Page 42 of Jake

Chapter Eight

“Thank you, I’m sure they’ll fit,” Kai said, restraining her anger as she perused the outfits on the bed. She had noted Tabitha’s interaction with her Alpha. She appeared familiar with him, more than just a friend, and couldn’t believe he’d invite a lover to his home after they’d been intimate.

Kai held up the black leather bustier, imagining that she’d never wear such an item in Wyoming. In truth, she didn’t get out often, only visiting the local bar. Her interaction with the humans never involved kink or darkness, let alone sinfully sexy clothing.

“It’s one of my favorite pieces,” Tabitha commented. “It looks like it should fit you.”

“Yes, it appears so.” Kai’s eyes fell to a black lace skirt. Its intricate embroidered pattern provided little coverage. She fingered the delicate fabric.

“Lovely, isn’t it?”

“It’s very…uh, very see through,” she commented.

“There’re full panties to match. Knee high boots. You’re a size six?”

“Um, yeah, why?” Kai’s attention snapped to Tabitha as she held up the leathers. “How did you know my shoe size?”

“Jake told me, of course.” She paused, eying Kai, and gave a cool smile. “He’s very good with the ladies. I suppose it doesn’t take much for a man like him to figure it out.”

“And you’re one of his ladies?” The question slipped, and she regretted the inquiry, aware the answer could cut her like a knife.

“I am. Can’t you tell by his response to me? We’ve been together many times.”

“But you’re not mates,” Kai countered, attempting to soothe the sting of Tabitha’s candor.

“Does it matter? Neither of us have mates.” Tabitha’s mouth tightened, the fine lines on her face deepening. “I’m going to give you a little piece of advice, witch. I can’t tell what you really are, but I know this much; you aren’t wolf. Jake, he’s what you might call selective. He doesn’t make it a habit to date witches. Maybe he’s slipped up a few times.”

Kai’s thoughts went to Holly, and it made her wonder more about their relationship too. Jake had seemed almost hostile towards the witch, who appeared to hold a flame for him as well.

“But in the end, he always comes back to the wolves. You see, we all know there is a mate out there for us. It may take decades, sometimes hundreds of years, to find them but fate will bring us together. Wolves can only understand wolves. He knows this.”

“I’m not sure what that’s supposed to mean. Vampires are similar.”

“Not true. They can bond with humans, other vampires. Witches even. No, wolves are special. We know that when we’re fucking around, there is always a possibility our mate will walk through the door. We keep it light. We learn this very early on…not to get too attached.”

“If that was true,” Kai gave a snarky grin, “then I don’t think we’d be having this conversation.”

“I don’t know what’s going on with you.” Tabitha sniffed into the air, and glared at her. “I smell him on you. So perhaps he’s off the wagon, dipping his wick in the witches’ ink. But I can assure you it won’t last.”

“The Alpha is with me now. You can report that back to the other wolves who might have a problem with it.” As Kai claimed Jake, her pulse raced, the words spilling from her lips as truth. She had no right to do so but her beast demanded it be done. Jesus Christ, Kai. What are you saying?

“He’s a wolf,” she insisted, throwing the boots onto the bed. “Do yourself a favor. Don’t become like Ilsbeth. She wanted Dimitri, and she couldn’t have him. If you do any spells on Jake, I’ll take you out.”

“Don’t you ever threaten me.” Kai’s voice was low and firm. Her beast rose up, and she struggled to control it, her eyes burning gold. “I will kill to defend myself and the wolf. The Alpha is mine.”

“What…what…” Tabitha backed up to the door, her palms reaching for the wall. “I don’t know what you think you’re doing or what you are…your eyes…they…they’re not normal. I don’t care what kind of witch you are, you’re not his mate.”

Kai sighed in relief as Tabitha scurried out into the hallway and down the steps. She crossed the room and shut the door, locking it. Laying the back of her head against it, she took a deep breath, attempting to control her anger. Her skin crawled and she blinked, confused as to what was happening. Samantha had been right. She was going to shift soon. She could feel her beast scratching, tearing to be loose. Kai was terrified, afraid she wouldn’t be able to command the winged creature.

Her reaction to Tabitha had been visceral, and while she knew it was impossible for Jake to be her mate, her heart and soul told her otherwise. Kai’s heart crushed as she reflected on his unforgettable touch. No man had ever made love to her the way he had, teasing her to orgasm, driving her to madness. But she questioned her intense reaction to the Alpha. They’d only known each other for two days. None of it made sense. Kai had always been told by the Elders that she couldn’t mate, yet she wondered if the witch was correct, if she belonged to a master.

As she crossed to the bathroom, she swallowed the lump in her throat, telling herself to rein in her feelings for Jake. No matter what she’d just told Tabitha, there was no future with the wolf. Pixiu do not mate. It will never work. Forget it. Just get the Kris, find Shilan. Whether she had a master, as the witch foretold, remained to be seen. But for tonight, she would focus all her energy on obtaining the Kris.

She glanced to the bed, scattered with clothing, and set her thoughts onto tonight. Although the outfits weren’t her usual taste, she’d play the part, do whatever she had to do to get her sister. She prayed Jonathon didn’t push her. If he did so, she feared her beast would emerge and kill.

As Kai descended the stairs, both Jake and Quintus waited in the foyer. At the sight of the masculine Alpha, she forced her pulse to relax, drawing deep silent breaths. Dressed in black leather pants and a tight fitted shirt, Jake’s dominating presence commanded her attention. His seductive blue eyes penetrated her soul as they locked on hers, and her beast sat waiting for his direction.

She gave him a nod, and stepped into the light. Her cheeks flushed as Jake’s stare turned heated, and she averted her gaze, all too aware of her revealing clothing. The bustier and long transparent lace skirt fit perfectly, the thigh-high boots clinging to her legs like a second skin. Her silky raven hair trailed down her back, brushing over her shoulders.