QUINTUS

by Kym Grosso

  “I’m afraid you aren’t going anywhere right now. Stay here in my office. I’ll be back in a few minutes and we’ll go home.”

  “I have no home. Where are we anyway?” She scanned the gothic room, taking note of a faceless figure in the corner, bronzed bands stacked on its armor, its head topped with a domed hat. The statue held a long metal spear in its hand as if it were readying for war. Fixated on the walls, her mouth gaped as she caught sight of an array of axes, swords, knives, sickles and clubs. Although in shock, she forced her voice, speaking slowly. “What is this place?”

  “This is my office,” he told her, shoving to his feet. “Rest here.”

  “Rad, isn’t it?” Viktor ran his finger over the blade of a sword.

  Gabriella’s stomach rolled at the sight of all the ancient weapons. Their dark energies vibrated throughout the room. “New Orleans. Take me back now.”

  “I’m afraid that’s not possible. I need to deal with some business. We’ll discuss your coven sisters later.”

  “They’re not my family,” she interrupted. Her hands gripped the arms of the sofa, and she sucked a breath in an attempt to regain her equilibrium. “I tried to warn you.”

  “I have a city to run. You aren’t the only one with witch problems. The coven up here is causing conflict. I’m expected at an event tomorrow night. While I have every intention of helping you, I have things here I need to deal with. I’m not entertaining a war in my town.”

  “Where are you going?” Gabriella’s head spun as he spoke. An underlying beat bled into the room and her eyes went to a huge wooden door.

  “Don’t even think about it. You’re not leaving.”

  “You can’t keep me here.” Her fingernails dug into the fabric of the sofa as she attempted to stand but dizziness overcame her, forcing her to rest again.

  “I’m sorry, Gabby, but I most certainly can.” Quintus crossed the room to an intricately carved mahogany armoire and opened the door.

  As he stripped off his wet t-shirt and tossed it onto the floor, Gabriella struggled not to stare at his muscular chest. What is he doing? She stole a glance at his ripped abs which left her pulse racing. She quickly averted her gaze, struggling to ignore her burning attraction to the vampire.

  “You’re wet. While I’m gone, you can change into one of my shirts if you want. I’ll keep a guard at the door. You’ll be safe in here.” Quintus reached for a tailored shirt and slipped it on, buttoning it as he spoke.

  “I can’t stay in here. I hear music. Where is this place? Where are we?”

  “New York, of course.”

  “Of course,” she repeated, her deflated tone matching her expression.

  Quintus stood in front of a rectangular wall mirror. Looking into the reflection, he glanced at his brother. “I’ll take care of your coven issue, but first I must attend to my own. We have…”

  “Complications.” Viktor completed his sentence and turned the doorknob.

  “Yes. My followers. Vampires. They’re extremely dangerous should they be left unattended for too long. And I have been gone for quite a long time.” Quintus looked back into the mirror, and finger-combed his hair.

  “I’ll meet you out there. Liam can keep watch.” Viktor swung open the door, and music blared. As it slammed shut, the din dialed back to the beat of a bass.

  “This is Sekhmet,” Quintus offered.

  “Like the goddess?” She sighed and shook off the confusion.

  “Si, you know of her? Although she wasn’t vampire, she thirsted for blood. I think of this place as a sanctuary for the wild souls that inhabit Manhattan. Sekhmet is more of a playground.”

  “You live here?” Gabriella ran her palm over the cold stone wall.

  “Occasionally I sleep here but it’s not my main place.”

  A dark magick buzzed under her hand, and she contemplated how hard it would be for her to conjure an escape spell. “Something about this is different. Why are there no windows?”

  “We’re underground. The earth. It rejuvenates us.” Quintus blew out a breath and turned to face her. “This place is special. But it’s also very dangerous. These vampires are lethal. It’s not safe for you to be out in the open.”

  “What kind of vampire are you?” Her heart pounded in her chest as her eyes drifted over the sexy and charismatic vampire. Every bit as attractive dressed in a shirt and jeans, he dripped with sex. Lust. Fear. Desire. A kaleidoscope of emotions flashed through her mind, and she settled on anger in an attempt to focus.

