Jax (Immortals of New Orleans Book 7) (25 page)

Katrina’s nerves danced as they pulled up the long winding driveway. The row of Southern live oak trees greeted them, Spanish moss hanging from the branches. Hundreds of glowing orbs speckled the lawn. The luminaries flickered with candlelight, their illumination brightening as they approached the buildings. To the side a dilapidated plantation house sat in need of repair, its wooden porch appearing to sag in one corner. Yet the shadows in the windows told her that its inhabitants hadn’t abandoned the deteriorating structure.

A thunderbolt rocked the car and Katrina stifled the shiver that ran through her body. As they drew closer to the valet, she rubbed her hands together. The tingling in her fingertips traveled up her arms and over her scalp. As during her experience at Ilsbeth’s, she sensed the magick in the air. Although she’d thought to keep the disturbing sensation to herself, she chose to disclose it. Tonight they entered as a team and secrets could cost them their lives.

“Jax.” She never took her eyes off the entrance as she placed her palm on her mate’s shoulder.

“You okay?”

“Remember what happened to me at Ilsbeth’s? I feel something in my hands. It’s not my wolf either. It’s something else.”

What’s going on?” Jax immediately turned to face her from the passenger seat and took her fingers in his.

“Just kind of this thing. I don’t know how to explain it.” Katrina withdrew her hands and stared down at her palms, her expression serious. “It, uh, it feels warm. Almost like caterpillars. Goddess, that sounded stupid.”

“Whatever’s in you, Kat…I’m not going to lie and tell you it’s nothing to worry about. But you haven’t been weak since we got to New Orleans. No episode like in the woods that day.” Jax brushed his knuckles over her cheek and she closed her eyes, relaxing into his touch. “The good news is that both of us are still strong, and I’ve marked you.”

“But I haven’t claimed you yet. My wolf…” Katrina knew she wouldn’t last much longer. She suspected her wolf would take over her will, outweighing her humanity. Every time they made love, she grew one step closer to making him her own. If her teeth sliced open his skin and she drank of his blood, the bonding would commence.

“She’s stronger than ever.” Katrina noted the flicker of happiness in Jax’s eyes, and it broke her heart that she’d waited so long. But she’d die first before she hurt Jax. She held a silencing finger to his lips. “I know what you’re going to say. Don’t you ever think I don’t want this, because I do…you…” Moisture rose to her eyes along with her emotion. “You’ve changed everything. I just can’t do it until I know you’re going to be safe. It’s killing me not to claim you.”

“It’s going to be all right, baby. I promise you. All of this. You. Me. Your magick. Remember what I told you about instinct. We’re about to pick up another puzzle piece, and very soon it’s all going to come together.”

“Hey guys, I don’t mean to break up this special moment, but I think our main man just came out to say hello.”

Jake turned into a grand arched car port. The elaborate cedar structure had been carved with intricate patterns. As Katrina zeroed in on it, tiny skulls, chiseled into the wooden beams, in different sizes and patterns alike, came together like a fine painting. Although it struck her as creepy, the arrangement did have an artistic flair.

For but a second she reminisced, missing her gallery, being able to freely create without fear of abduction. The vehicle jolted to a stop and her focus was drawn to the man who stood watch over them at the entrance. Bright lights in hues of purple streamed around the stranger. He had the appearance of a tall, thin angel, and a shiny translucent fabric hung loosely from his outspread arms.

The car door clicked open, and she took Jax’s hand. The rush of his power flowed through her skin. He winked, and she knew he’d deliberately sent the calming energy to her. No matter what happened in the next hour, she’d be with her Alpha.

“Welcome, welcome, welcome,” The violet-colored stream morphed to lavender, finally dissipating as the warlock came into view.

Mick Germaine.
Wearing a long silver robe embroidered with silver sequins, the shirtless mystic smiled broadly. Katrina studied the handsome stranger. She considered that he looked like he could have been one of the models in Jax’s magazine. His piercing gray eyes drew her focus, accentuating his chiseled jawline. The sides of his head had been shaved, his long dark hair brushed up into a ponytail. Barefoot, his tanned legs peeked through his holed jeans.

“Come, come.” He gestured toward the door, and then extended a hand to Jax. “Alpha, I am humbled by your visit to my Shangri-La.”

