Jake (Immortals of New Orleans #8)(80)

"If she's part wolf, she's running some kind of magick to keep them out of her city. She's got a stronghold on the territory," Quintus said.

"The Elders. They're tightlipped with outsiders, but we'll need their help to find Kasdeya." Kai shifted on Jake's lap but made no move to stand.

"She may attempt to ambush us. Do we have anywhere safe besides this plane? Because we're going to land there in the morning, and we'll need a place to crash until tomorrow night."

"I've booked us a suite at a secure hotel in the Financial District. After we see Kasdeya, we hop the jet to San Diego." There was no way he was staying any longer than necessary. He had to get to his pack as soon as possible.

"Who runs it?" Quintus asked.

"It's independently owned," Jake replied.

"I didn't think any wolves were in the city."

"It's not run by a wolf. A human owns it."

"Interesting." Quintus raised his eyebrows. "A human, huh? Navy Seal?"

"No. She's … "Jake began.

"Ah … a she?"

Kai's eyes drifted out the window, her jealousy spearing through her. Jake sensed it immediately, and he carefully chose his words. "She's just a friend."

"I see." Quintus smiled.

"She's a friend," Jake insisted.

Cassandra Evans. He'd met her on a whale watching trip. After they'd celebrated a sighting of an enormous blue mammal, they'd had dinner. Over a long weekend, they'd laughed and watched sunsets, made love only once. She'd just come out of a serious relationship and hadn't been interested in dating. Jake had been relieved, aware that there was no future with a human. He'd texted her before they'd gone to Bourbon Street, making arrangements. Although she wasn't supernatural, she was close with several witches, and kept her hotel well warded.



       
         
       
        

"Yeah, I got that part," Quintus said; his voice carried a hint of suspicion. "Where are we staying?"

"C Towers. She's the owner."

"Why would we stay with a human? We're safer on the plane," Kai challenged.

"She knows people. It's warded. It's only for a night." Jake ran a comforting hand down her back, attempting to calm her. His palm rested on her hip, noting that he no longer sensed her. Jake eyed her in surprise. Knowingly or otherwise, she'd sealed him away from her emotions. "Cass will make sure we've got clothes. Weapons."

"What could she possibly know about vampires? There's very little that can protect you against Kasdeya. Don't you think if it was that easy, we could just defeat her?" Kai said, her voice terse. She pressed onto her feet and walked to the bar. "I need a drink."

"Normally I'd agree with you. But the fact of the matter is that if she's surrounded by her sired children, other vampires, you'd have a chance against them. Given she's part demon, you don't know what other surprise guest she may have waiting for us," Jake responded.

"I've met Kasdeya. She's seductive. Lethal." Kai laughed and poured herself a bourbon. She downed it, exhaled loudly and poured another. "Before you even have a chance to take the stake out of your pocket, she'll have it deep inside your chest."

"The reality is that all we have is a Kris that may or may not help us. And the hope that that book of yours will tell us something. And the thing is Kai, Kasdeya may be a demon goddess, but I don't care. I've been waiting for years to kill her," Quintus seethed.

"Don't underestimate him, Kai," Jake warned.

"No offense, Quintus, but Kasdeya wasn't even here, and her demons took you down," Kai argued.

"True, but they caught us off guard back there. We were so worried about the Kris, we hardly had time to react. This time we take her head on. She will need all her energy, won't be able to divest herself into phantoms."

"How can you be so sure?" Kai shook her head and swigged back another shot.

"I've also met Kasdeya. And you're right. She's seductive, but the very human side of her remains her greatest weakness. She wants to be assured she is the most beautiful vampire, the most desired."

"So what are you saying? She just wants to be loved?" Kai shook her head.

"She'll say what you want to hear. Man or woman, she promises to please. She knows your greatest desire. She uses it to get what she wants." Quintus paused and locked his eyes on hers. "Like she did to you, Kai. She knows you want your sister. She senses your despair and feeds off it." 

"That's what demons do," Jake agreed. "You must clear your thoughts. Shove your fears and fantasies to the furthest parts of your mind. Be a clean slate, so she can't use it."