Jake (Immortals of New Orleans #8)(15)

"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.



       
         
       
        

"Kai." Jake pressed up onto his palms as the night went silent. Although her eyes remained open, she didn't respond. He glanced down, shocked at the sight of golden blood flowing from a two-inch wound in her leg. "What the … ?"

Logan and Dimitri tore into the courtyard, growling as the entity dissipated. In an attempt to shield her, Jake tore off his jacket and wrapped it around her leg. He scooped her into his arms, and pressed to his feet. As his eyes met his Alpha's, his stomach clenched. The shit was about to hit the fan.

"What the hell is going on?" Logan asked, his voice stern. "Is she all right?"

"She's fine, but I've gotta get her out of here. Something … " Jake wasn't even sure of what he'd just seen to begin to describe it. "I don't know what the hell it was, but it attacked Quintus and her. There're a couple of dead wolves over in the next yard."

"Jesus Christ." Logan strode over to the gate, and shook his head. "They're not ours."

"Rogues." Dimitri said as he transformed.

"Where's Quintus?" Jake asked. "He got attacked but he was still alive. Do you see him?"

"Nope. Must have puffed out of here." Dimitri opened the gate to search the property.

Jake blew out a breath and shook his head. He glanced to Kai, who'd passed out in his arms.

"Who is she, Jake?" Logan demanded. "Or should I ask, what is she?"

"This is … " Jake sighed, clutching Kai tightly. "She's something. I don't know what. She's not a wolf."

"Witch?" Logan asked.

"No." Jake's lips tensed at his statement, frustrated he didn't know the answer. Whatever she was, she was vulnerable. "I'll tell you what I know, but I also don't want that room full of supes in there, who you know are listening to our conversation, to hear what I've gotta tell ya. Let me take her somewhere safe first. I'll text you, and tomorrow we'll sort things."

"Two dead wolves," Dimitri stated. "No Quintus."

"Goddammit. This is one night. One fucking night of people getting along for charity. A few damn hours. Is that too much to ask?" Logan threw his hands up in the air. "Apparently so."