by Kym Grosso
The woman had not been wolf, yet she’d possessed powers he’d never experienced. Frozen within his own skin, Jake had been impressed with her abilities. Witch? The word rolled through his mind conjuring thoughts of Ilsbeth. But Jake had never seen a witch glow the way she had and he couldn’t account for how she’d appeared at his cabin. It was as if she’d materialized out of thin air, and the only creatures he’d known to do that were vampires. Her nudity further puzzled him. Although sometimes witches practiced their craft au natural, it was done within the sanctuary of their covens.
Jake had texted Jax earlier in the day, regarding Quintus’ appearance at his home, and he’d been informed the vampire was expected at the masquerade ball. Logan mentioned it in his briefing, assuring him Léopold had given his word he would cause no problems. Jake suspected his mysterious attendance was related to the woman, and planned on finding out where the hell he’d taken her.
“Hey man.” Jake heard Logan call his name and turned to him, aware guests would be arriving soon.
“Hey,” he replied, his closed smile not reaching his eyes.
“I want to have a talk before we get things goin’. My office.” Logan pointed down the hallway and set off toward it, not waiting on an answer.
Jake followed, respecting his Alpha. As he rounded into the room, Jake closed the door behind them, taking care to note that Dimitri, the beta, remained behind in the ballroom. This wasn’t going to be a quick discussion.
“Anything you want to tell me ‘bout last night?” Logan moved to stand in front of a square beveled metal wall mirror. He avoided eye contact, adjusting his tie.
“Why ya asking?” A corner of his mouth tugged upward. As serious as the situation had been last night, he found it both annoying and amusing at the same time that the Alpha could smell deception a mile away.
“Dimitri’s not here.” Logan’s eyes briefly caught Jake’s in the reflection and then focused back onto straightening the bow.
“I noticed. Just you and me, big guy.” Jake inwardly cringed at his flippant remark, but the words had left his lips before he could stop them.
“Sometimes…” Logan paused and reached for a red leather mask. He continued speaking while fastening it onto his face. “We change. I wasn’t always Alpha. You know this.”
“Yeah, yeah I do.” Logan had been Tristan Livingston’s beta for decades. When Marcel died in his arms, Logan had accepted his position of Alpha. Nearly a year had passed but it seemed much longer.
“You grow as Alpha. Accepting your place is not always easy. It’s not always wanted by all the pack members. You may not want it. But it’s not about necessarily wanting something. It’s about destiny. You see, she gets what she wants. Marcel…he’d been like a brother to me.”
“He was a great man.”
“I loved Tristan. I loved Lyceum Wolves. They were my pack. Philadelphia was my home. But the night he died, the night I snapped Calvin’s neck, everything changed for me.”
“This had once been your home. Acadian Wolves. You’d grown up in New Orleans.”
“True. But this wasn’t my pack. It hadn’t been for a long time. I’d been away for many, many years. I didn’t want to leave Philadelphia or Tristan.”
“Logan, I was going to say something…” Jake stumbled on his words, struggling to find the right way to tell his Alpha. He was only just coming to terms himself with the change inside him. To admit it out loud to another wolf made it far too real. There’d be no taking it back. “I just…what’s happening with me. It’s not like with you. You were made out of circumstance. What’s going on with me, it’s like this nagging urge. I didn’t want to say anything. I love it here. I love you, the pack. But then when I was with Jax…he knows things. He confronted me about it. Ever since then…I’ve been trying to figure out what the hell to do. Last night when we were running, my wolf drove me…I can’t control it.”
“You can say it. Tell me what’s going on. This is why I’m here. I’ll help you. Support you.”
Shame washed over Jake. Logan had always been so fucking on point when it came to his pack, knowing what was going on with his wolves. He’d taken over Acadian Wolves with little resistance from others, effortlessly leading the pack.
“Look, man. I’m sorry. I wanted to say something. It’s just I’m not used to this. On our run last night. Fuck, Logan. I don’t know how else to put this. The urge to challenge you…I’m losing my fucking shit here. And you know how it is.” Jake plowed his fingers through his hair, and shook his head. “My wolf. He’s a beast. We’re out there running. And then next thing I know, I’m pushing forward into places I shouldn’t be. And so what do I do? You know I’m not going to fucking fight you. I break away. I had to get outta there.”
