Page 11 of Jake

“Quintus is a friend of Jax. A very dangerous friend.”

“I heard he’s got a place down here but he doesn’t use it. I’ve only seen him once. It was a long time ago. Marcel was Alpha at the time. Leo’s mentioned him a few times since things went down with y’all in New York. I take it he’s got some business here?”

“Be careful, D. He’s old. Powerful. Does stuff Kade can’t do. Think more like a radioactive Leo. He does the disappearing act. Got all the vamp tricks down.” Jake recalled how the vampire had nearly strangled him to death in his underground Central Park club. “Quintus is one bad motherfucker.”

“Hey, I have no quarrel with him. Logan said be cordial, so cordial I’ll be. There’s a few out-of-town vamps attending tonight. The pack knows they’re here but not by name.”

“Just avoid him if you can, okay?”

“Jake, I know you got a mask on but I can see that fire in your eyes. What do you have planned?”

“Some things went down last night. That’s all I can say. I haven’t told Logan yet, so keep it quiet. It’s just a matter of time before this shit explodes, but I need to do this on my own. This is my business. I don’t want the pack hurt.”

“You’re sounding more and more like Logan every day.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Just sayin’. You’ve always been a leader. Sometimes this is the natural path.” Dimitri nodded.

“Goddammit. What did Logan tell you?” Jake’s jaw ticked, his stress rising. Does the whole damn pack know? He hadn’t told anyone about his conversation with Jax.

“No one told me anything. It’s okay.” Dimitri lowered his voice. He went to place his hand on Jake’s shoulder but hesitated. “I saw what happened last night. You broke away from the path. Ever since New York, you’ve been distracted. Going to San Diego…it did something to you.”

“Nothing good, that’s for sure.”

“Not true, man. I’ve been around a long time. I’ve met lots of Alphas. They’ve all got this vibe. I don’t know what you want to call it but it’s power. They’re in touch with their wolves. Sometimes they can feel wolves that aren’t even theirs. I think it’s why you and Jax butt heads. But it’s also why you’re close. There’s this common bond. Now I don’t know how this is all goin’ to work out, but trust me on this. You gotta follow your gut. Don’t fight it. Fightin’ it is gonna get you nowhere real fast. And I’ll tell you another thing,” he paused and glanced across the room, “I don’t know what business you got with Quintus, but the fact you have any interest in this guy is trouble. If you were just pack, you wouldn’t even be thinking about talkin’ to him by yourself.”

“This thing with me.” Jake set his focus on Dimitri, his expression serious. “You gotta keep it under wraps, okay? I’m not challenging Logan. But I don’t know what I’m gonna do yet. As for Quintus, something happened last night, and he’s involved. I need answers.”

The air went cold, a twitch of magick swirled through the room, and their attention was drawn to a congregation that had formed in the entryway. Jake registered Quintus’ presence, recalling how his powerful aura had buzzed through the vampire’s underground club in Central Park.

“He’s here,” Jake stated calmly.

“You do remember tonight’s for charity?” Dimitri asked. “One of the rare times we play nice with the bloodsuckers.”

“You play nice with Leo all the time,” Jake responded, never taking his eyes off the crowd as it dispersed. “In fact, y’all are gettin’ along like a house on fire. You’re like the damn fang whisperer.”

“Hey now. I’m just in touch with nature. Hence the bear.” Dimitri pointed to his mask and grinned. “You know I have a magick touch with all beings.”

“Not witches.” A small smile formed, yet Jake’s attention never faltered.

“Oh, brother. You pain me.” Dimitri held his hand to his chest and shook his head. “Tru dat. Those witches…nearly the death of me.”

“There he is.”

“Who?”

“Quintus. Don’t follow me, ya hear?”

“Last I recall, I don’t have two Alphas,” Dimitri shot back.

“I’m not fucking around, D. Stay here. This is my fight.”

“Twice a year bro. Peace. Charity ball. All getting along as one!” Dimitri called as Jake took a deliberate step toward Quintus.

“I’ve got this. No worries, man.”

“Fucking famous last words,” Dimitri muttered under his breath. With a final attempt to stop Jake, he yelled to him, “Five thousand a head. Fancy ass party. Don’t fuck this up, bro.”