Jake (Immortals of New Orleans #8)(46)

"Have you ever been inside?" she asked. The car turned into the long stretch of driveway, lined with trees.

"Neither of us has been inside, but don't worry too much about that. It's one of those things. Jonathon knows of me, and you can sure as hell bet he knows Quintus."

"Every vampire in this country knows of me. But to see me? Now, that's a different story."

They pulled up to the gate, and Kai glanced to the security guard who approached the car. She studied his white canvas uniform that buttoned around his neck. She wondered if the thick material prevented stakes from penetrating their skin, or if they were trying to make a fashion statement.

As the window lowered, the guard peeked inside the car, catching her gaze. Terrified, she sensed his desire but remained calm as he questioned Jake.

"Jake Louvière. I'm here to see Jonathon. He's expecting us."

The guard spotted Quintus and nodded. "Sir, it is a pleasure to have you tonight." His focus went to Jake. "Wolves aren't permitted. You're an exception. Do not make us regret your invitation."

"Just open the damn gate," Jake ordered. "We don't have all night."

As the window went up and the gates parted, Kai released an audible breath. Her heart pounded as the car pulled under the carport.

"Try to keep your pulse steady. They'll hear it," Quintus said.

"They'll sense fear. If Jonathon doesn't try to use it against you, one of the others will notice. You'll appear vulnerable," Jake told her.

"I can do this," Kai responded. She couldn't be sure whether she was reassuring Jake or herself, but she'd come this far.

"Here we go, sweetheart. Stay with me."

Kai went to answer but lost her words as the limo door swung open, and a seven-foot bellman gestured for Jake to get out of the car. As he did so, he brought Kai with him and she pressed onto her feet, smoothing down her lace skirt. Kai gave the porter a deliberate long stare, establishing her presence. Taking a deep breath, she forced her heartbeat to slow so that she appeared confident and relaxed. 

As they approached the home, her eyes went to the enormous contemporary structure. Its white stucco exterior extended up three stories, brushing the giant palm trees that lined the landscaping. Enormous bird of prey flowers peppered the gardens, while a white pebbled driveway edged the well-manicured green lawn.

A creak sounded, and her eyes went to the entrance. Four-inch-thick cedar doors opened, and a petite woman stood waiting to greet them. Her ample breasts spilled over her tight red latex dress, and Kai struggled not to stare at her burgeoning cleavage.

"Come," she instructed, waving her hand.

Kai's eyes widened as the woman turned to lead them inside the building. The shiny fabric revealed a fluffy black tail that emerged from her bare bottom, the latex held together by two leather belts. Kai glanced to Jake whose expression remained indifferent as he crossed the threshold. He tightened his grip on her hand, reminding her to stay calm.

With no foyer to speak of, they stepped directly into an arena. An enormous aquarium lined the perimeter of the darkened room. Hundreds of fish swam inside, their glassy eyes appearing to pierce through the tank. Kai glanced upward to the oval balcony where partygoers overlooked the festivities.

As they followed the diminutive female, Kai heard the faint whispers of Jake's name. Quintus sidled next to her, taking her hand in his. Surrounded by her protectors, she breathed out the tension she'd been holding inside, concealing her emotions.

A piercing scream caught her attention but the club goers appeared unfazed by the commotion. A roar of laughter erupted from three women dressed in matching elegant evening gowns, their fuchsia taffeta trains pooling onto the cold marble floor. To the far right, a string quartet played 'Hallelujah', and a modest audience gathered, swaying to the beat.

Another shriek sounded as they drew closer to a raised platform, but the crowd obscured her view. As they approached, her heart sped as the horrific sight came into view. On a black stone altar, a naked woman lay sprawled on white velvet fabric. She writhed in a rhythmic fit, clutching the blood-splattered cloth. With her legs spread wide open, she moaned as a tall male settled himself between her thighs and bit into her flesh.

"It's a lovely affair," Jake commented, jarring her from shock.

A brush of his hand to her cheek drew her eyes to his, and she nodded, afraid to speak.

"You're beautiful, sweetheart." Jake brought her into his embrace, and wrapped his arms around her, whispering in her ear. "You're mine in here. Do you understand?"

Kai nodded, relief flushing through her chest. As he pressed his lips to her neck, she stifled a moan. Jake. My Alpha. Immersed in his presence, the sounds in the room ceased to exist as he brought her closer still, placing his palm into hers. Gooseflesh broke over her skin as he kissed along her jawline, and she whispered his name as his lips took hers.