“I get it. But you need to talk to me.”
“Did Jax say something to you?” His eyes met his Alpha’s.
“He didn’t have to. But the Alpha thing? Of course Jax is going to know. He’s been at this for a long time. He knows wolves, breathes life into his pack. I’m not as experienced as he is, but I can tell you this. When wolves are thinking about challenging me, I know it. It’s just like the hum of our pack. I know how they’re feeling. With you? You’ve always been strong, easy-going. But after you returned from New York, things changed.”
“I’m sorry for not saying anything.” Jake blew out a breath and fell back into a soft leather chair. He laid his head back and stared at the tin ceiling. “I just…I haven’t been sure what to do. I’m sure as shit not going to fight you. So I’m sitting here thinking, ‘what the hell am I supposed to do now?’ I guess I could try to suppress it.”
“It’ll never work.”
“Maybe I could see a witch. Get it removed?” He laughed.
“Yeah, because you love witches. That’s worked out real well for ya in the past.”
“With Ilsbeth out of commission, I’d never find anyone powerful enough to run that spell. Can you imagine me asking to have her revoke my Alpha card?”
“Are you serious? You can’t trust her as far as you can throw her. Don’t even think about it.”
“As if. I’m telling you there are days, I wonder if I made the right call there. Could’ve just left her in the woods to die.”
“But you didn’t.”
“I don’t know. When I think of all the shit she’s done…fuck. What she did to Dimitri, she deserved to die.”
“Perhaps. But you executed mercy. That’s a call sometimes an Alpha needs to make.”
“I don’t know. That day. It wasn’t like she was even herself. She was like another person. She was dying. Vulnerable. Didn’t scent a lick of magick on her.”
“She’s in witch rehab. Maybe for centuries for all I know. They say her magick may be gone forever.”
“For a million fucking reasons, witchcraft is out. So yeah…other options?” Jake closed his eyes and opened them with a long sigh. “Guess I could run alone. Live in the bayou. Just do things with the pack when I’m human.”
“Yeah, you could try it. Doubt it’ll work, but you never know.”
“I could go lone wolf. Maybe find a plot of land in the middle of nowhere. Maybe Hunter will give me some acres in Wyoming. I could live like a hermit.”
“Or…” Logan began, “you could go back to San Diego.”
“I just came from there. No. No way. I already assigned an Alpha. If it doesn’t work, they’ll fight it out.”
“What if you didn’t have a choice?”
“What the hell’s that supposed to mean?” Jake’s eyes went to his Alpha’s.
“I haven’t heard from Alex in over a week.”
“But he’s required to check in with you.” Concern coursed through Jake. He’d personally selected him to take over Anzober Wolves. Although Jake had initially fought, he’d overseen the internal challenges. Alexander had been strong, appeared to make good choices and to lead the pack with ease. More importantly, he held no ties to the former Alpha who’d tried to k
ill Dimitri’s mate.
“Yeah, I know. I’ve texted. Called. Nothing.”
“What about Silas?”
“He’s texted but refuses to say what’s going on with Alex. Said he’d gone hunting. He hadn’t been officially made beta anyway. I’m not buying it.”
“Fuck.”
“You know what this means?” Logan took a deep breath, and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Why can’t Hunter send someone? Wyoming is a helluva lot closer than we are.”
“But they’re your wolves,” Logan countered.
“Oh no, no, no. Hey man. Just back up the train. Those wolves belong to Alex, not me.” Jake pushed to his feet, rolled his eyes at his Alpha and brushed past him. He stared into the mirror, checking his mask.
“You fought to be Alpha, and you know it. You were running that pack.”
“Yeah, but I handed things over to Alex. And that’s because I’m an Acadian wolf. Don’t get me wrong. They were nice people. And hey, you know I love San Diego. I could hit the beach every day, no problem.”
