"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 danger. 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."