by Kym Grosso
“An Alpha’s daughter,” Quintus told them, his words slow and deliberate. “An Alpha’s sister.”
“An Alpha’s mate,” Jax finished his sentence.
“But that happens sometimes. It’s not unusual to be all three,” Katrina stated.
“An Alpha’s daughter or sister? Yes, that’s fairly common. But for you also to be the mate of an Alpha? All three? Not so much,” Jax countered.
“There may be something else. Something about you. Assuming there are others, why do they come for you? Why Jax, for that matter?” Quintus pondered. “Perhaps your family hides secrets.”
“Tristan wouldn’t do that. I’ve told him what happened,” she protested.
“But he hasn’t stopped it, now has he?” Quintus pointed out.
“My brother’s a busy man. He has many things to attend to on any given day. Tris might not have completely believed me, but he’d never lie to me.”
“Well, now, I’m no expert on Tristan Livingston. But I saw you the night I was captured. I saw what they did to you. The bruises,” Quintus reflected with a lilt of compassion in his words. “No one could withstand what they’d done to you. Yet not only did you survive, you fed me.”
“I’d shift,” Katrina argued. “I was never gone for long. A day at most. Sometimes only hours.”
“Something about your magick. It’s special to them. Potent.” The vampire once again reached for her hand and turned it over, inspecting her palm.
“Why let me go then? Why not drain me dry?” Katrina questioned. Her voice grew louder as she tried to contain her panic.
“Because they are letting you heal,” Jax told her.
“They sow the field and wait for it to grow again. Then they come back to yield the crop. But like an overplanted field, your ability to replenish grows weak. But there is something unusual about the Alpha. Why do they attack him? Why risk the wrath of his pack?”
“How do we kill them?” Jax interrupted.
“Tricky business. I suppose you must figure out a way to stop them from sucking away her essence.”
“You mean like a vampire?” Jax raised an accusing eyebrow at him.
“Now, now…no need to toss around insults.” Quintus brushed the back of Katrina’s palm over his beard. “We are not so different, after all. You know full well that vampires are born of the same magick as wolves. Immortality. Our ability to transform. Unlike wolves, who thrive on the cycles of the moon, vampires drink the blood of humanity itself. Their magick, however, is neither good nor evil. It simply exists.”
“So what are these things? Like drones?” Jax growled, his eyes on Katrina’s hand. “Get to the short of it.”
“Testy aren’t we, Alpha?” Quintus laughed and continued. “My guess is that they’re like mages, driven by the demon itself, working collectively to escape. They seek the assistance of witches who need favors.”
“What kind of favors?”
“The kind of favors that lie deeply entrenched in black magick. Spells that are so very difficult on their own, they seek the help of the demon. The price is high, I imagine.”
“What kind of a demon has the power to control these things from the underworld?” Katrina asked, as a chill ran up her spine.
“That is the question, my sweet dove. Something strong. Destructive.”
“Something or someone,” Jax added. “What’s your part in this? Why were you there with Katrina?”
“Simply put, I danced with a witch, a very nasty one. But that’s neither here nor there. The creature that appeared to me that night…” His voice trailed off, and Katrina noted the sadness that flushed his expression. As if someone had slapped his face, he blinked and continued. “She appeared…it appeared as someone I’d known long ago. I should’ve known better but sometimes matters of the heart can obscure reason.”
“What’s the name of the witch? Who did you fuck with, Quint?”
“Doesn’t matter,” he grumbled. “No need to speak her name. The last time I saw her in New Orleans…”
Katrina startled as Quintus jerked her arm; her feet stumbled back.
“I’m afraid we’re out of time.” The ancient vampire’s eyes flashed red, his voice lowered into a whisper. “Your Katrina is like a beacon. They’re coming.”
“What do you mean, ‘they’re coming?’” Jax rushed to Katrina, wrapping his hand around her waist.
“No more time, Alpha. I need her blood now. I will get us out of here.”
“How are you going to do that?” Katrina yelled. “What is happening?”
“They’re here. Come. I’ll get you out. But first…her blood?” Quintus sought the approval of the Alpha.
