I force a smile. “I see you, girl!” I call out, complimenting her look.
Kendrick helps India do a proud twirl, showing off her outfit. She clutches a small purse at her side, beaming with confidence.
“Wow, you’re hanging out with supernaturals,” India remarks, her eyes shifting between Jabari and Kade. “Look at you.”
“I’m just being me,” I say, playing it off. “Can’t go a day without helping someone get their style in tip-top shape.” I reach over and straighten Jabari’s wrinkled shirt.
Kade sighs dramatically. “Thank god, because if I see him in another oversized shirt, I was gonna scream.”
I giggle while Jabari glares at her, clearly not appreciating being the subject of our fashion critique.
Kendrick frowns slightly as he takes in Jabari’s massive frame. Something passes between them—a silent male sizing-up that makes the air feel charged. Jabari narrows his eyes at Kendrick, and I quickly reach under the table to grab his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
India, completely oblivious to the tension, starts swaying to the music playing in the background. Meanwhile, Jabari and Kendrick continue their silent stare-down, and Kade looks between them with an expression that suggests she’s about to have another meltdown.
“You should hit up the bar and try the Long Island iced teas,” I suggest, trying to diffuse the situation. “I hear they’re a hit here.”
India turns to me, still shaking her hips to the beat. “I wanna dance first,” she says, grabbing Kendrick’s hand. She waves at me. “See you later!”
She pulls Kendrick away, but not before he looks back at me with a narrowed, suggestive gaze that makes my skin crawl. Ew.
“You have a suitor,” he states flatly, his voice rumbling with displeasure.
Kade groans, putting a hand over her forehead. “Do vampires get headaches? I think I have one.”
“I will fight for you,” he declares, his jaw set in determination.
“What? No!” I protest, alarmed.
He pulls his hand from mine and slides out of the booth. Before I can process what’s happening, something impossible occurs—Kade vanishes from beside me and reappears in front of him, blocking his path. A black mystical cloud lingers briefly before fading away, the wisps brushing past me as I fan them away, stunned.
That must be the witch part of her powers.
“Don’t make me teleport you,” Kade warns, jabbing a finger at his chest. She turns to me with an exasperated glare. “Looks like we have to take one of the emergency boats and get the fuck out of here right now. Because Jabari is sure going to kill that Kendrick guy.”
She crosses her arms over her chest, looking toward the door that Kendrick and India disappeared through.
“Sleazeball cheating asshole,” she mutters, and I agree.
What have I gotten myself into?
10
JABARI
“It’s customary,” I growl, towering over Kade as I stand in front of her. She doesn’t flinch, not phased in the slightest by my intimidating presence. “Jackie is my fated mate, and she has other suitors. My bear has every right to prove himself to her.”
My bear rumbles in agreement, clawing at my insides.Protect mate. Show strength.
Jackie sits in the booth like a deer caught in headlights, confusion etched across her beautiful face. Her scent fills my nostrils, clouding my judgment.
“This isn’t the old days, Jabari,” Kade says, irritation evident in her tone. “You don’t engage in a battle to the death to prove who’s more worthy.”
Jackie slides out of the booth, placing herself between us as my hands clench into fists.
“I have a right to defend my woman,” I snarl.
Kade rolls her eyes dramatically. “Why, oh why did Frost Clan have to go into isolation for six hundred years?”
