As the wall slid open, Kai's heart caught at the sight of the powerful Alpha. She'd known it was just a matter of time before he found her. Aware she'd escaped without saying a word, guilt rushed through her. As her eyes locked on his, she took a step backwards, the back of her thighs brushing against the windows. Tendrils of his energy wrapped around her, and she shivered. Anger. Attraction. Dominance. Her beast roared and Kai's eyes widened as he stalked toward her.
"Jake." His name danced on her tongue ever so softly.
"Forget to say goodbye?" he asked, a cool smile on his face.
"I think you two should have a word. I have something to attend to and will return shortly." Samantha nodded to them as she exited the room.
"I had to see Ils … " Kai began, her hands falling to her sides.
"Oh, I know what ya came here for. But where I grew up, it's not very polite to go running out on your host." Jake cocked his head and raised an eyebrow at her.
Kai felt the air escape from her lungs. Anger rolled off the Alpha, his eyes reaching into her soul. Her beast cowered in response. What kind of a powerful beast hides? she asked herself.
"No, that kind of behavior would earn a spankin' 'round here. Is that what you need, Kai? Because I'm startin' to think so."
A spanking? Kai's face flushed at his tempting suggestion. Jesus, stop thinking of sex already.
"Oh no, sweetheart, not that kind of spanking." He gave a small laugh.
Kai's pulse raced. She'd forgotten how easily supernaturals sensed both fear and arousal.
"That's right, I'm talking about a bit of a punishment, because you've got one coming. And it's going to be a little more painful than what I did this morning. Now I won't lie. It was difficult to walk away, but you seem to have a problem with tellin' the truth."
"You won't lay a hand on me," Kai spat back.
"I imagine I'll enjoy turning your pretty ass pink."
"Stop it. I'm not one of your wolves. You don't command me."
"Oh but you will submit, sweetheart. Because what you did leavin' the house like that, I'm not having it."
Is he fucking serious? Fresh anger tore through Kai, confused at her body's reaction, desiring the Neanderthal who'd deliberately left her aching in bed that morning. She closed her eyes, focusing her energy like she'd done at the cabin.
"No, no, no, ya don't with that magick again," he warned.
Kai's eyes flew open as he rushed toward her. Caging her with his arms, he flattened his palms against the glass. His legs straddled hers, and Kai's taut tips brushed against his hard chest.
"Whatever you did to me … funny how just now it didn't work. You see, sweetheart. I reckon that only happens once. And Kai?" Jake brushed his lips to her cheek. "That spanking is absolutely happening now."
Kai pressed her palms to his chest; his masculine scent stirred around her. Heat from his body emanated onto hers, and she struggled to remain focused as he continued to speak.
"Something about you. You came to me … sought me out, and now things are going to be done my way. But you know … " Jake pressed his lips to her ear, sucking its fleshy lobe between his teeth. Biting gently, he held her in place. " … I think you like this. Being at my will. Against the wall. This is what you want."
"I'm sorry for leaving … you wouldn't listen. I had to come see her." Kai's head rested against the warm, sun-drenched panes. As Jake moved his lips to her neck, heat blossomed between her legs.
"You will learn to trust me," he murmured against her creamy flesh.
"I … I have been on my own a long time," she stated.
"No longer," he said.
His beard lightly grazed her cheek, and Kai opened her eyes. His gaze held hers as his lips brushed over hers.
"You will submit, Kai. There can be no other way," he growled.
As Jake's mouth crushed onto hers, Kai melted underneath his strength. Alpha. She kissed him back, gently tasting him. Running her hands down his chest, they settled on his hips and he pressed his body onto hers. Dear Goddess, what is it about this man?
"Do not fight me on this, woman, because this," Jake rocked his erection up against her, "you and I. We have something to explore. But it won't be done on a bed of lies."
"Ah, Goddess," Kai breathed, continuing to seek his lips as he lightly kissed her.
Jake tore himself away, his eyes focused on Kai's. "Sam's coming. We will deal with this when we get home."
Home? Kai blinked, and his words settled in her mind. Home was far, far away. Not in New Orleans.