QUINTUS

by Kym Grosso

  “Fighting what?”

  “She’s a shifter.”

  “No way, bro. If she’d been wolf, there would have been a serious throw down when you brought Daisy on stage. That human is like a cat in heat…can’t keep her legs shut. She’s totally into you. I could see your little witch didn’t like it, but if she was a wolf? Hey, wolves don’t mess around. And Ravi? It’d be likely she’d shift before he had a chance to go for her.”

  “I know her. I’m telling you, she was going to shift. What she shifts into is an entirely different question.”

  “I don’t get it. Why not just tell you what she is?”

  “I don’t know. She’s scared. It doesn’t matter to me what she is. She could be a wolf. Any kind of shifter, really. This coven. It killed her only parent and is after her. She’s been on the run since she was a kid. She keeps telling me I need to help her find something for a spell, but I don’t know. I don’t think she really knows how to stop them. Either way, I’m going to put an end to it.”

  “Interesting you bring up wolves, being that they’re the possessive types, because I noticed…” Viktor gave a laugh, his eyes meeting Quintus’. “It’s, uh, you kind of sounded pretty possessive back there yourself. You do realize you claimed her in front of everyone?”

  “Of course I did.” Quintus’ expression remained impassive, recalling his words. Mine. He’d deliberately declared his intention, yet as he spoke, he sensed there was more to their connection. He could have easily let her go at any time, he reasoned, but there was something about her taste, her smile. Fuck. He grimaced, displeased with his growing attachment to his witch.

  “Of course you did? That’s all you’ve got to say?”

  “Don’t be an asshole,” Quintus growled, tearing off his shirt.

  “Someone catch feelings?”

  “Correct that. Don’t be more of an asshole than you already are.” Quintus slung back his scotch, a smooth burn coating his throat.

  “I think there’s a cure for that. You might want to go fuck little Daisy. Get it out of your system.”

  “Fuck off.”

  “I am right about this. The best way to shake her from your system and get over her is to get under someone else.”

  “I’m an asshole for leaving her upstairs.”

  “Yeah about that. I was kind of surprised myself.”

  “Every time I flash her. She’s out of it.”

  “But she’s a witch.”

  “I’m telling ya. It’s the shifter in her. That’s why she doesn’t do well.”

  “Where’d you put her?”

  “I put her onto the sofa. I was hoping she’d sleep it off.”

  Viktor laughed and reached for the bottle. “This is going to be good.”

  Quintus blew out a breath and set down his empty glass. “What?”

  “Hmm…” Viktor gave a closed smile, raising an eyebrow at his brother.

  “Just fucking say it. I’ve gotta get upstairs.” Quintus glanced down to his bloodied jeans.

  “You left her upstairs? Covered in blood? Then come down here for a stiff one?” Viktor took a swig of his drink and exhaled loudly.

  “What’s your problem?” A sickening guilt twisted in his stomach. His brother wouldn’t let it go, whereas he’d prefer to bury his feelings where they belonged, in a pit of indifference. The flicker of delight in Viktor’s eyes told him he’d dredge the baby up no matter how deep he’d hidden it.

  “This little creature has you out of sorts.”

  “No shit. I’m indebted to her,” Quintus replied. It had been the perfect excuse for keeping her in his life.

  “You like her.”

  “Well, yeah. I’ve liked many people.”

  “She’s a beautiful woman.”

  “I’ve liked many women. Jesus Christ, Viktor. I don’t have time for this shit. I’ve gotta go.”

  “Ah, but a choice, my dear brother. You chose to be indebted.”

  “She saved my ass. It happens.”

  “You could have given her money. That you do not lack,” Viktor challenged.

  “Money for my life? Really? Since when have I ever…”

  “Since when has anyone ever saved your life?”

  Quintus glared at Viktor. Only once. As a new vampire his brother had saved his life from their master, and he’d since saved him tenfold.

  “So you see this happenstance isn’t mere serendipity. You’ve made a choice to protect her. You’ve declared her as yours.”

  “I already told you. It was for her protection,” Quintus insisted.

  “Was it now?” Viktor laughed, shaking his head. “So easily you fool the others, making them believe a lie. Your powers are impressive, indeed. But you never could lie to me.”

  “I haven’t lied.” Stretched the truth perhaps. It was true that Viktor was impervious to his ability to make others see as he wished. He was careful in his use of the power, aware it drained his magick.

  “Did you consider it’s possible you might bond with her? You are drawn to her, after all. It would be unusual. She’s not even human, but…”

  “I’m not having this conversation.” Quintus turned his back to leave. Her blood had been intoxicating but he’d reasoned it was her magick.

  “You need to taste her,” Viktor suggested.

  “I’ve already tasted her.” And I want her more than ever. Quintus knew the truth, but denied it to himself.

  “Bite her. It’s the only way,” Viktor encouraged.

  “I’m done talking. You’re welcome to stay. We’ll discuss a game plan for the ball tomorrow.”

  “You could be her mate. You won’t be able to resist forever, Quint. The Goddess, she always gets her way,” he called out, a rumble of laughter following.

  “Night, V.” Quintus strode out of the living room and quickly ascended the steps. Although he’d refused to engage, Viktor’s comments plowed through his mind.

  It was rare to bond with a witch. Even rarer to do so with a shifter. Yet long ago, he’d discovered that it was indeed possible. No, this isn’t happening again.

  As he made his way to the bedroom, he slowed at the door. He stood still with his eyes closed, sensing her. Fear. Confusion. Arousal. He smiled, aware she’d deliberately remained open despite what he’d done at the club.

  When Ravi had touched Gabriella, he’d gone feral. Tearing off his head was nothing compared to the slow torture he’d have inflicted had she not been watching. It had been a lesson to the others. No one could have her, touch her…no one but him.

