Page 44 of Jake

“The Alpha is rising. I’m starting to sense the pack, knowing what others are thinking. Being in touch with everyone around me.” He gave a small smile. “There’s something about you, Kai. I know you’re rare, don’t mate and all that bullshit. But my wolf, he recognizes you. I feel your sadness, your worry.”

“I can feel your wolf too,” she admitted. In an effort to conceal her emerging feelings for him, she changed the subject. “I’ve spent all this time hiding. And after what I did in San Francisco, I can’t believe I’m about to walk into another coven. I must be an idiot.”

“You’re cautious. And you should be. But my guess is that you’re not as vulnerable as you think you are. Yeah, they want you…your blood, to control good fortune, like a damn rabbit’s foot. But you’re changing. I can’t see your beast, but I feel her…you’re strong.”

“But the vampires…” she began.

“We’ll deal with them. I’m not letting anyone mess with you, but I’m also not going to provoke them. I don’t want to give you any reason to shift while we’re in there. It’s not something you want to be doing for the first time in a less than positive atmosphere, shall we say. I’m not sure when you’re gonna shift but when it happens, I’ll support you, okay?”

“Okay,” Kai agreed, giving a squeeze to his hand.

“It’s up ahead on the left,” Quintus commented. His eyes flashed to theirs and he grinned. “I feel him. Ah, his confidence…it’s very high. He’s filled with delight at the moment.”

“Are you certain it’s here?” she asked. They’d been driving for at least thirty minutes into the country with no sign of people. “I haven’t seen a single building in miles.”

“The Serpent’s Breath is isolated. He’s not social like most vampires,” Quintus responded.

“Baton Rouge. They’ve been fighting for some time up here. The territory’s been divided between at least a dozen vampires. None are as strong as Kade,” Jake commented.

“I’m sure Jonathon would love to have more power, but it’s impossible at this time,” Quintus added.

“Léopold’s presence in New Orleans has given Kade even more strength. These guys like to hide out. Jonathon’s coven flourishes here. Vamps from other parishes visit the night club.” Jake pointed to two large southern oak trees draped in Spanish moss. “It’s up here.”

“Have you ever been inside?” she asked. The car turned into the long stretch of driveway, lined with trees.

“Neither of us has been inside, but don’t worry too much about that. It’s one of those things. Jonathon knows of me, and you can sure as hell bet he knows Quintus.”

“Every vampire in this country knows of me. But to see me? Now, that’s a different story.”

They pulled up to the gate, and Kai glanced to the security guard who approached the car. She studied his white canvas uniform that buttoned around his neck. She wondered if the thick material prevented stakes from penetrating their skin, or if they were trying to make a fashion statement.

As the window lowered, the guard peeked inside the car, catching her gaze. Terrified, she sensed his desire but remained calm as he questioned Jake.

“Jake Louvière. I’m here to see Jonathon. He’s expecting us.”

The guard spotted Quintus and nodded. “Sir, it is a pleasure to have you tonight.” His focus went to Jake. “Wolves aren’t permitted. You’re an exception. Do not make us regret your invitation.”

“Just open the damn gate,” Jake ordered. “We don’t have all night.”

As the window went up and the gates parted, Kai released an audible breath. Her heart pounded as the car pulled under the carport.

“Try to keep your pulse steady. They’ll hear it,” Quintus said.

“They’ll sense fear. If Jonathon doesn’t try to use it against you, one of the others will notice. You’ll appear vulnerable,” Jake told her.

“I can do this,” Kai responded. She couldn’t be sure whether she was reassuring Jake or herself, but she’d come this far.

“Here we go, sweetheart. Stay with me.”

Kai went to answer but lost her words as the limo door swung open, and a seven-foot bellman gestured for Jake to get out of the car. As he did so, he brought Kai with him and she pressed onto her feet, smoothing down her lace skirt. Kai gave the porter a deliberate long stare, establishing her presence. Taking a deep breath, she forced her heartbeat to slow so that she appeared confident and relaxed.

As they approached the home, her eyes went to the enormous contemporary structure. Its white stucco exterior extended up three stories, brushing the giant palm trees that lined the landscaping. Enormous bird of prey flowers peppered the gardens, while a white pebbled driveway edged the well-manicured green lawn.

A creak sounded, and her eyes went to the entrance. Four-inch-thick cedar doors opened, and a petite woman stood waiting to greet them. Her ample breasts spilled over her tight red latex dress, and Kai struggled not to stare at her burgeoning cleavage.

“Come,” she instructed, waving her hand.

Kai’s eyes widened as the woman turned to lead them inside the building. The shiny fabric revealed a fluffy black tail that emerged from her bare bottom, the latex held together by two leather belts. Kai glanced to Jake whose expression remained indifferent as he crossed the threshold. He tightened his grip on her hand, reminding her to stay calm.