Jake (Immortals of New Orleans #8)(12)

"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."