Page 27 of Jake

“You do realize that what you did to Jake, that’s impossible? Impossible for most creatures. Now imagine if you could do that to a whole pack at once, to control them.”

“No, only an Alpha can wield that kind of power.” Kai closed her eyes, her heart racing.

“You attract the supernaturals, Kai, because they want your power. Kasdeya. She’s tasted you, knows what you are. Imagine if they could gain even a tenth of your power over the wolves by draining you. And the wolves, they will sense you but won’t know what you are.”

“I can’t control the magick when I’m around others. It seeps into me. Their good forture. I steal it.”

“That is the nature of Pixiu. But you don’t steal anything. It’s true you absorb good luck. Your master, he alone will control how it is used. For good. For evil. He will guide your beast. You are powerful.”

“Master?” Kai’s eyes flashed to Samantha’s. “No one can control me. I will hide forever. I’ll go to Siberia if I have to.”

Samantha stood and crossed the room, her tone gentle. “In this life, we all have a soul who is meant to be ours. Fate shall bring you together. You have lived a very long life, Kai, isolated from everyone. Your beast, she has a match.”

“No, I don’t breed. I cannot have children.”

“Magick.” Samantha raised her hands up to the ceiling and smiled as a rainbow of sparks danced in the air. “You cannot wish it away. I once tried.”

“But you’re a witch.”

“Not always. I was once very much human. And Luca? He’s vampire. They do not breed either. We were not supposed to be able to have a child, but we did. So you see, magick, it is capable of beautiful things.”

“I don’t want a master. I’ve never even…” Made love with a supernatural. “I can only be with humans.”

“What else did you see just now?” Samantha blew a kiss and the sparkles dissipated.

“Nothing…I saw her. Me. I have wings. But I’ve never shifted and then at the end I heard something.” A wolf. “It makes no sense.”

“Let me tell you what I saw.” Samantha went to the wall, running her palm along its seam. “I saw a magnificent creature. A strong one that has grown over the years. It’s fierce. Protective of its master and those it loves. It’s been around supernaturals the past couple of days, has flexed its wings. You will shift soon. You need guidance when it happens.”

“No, that cannot happen. I don’t have a master and I definitely cannot shift. I cannot allow that to happen.” Kai bit her lip, shaking her head. “No, no, no.”

“There’s no stopping this. I suggest you stay close to those who’ve stepped up to protect you. They’ve been brought into your life for a reason.”

“I have no one. Shilan. She was the only person I had and now she’s gone.”

“There are others. I know them. And so do you,” Samantha continued as she depressed a lever along the wainscoting. “Keep them close and they will help you find your sister.”

As the wall slid open, Kai’s heart caught at the sight of the powerful Alpha. She’d known it was just a matter of time before he found her. Aware she’d escaped without saying a word, guilt rushed through her. As her eyes locked on his, she took a step backwards, the back of her thighs brushing against the windows. Tendrils of his energy wrapped around her, and she shivered. Anger. Attraction. Dominance. Her beast roared and Kai’s eyes widened as he stalked toward her.

“Jake.” His name danced on her tongue ever so softly.

“Forget to say goodbye?” he asked, a cool smile on his face.

“I think you two should have a word. I have something to attend to and will return shortly.” Samantha nodded to them as she exited the room.

“I had to see Ils…” Kai began, her hands falling to her sides.

“Oh, I know what ya came here for. But where I grew up, it’s not very polite to go running out on your host.” Jake cocked his head and raised an eyebrow at her.

Kai felt the air escape from her lungs. Anger rolled off the Alpha, his eyes reaching into her soul. Her beast cowered in response. What kind of a powerful beast hides? she asked herself.

“No, that kind of behavior would earn a spankin’ ‘round here. Is that what you need, Kai? Because I’m startin’ to think so.”

A spanking?Kai’s face flushed at his tempting suggestion. Jesus, stop thinking of sex already.

“Oh no, sweetheart, not that kind of spanking.” He gave a small laugh.

Kai’s pulse raced. She’d forgotten how easily supernaturals sensed both fear and arousal.