“Tristan was also an Acadian wolf. Now he’s a Lyceum wolf. You cannot deny your destiny.”
Jake sighed, aware that arguing with Logan wasn’t going to get him very far. It had been his responsibility to ensure stability within the pack. And although he’d taken care to choose the best Alpha, he’d always known there was a possibility he’d have to return. What Logan was suggesting wasn’t merely a visit. He was giving Jake an opportunity to test the waters, to begin a future leading his own pack.
“I’ll go back out and fix shit, but I’m not saying yes to a permanent relocation,” Jake hedged. “I’ll go and see what feels right. But this is my home.”
“We don’t want this to turn into a mess like it did before. Just go out there and find out what the hell is happening. And for the record, I’m not saying that this is your pack to lead. If it is, though, you’ll know.”
“And if it isn’t?” Jake turned to his Alpha, who locked his eyes on his.
“We’ll cross that bridge when the time comes.” Logan went to the door and wrapped his fingers around the brass knob. “I want you to hear me on this, Jake.”
“Yeah?”
“Acadian Wolves has been and always will be your home.”
“I have no intention of challenging you,” Jake interrupted.
“Good, because one of us would end up dead.” Silence filled the room as both men let the statement settle. They both knew what would happen if they fought.
“I can’t promise I can always run with the pack. My beast. The urge grows within me. Here and now, as me, with my humanity, I make the choices. But when I’m wolf? The best I can do is run on my own when I need to. I don’t want you to be pissed when it happens.”
“I get it, man. Look, this situation. It is what it is, but sometimes we have to go with what destiny wants. Y’all know she’s a bitch, but in the end, we often end up better than we were before.”
“Change is hard.”
“And Jake?”
“Yeah?”
“Quintus is coming.”
“I take it you’ve been talking to Jax?” Jake asked, curious as to what his Alpha had been told.
“Yeah.” Logan nodded. “I heard you two aren’t exactly best buddies.”
“That’s one way of putting it. You know he had something with Kat, don’t ya?” Jake asked, still irritated that Quintus had bitten her.
“No I didn’t, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is that this charity ball doesn’t turn into a shit show. There’s some humans coming too, and we can’t let things get ugly.”
“Hey.” Jake held his hands up in the air, surrendering to the situation, and gave a broad smile. “Best behavior. I won’t start anything.”
“Good.”
“Now that being said, if that vamp starts shit with me, I’m tellin’ you right now we’re taking it outside. I won’t fuck with your party, but he gets under my skin. And I’m starting to think he enjoys it.”
“You’ve seen him lately?” Logan raised a questioning eyebrow at him.
“I’ll tell you about it later.” Jake wasn’t up for disclosing what had happened by the cabin. He and Quintus were going to have a conversation tonight about what in the hell had happened to the creature who’d come to see him.
“Good enough. Let’s get this started. If I don’t get out there soon, Wynter is goin’ to kick my ass. As it is now, she wasn’t crazy ‘bout having the witches here. After all the shit that went down with Ilsbeth, she’s not a fan.”
“Can’t say I blame her, but it’s all for a good cause. And hey…no worries, I won’t start any fights, Dad,” Jake joked, not sure he could keep his promise.
“Not having it,” Logan warned as he opened the door.
Jake shrugged, and straightened his shoulders. He shook off thoughts of Anzober Wolves as he stepped into the party. Tonight was a night for answers, and Quintus Tullius was in for a world of hurt if he didn’t tell him the location of the mysterious female.
Zydeco music blared as Jake scanned the ballroom. Nearly a hundred people, dressed in tuxedos and gowns, gracefully buzzed the event. A gorgeous redhead wearing a feathered peacock mask winked at him as she walked by, flashing a flirtatious smile. Vampire. Move along, honey. No love bites for me tonight. Jake nodded and turned his attention away.
Logan had brought the supernatural community together for the exclusive charity gala. The five-thousand-dollar-a-head event raised money for the restoration of homes, providing low income housing for the elderly and disabled. There was always someone looking to bring evil to the streets. Witches. Rogue vamps. Demons. But for a few peaceful hours, they’d all play nice, tame their wild souls and give back to the city within the confines of the historic ballroom.
