Jake (Immortals of New Orleans #8)(102)

Quintus tore off his leather jacket and kicked off his shoes. "Get comfortable, friend. This," he sighed, "it will be as before. Her response. I can't predict what will happen. Her creature could accept it or revolt. I've never done this before to a pixiu."

"Just do it. Save her." Jake's voice cracked. He closed his eyes, listening. "Her heartbeat is slowing. Do it now before it's too late."

Jake quickly peeled off the backpack and her jacket, tossing the items onto the floor. He lifted her gold-stained shirt revealing her bloodied flesh. While the wound appeared inconsequential, she'd critically injured herself. She'd sacrificed her life, successfully destroying the deity.

Quintus bared his fangs, and bit his wrist. Blood dripped from his mouth as he looked to Jake for assurance. The Alpha nodded in approval. "This was my decision. If she turns, I'll take responsibility. Please. Save her."

As the vampire pressed his arm to her mouth, Jake laid his head next to hers.

"She's not taking it," Quintus gritted out in frustration.

"Sweetheart," Jake began, his voice soft. He held her hand in his, drawing a circle in her palm with his thumb. "I need you to live. You're … you're … " Dying. Jake shoved the word to the dark recess of his mind, determined to hide his fear. "My mate. I need you by my side. I've got a pack to lead. They're depending on us."

"It's not working. Be forceful."

"Look at her," Jake said, frustrated. "I can't order her when she's like this."

"I am looking at her and the wound in her gut. She's not going to make it if she doesn't drink," Quintus told him.

"Come on, Kai. We need you to take the blood. It's safe. It's Quintus. He's our friend. He'd never hurt you. Take it." Jake glanced to the vampire and shook his head.

"Command her. Call forth her beast to comply," he told Jake.

Jake closed his eyes, drawing on his wolf. Together, they'd save her from whatever dark tunnel she'd begun to spiral into, losing herself in death's embrace. 

"Kai. Listen to me now. Wake up right this minute and drink." He nodded at the vampire and continued. "Let me see your creature. My wolf wants her now. I command you to bring her to the surface. Your Alpha commands you. Your master."

"She hears you … look," Quintus whispered as her lips parted slightly.

"That's a girl. Do as I say. I need you here now. Drink from Quint," he instructed. He held his breath as her lips moved ever so slightly, not quite sealed to Quintus' wrist. Her corded neck tensed as she swallowed his blood.

"Ah … she's … Jake … please, you know what will happen," the vampire warned.

"It's okay, Quint. We'll do everything she wants or nothing at all. Her life is the only thing that matters." Relief flooded into Jake as his mate's chest rose, a hint of color returning to her cheeks. He closed his eyes, attempting to reach her. In the darkness of her psyche, shadows danced, whizzing by him. Kai. Where are you? Show me your beast. "Something's wrong. She's breathing. Her heartbeat's getting stronger. But her creature … my pixiu?"

"Alpha. There are consequences to what we've done. I can't guarantee … ah," Quintus grunted.

Guilt stabbed at Jake, unable to reach Kai's beast. His heart tightened at the thought of losing her. Her hand squeezed his as if she knew his thoughts, and he gave a concerned smile. She began gulping, and Jake glanced to her wound that had healed.

"More," she cried, her eyes opening, darting between Quintus and Jake.

"I need you to … I need help … fuck, I'm not immune. Her power's so strong," Quintus grunted.

"I'll do whatever you need me to do," Jake told him.

"Give me your arm." The vampire's fiery eyes met Jake's. "We'll all be bonded forever. Know this. I will not command your mate. But our blood. We have gone far in mixing it."

"Do it." The subtle message had been received. Jake, well aware of the sexual element of feeding, would indulge his mate in whatever fantasy transpired.

"One, two … "

"Jesus … fuck, that hurts … what the hell happened to three, asshole?" Jake asked, noting a wicked smile on Quintus' face as he withdrew his fangs.

"The surprise is better, no? It's over with. Feed her now." Quintus guided Jake's hand to her mouth.

As Kai latched onto his arm, Jake's eyes widened, arousal threaded through him. Acutely aware of both his mate and Quintus, he smiled as Kai's emerald eyes blinked open, and she released his arm. Relief swirled with desire, and his mouth captured hers, his tongue tasting of his own blood. She moaned into their kiss, her hands clutching his chest.