Jake (Immortals of New Orleans #8)(47)

She held him tight as he claimed her, sweeping his tongue into her mouth. She returned his sensual kiss, and as he gently pulled away, her eyes locked on his, and she realized he'd calmed her spirit. The fire inside had been lit and she suspected every supernatural in the building had detected her arousal.

"I'm yours." Although she spoke loudly so that others would hear, her heart knew it was the truth.

"No one will touch you." His lips briefly pressed to hers before he turned to the stage.

Kai breathed slowly, staring as the vampire released his fangs from the now unconscious woman. He gave a cool smile, wiping his mouth, and made his way towards them. The well-dressed vampire retracted his fangs into a smile as he approached. Although handsome, his innocent face didn't fool Kai.



       
         
       
        

"Jake, I presume?' the vampire greeted without extending his hand.

"Jonathon." Jake's eyes went to Quintus who moved in front of Kai, blocking his access.

"Jonathon. I appreciate you meeting with us," Quintus said.

"Sir." Jonathon steepled his fingers and bowed. "We're honored to have you. But," he paused, his eyes darting to Jake, "we are purists. Vampires only."

"All the more reason for us to be grateful for your accommodation." Quintus raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth lifting.

"And who is this creature?" Jonathon asked, attempting to peek around him to get a better view.

"This is Kai. She belongs to me," Jake told him, his voice firm.

"Ah, I see." Jonathon stepped around Quintus, extending his hand to her. "Pleased to meet you, my lovely flower. My name is Jonathon. Welcome to the Serpent's Breath."

"Hello," she managed, eliminating the treble in her voice. She reluctantly presented her hand, uneasy as his cold skin brushed against hers. He sniffed her, before placing a brief kiss to her fingers. Kai snatched her hand back, and leaned into Jake.

"Hmm … you smell delicious. Oranges. No, no, no. Tangerines. Definitely citrus. Ah, how it brings back the days of my humanity." He closed his eyes for several seconds, appearing lost in his reminiscing. Kai startled as he flashed them open, and continued. "You're not a wolf. Interesting." He looked to Jake then focused back on Kai. "Your magick. Too dark to be fae. It's refined. Ancient. But I can't tell your species. Please do indulge me. What are you, my lovely bonnet?"

"I'm a witch," she responded without hesitation.

"A witch, you say? Your scent … it's rare, perhaps. You're not from New Orleans?"

"No, I'm a friend of Ilsbeth's here on a visit," she elaborated. The lie rolled off her lips as if it were the God's honest truth.

"But the wolf? He stakes you as if you were his own. I suppose wolves enjoy a witch every now and then, but your kiss, it was very passionate for casual lovers. No, no … this doesn't quite make sense. She cannot be your mate."

"Jake is my lover. I belong to him," she insisted.

"Kai's mine and mine alone. She will be my mate. We are working on a spell," Jake told him.

"Never trust a witch, my friend. It will never work, but alas," he laughed, turning to Quintus, "it is not my funeral."

"He's her master," Quintus told him, focusing on Jake then Kai. "She will submit eventually. It's only a matter of time. But you see this spell, it requires the Kris." 

"Shh" he hushed, his fingers pressed to his lips. Jonathon threw his hands up into the air, pointing to a grand circular staircase. "Too many ears. Come, I want to show you my babies."

"But of course," Quintus said.

"Let's go." Jake held tight to Kai's hand, leading her through a sea of vampires.

She straightened her back as she proceeded toward the staircase. Do not show fear. Feigning confidence, she smiled, ignoring the stares of the fanged strangers. A hundred eyes were on her as they ascended the staircase. She gripped the railing, and the sound of her feet hitting the metal rungs rang in her ears as they made their way up to the oval balcony that overlooked the entire club.

She placed a palm onto Quintus' back as he moved ahead of her. Jake brushed his lips to her shoulder, and she went calm, within the safety of her Alpha. My master. Kai's mind spun, unable to accept the possibility that Quintus was right in his prediction. Her instinct told her that her inner beast would tear out of her when it emerged. She'd never known the life of a shifter but she'd heard wolves could control their animal. But as the creature inside of her stirred, she suspected it would not be tamed.