Jake sighed, attempting to shake off the uneasy feeling creeping into his chest. Emotions were messy, distracting. Tonight he needed to focus. Jonathon was not to be trifled with and although Quintus was lethal in his own right, they'd be outnumbered. His coven of vampires would be well represented. As Jake trod upstairs, he grew determined to get the Kris, praying like hell it would help Kai and they could go get her sister.
Chapter Eight
"Thank you, I'm sure they'll fit," Kai said, restraining her anger as she perused the outfits on the bed. She had noted Tabitha's interaction with her Alpha. She appeared familiar with him, more than just a friend, and couldn't believe he'd invite a lover to his home after they'd been intimate.
Kai held up the black leather bustier, imagining that she'd never wear such an item in Wyoming. In truth, she didn't get out often, only visiting the local bar. Her interaction with the humans never involved kink or darkness, let alone sinfully sexy clothing.
"It's one of my favorite pieces," Tabitha commented. "It looks like it should fit you."
"Yes, it appears so." Kai's eyes fell to a black lace skirt. Its intricate embroidered pattern provided little coverage. She fingered the delicate fabric.
"Lovely, isn't it?"
"It's very … uh, very see through," she commented.
"There're full panties to match. Knee high boots. You're a size six?"
"Um, yeah, why?" Kai's attention snapped to Tabitha as she held up the leathers. "How did you know my shoe size?"
"Jake told me, of course." She paused, eying Kai, and gave a cool smile. "He's very good with the ladies. I suppose it doesn't take much for a man like him to figure it out."
"And you're one of his ladies?" The question slipped, and she regretted the inquiry, aware the answer could cut her like a knife.
"I am. Can't you tell by his response to me? We've been together many times."
"But you're not mates," Kai countered, attempting to soothe the sting of Tabitha's candor.
"Does it matter? Neither of us have mates." Tabitha's mouth tightened, the fine lines on her face deepening. "I'm going to give you a little piece of advice, witch. I can't tell what you really are, but I know this much; you aren't wolf. Jake, he's what you might call selective. He doesn't make it a habit to date witches. Maybe he's slipped up a few times."
Kai's thoughts went to Holly, and it made her wonder more about their relationship too. Jake had seemed almost hostile towards the witch, who appeared to hold a flame for him as well.
"But in the end, he always comes back to the wolves. You see, we all know there is a mate out there for us. It may take decades, sometimes hundreds of years, to find them but fate will bring us together. Wolves can only understand wolves. He knows this."
"I'm not sure what that's supposed to mean. Vampires are similar."
"Not true. They can bond with humans, other vampires. Witches even. No, wolves are special. We know that when we're fucking around, there is always a possibility our mate will walk through the door. We keep it light. We learn this very early on … not to get too attached."
"If that was true," Kai gave a snarky grin, "then I don't think we'd be having this conversation."
"I don't know what's going on with you." Tabitha sniffed into the air, and glared at her. "I smell him on you. So perhaps he's off the wagon, dipping his wick in the witches' ink. But I can assure you it won't last."
"The Alpha is with me now. You can report that back to the other wolves who might have a problem with it." As Kai claimed Jake, her pulse raced, the words spilling from her lips as truth. She had no right to do so but her beast demanded it be done. Jesus Christ, Kai. What are you saying?
"He's a wolf," she insisted, throwing the boots onto the bed. "Do yourself a favor. Don't become like Ilsbeth. She wanted Dimitri, and she couldn't have him. If you do any spells on Jake, I'll take you out."
"Don't you ever threaten me." Kai's voice was low and firm. Her beast rose up, and she struggled to control it, her eyes burning gold. "I will kill to defend myself and the wolf. The Alpha is mine."
"What … what … " Tabitha backed up to the door, her palms reaching for the wall. "I don't know what you think you're doing or what you are … your eyes … they … they're not normal. I don't care what kind of witch you are, you're not his mate."