"She always helps people but she never does it for free. Dimitri gave her his fur."
"I gave her blood. But it was a fair price," she told him.
"Look, I'm not sayin' that she doesn't have the right to earn a stipend for her work. But when she uses these things to hurt people? That crosses a line. She wasn't snooping on D. She tried to kill his wolf. Nope. That bitch has a dark side. And when I say dark, I'm talking close the curtains, pitch black, not a prick of light, call a priest, time for an exorcism kind of dark."
"Black magick can be seductive," Quintus told them. He gave a tilt of his head, studying the wrought iron gate.
"You trying to tell us something?" Jake asked, raising an eyebrow at the ancient vampire.
"I don't embrace it but I admit I edge the outskirts. Sometimes one must fight fire with fire. It can be used to protect, disarm your enemies. Ones like Kasdeya."
"Kasdeya is evil," Kai stated, her voice cold.
"Her demons, they will find you eventually."
"He's right. We need to get inside, and hope to hell Dom has some kind of wards set up. Our energy … " Your mark. My mate. "Our connection. It's possible I mask you, but let's not test it."
"They filter the city searching for her," Quintus told them. "I feel them as we speak. They come from the underworld but Kasdeya owns their souls. They're part of her."
"We're running out of time. Let's do this," Jake stepped toward the gate, and glanced back to Quintus. "Keep her between us."
"On it." The vampire drew closer to Kai.
"No offense, you two, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to be the one defending you all someday." She gave a sly smile, ignoring their expressions of amusement.
"It's all good, golden girl. But just remember who's got a rein on your lovely ass. I'm not letting you get hurt." Jake reached between the railing and flipped open the security pad, punching at the keys. "I hope this code Kade gave us works."
A click sounded and a smile crinkled onto his face. Jake shoved the heavy door open as Kai and Quintus passed through it.
"Careful," he warned as he trekked down the narrow alleyway. It had been paved in uneven stones, potted plants lining its edges. Leaves speared out into their path, brushing their calves as they made their way back to the house.
Jake walked into the courtyard and glanced to the banana tree reaching up toward the second floor of the nineteenth century home. The hidden gem appeared in its original state, but in good condition. Jake waved his hand over the door, sensing the hum of magick inside.
"What is that?" Kai asked.
"Wards," Quintus answered.
"It's serious magick all right, which begs the question, 'What the hell does Dominique need with this kind of wattage?'" Jake held his arm across the door, blocking Kai's fingers from brushing the window pane. "Not yet, sweetheart. I don't know what this is."
"Ilsbeth. The coven," Quintus interjected.
"Yes, but this is different," Kai countered. "I don't need to touch it. I can feel it. It's feminine. Soft. There's innocence to it."
"Let's get our asses inside." Quintus looked over his shoulder as a cold breeze blew across the patio and a dry leaf scraped across the stones.
"Whatever it is, it's probably some kind of protective ward for demons. I agree, if it'll let us pass, let's get inside. We don't want to get caught up with Kasdeya's flying bags of fun." Jake again flipped open the security pad, and made quick work of typing in the code. It buzzed as the gears churned, and the lock box below clicked open, revealing a key.
Panic painted across Kai's face. "Do you feel it?"
"Kasdeya. Her devils search," Quintus whispered.
Jake shoved the key into the slot, and turned it until the lock slid away. As he caught sight of the black wisps rushing toward them, he reached for Kai's hand. With a shove, he opened the door, yanking her inside. Quintus rushed in behind her, slamming it shut.
Jake's expression went flat as he took in the sight of the small living room. He couldn't say he'd ever discounted the ghost stories of the streets of New Orleans. Living in paranormal realms, it was accepted that all was possible, including hauntings. Regardless, he avoided the occult, those who invited spirits into their life.
As he glanced to Kai and Quintus, whose eyes smiled in amusement, his chest tightened at the sight of the Victorian decor. His mind churned, unable to imagine that Dominque, Queen Bee fashionista, would live here. His instincts pricked in awareness as stepped further into her home. He wasn't sure if they'd find the Kris, but like most vampires, Dominique had a long-forgotten history, and they were about to discover it.