Page 45 of Jake

With no foyer to speak of, they stepped directly into an arena. An enormous aquarium lined the perimeter of the darkened room. Hundreds of fish swam inside, their glassy eyes appearing to pierce through the tank. Kai glanced upward to the oval balcony where partygoers overlooked the festivities.

As they followed the diminutive female, Kai heard the faint whispers of Jake’s name. Quintus sidled next to her, taking her hand in his. Surrounded by her protectors, she breathed out the tension she’d been holding inside, concealing her emotions.

A piercing scream caught her attention but the club goers appeared unfazed by the commotion. A roar of laughter erupted from three women dressed in matching elegant evening gowns, their fuchsia taffeta trains pooling onto the cold marble floor. To the far right, a string quartet played ‘Hallelujah’, and a modest audience gathered, swaying to the beat.

Another shriek sounded as they drew closer to a raised platform, but the crowd obscured her view. As they approached, her heart sped as the horrific sight came into view. On a black stone altar, a naked woman lay sprawled on white velvet fabric. She writhed in a rhythmic fit, clutching the blood-splattered cloth. With her legs spread wide open, she moaned as a tall male settled himself between her thighs and bit into her flesh.

“It’s a lovely affair,” Jake commented, jarring her from shock.

A brush of his hand to her cheek drew her eyes to his, and she nodded, afraid to speak.

“You’re beautiful, sweetheart.” Jake brought her into his embrace, and wrapped his arms around her, whispering in her ear. “You’re mine in here. Do you understand?”

Kai nodded, relief flushing through her chest. As he pressed his lips to her neck, she stifled a moan. Jake.My Alpha. Immersed in his presence, the sounds in the room ceased to exist as he brought her closer still, placing his palm into hers. Gooseflesh broke over her skin as he kissed along her jawline, and she whispered his name as his lips took hers.

She held him tight as he claimed her, sweeping his tongue into her mouth. She returned his sensual kiss, and as he gently pulled away, her eyes locked on his, and she realized he’d calmed her spirit. The fire inside had been lit and she suspected every supernatural in the building had detected her arousal.

“I’m yours.” Although she spoke loudly so that others would hear, her heart knew it was the truth.

“No one will touch you.” His lips briefly pressed to hers before he turned to the stage.

Kai breathed slowly, staring as the vampire released his fangs from the now unconscious woman. He gave a cool smile, wiping his mouth, and made his way towards them. The well-dressed vampire retracted his fangs into a smile as he approached. Although handsome, his innocent face didn’t fool Kai.

“Jake, I presume?’ the vampire greeted without extending his hand.

“Jonathon.” Jake’s eyes went to Quintus who moved in front of Kai, blocking his access.

“Jonathon. I appreciate you meeting with us,” Quintus said.

“Sir.” Jonathon steepled his fingers and bowed. “We’re honored to have you. But,” he paused, his eyes darting to Jake, “we are purists. Vampires only.”

“All the more reason for us to be grateful for your accommodation.” Quintus raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth lifting.

“And who is this creature?” Jonathon asked, attempting to peek around him to get a better view.

“This is Kai. She belongs to me,” Jake told him, his voice firm.

“Ah, I see.” Jonathon stepped around Quintus, extending his hand to her. “Pleased to meet you, my lovely flower. My name is Jonathon. Welcome to the Serpent’s Breath.”

“Hello,” she managed, eliminating the treble in her voice. She reluctantly presented her hand, uneasy as his cold skin brushed against hers. He sniffed her, before placing a brief kiss to her fingers. Kai snatched her hand back, and leaned into Jake.

“Hmm…you smell delicious. Oranges. No, no, no. Tangerines. Definitely citrus. Ah, how it brings back the days of my humanity.” He closed his eyes for several seconds, appearing lost in his reminiscing. Kai startled as he flashed them open, and continued. “You’re not a wolf. Interesting.” He looked to Jake then focused back on Kai. “Your magick. Too dark to be fae. It’s refined. Ancient. But I can’t tell your species. Please do indulge me. What are you, my lovely bonnet?”

“I’m a witch,” she responded without hesitation.

“A witch, you say? Your scent…it’s rare, perhaps. You’re not from New Orleans?”

“No, I’m a friend of Ilsbeth’s here on a visit,” she elaborated. The lie rolled off her lips as if it were the God’s honest truth.

“But the wolf? He stakes you as if you were his own. I suppose wolves enjoy a witch every now and then, but your kiss, it was very passionate for casual lovers. No, no…this doesn’t quite make sense. She cannot be your mate.”

“Jake is my lover. I belong to him,” she insisted.

“Kai’s mine and mine alone. She will be my mate. We are working on a spell,” Jake told him.

“Never trust a witch, my friend. It will never work, but alas,” he laughed, turning to Quintus, “it is not my funeral.”

“He’s her master,” Quintus told him, focusing on Jake then Kai. “She will submit eventually. It’s only a matter of time. But you see this spell, it requires the Kris.”