Katrina held tight to the crook of Jax’s arm. Waves of energy poured over her. As if she were standing in a waterfall of flowing magick, it rained down from above. The humming power whirled around her, and she struggled to concentrate. Inhaling, she breathed out the tension, allowing her body and mind to adjust to the increased activity. Jax’s low, commanding voice brought her attention back to the conversation as she heard him introduce her.

“This is my mate, Katrina Livingston.” Jax stood protectively in front of her but she managed to extend a hand.

“Ah…Kitty Kat,” Mick trilled. As she placed her hand in his, she watched his eyes light up in surprise at her touch. “You’re in transition, I see. Come. Let’s talk inside.”

Katrina’s palm sizzled within his grasp and she snatched her hand back to her body. “Thank you, but I’ll stay with my mate.”

“But is he now?” Mick challenged. With an outstretched arm, he ushered them into the building. With the body of a well-trained athlete, he conveyed deliberate strength with every step.

Katrina reached for Jax, and took in the sight of the great room. Its brick walls rounded upward, wooden beams spearing up into an apex. Streaming swatches of red and black velvet draped from the ceiling. Shelves of various heights supported thick candles, which illuminated the room in a dim sensual light. Scantily clad women and men danced to a slow rhythmic beat upon a limestone dance floor. As if in a trance, the mass of zombie-like witches swayed, their bodies moving in a well-rehearsed ballet.

As they weaved their way through the sea of people, Katrina held tight to Jax. Mick led them through a pair of heavy swinging Cyprus doors, and as they shut, the din ceased behind them. The small circular foyer appeared to break off into two hallways. Katrina strained to see where they led as Mick turned to address their group.

Her focus drifted to the enormous chandelier that hovered above them. The hand-blown glass fixture took on the appearance of a modern octopus. White extensions radiated from its striking royal-blue interior. Having spent hours in antique and specialty stores over the years, Katrina estimated the piece to be well over five thousand dollars. Although Mick had retained the rustic nature of the building, it was apparent that he’d infused opulence in the details of the décor.

“As much as I’m looking forward to our little chat, I do believe I should be a good host and show you around my new spread.” He gave a broad smile and lowered his voice. “This is a very special place.”

“Look Mick, we appreciate you meeting with us, but y’all know it’s about to get to stormin’ out there. And we’d like to get back home,” Jake told him.

“We don’t want to get stuck out here,” Jax added.

“No one gets
stuck
in paradise, my friends. You see, when Ilsbeth went walkabout, I was forced to take on her coven. This, as you know,” he nodded toward Jax, “is a great responsibility.”

“Mick, please, we just need…” Katrina began, but was interrupted.

“Patience is a virtue. It’s part of the reason we’re in the bayou. Back to nature where we belong.” He took a dramatic breath and flicked his ponytail. “I did not ask to become a high priest. Oh no, no, no. But all these bitches are far too weak to take over. So when Ilsbeth left, I thought to myself, ‘self, where should you go to be one with nature? Where should you go to commune and get back to your roots?’ and my meditations led me here.”

“Why leave the city?” Jake asked.

“Because our very essence comes from the soil. The air. The water that falls upon us tonight. And the great blazing sun of Louisiana. Oh yes,” Mick held his palms up to the air as if in worship, “the city, I am afraid, while ripe with magick, is polluted.” He held out his fingers and counted off his reasons. “The ground. The air. The water. This is where the coven is meant to be.”

“We’re just gonna have to agree to disagree there, warlock, because I think it’s pretty damn fine where it was,” Jake countered.

Jax shot Jake a look of irritation for engaging with the eccentric witch. Jake rolled his eyes in response.

“This coven is for the pure of heart. For those looking for happiness within nature.” Mick gave Katrina a wicked smile.

Although he was attractive, Katrina’s keen sense warned her away. She found herself moving closer against Jax, and tugged on the back of his shirt. Mick’s eyes painted over her from head to toe, undressing her. Under the black light, the tattoos over his body danced. An illusion, perhaps, a flock of birds along his flank of muscular abs flapped their wings.

He smiled at her, and her eyes flared in acknowledgement. Her wolf went on alert, unsure of what he’d do next. Katrina concentrated on calming her beast. The magick inside her teetered on explosive, and she grew concerned that if she shifted, it wouldn’t be her wolf that appeared.

“Ah…I know you sense my energy, Kitty, but it is not me you have to fear,” he blithely commented.