  “Tonight, I need to take control. Set things straight. There is business that must be attended to.”

  “And what about me?” Gabriella trembled as she managed to stand steadily onto her feet. “We have business.”

  “You.” Quintus crossed the room, towering over her. “You are not business. You are…mine.”

  “But…” Her breath escaped her lungs as he closed the distance.

  “Do not leave. I’ll be back.”

  As she placed her palms to his chest, he disappeared underneath her fingertips, and her stomach dropped in disappointment. Fuck this. Does he seriously think I’m going to stay in his office, like a dog in a cage waiting on its master? Hell no.

  Gabriella put her hand on the wall. The energy she’d felt along the surface was strong but porous. She suspected other supernaturals, and perhaps humans for feeding were allowed into the club. If she simply walked out the door, he’d sense the loss of her presence. But if he were distracted, perhaps she’d find a way to leave, disappear into New York City and find her way back to New Orleans. Gabriella’s magick waned but she suspected she had enough power to pass the guards. If there was one thing she was good at, it was hiding.

  Gabriella tore her sodden shirt over her head and threw it on the sofa. She reached into the armoire and selected one of his shirts. After she shoved her arms through its sleeves, she sniffed the collar. Quintus. A fresh clean scent held a touch of his cologne, and memories of his embrace. Confusion swept through her. Domineering and lethal, he’d surely killed many in his lifetime, yet her attraction to the vampire was inexplicable and undeniable.

  Her beast recognized him, and each time in his presence, she demanded more. Tomorrow night, she’d shift and bathe in the light of a full moon, renewing her magick. He’d discover her secret, and see her for the impure mongrel she truly was.

  A simple immobilization spell paralyzed the fledgling vampire who guarded the office. Gabriella’s damp jeans clung to her thighs as she navigated the dimly lit hallway. Through a curtain of fringe, lights flashed to the throbbing music. As she approached the iridescent silk fabric that dangled from the ceiling, her pulse raced. She sniffed the blood-tinged air, her beast stirring at the sound of a human’s scream. Gabriella resisted the urge to intervene, aware whatever was happening might be consensual.

  It wasn’t as if she hadn’t been in a club before, she knew the deal. Keep quiet, fly under the radar. She’d deliver her blood. Get in and get out. The screams haunted her dreams. The humans, naked and desperate, begging for release, for the addictive orgasm only the vampire could bring.

  As she stepped through the curtain, she sucked a breath, the dank air curling around her body. Gabriella summoned enough magick to flick on her glamour; a raven-haired grunge chick blended into the abyss of darkness. In the corner, a tall bearded vampire carefully tied a blonde to a hook that dangled from the ceiling. The naked girl smiled, her bare feet precariously perched on a platinum ottoman. While a small crowd watched, a heavily tattooed man ran his hand in between her legs, driving his fingers deep inside her. She screamed in pleasure as his teeth sunk into the soft flesh of her belly.

  Gabriella turned away, and made her way through the sea of people. Their energies, consistent with vampires, were intermingled with the familiar hum of humans. As she drew closer to what she’d thought was the entrance, she realized it was another room. She glanced up to the limestone ceiling. A metallic sculpture, lined with miniature lights, was emb
edded into the stone. The distinctive sound of violins harmonized with the heavy metal music and as she passed into an arched tunnel, the string instruments grew louder. Her eyes drifted to a stage where a female string quartet played. The musicians, dressed in black satin tuxedos, appeared to be in trance, their eyes closed and bodies in motion with the melody.

  Gabriella gingerly made her way toward the music, scanning the room. Quintus’ voice registered before she saw him. With a commanding tone, a slight Italian accent blended over his words. His face tightened with disconcertion as he spoke to a woman. Dressed in a scarlet leather corset and miniskirt, the striking female lowered her eyes in submission. Her blonde locks were pulled tight into a ponytail, and Gabriella noted the desire in her gaze as she shifted her hip and flipped her hair, giving Quintus a flirtatious smile.

  Gabriella attempted to tamp down the jealousy that flared in her chest. Breathe, Gabby. As she stepped forward, Quintus’ gaze snapped to her darkened corner. She ducked behind a portly man who was very much involved in a political discussion, touting statistics over the lilt of the cello’s smooth notes.

