Jake (Immortals of New Orleans #8)(107)

Jake smiled, staying silent as she continued.

"I don't think I'm vampire but if I've changed then so be it. It doesn't matter. I just found out I'm a shifter but my beast, she's still there. I can feel her. And as for what we did?" She shrugged with a small laugh. "It was beautiful. Being with you and Quint … it just … it felt so good. I want you to know that even though we did that … I don't have feelings for him … I mean … "

"Hey now. Don't you feel guilty either, sweetheart. Last night was incredible. I meant what I said, you're mine. You were amazing. And Quint?" Jake gave a closed smile. "He needed us too. He saved you. I owe him everything."

I love you. The words danced on the tip of her tongue but she avoided expressing the emotion that rushed to the surface. Her thoughts were broken by a loud roar, coming from outside the home.



       
         
       
        

"What's that?" Her body went tense, still on alert from last night's danger.

"He's here." Jake pressed his lips to her head and slid out of bed. He strode across the room to an oversized armoire.

"Who's here?" she asked, shoving onto her elbows.

"Hunter." Jake handed her a bathrobe. "Sorry, he doesn't keep much here. He'll have brought supplies. Clothes."

"What?" she asked. Sitting up on the bed, Kai dressed. "I thought this was a pack house."

"Yes and no. It's Hunter's place but he lets good friends use it. I stayed here a few days while I was on the coast. I needed some space and well, you'll see when you get into the kitchen; nothing but space. It's not big but makes up for it all with the view. It's also far enough away from San Francisco that you don't need to worry about any visits from vamps."

Kai's heart sped slightly at the prospect of seeing Hunter. Although he'd granted her asylum in his territory, he'd not known of her beast.

Jake tugged on a pair of shorts and pulled a t-shirt over his head. "I'll be right back. I'm gonna run out and see if he needs a hand."

"No worries."

As Kai followed him and stepped out of the bedroom, she caught sight of the breathtaking view. Spectacular cliffs gave way to the wild blue Pacific which stretched into the horizon. She padded into the kitchen and spied Quintus at the counter, who greeted her with coffee. Memories of her night with her Alpha and the vampire streamed through her mind.

Kai gave a smile to her Alpha as he disappeared out the front door. He nodded in approval as she embraced the vampire. Warmth and comfort speared through her as Quintus placed a kiss to her forehead and handed her a mug.

"Ah, bella. Good morning."

"Thank you. For everything," she said, bringing the cup to her lips. "You saved my life."

"It is you who saved our lives. The triad is no more. And now, we find your sister. Kill Kasdeya. Things shall be set right. Your bravery did that."

"But your blood … " Kai brought her fingers to her lips; the taste of their essence burned into her mind.

"Do you worry you've been turned? I promised Jake … you won't be under my control. He is and always will be your master," he assured her.

"I'm not worried. Honestly, I don't feel any different. Jake is every bit my Alpha." She laughed. "Sorry, it's just odd. He's my mate now. When I'm with him … I don't know how to explain it. He's part of me. Of my soul."

"Ah, love is a splendid thing." Quintus winked and pulled out a chair, gesturing for her to sit. 

Kai blushed at his knowing statement, and sat, inwardly laughing that she could be read so easily. She bit her lip as Jake opened the door, Hunter following, his arms full with supplies. Kai stood, her eyes on the Wyoming Alpha.

"Hey," Hunter said, depositing the bags onto the kitchen counter. He stared at the vampire, whose expression remained impassive. "Quintus?"

"Alpha," he said in acknowledgement. Quintus pressed to his feet and gave a slight bow of his head.

"You're sure he's safe?" Hunter asked Jake.

"He's a friend. Saved Kai's life," Jake told him.

"Dr. Beckett, so lovely to meet you again," Hunter said, extending his hand to her.

"Alpha." She placed her hand in his, giving a firm shake. "Please call me Kai."

"Hunter," he corrected. "You have only one Alpha now." He smiled at Jake and set his attention back onto Kai. "I'm very sorry to hear about your sister's disappearance. Come, let's eat. I grabbed some sticky buns from the bakery but they're not going to hold a candle to yours."