Before Katrina had a chance to respond, he waved a hand and a chart appeared on the wall, its lettering stenciled in calligraphy. From one to thirty, rooms were labeled in order with a notation of occupied or vacant.

“The city is stifling. Here in the woods we can conjure the pure magick that Mother Nature provides. And what is the most potent of all energy?” he asked rhetorically, giving a maniacal laugh. “Sex. Love. Hate, of course, however that is not the kind of negativity I wish to bring into my circle. My counterpart, the great Ilsbeth, she had a much more traditional approach. And as you know, she was quite the destructive force. I choose benevolence.”

Jax rolled his eyes. Katrina interrupted, aware her Alpha was losing patience with the warlock.

“Mr. Germaine, we need your assistance with…”

“Ah, so the dear, sweet Samantha has told me. I’ll never know how such a darling witch could marry that overbearing set of fangs.” He sniffed. “To each her own, I suppose. First the tour, Kitty. Then we chat. As you have noticed, the weather grows turbulent. Excellent energy for our celebration but as you’ve pointed out, we get to havin’ travel issues out here. And seeing as how you arrived by car this evening, you may be spending the night with us.”

“That’s not happening,” Jax countered.

“Alpha, you’re not from the south, so please defer to the experts.” He gestured to his chest and laughed. “As I was saying, my barn…my special place…I’ve created rooms for my coven as well as guests. The left side is reserved for my witches. The right, where you are standing now, is for guests. Follow me.”

Katrina shook her head at Jax, whose mouth had drawn tight. His jaw ticked in anger, but given no choice, he followed. Through a labyrinth of darkened hallways, they eventually passed several closed doors. Mick paused at an empty room; a flicker of candlelight danced inside it.

“And this, my friends, is where our guests can rest for a few hours or for the entire evening. I present to you the Voodoo room. A bit cliché, I know, but I thought the Alpha would enjoy it.” Mick laughed and continued walking. “This here is our looking-glass room. As you can see, this offers entertainment for our voyeurs. Tell me, Kitty,” the warlock turned to Katrina and gave her a sensual smile, “do you like to watch?”

“It’s none of your business,” she snapped. Her eyes darted to the window display. A foursome inside paid their party no mind as they made love. A woman lay on her back sucking her partner’s cock, while another woman attended to her pussy. A second man fucked her from behind.

“Tsk, tsk…that answer won’t do at all,” he sneered. “Negative thoughts are not welcome in my space. I’m afraid if you want answers, tit for tat.”

“Now just wait a damn minute,” Jax began.

“Yes, but you won’t ever be involved,” Katrina spat. “Now can we hurry up? I am aware of how the weather is down here and we’re running out of time.”

“Ha! Very good, Kitty. You like to watch…hmm…I knew it!” Mick turned on his heel, squealing in delight as if he’d been given a birthday gift. “And this is another play room. Of course I have my own private dungeon but we must make sure our guests have options.”

Katrina peered inside at the various instruments of pleasure and pain. A St. Andrew’s cross rested in the corner, and the thought of tying up her Alpha flashed in her mind. As much as she’d enjoyed submitting to Jax in bed, she imagined she’d enjoy dominating given how out of control her life had been. She caught Jax staring at her and wondered if he could read her thoughts. Averting her gaze, she looked to Mick, who waved them into an office, where a perky brunette greeted them.

“Come in, come in. ‘Tis time for business. This is Avery. She’s one of my very special witches.” He blew her a kiss, which she caught in the air and pretended to bring to her mouth. She moaned as her fingers seductively trailed between her breasts, her eyes set on Jax.

Katrina’s instinct to attack was thwarted by both Jake and Jax who reached for her wrists. The silent cue interrupted her vicious thoughts. She looked to Jax, but he shook his head, warning her back. With a huff, she yanked her arms free and glared at the witch.

“Kitty doesn’t like to share? What a shame. You wolves are very possessive creatures, almost as bad as the bloodsuckers. Sit. Please.” Mick gestured to a set of scarlet crushed velvet sofas. Rounding his swirled marble desk, he threw himself into a white leather chair. He propped his feet up onto the edge and steepled his fingers.

Katrina reluctantly sat, taking in her surroundings. Brick walls adorned with antique farm tools were countered by the modern technology that rested along an extended console. She detected the faint scent of coumarin. The herbaceous odor lingered in the air, and she spied a small bowl of black tonka beans on the end table.