Jake glanced to the two-story-high ceiling. Twinkling chandeliers reflected onto the hundreds of dangling strings of blood-red irises that streamed down above the partygoers. Guests congregated around tables draped in emerald velvet. Black forest calla lilies sat center, their twisting metallic vases reaching into the air. The music switched to a Cajun waltz and Jake’s attention was drawn to the dance floor. A wide smile broke across his face as he caught sight of a man in a leather mask with perky furry ears approaching.
“What the hell, man? Did Logan see you? I pegged you for a tiger, maybe, but a bear? Are you serious?” Jake laughed out loud.
“Oh yeah, I’m rockin’ it. Mama likey.” Dimitri nodded and waved to his mate, Gillian, who smiled at him from across the room.
“You’re the beta, man. Have some respect.” Jake shook his head.
“I’ve got it all going on with this look. And this mask? It’s one of a kind.”
“You could say that again.”
“You need to learn to embrace the animal world.” Dimitri held out his hands in a broad gesture, giving a laugh. “Ya know I had to talk Logan out of wearing that shitty cat mask he likes. For an Alpha, he’s way too attached to that feline of his. That tiny thing rules the house.”
“Pussy can do that to you.” Jake smiled
“That it does.” Dimitri smiled. “And it can be pretty, pretty nice. Doesn’t seem to affect you, though. Y’all playin’ the field more than ever. How’s the little blond you were seein’? Tabitha?”
“We’re not mates, if that’s what you’re asking. You know how it is.”
“Yeah I do. Just because you’re not mates, that doesn’t mean you don’t form bonds with females. I’ve seen you guys together. You get on well.”
“I’m not exclusive.” Jake shrugged. “I was with Kat once too. Now she’s gone.”
“Don’t tell me you were hung up on her?”
“No way, man. She’s with Jax. They’re mates. And you know, Jax…he and I, we’re more than cool.”
“It’s like that then?” Dimitri raised a questioning eyebrow at Jake.
“You know how it is. Even you and Gillian…you know what you did to save me.”
“Yeah I do, and it’s our way. I’m just surprised y’all were with Jax. I know he’s Gillian’s brother and I respect him, but you and him? You guys didn’t exactly get along.”
“True, but things have changed since New York. Don’t get me wrong. He can still be kind of a dick but there’s a reason why he’s the Alpha. He takes good care of Kat.”
“So what’s got you all serious tonight? This is a party if you haven’t noticed. You pissed about Logan sending you back to San Diego?”
“You know then?” Jake said, surprised. He should have known Logan would have told his beta.
“We talked about it yesterday.” Dimitri reached for a martini as a passing waiter offered the drinks.
“I’m not exactly crazy about going back. Don’t get me wrong. It’s cool there. Sun. Surf. Tiny bikinis.” Jake blew out a breath and scanned the room, his eyes focusing onto the entrance. “Not Acadian Wolves though.”
“What’s going on with you tonight?” Dimitri asked.
“Just a little preoccupied is all. I’m looking for a certain vampire.”
“Leo? I think he and Laryssa went to France.”
“Not Leo. Quintus.”
“Quintus Tullius?”
“The one and only.”
“Yeah, I heard he was coming.” Dimitri caught Jake’s look of irritation and gave a grin. “What? You know I’m his beta. Logan told me this morning. Guess we’ve got another vamp in town for this shindig. Jax was the one who called though. I’m sure it’s fine if Logan okayed it. Kade must know. He’s responsible for him.”
“I’m sure he does. But I’m also sure that Kade doesn’t control him. This dude. He’s not Leo.”
“So I’ve heard. But for the record, it’s not like Leo’s easy-going. Far from it.”
“Quintus is a friend of Jax. A very dangerous friend.”
“I heard he’s got a place down here but he doesn’t use it. I’ve only seen him once. It was a long time ago. Marcel was Alpha at the time. Leo’s mentioned him a few times since things went down with y’all in New York. I take it he’s got some business here?”