He sniffed nonchalantly. Other shifters emanated a similar magick to wolves, but hers didn’t register. Her scent, while delicious, gave him no hint as to her species. Her small hand fit perfectly into his, and he concentrated on her energy, a tingle dancing up his arm.
“What are you?” Jake asked, his voice low.
“I can’t talk about this, not here. Oh Goddess.”
“What?” Jake asked, noting the panic in her voice.
“I can’t. There’s too much energy. They’ll find me.”
Confused at her statement, he loosened his grip. In an instant, she tore away, fleeing toward the back entrance. His eyes flashed to Quintus, who hurriedly disappeared into the foyer. His mind raced, as instinct told him the vampire hadn’t left the building without reason. What the fuck is he doing? Jake’s focus switched to the gorgeous female who weaved in and out of the crowd. With a palm to her mouth, she bent at the waist, stumbling as she reached an exit. The band switched songs, and Jake nudged his way through an influx of dancers. Cognizant of Logan’s wishes, he restrained the urge to bulldoze through the guests.
As she flattened her hand on the doorjamb she glanced at him, her eyes lit in terror. Jake swiveled his head, searching the room for the danger that seized her but saw nothing. She shoved through the French doors, and by the time she reached the courtyard, Jake was on her heels. As she collapsed, Jake caught her in his arms.
“I’m sorry,” she breathed.
“It’s okay. You wanna tell me what’s going on?” An eerie silence blanketed the night. Jake casually glanced to the empty terrace, ensuring no one had followed them. Cradling her, he sat down on a brick ledge.
“Alpha, forgive me.” Her eyes fluttered open, and she jolted to stand, but he held tight. “I’m so embarrassed.”
“Look sweetheart, you’re confused here. I’m not the Alpha. I told you. My name’s Jake. Who are you?” He took a deep breath as she tested his patience.
“Kai.” Panic flashed in her eyes but the corners of her lips tugged upward.
“Kai,” he repeated, pleased she’d trusted him enough to answer. “Are you okay? You almost took a spill.”
“Yes, it’s just…”
As she licked her lower lip and stared deep into his eyes, Jake inwardly cursed as his dick twitched in arousal. Jesus fucking hell. No, boy.
“Just sit up a little here and rest, before you start to run about again,” he instructed, supporting her back with a firm hand.
“I’m okay. It’s just all the people.”
“Tends to happen at a party.”
“Supernaturals,” she whispered, her eyes wide.
“Ah, yeah.” Jake cocked his head and gave a small grin. He couldn’t imagine what was going on with her. She clearly had abilities and he found it hard to believe this was her first time at the rodeo. “You do know where you are, sweetheart? This is New Orleans.”
“You don’t understand…”
“Then help me understand. What’s going on with you?”
“I’m okay, really,” she insisted, ignoring his question and straightening on his lap.
“Hold on now. You aren’t going anywhere.” Jake wrapped his arms around her waist, and gave a smile. “I can see the color’s coming back into your cheeks, but your eyes? That’s fear. I don’t see anyone comin’ after you just yet. Your arm though…” Jake slid his palm over her forearm and revealed her healed wrist.
Kai’s cheeks flushed. “It wasn’t my doing. None of it.”
“I can sense your magick. Are you a shifter?” Jake asked, narrowing his eyes on her. “No, I don’t think so. You aren’t wolf. I don’t sense any other animals. Maybe you’re a witch?”
“I’m not a witch.” Kai shook her head and looked away toward the far corner of the patio. A three-tiered fountain bubbled in the distance, an arrangement of black roses draped over its precipice.
“If you’re not a witch or a shifter, it doesn’t leave too many other options. Shall I keep guessing?” He ran the pad of his thumb over her wrist.
“Why does it matter?” Kai yanked her arm from his hands and held it to her chest.
“Are you a vampire?” She gave a defiant stare in response to his question. “No? Is there something going on with you and Quintus? Are you an item?”
“No, we’re absolutely not an item,” she replied, her tone cold.
“Hey, I get it. He’s a good-lookin’ guy. You scrub his back, he scrubs yours.”
“I wasn’t with Quintus,” she insisted, moisture brimming her lashes.
“Did he hurt you?” At the sight of her tears, anger shot through him, displacing the irrational jealousy that threatened.
“No. I…he took me. But he didn’t hurt me.”
“Then what’s going on between the two of you?”
“Please, Alpha, just let me go. I’m fine. I won’t run,” she promised, avoiding his question.
