Page 92 of Jake

“Fuck off, Quint. I should have left your ass on that plane.”

“Silence!” A loud voice bellowed.

Jake went on alert, withdrawing his gun.

“No, Jake, don’t,” Kai begged, her hand tugging at his arm.

“You have no need for that here,” the strange voice said, its tone calm.

Jake glanced to the cathedral ceiling as the room slowly brightened. Hundreds of miniature recessed lights peppered above like stars. The walls appeared to undulate in a rippling waterfall, but he couldn’t discern the cause of their movement. A candle in the far corner came to life, and he took sight of a tall figure as it turned to face them.

“Thank you for bringing us, sir,” Kai said, bowing to the man.

“Times are troubled. Your sister’s still missing.”

“I went to Kasdeya, but she…she…”

“I am aware of your actions. You gave her your blood,” he said, disappointment in his voice. “You have made her stronger.”

“I’m so sorry, sir. I was weak. I needed Shilan.”

“Never believe the lies of a serpent,” he told her.

“These are my friends. Jake. Quintus. They will help me this time. I promise I won’t do…”

“Promises mean nothing,” another voice shouted out of the darkness.

“Who are you? What’s your name?” Jake asked, keeping his gun clutched in his hand. The Elder emitted an otherworldly essence that tainted the air but he failed to identify it.

“We have no name,” a different voice answered from the shadows.

“We are all names.” The faceless Elder stepped forward, coming within a foot of the Alpha.

“We mean you no harm,” Jake told him. “But if you hurt Kai, I won’t think twice about using this gun on your ass. I don’t need to know who you are or why you’re all hiding in the dark. I can find your location just by the sound of your voice. We’re only here for your help. We need more info about Kasdeya and to get help finding the book.”

“I think I’ve changed my mind about the gun. Good call.” Quintus sighed. Stepping next to Kai, he took a protective position with Jake flanked at her other side.

“Put the gun away,” Kai admonished him.

“Sorry sweetheart, but it’s either the gun or I’m going wolf. And right now I need to talk, so gun it is.”

“I need the book. The one my parents gave me. I left it…” she began.

“You mean this book.” The Elder reached into his robe and lifted it into the air.

“Oh Goddess. You have it,” Kai exclaimed.

“You were careless.”

“I’m not experienced at this. I don’t know what I’m doing. I promise you I’d never deliberately lose it. My sister,” Kai’s voice cracked with emotion, “Shilan…I need to find her. I’d do anything.”

“Anything?” the man asked, pacing.

“Of course. Why do you think I’m here? Kasdeya. I know she has something to do with this. She’s a demon and…”

“Shh. Do not speak her name in here. Even the mention of her threatens our sanctuary. Your sister…”

“Shilan,” Kai said.