The room began to quake, and Katrina fell back onto Quintus’ lap. Bits of cracked bricks sprayed from the ceiling in the far corner, and a small tunnel of light poured onto the dirty stone floor. Jax fell to his knees in front of her, and his eyes met the vampire’s.
“Do not touch her. Blood only,” Jax repeated.
Katrina’s pulse raced at the realization that they’d come for her again. You can’t have me again. She tore at her blouse and ripped the fabric, exposing her shoulder. With her gaze locked on Jax, she grabbed tight to his hands.
“Do it now!”
She screamed as the vampire’s fangs pierced her flesh. The room spun, suction at her neck. The searing pain transposed into desire. With her hands on her mate, she moaned in ecstasy.
“Jax,” she cried. “Please help me.”
Clutching at his lapel, she pulled him to her. As his lips met hers, her world went dark.
Chapter Ten
Jax fought the nausea as they materialized onto his bedroom floor. He blinked, and checked his surroundings, quickly realizing that Quintus had transported them back to his penthouse. Although the shifty vampire had saved their lives, his fangs remained lodged in Katrina’s shoulder.
“Get the fuck off her!” As Quintus raised his head, Jax’s fist landed directly on the vampire’s nose. The vampire hissed, bringing his hand to his face. Blood sprayed onto the cherry hardwood floor. “Jesus fucking Christ.”
“What the hell is wrong with you? I just saved your goddamned ass. Fuck me.” He licked at his lips.
“I’ll tell you what’s wrong. Look at what you just did to her.” Jax scooped Katrina in his arms and inspected her skin. Two tiny red bumps protruded from her pale flesh, the wounds healing. Jax sighed, shaking his head. Katrina’s head lolled in the crook of his arm, and he glared at Quintus. “What’s wrong with her? What did you do?”
“You’re an ungrateful asshole. Same as all those years ago,” Quintus spat, leveraging the bed to shove to his feet.
“Really? Are we back to that? She never wanted you anyway.” Jax blew out a frustrated breath.
He’d known Quintus for over fifty years. They’d fought off the rise of a human sect that sought to destroy all supernaturals. Allies, they’d survived battles, shared meals and women, but one woman had come between them. Margot Tremainne. At the time, Jax had been a neophyte Alpha, seeking to assert his role. He’d thought it a game to best Quintus, winning the affection of the flirty French mistress.
“Si, amico mio. It’s about trust.”
Jax laughed. When his friend reverted to speaking Italian, he knew he was in trouble.
“Jesus, Quint. I’m sorry, okay. Fuck. It was a long time ago. I was a dick, is that what you want to hear?”
“Si. You are.” Quintus brushed the dirt off his leathers. “Those shitheads made a mess.”
“What did you do to Kat?” Jax pressed his cheek to hers. Despite her being unconscious, she appeared well, her heartbeat strong, her breathing normal.
“She’ll be fine.”
“Does she look all right to you?” Guilt flooded Jax; he’d allowed him to bite her.
“You know damn well that dematerializing isn’t easy, even for someone as good as me. I had to take both of you. That takes a lot of magick, and I needed nourishment, if you will.
Katrina’s blood,” he paused as if he’d enjoyed a meal at a five star restaurant, “she’s the very best. Must be the Alpha in her. I’m not quite sure but si, she’s delicious.”
“You seriously need to get the fuck out of here before I stake your ass.”
“Jealousy is an ugly emotion.”
“You hurt her.”
“Pfft. She’s fine. Just resting. You’re well aware that materializing is difficult on you wolves. And the humans?” He rolled his eyes and checked his hair in the mirror, smoothing a strand back into place. “Don’t even get me started. So weak. They’re pathetic. I will not apologize for saving you both. I would have never been able to get you both out at the same time if I hadn’t drank from her.”
“Yeah right, like I’m supposed to believe that shit.” Jax brushed his lips to her forehead, and pulled the fabric of her shirt together, shielding her bra from Quintus’ view.
“Believe what you want. One thing is certain, you must find a way to stop these demons.”
“Tell me the name of the witch. Who did you screw with?”
