Free Jax (Immortals of New Orleans Book 7) by Kym Grosso Page A

at his desk. With his palm glued to the glass, he scanned the cityscape. He was a cold bastard, he knew, for walking away, but if he didn’t put some distance between them, he’d be buried inside her for hours.
    “A few months ago, there was a vampire…” she began.
    “A vampire?” Jax kept his response calm even though the hairs on the back of his neck pricked in alertness. Out of the corner of his eye, he spied her sliding her arms into sleeves. Averting his gaze, he forced his line of vision back out the window.
    “Yes, he was only there for a few hours. He’s very strong.”
    “You spoke to him?” Jax turned to face Katrina. Conflicted, he knew they needed to focus on a solution to the demons that’d kidnapped them, but as he registered the hurt in her eyes, he changed the subject back to their relationship. “Kat…what just happened with us…this isn’t finished. I have a shoot to go to…” Fuck, you sound like an inarticulate fool. Look at what she does to you. He took a deep breath and attempted a recovery. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but if we are mates, and I’m not saying that we are, we need more time. I need more time.”
    “I’m fine,” she replied, her fingers nervously sliding down her lapel as she adjusted her dress.
    Jax plowed his fingers over his impeccably coiffed hair. He took note of her somber expression. She’d interpreted his actions as rejection. Holy shit, he didn’t think he could screw something up more than he already had. Yet the more words that spewed from his lips, the more he managed to fuck up the situation.
    Katrina’s presence in his life threw him off balance. Feelings and emotions were not something Jax did well, and clearly Katrina fell into that category. Deciding to avoid the conversation that would inevitably come, his thoughts drifted back to the vampire.
    “Tell me about the vamp.”
    “I told you, he’s strong,” she replied.
    “They’re all strong.”
    “No, he’s the strongest. More than Léopold.”
    “You know Léopold?” Jax didn’t conceal the surprise in his question. Léopold Devereoux, one of the most dangerous vampires on the east coast, was ancient and ruthless. He’d been known to kill all creatures, including wolves.
    “Yes,” Katrina answered without hesitating. “He’s an ally to the Acadian Wolves. Jake knows him.”
    His wolf grew agitated at the mention of the virile, unmated wolf who’d become Katrina’s confidant. Jax suspected she’d baited him, and shoved the distracting thought away. Focused on acquiring information, he’d ignore it…for now.
    “Does the vampire have a name?” he pressed.
    “Quintus. His name is Quintus.” Katrina’s eyes flashed in fear. “But Jax, I don’t think we should go after him.”
    Jax heard the quiver in her voice, and appreciated her apprehension. Quintus Tullius. A mercenary over the centuries, the elusive vampire was a force unto himself within the supernatural community. Guarded and lethal, he’d exiled himself underground. The seductive vampire was well known for his sexual exploits.
    “Tell me.” Jax approached Katrina. She blinked up at him, stoic in her composure, as if they’d never touched. With the scent of sex fresh in the air, his wolf stirred, yearning to inflame her cool demeanor. Jax restrained the urge to rip off her clothes and claim her. He balled his hands, straining to concentrate. “Did he touch you?”
    “Whatever does that have to do with anything?”
    “Because I know Quintus. I’m asking you again,” he said, slow and deliberate. “Did. He. Touch. You?”
    Katrina’s hand reached for her neck, and Jax’s stomach dropped. He couldn’t be sure if they’d made love, but with her silent gesture, he was certain Quintus had bitten her. His beast raged at the thought of it and threatened to snap. Desperately trying to remain rational, Jax turned on his heel and took a deep breath.
    “You want to know if he touched me?” Katrina