Page 104 of Jake

“She got away, but what you did…Jesus, Kai. I don’t even want to know how you knew the Kris would do that. I’ve seen a lot of shit in my day but I never thought you’d kill…”

“I wasn’t trying to kill myself. I just…there was something about what the Elder said. The book. Sacrifice.”

“You did it. You broke up the demon mistress. Whatever demonic forces held it together, when they split…”

“The human died.”

“The kids’ stepfather, I’m guessing.”

“He deserved it.” Her tone ran cold as she recalled what the children had told her. “But the vampire. Kasdeya. She’s still alive.”

“As is the wolf.” Jake sighed.

“Do you think it’s part of Anzober Wolves?”

“I don’t think so. I didn’t recognize it. Not sure if it was male or female, but I would have scented it as mine. This one was different.” Jake pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Tonight. When we get to the pack house, it’s all breaking loose. I’ll text Logan to see if he’s heard anything. I gotta tell you Kai, when I almost lost you last night…”

“But you didn’t. I’m still here.” She smiled and gazed up into his blue eyes.

“Hey, are you sure you’re okay after last night? I was half tempted to have Quint buzz us to San Diego but I thought it best to wait for Hunter.”

“Jake,” Kai said, rolling onto her stomach, her hand on his abs. “I’m fine. I don’t want you to feel guilty about what Quint did. I can feel you now.”

Jake smiled, staying silent as she continued.

“I don’t think I’m vampire but if I’ve changed then so be it. It doesn’t matter. I just found out I’m a shifter but my beast, she’s still there. I can feel her. And as for what we did?” She shrugged with a small laugh. “It was beautiful. Being with you and Quint…it just…it felt so good. I want you to know that even though we did that…I don’t have feelings for him…I mean…”

“Hey now. Don’t you feel guilty either, sweetheart. Last night was incredible. I meant what I said, you’re mine. You were amazing. And Quint?” Jake gave a closed smile. “He needed us too. He saved you. I owe him everything.”

I love you.The words danced on the tip of her tongue but she avoided expressing the emotion that rushed to the surface. Her thoughts were broken by a loud roar, coming from outside the home.

“What’s that?” Her body went tense, still on alert from last night’s danger.

“He’s here.” Jake pressed his lips to her head and slid out of bed. He strode across the room to an oversized armoire.

“Who’s here?” she asked, shoving onto her elbows.

“Hunter.” Jake handed her a bathrobe. “Sorry, he doesn’t keep much here. He’ll have brought supplies. Clothes.”

“What?” she asked. Sitting up on the bed, Kai dressed. “I thought this was a pack house.”

“Yes and no. It’s Hunter’s place but he lets good friends use it. I stayed here a few days while I was on the coast. I needed some space and well, you’ll see when you get into the kitchen; nothing but space. It’s not big but makes up for it all with the view. It’s also far enough away from San Francisco that you don’t need to worry about any visits from vamps.”

Kai’s heart sped slightly at the prospect of seeing Hunter. Although he’d granted her asylum in his territory, he’d not known of her beast.

Jake tugged on a pair of shorts and pulled a t-shirt over his head. “I’ll be right back. I’m gonna run out and see if he needs a hand.”

“No worries.”

As Kai followed him and stepped out of the bedroom, she caught sight of the breathtaking view. Spectacular cliffs gave way to the wild blue Pacific which stretched into the horizon. She padded into the kitchen and spied Quintus at the counter, who greeted her with coffee. Memories of her night with her Alpha and the vampire streamed through her mind.

Kai gave a smile to her Alpha as he disappeared out the front door. He nodded in approval as she embraced the vampire. Warmth and comfort speared through her as Quintus placed a kiss to her forehead and handed her a mug.

“Ah, bella. Good morning.”

“Thank you. For everything,” she said, bringing the cup to her lips. “You saved my life.”

“It is you who saved our lives. The triad is no more. And now, we find your sister. Kill Kasdeya. Things shall be set right. Your bravery did that.”