Page 32 of Jake

“The wolf shall bind you.”

“What?” Kai’s eyes flew open and her attention went to Samantha, who stared blindly ahead, as if in a daze.

“The wolf shall bind you,” Samantha stated with no emotion.

“I need a spell,” Kai said.

“Must find the Kris. Your blood is his blood. In that you will hide,” the witch repeated.

“What is she talking about?” Kai asked.

“Shh…” Quintus knelt before Samantha as she repeated her words. “It’s an athame.”

“A Kris. Your blood is his blood. In that you will hide.”

“Where is it?” Jake pressed.

“Kris. Find the Kris. Beyond the serpent’s breath you will find the Kris. Your blood is his blood. In that you will hide.” Samantha released both their hands and she sucked a deep breath.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying. I need the spell. Please,” Kai begged. She closed her eyes, struggling to swallow the tears that threatened to fall. Despite the despair hovering over her, she focused on Shilan, telling herself she’d find her sister. A calming touch on her shoulder slammed the brakes on her racing thoughts and she blinked her eyes open, finding Jake at her side.

“It’s gonna be okay, Kai,” he promised.

“Some things are meant to be. The universe brings people together who have no reason otherwise to connect. Listen to it,” Samantha whispered.

“Let’s get out of here,” he suggested, supporting her arm as he stood.

“I’ve got to find Shilan,” Kai said, her heart heavy. She wore the devastation on her face like a death mask. “Samantha. Thank you for trying to help.”

“Look, Sam, ya know I appreciate your help, but I’m telling you, I think you need to be careful here with Ilsbeth,” Jake warned. ‘Whatever just happened…that wasn’t you speakin’.”

“Holly,” Samantha called as she pressed to her feet. She swept both hands into her thick red hair and twisted it into a bun. The young witch entered the parlor, and rushed to Ilsbeth’s side. “Please take Zella to her room. I’ll be there shortly.”

Holly nodded, and Kai wondered if the witch had overheard their conversation. Ilsbeth stood as if nothing had ever happened, her expressionless blue eyes dazed. Holly gave Kai a cool smile as she escorted her toward the exit. Ilsbeth stopped mid step and turned to face them.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t of help today. As I told you, I’m human. These kind witches have looked after me, but I expect I’ll leave soon.” Without another word, she exited the room.

“Luca is not going to take well to this news. I’m not gonna tell him directly, but he’ll find out,” Quintus said.

“I’m gonna have to tell Logan and Dimitri. I don’t know what exactly just happened here, but this info about the Kris; I’m pretty sure that didn’t come from you.” Jake shook his head in disappointment.

“Don’t worry yourself with Luca. I will tell him as soon as possible. As for Zella, I can assure you her powers have vanished. But now that we’ve done this, Kai pushed magick through her, I cannot be certain of the ramifications. But be assured that she cannot escape. Still, after today, I will revisit the situation.”

As Kai stepped through into the foyer, and Quintus opened the door, the cool breeze blew, scattering the magick around her like a deck of cards. Kai wasn’t well versed in witchcraft, but whatever had been in the home when she’d first arrived had been amplified; a renewed hum sang in the air.

Find the Kris. Beyond the serpent’s breath you will find the Kris. Your blood is his blood. In that you will hide.The words played in Kai’s mind. She was aware they’d been given a clue, a first step in her sister’s salvation. As the Alpha wrapped a strong arm around her, Kai relaxed into his protective touch.

A master. An Alpha.She glanced up to Jake, whose expression told her they’d be having a long conversation when they returned home. Kai suspected he’d never let her go again. Two souls brought together by the universe, her beast called for him. The wolf. Her wolf.