Jax (Immortals of New Orleans Book 7) (40 page)

Jake raced through the woods, his wolf agitated. Ever since his talk with Jax, a gnawing guilt had eaten at his gut.
Alpha.
Becoming a true Alpha didn’t sit well with him. He didn’t even know anyone well enough in California to call them a friend, let alone consider them family. When he’d left, his conscience had been clear. It hadn’t mattered that he’d fought and won every single challenge in San Diego. Loyalty meant everything to him, and he owed everything to his pack, the Acadian Wolves.

Fucking Jax Chandler.
Asshole. Mentor.
Friend.
Jake couldn’t stop thinking about what the Alpha had told him, his words playing in his mind, confirming that he’d earned his right as Alpha. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t always known about the aggression that lurked inside him. He’d concealed it well from everyone. In the navy, he’d let it loose, rewarded for his remarkable fighting and shooting skills. After several years, he’d returned home, only to retrain his mind.

Jake never imagined living anywhere else but New Orleans. He’d deliberately subdued the will of his wolf, burying his desire to dominate. Challenging Logan would bring certain death, and there was no way in hell he’d ever hurt his friend.

Conflicted, he’d grown used to going off for long periods of time in the bayou. Resting his mind had become his only coping mechanism to sate the wolf that sought submission. In his solitude, his beast calmed, accepted his fate.

But in the presence of others, it took all his energy to pretend to be something he wasn’t: a follower. He’d succeeded in his masquerade until he’d met Jax. The more experienced Alpha pushed his buttons, seemingly challenging him on purpose. At the same time, his wolf submitted to Jax, sensing the overwhelming power the older wolf possessed.

Forging a deep friendship with the Alpha had been both unexpected and surprisingly comforting. No longer did he have to hide his true nature. Jax hadn’t pressured him into making a decision. Rather, he offered words of acknowledgement, imparting his vast wisdom about what it meant to be Alpha.

Making love with Jax and Katrina had been an extraordinary experience, but he needed time to think about his future. Alone once again, his wolf ran free, content to be without others. Jax had given him full access to his cabin and Jake planned on staying for as long as it took to clear his head. Although spring, the morning air remained crisp, winter lingering on its heels. The foliage, waking from its frozen slumber, sprouted buds, birds serenading above.

His ears pricked in awareness, detecting a human presence, and Jake crouched down in the bushes. Through the thicket, he spied a reflection in the water. He patiently listened. The sound of rushing water swooshed over the rocks. In the absence of voices, Jake’s curiosity piqued.

He caught a glimpse of movement behind the waterfall, and instinct drove him to investigate. His stealthy strides through the muddied creek went unnoticed as he approached. The small figure made no move to escape, and he went still, peering behind the trailing water.

Jake shifted as she came into sight
. What the fuck?
Shocked, he rubbed the moisture from his eyes. The emaciated female shook uncontrollably, shivering on the rocks. Her arms clutched protectively around herself, shielding her bareness. He called to her but she didn’t respond. Burning hate was soon replaced with an uneasy compassion as she stared through him as if she’d lost all memory of who he was.

Conflicted, Jake despised her, but knew he had no other choice as he took action. A small whimper was the only sound she made as he scooped her into his arms. Taking her back to New Orleans wouldn’t be easy. When it came to her, nothing ever was. The female had nearly ruined his friend, yet she’d saved another. With her skin against his, no magick emanated from the pathetic creature. She’d been evil. She’d been kind. She’d been powerful. She was
the
witch.
The
high priestess.
Ilsbeth.

Kym Grosso is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of the erotic romance series,
The Immortals of New Orleans
and
Club Altura
. In addition to romance, Kym has written and published several articles about autism, and is a contributing essay author in
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum
.

Kym lives with her family in Pennsylvania, and her hobbies include reading, tennis, zumba, and spending time with her husband and children. She loves traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow-covered mountains. New Orleans, with its rich culture, history and unique cuisine, is one of her favorite places to visit.

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