“Why do you want to know so badly? I escaped, didn’t I?”
“Yeah, but you needed her.” Jax glanced to Katrina and sighed. “Just tell me. I need a starting point. Whoever the witch is, she knows more about these things than we do. If I know what I’m dealing with, I can destroy it.”
“Fine, but it’s your funeral. Her name’s Ilsbeth. The bitch…”
“Ilsbeth,” Jax interrupted with a disgusted laugh. “It fucking figures.”
The powerful witch had last been seen in New Orleans. After casting a spell on Dimitri, robbing him of his ability to shift, she’d disappeared. Logan had suspected that Léopold had killed her.
“Si. She’s not one to be trifled with.”
“Yeah, well, she’s dead.”
“Has this been confirmed?” Quintus asked in surprise.
“One could wish. But no.” Jax slid his arms underneath Katrina. Cradling her to his chest, he pressed to his feet. “After tonight, it’s obvious we need to get to New Orleans sooner rather than later. Logan will help me. He owes me.”
A pang of grief stabbed at him, the mention of the debt cleaved through the thin veil of his healed emotions. He’d protected his sister, fought alongside of Acadian wolves, but it was his brother who had died.
“Ah, I heard about Nick. Sorry, amico.” The sympathy in Quintus’ statement was evident, but out of respect, the vampire remained far away from the Alpha’s mate.
“Look Quint. I’ve gotta take care of Katrina. Jake and Finn…”
“They’ll be home safely. They’re after her, not them.” Quintus turned to leave. He paused, looking over his shoulder. “This demon, it grows stronger. Finding her tonight, it broke through my wards. New Orleans is safer. With all the witchcraft buzzing in the Quarter, it may have a harder time finding her.”
“My home is always protected with wards, but I agree…we’ll leave tomorrow.”
“If you need me…you know where to find me.”
“Hey, Quint,” Jax called as the ancient vampire passed through the doorway.
“Yeah?”
“Thanks, man.”
Quintus nodded and gave a wave in silence as he dematerialized.
Jax glanced down to Katrina, his heart heavy. The great Alpha had failed those closest to him, and a seed of doubt crept into his mind as he wondered if he could keep her safe. He studied her face, noting how her pink lips curled into a smile even in her sleep. She moaned and buried her nose into his shirt, her hand traveling over his shoulder. His cock stirred in response, and he knew he was in trouble.
What the hell was I thinking? Jax settled into the oversized tub, adjusting his steel-hard dick. Clean her off. Get her into bed. We’ll all get a good rest and leave in the morning. It all had seemed a good idea when he was formulating his plan. After he’d run the soap over her arms, he’d grown aroused. With her head lying flat on his shoulder, he held a firm hand around her waist, contemplating his next move.
Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes, reflecting on the scene in the club. He’d considered refusing Quintus her blood. But not only did they desperately need information, he’d known the vampire wouldn’t hurt Katrina. The bastard may have held a grudge but they’d been through enough battles for him to know that he could trust him. Although he’d been grateful to Quintus for saving them, the memory of his teeth embedding in her creamy skin made him sick. Mine, his beast growled in disagreement, but human reason had agreed to the act.
Is she really my mate? The question danced in his mind. Instinct told him she was but until they made love, he couldn’t be completely certain. It was getting more difficult to deny his wolf’s craving. It bared its fangs, warning him not to wait. Take her now, it urged. Although Jax had always been a patient man, her slick nude form against his left little room for restraint.
Katrina’s eyes fluttered open, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
“Jax,” she whispered, licking her lips.
“Shh, little wolf, I’ve got you. You’re safe.” Brushing a stream of warm water over her belly, he stroked her skin.
“But Quintus.” Panic laced her words. “He bit me…”
“You must learn to obey your Alpha.” His dominance rose to the surface. A soft hand grazed over his thigh, and his cock swelled in response.
“Why are we in water?” she asked, ignoring his statement. As she went to sit up, Jax held her tight to him.
“Because we were covered in dirt and you were unconscious. Seemed the easiest way to clean us both.” Jax gave a small laugh.
