"Just a wolf? I've got news for you. He's much more than 'just a wolf', but time will show you the way," Quintus interrupted with a laugh as he deposited the neatly folded clothes onto the bed. "I'm afraid I don't have anything that will fit you, but you can wear this until I have something suitable delivered. You're welcome to shower and change."
"Like hell I will." Kai rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "I'm out of here. I need to go back to the wolf. He knows … "
"You will shower. Then you will rest. Tomorrow night, there's a party."
"Are you fucking high?" Kai's eyes widened. Does he seriously think I'm staying at his house? "I just told you. I have to go … my … "
"Your sister is lost. I know this."
As if she'd been punched in the gut, Kai lost her breath as the vampire spoke of her sister. So many secrets for so many years. She wondered about his involvement. How much did Quintus know about her?
"Calm down," he warned. "Your pulse is too fast."
"Don't fucking tell me how to feel or what to do. I don't even know who you are. You fed me your blood. Why are you doing this?"
"I don't have time to repeat myself."
"How do you know about my sister?" she demanded, ignoring his condescending remark.
"I know many things. And as I've already told you, I'm not here to hurt you." Quintus crossed the room to the entryway, and stared at her. "Contrary to what you believe, not every vampire is here to steal your power. And your sister, while you may not understand her potential, will be quite formidable in her own right … if she survives."
Tears brimmed in Kai's eyes and she forced herself to remain quiet, memorizing his every word. If he was lying, she'd kill him when she regained her strength.
"There're dangerous, evil beings that seek both you and your sister. As for you? They've wanted you for a long time. But I suppose someone sensed her abilities as soon as she left her sanctuary. In California, you know, there are many from the old country … many who'd sell their soul to deliver your head on a platter. But just because I'm vampire that does not mean I am the same as them. So for now, we'll have to reluctantly agree to trust each other."
"How can I trust you? I don't even know you." Kai shook her head, nausea settling in her stomach as the vampire blocked the doorway.
"Tomorrow we go see the wolf. You may not realize just how important you both are to each other … to all of us. We must find your sister and take down those who have her."
"What do you think I was doing tonight?"
"I just told you, there are others … supernaturals. They want you. They watch you. You cannot be alone. I realize you don't think you're vulnerable but you are. No matter what you've been told about your powers, I can tell you've never used them until tonight."
"Not that it's any of your damn business, but I've used them before," she lied.
"You lack control. I suspect it's the first time you've gone up against a wolf. The wolf."
"Wolves … they've never attacked me. Your people on the other hand … my family … "
"The wolf, he's feral at times. He resists challenging his Alpha. He contemplates what to do. You need him, all right, but not when he's with his pack."
"I don't care. He might be able to help me. I don't know where Shilan is, but there's a chance she somehow got dragged into whatever is going on with the California wolves. Alexander Myers … I don't trust him. I called, and he won't even speak to me. The wolf from New Orleans settled things in that pack a few months ago. He's an outsider who will give me the truth. I need him."
"We all have a destiny. You. Him. Me. It may choose us but we will determine the outcome. You must not rush into things without thinking."
"Look," she sighed, giving a yawn. Exhaustion from searching for her sister had caught up with her. "Just let me go. I'll find him again."
"You don't seem to understand, pet. This isn't up for discussion. You have no choice. Get a shower. Sleep. Tomorrow we go to the party. We meet in public where we're safe. It's highly unlikely other supernaturals will cause issues at this event."
"Where am I?" Kai stood on her tiptoes, attempting to see around him into the hallway.
"You are where you chose to be," he answered with a crooked smile. "With the wolf."
"Has anyone ever told you you're difficult to talk to? Please, for the love of the Goddess, just tell me where the hell I am."