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“Yeah, I don’t know about that.” Julian plowed his fingers through his hair and blew out a breath. They hadn’t even made love yet.
“I’m tellin’ ya man. I went through this a few years back but no way my wolf was waiting. It’s not somethin’ you can deny for too long.”
“This is uncharted territory for me, but it’ll play out how it’s supposed to. Right now, I just wanna keep her safe.”
“Safe is good. But this mating thing … you’re gonna see real soon what I’m talking about.” Logan downed the rest of his liquor and grimaced. “Ahhh. So you running for a while with us? Full moon is in a few days.”
“I’ve gotta talk with Cassia first. I should go to her.” Julian shoved to his feet and set his glass on the table.
“Alpha.” Logan stood alongside him.
“Yeah?”
“You’re an ancient. These powers you’ve been wielding … bouncing into Hell after demons and back. Now taking up a young wolf as your pack when not many would. Protecting your sister’s Alpha, her mate, their pack. No matter what Hell did to you, you fought back. The good in you is no match for Hell. But the mating bond? Bro, it’s no joke. Cassia has a light in her … I can see it. It’s something not just the hellhounds will find attractive. I can handle all the trouble these witches got and Hell too, but I don’t want any from a royal prince who doesn’t accept fate. You’re ancient and I’m not about to get into it with you. Do yourself a favor and mark her.”
Julian nodded, unwilling to fully acknowledge the situation.
“Let me show you to the guest suite. It’s a great little cabin off the west wing.” Logan changed the subject with a smile and gestured toward the door.
“Appreciate it.” Julian held nothing but respect toward the Acadian Alpha. Logan pulled no punches and told it like it was without regard to Julian’s lineage. A true leader, he didn’t fear what the truth would bring.
As Julian made his way to the room, he considered the reluctant conversation he’d have with Cassia. Do yourself a favor and mark her. He hoped like hell he could hold off before his wolf claimed his mate.
4
“Have you been in New Orleans long?” Wynter asked as she opened the door and flicked on the lights.
“Um, a few years. I kind of lay low,” Cassia replied.
“You’re a psychic, right?”
“Sort of. Not really. I, um, I read tarot cards. It’s more like an intuition thing for me.”
“I’ve always wanted to get a reading, but I wanted someone to do it who’s the real deal, ya know?”
“Yeah, the industry is ripe with fakes.”
“How’d you learn?”
“I guess I was always kind of spiritual. I mean, our energy … our magick … it exists for reasons unknown to all of us. But the truth is when I left home in a hurry, I had to find a way to survive. I picked it up one day, and I can’t explain it. The cards spoke to me. The more I read people’s cards, the more in tune I was and could provide them with a solid read. It’s a service.”
“Would you read for me?” Excitement lit in Wynter’s eyes.
“You want a reading? Of course. I’d love to read for you.” Any pent up anxiety melted away. She smiled, watching Wynter inspect every inch of the room, making sure everything was in order. “But I don’t have any cards. I?—”
“This is New Orleans, honey. I’ll get some for you.”
“That would be lovely. My old deck…I had to leave them behind. There was a fire at my store. I haven’t been home since it happened.” Home? Sadness washed over Cassia. Painful memories of selling everything to move to the next place surfaced. She’d never collected many things, couldn’t create a proper home. She’d learned long ago not to form emotional attachment to things or people. She told herself things were just things … even if they weren’t.
“Hey,” Wynter turned to Cassia. “I heard about the fire. I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks, yeah. There’s been a couple of fires,” she confessed. “We’ve been on the run from hellhounds … they’re after me. We can go if we’re putting you in danger. Logan said?—”
“You’re safe here. Look, I know full well what’s spinning around this town. We work hard to make sure we’re all secure. And we are. But I also know that when something is chasing you …” Wynter’s expression fell serious. “I’ve seen things too. There was a demon … it nearly came for my daughter. Sydney … a human. She saved us that day, gave her mortal life for us.” A small smile crossed her face. “Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that there are times in our lives when we all need help. Julian’s family. Jake’s mom and dad took him in. And he’s an ancient. The Prince of Wolves.”
“I keep hearing that … I know he’s older.” Cassia smiled.
“Well, yes, didn’t he explain it? He’s like royalty.” Wynter raised her eyebrows as she grinned. “I’m not sure how many ancients exist but they’re out there. And he’s one of them.”