“Hmm…that’s it, huh?” Her hand reached for his. “I guess I can think of worse ways to wake up.”
As she wove her fingers through his, Jax smiled. When he’d stripped her bare to bathe her, he’d known it could go one of two ways. She’d either be as aroused as he was, or she’d come out scratching like a wildcat. But it was apparent from her reaction that she, too, continued to fall victim to the unrelenting attraction.
“We need to talk about what happened tonight.” If she was his mate, she’d have to submit; there was no other way.
“What?” she asked innocently.
“Kat,” he gritted out as her bottom slid over his hardened dick. “Tonight with Quintus…you could have been killed.”
“Me? He was about to kill Jake,” Katrina responded with a demure tone. She pressed her thumb into his palm and teased the soft skin between their fingers. “Did you expect me to stand by and watch? I had to do something. I know what you did. Your power…”
“I won’t apologize. I wasn’t going to let anything happen to you.”
“But Quintus…”
“Quintus is a friend, but he’s dangerous. I’m well aware of how lethal he is which is exactly why I ordered you, forced you back.”
Jax reached into her hair, gently pulling her head to one side, revealing her creamy white neck. Her lips parted, and he couldn’t tell if it was in arousal or surprise. With his eyes on hers, he grew serious.
“You will learn not to test me.” Jax grazed his nose over her skin, letting her scent infiltrate his mind. His wolf snarled, demanding submission.
“You can’t change who I am. Jax…I…” she breathed. Her back arching, the rosy tips of her nipples broke through the bubbles.
Jax lost control, and with the speed of his animal, he flipped her over onto her back. The sound of splashing water resounded throughout the dimly lit room. Swirling puffs of eucalyptus-scented steam floated into the air, and Jax delighted in the gasp that escaped from Katrina’s lips.
He pinned her arms to the flattened surface surrounding the tub. With his chest pressed to hers, their wet skin sizzled with the heat of passion. The tip of his cock pressed through her folds, teasing her nub. She moaned as he licked the hollow of her neck.
“I will have all of you or none at all, Katrina,” he told her, his lips at her neck. “You know our ways. You were raised a
s one of us. Why do you continue to challenge me?”
“You need to understand. I’ve been on my own a long time. Aside from Tristan, I don’t take orders from anyone. What you’re asking…it won’t be easy. Ah…” she cried as he dragged his tongue up over her skin.
“Are you mine?” he asked.
“I…I…” she stuttered.
Jax lifted his head, meeting her gaze. “Are you mine? It’s simple. You feel this.”
Jax took her lips with his, passionately demanding her decision. His tongue sought hers. She wrapped her legs around his waist, bringing him closer. His wolf roared, yearning for her submission, but with his control weak, the urge to be buried deep inside her superseded all else.
Shadows danced in the candlelight as he shoved out of the stone tub, water dripping off their silky flesh. Making his way into the bedroom, Jax groaned as she bit at his lips. His calves brushed the mattress, and he tore his mouth from hers. Gripping her waist, he tossed her onto the bed. The fire in her eyes drilled through him as she backed up on her elbows, her swollen pink mouth parted.
“Are you mine?” he asked again. The planes of his muscled physique tensed, his cock jerking as blood rushed into it.
“I…I…I want to say yes…” Her hand brushed her long mane out of her eyes.
His eyes drank in the sight of her bared on his bed, the beaded moisture rolling down her abdomen. She licked her lips and brought her hand to her breast, teasing her nipple between her fingers.
“Say yes to what…that you belong to me?” Jax pounced on the bed. She startled only slightly but continued to caress her tip. On his knees, he straddled her torso. His tight balls brushed over her stomach, and he took his cock into his hand, stroking it. “That you’re mine?” He inched forward, and grazed the tip of his seeping head through the valley of her breasts. She released her nipple, and her hands crept up the front of his thighs. Her sexy smile drove him to press her further. “That you’ll fuck me? Which is it, princess? Because this is happening tonight.”
“You know I want you,” she breathed, never taking her eyes off the Alpha. “But I won’t hurt you, Jax. I can’t make promises I can’t keep. Not now…not until we have answers.”