"We're going to have to deal with that too, but first things first. Tonight we go to see Jonathon. Get the knife."
"Negotiate," Quintus stated.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kai asked.
"Vampires are like cats." Jake shrugged.
"Not exactly," Quintus said. "But we do enjoy the chase."
"They like to play." Jake rolled his eyes.
"Chase."
"Don't listen to him. They're like cats. Sometimes they just bat their victim around a bit. Other times they kill it." Jake looked to Kai, a serious expression crossing his face. "You stay with me. Do not leave or wander. I know you think you can just puff out of there, but you don't know how you're going to feel in a room full of bloodsuckers." Jake glanced to Quintus. "No offense."
"None taken." Quintus sipped his wine thoughtfully. "Jake's right. Jonathon will want something in return."
"Money?" she asked.
"Could be anything. Whatever you do, don't let him in on your powers," Quintus told her.
"Tell them you're a witch. For as long as we're in there, they won't know the difference," Jake said.
"I can't believe we're going to do this." Kai pressed her lips together, holding her breath for several seconds before continuing. "I'm going to need something to wear."
"Tabitha will be here in a few minutes."
"Who?" Kai asked, gripping her fork tight.
"She's a friend. She owns a few shops downtown. She'll get you set up." Jake glossed over the fact that he'd slept with the she-wolf. He'd known it wasn't the optimal situation but she was the best person to assist with clothing and there was no way in hell he was letting Kai go shopping out of the house. They already were in enough danger without her stirring up supernatural interest.
"I see," she responded in a cold tone.
"We have about an hour and a half before we go. Logan knows we're going to see Jonathon."
"As does Kade. If anything happens, I'm taking you both out of there."
"He's right," Jake agreed. "I'll entertain reasonable offers to get the Kris. But for all we know he doesn't even have it. Jonathon has a reputation for being an asshole, not a liar. So if he says he doesn't have it, we'll go back to Sam."
"Today what she said … about me. I could shift. What if it … "
"It's not going to happen tonight. If I had to guess, something's going to kick it off. Just like you being bitten gave you the will to materialize."
"Your powers have always been there, Kai. You may be taking longer but you will shift," Quintus said.
"How do you know about me?" She set her eyes on the vampire, her intense stare curious.
"I knew someone once." Quintus wiped his mouth, and gave a small closed smile as if pained by his words. "Hey, it doesn't matter how I know. I just do, okay? And contrary to popular opinion, I'm not always an asshole."
"None of our business," Jake replied, sensing that whatever was going on with Quintus edged around some deep-seated issue. When he'd first met the vamp in New York he'd thought him to be an egotistical psychopath. Far from it, Quintus appeared driven by a clandestine mission, a moral warrior on a quest. "But let's not forget, Sam also knew what you were, so while you're rare, some people know what you are. Kasdeya already tasted your blood. Maybe thinking it could bring her fortune? But it seems like if it were just as easy as draining you, she would have kept you in San Francisco before you had a chance to puff. It's almost like she was looking for something."
"The Kris?" she asked.
"Possibly. I can't imagine what she'd want it for but she isn't getting it. And above all else, they're not getting you."
The doorbell rang, and Jake shoved to his feet. He crossed the room, peering through the security hole before opening the door. The perky brunette she-wolf wrapped her arms around him, still holding shopping bags in her hands. He gave her a hug and quickly released her.
"Come in." Jake ushered her toward the kitchen. "Thank you for bringing the things. Um … this is my friend … "
"Kai," she interjected.
"Kai, this is Tabitha. Tabitha. Kai." Jake sensed her displeasure, yet he'd made the right choice. He could trust Tabitha to keep her mouth shut.
Quintus stood, extending his hand. "May I help you with your things?"
"Nice to meet you," Tabitha said, wearing a confused expression.