Jake raised an eyebrow, silently questioning her intent.
“I swear it.”
Logic told him not to let her go, but she appeared traumatized. Freeing her from his hold, Jake held her hand as she placed her feet onto the cracked herringbone patio. As she stood, she wavered, and Jake slipped his arm around her, ensuring she didn’t fall.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I just don’t have much interaction with so many supernaturals. Their power. It’s overwhelming,” she confided.
“Hold onto me,” Jake instructed, supporting her. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”
Kai did as he told her, laying her face against his chest.
Jake fought desire as her delicious scent drifted into the air. His wolf whined, and he shook his head, warning him away. What the hell does my beast want with this creature?
“What are you?” Jake asked, his voice soft.
“I…I need your help. My sister,” she began.
“That night in the woods. You glowed. Not just glowed. You were golden. Like the sun. I know what I saw. And you stopped me. What are you?”
“Shilan. They took her,” she continued, avoiding his question.
“I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what you are. What is your connection to Quintus? You smell…Goddess.” Jake struggled to respond coherently as she tightened her grip around his neck. His lips brushed her hair and he resisted the urge to bury his nose in her silken locks. Again his beast rose, circling, and Jake forced him to the back of his mind.
“They’re coming. They want me. If I can find her, I’ll disappear again. She’s in California. But Alpha,” Kai lifted her chin, raising her gaze to meet his, “you. You’re my last hope. You led Anzober Wolves. Please.”
Jake’s pulse raced at the mention of the pack that had once been his responsibility. There was no way anyone from the pack could have kidnapped her sister. All had been in order when he’d left them. And while it was true there hadn’t been word from Alexander, none of Chaz’s wolves remained in the pack. His mind swirled with concern but as his eyes drifted to her lips, he began to lose focus.
“There’s something about you,” he told her, all too aware of her fingers brushing the back of his neck.
“You’ve had much good fortune. But so much death,” she said, her voice calm.
“What are you?” he asked. “What did you do to me last night?”
“I’m sorry. I can’t control it. I’d been poisoned…it wasn’t me.”
She averted her gaze, but he slid his hand gently over her chin, keeping her focus on him. He tunneled his fingers into her thick dark mane, and she closed her eyes, breathing slowly.
“I can’t help you if you don’t tell me the truth.”
“I can’t trust anyone,” she responded.
“You’re not wolf.”
“No,” she whispered.
“Whatever this is with you. Your sister. I cannot help you if you don’t tell me our connection. What you
are.”
“I have to get out of here. She’ll find me. Please,” she pleaded.
Jake’s head told him to call for Logan and Dimitri. The creature in his arms could likely be a danger to every wolf in his pack. If she’d immobilized him while she was injured, he couldn’t fathom what she’d be capable of doing when well.
“You can trust me. I won’t hurt you,” Jake assured her. She parted her lips, her chest rising and falling as he leaned toward her. Don’t fucking do it, Jake. Something about her, the attraction was too strong to resist. One kiss. One fucking kiss and then call Logan.
“Alpha,” she whispered.
As his lips met hers, his wolf howled in response. She sighed into his kiss, and he quickly tore his mouth from hers, realizing what he’d done. His forehead pressed to hers as he attempted to thwart his misguided craving.
“I can’t do this. I don’t even know who or what the hell you are. You’re dangerous. And Quintus…” Jake couldn’t believe he’d kissed the woman who walked into the party with that fucking vampire. What the hell am I thinking?
“She’s here,” Kai said, her eyes going wide.
Sensing a presence, Jake spun around. Through the rungs of a five foot wrought iron gate, he caught sight of Quintus in the darkened neighboring courtyard. The reddened eyes of two rogue wolves flashed as they attacked the vampire. In the distance, a dark shadow of smoke swirled into the air, its head forming into a hideous cavern. The mouth opened wider, and as blood-red darts lasered into the yard, Jake pulled his Glock.
The shadow turned on Quintus, lobbing an ethereal spear into his body. As he went down, the wolves attacked. Aiming, Jake fired off several rounds of silver bullets into the beasts and the creatures screamed in agony as they fell to the ground. He glanced back at Kai, who sat flat against the stone wall. In a stoic trance, her skin blazed with a fine gold sheen. She remained unresponsive as the black mass turned its attention on her, and passed through the gate. It opened its mouth, spewing another laser, and Jake shoved her out of its trajectory, pushing her behind an enormous potted palm. The beam of light sliced through her calf and she seized. As Kai shook, the light retracted into the mass.