  She backed against a pillar, her head resting on the cold stone. A bearded vampire passed, baring his fangs with a nod. She cringed as she glanced across the room, spying several human donors who lay on a round bed. They slept on bloodstained satin sheets, their nude bodies on display.

  Gabriella summoned her courage and poked her head around the piling. Where is Quintus? Her heart pounded as a deafening crescendo filled the arena. The piece ended, and the musicians went limp, their faces devoid of expression. Applause roared in response.

  Gabriella jumped, his warm breath on her ear before she ever heard his words. “Fireworks Rejoice.”

  “Quintus.” She sighed, closing her eyes as his arm circled her waist.

  “Fireworks Rejoice. Handel,” he offered.

  “What?” Her fear was replaced by arousal at the brush of his lips on her shoulder.

  “The music.”

  “It was…” She struggled to find the words that eluded her.

  “You should be afraid, my lovely little witch.”

  “I’m sorry…” She attempted to turn around but he kept a firm hand on her waist, his erection prodding at her back.

  “These creatures. They struggle to hold onto their humanity. Like the humans they feed off of, the war of good and evil rages in their souls. But make no mistake, they are the bold ones who enter my club. They are the ones who seek power. The influencers of the masses.” He released her waist and spun her to face him. His fingers trailed down her temple to under her chin. “I ordered you to stay in my office. And while I’m impressed with your ability to incapacitate Liam, I’m afraid you really are going to have to learn to obey my orders. Perhaps the best lesson is experience.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Rules exist for a good reason. In this realm, you’re only as safe as I say you are. But you think you know best? Let’s test it, shall we?” Quintus gave a sly smile as he brought his fingers to his lips. A shill whistle pierced through the space, all conversations ceasing to silence.

  Chills danced over Gabriella’s skin as the lights lifted and curious eyes drifted her way. Her magick tingled within her chest and she struggled to keep it in check as a well-dressed female whipped her head around, flashing her fangs.

  “This, my friends, is a witch,” Quintus declared, nodding towards Gabriella. He snapped his fingers and a young woman dressed in a white transparent bodysuit appeared in front of him.

  As his palm settled on her shoulder and the girl gave a sigh, Gabriella’s stomach tightened. Why is he doing this? A fucking test? Because I disobeyed his instruction? The icy stares of the patrons bored through her chest, and she balled her fingers into fists in response.

  “Witches. They’re difficult. Humans on the other hand,” he paused and dragged his palm over the woman’s chin and she bared her neck, “we exercise control over. They listen. On your knees, pet.”

  Gabriella’s breath caught as the woman dropped obediently to the floor, her hands brushing his feet. As if in a trance, she hummed in pleasure as he stroked her collarbone with the pad of his forefinger. As the female’s hands traveled up his shins onto his thigh, Gabriella gave a low growl.

  Mine. Her breath quickened, the beast clawing at her psyche. She envisioned her beautiful black animal lunging at the female, tearing at her flesh. Gabriella suppressed the urge to shift and bit her lip, distracting herself with the pain. Her body tingled, the magick bursting from her skin. Don’t shift. Don’t use magick. Keep it together.

  Quintus gave a laugh, his eyes trained on her the entire time. “Do you see? This witch, she’s harmless to us.”

  “The others! They’re planning to attack,” a voice called from the darkness.

  Gabriella froze, sensing movement behind her. Quintus calmed her beast with his swift response.

  “You, Ravi. Keep quiet with your thoughts. I’ve warned you and the others more than once. Disobedience will have consequences.” Quintus’ eyebrows narrowed in annoyance at the antagonistic vampire’s outburst.

  No, no, no, she silently repeated, the odor of stale cigarettes swirling into her nostrils as the vampire stalked behind her. Her beast growled, warning him away but she lost focus as her eyes were drawn to the girl on her knees, who began tearing at her clothing, revealing her bare breasts.

  “How would you know what’s happening, Quintus? You’ve been in New Orleans. California. While you’ve been gone the witches grow stronger. And now,” Ravi paused, nodding toward Gabriella, “you’ve brought a witch to your club. It makes me wonder. Perhaps she has a spell on our fearless leader.”

  “The next word you speak will be your last,” Quintus promised, his face tense with ire.

  “This witch here. How do we know she isn’t working with the others?” Ravi baited.

  Gabriella gasped as the vampire rushed her from behind, his strong grubby fingers clasped on her shoulder. Quintus lunged at Ravi, shoving him away from her. As she tumbled toward the ground, her fall was broken by a stranger. Out of her peripheral vision she caught sight of Quintus, his hands wrapped around the vampire’s neck. Before Ravi had a chance to speak, Quintus crushed his trachea. Droplets of blood sprayed onto her face as his head rolled across the floor. Terrified, Gabriella struggled to breathe as Quintus’ eyes burned red, glaring at the others.

  “Shh, little one. My brother must settle things,” she heard Viktor tell her, his voice soft with concern. He took her by the hand, and gently helped her to her feet.

  Paralyzed by the violence, Gabriella took a heaving breath, the taste of blood-tinged air on her tongue. Gooseflesh surfaced on her arms, the magick building a charge beneath the surface of her skin.

  “This is a lesson to all of you here tonight. Go tell your children. Your friends. This isn’t a democracy. New York is mine and mine alone now. Should you decide to challenge me, there will be consequences.” He glanced to Gabriella who lay sheltered in Viktor’s arms and quickly refocused his attention on the crowd. “Tomorrow night, the Arronick witches are holding their solstice ball. Those who have been invited to attend will do so with caution and respect. Should they be colluding with other covens, I will deal with them. But this witch…” Gabriella’s heart pounded against her ribs as he reached for her.

  Gently he pried her from Viktor’s arms and cradled her into his embrace. What is this man? Fear and arousal threaded through her, unable to process what she’d witnessed in his world. Terrified, she blinked up at him, clutching his bloodied shirt. His penetrating gaze held her captive.

  “This witch,” he repeated, “she’s mine. If anyone touches her, they’re dead.”

  Mine. Gabriella’s head spun with the words that claimed her soul. She screwed her eyes tight as the dizzying portal opened, darkness claiming her as they dematerialized into nothingness.

  Chapter Five

  “Don’t even give me that fucking look,” Quintus snarl
ed, reaching for a bottle of one-hundred-year-old scotch. “Ravi’s had it coming for months.”

  “No judgement, man. I’m just saying, you sort of…no, yeah, you ripped off the dude’s head. Now, call me crazy but that’s not the exact kind of thing women go for.” Viktor crossed the room to the bar and slung his leather jacket onto the sofa. “I like a good bloodbath as much as the next guy but…”

  “If she’s going to be in my world, she’s got to accept me for what I am. And this city, you know there is no other way.”

  “Tame the savages?”

  “This world. Our world. Eat or be eaten. It’s not just a saying. Don’t play like you don’t know this.” He uncorked the bottle and spilled the liquor into the glasses. After sliding the drink across the granite, he gave a sigh and raised the rim to his lips. “Ravi. He’s been stirring on the others for a long time. Even a small uprising is enough to cause chaos. I’ve got enough shit on my plate right now.”

  “But the witches…”

  “You and I know they can be as evil as the demons. But our coven here? We haven’t had that many issues. Sure we’ve had a killing every now and then.” He shrugged and shook his head. “This is the city after all. Can’t be avoided.”

  “Perhaps you’re right.”

  “I’ll know better tomorrow night. The one thing Ravi got right is that I’ve spent too much time away from New York.” Quintus stared down at his blood-spattered t-shirt and took a deep swig. “Gabriella. She’s strong. She’ll get over what happened. Ravi would have killed her.”

  “The dude doesn’t think twice about killing when he gets pissed.” Viktor raised the glass to his lips.

  “Gabriella’s special,” Quintus said, his gaze meeting his brother’s.

  “She’s a witch.” Viktor shrugged with a roll of his eyes. “Nothing special about that. Ravi still would have killed her. She was frozen like a deer in the headlights. You saw her.”

  “I don’t know about that. I felt her. She was readying to attack him. I saw the flicker in her eyes tonight. She was fighting it.”