  The possibility that there was another creature on this earth that belonged to him terrified Quintus. The only other woman he’d ever loved was dead. Yet his brother’s advice was sound. Taste her, his instinct agreed. It was the only way.

  Her fiery eyes lifted to meet his as he strode into the room. Quintus slowed, taking in the sight of his fragile witch. Slumped over, she’d partially undressed, her bloodied clothes piled next to her feet. A wave of overwhelming sadness washed over him as she revealed her emotions.

  “Gabriella.”

  “Quintus,” she whispered.

  “Are you okay, bella?” He approached slowly as if she were an injured animal.

  “Okay?” She gave a small laugh, shaking her head. “That place.”

  “I told you to stay in my office. You don’t listen.” He took a deep breath and reined back his temper. When she’d ignored his direction, he’d sought to teach her a lesson. “What happened in the club…”

  “You…you tore off his head. I…It’s not like I didn’t know what vampires do. I’ve been in clubs…”

  “I’ll protect you with my life, but this is who I am. I warned you. I told you stay…”

  “Stay? I’m not a dog. I can take care of myself. I just…” Her words trailed off as tears sprang to her eyes. “Look. You don’t need to help me. I’ll figure it out. I need to do a spell before they find me.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.” Anger rolled thro
ugh him at the thought of her leaving.

  “I’ve got some spells. I just need a few days to figure it out. I could go to others. No, no, no I’ve got this…” She went to reach for her clothes, and he knelt, placing his hand gently on her wrist.

  “Gabriella,” he said, his voice soft. “You’ve got to trust me. No more running. No more lies.”

  “How am I supposed to trust you? You keep flashing me anywhere you want. I get sick. Then you leave me alone. That woman in the club…” She sighed.

  “You can trust me because I haven’t left you. Because I know what’s best…” As the words left his lips, he questioned his approach. He sighed, running the pad of his thumb over her wrist. “Gabby. I’m vampire. The donors…”

  “Women…”

  “Yes, the ones you’ve seen. I must have blood. This is my existence. There is no other way.” He’d held onto his humanity with a thread some days, but always made a point to remember what being human was like. “I love to cook. Do you know why?”

  “What?”

  “I cook because it reminds me that once upon a time I was human. I wasn’t born into magick like you. You’re so close to being human but you aren’t. You’re a magical creature, walking among them as if you were.” Quintus lifted her hand in his, bringing her to her feet. He closed the distance, his hand drifting to her cheek. “The day I turned, I had no choice but to feed.”

  “That girl in the club. You feed from her?”

  “Daisy? No, she’s not my type.”

  “But you want more?”

  “Yes, I need to eat.”

  “Do you want my blood?”

  Quintus gave a small laugh, unsure of how to respond to her question. He hungered for her blood with each moment he spent with her, yet he was becoming increasingly certain that if he bit her, he’d bond to her. “If that’s something you want, there’s no going back, sweet bella.”

  “What is this between us?” she whispered, her eyes set on his.

  “You have to trust me. There can be no other way.”

  “I’ve never let anyone bite me,” she confessed. “None of them. My blood. I’ve sold it but I’ve never…”

  “What are you, Gabriella?” Quintus had to know her secrets if he was to help her.

  His question was answered by silence.

  “I told you you can trust me. But if I’m going to help you…”

  “Please…you won’t want me if you know.”

  “I already want you,” he told her.

  “No, you…”

  Quintus brushed his lips to hers, silencing her protest. He opened his mind, sending his calming power through her. Reluctantly he broke the gentle kiss, his forehead resting upon hers.

  “I promise I won’t reveal you to others,” he assured her.

  “Tomorrow night I’ll change,” she admitted. “It happens on the full moon each month. My magick weakens as the month drags on but when I shift, it renews it.”

  “What are you?”

  “Promise you won’t leave me. Promise that you won’t be repulsed.”

  “Jesus, Gabby. I’m not going anywhere.”

  “I’m a wolf.” Tears rolled down her cheeks, and she turned her face away from him.

  “Ah, lupine. But why? Why are you so ashamed?” Confusion danced in his mind at her response.

  “My magick will never be pure. The coven will kill me, and I don’t know. There’s times when I doubt myself. I’m not like the others. I never will be.”

  “You’re perfect, do you hear me? As for the coven, I’ll never let them have you. I’ll keep you safe as you shift. I’ll talk to Jax.”

  “I’ve never run with another wolf. I have no pack. I always shift alone. I can’t let anyone see me.”

  “You’re wrong. Look at me, Gabriella.” His fingers trailed under her chin, lifting it until she met his gaze. “You have me.”

  “I won’t ever belong to anyone. I’m a wolf. Vampires. Wolves. It doesn’t matter how I feel about you. I mean back at your house…we…I kind of liked it. I probably won’t ever be able to mate, just so you know,” she rambled.

  “You have me. I’m not going anywhere,” he repeated.

  In silence he took her hand and led her to the bathroom. The urge to take her escalated and he resisted with all his will. The stench of the other vampires lingered on their skin. No other being would be in their minds when he made love to her.

  This creature was far too important to him. Centuries had passed and he’d never bonded with another. For so long he’d thought he’d been cursed for choosing someone other than a human. Yet it was the blood of a hybrid wolf that had healed him, the one he’d been craving ever since he tasted her.

  He didn’t bother to turn on the lights as his hand reached for the spigot. Her mouth parted as if to say something and he shook his head no. No more arguments. No more talking. Tonight he’d make love to her, and tomorrow he’d help her disappear from the coven. He’d strike a deal with the witches he knew. They’d help her. He’d get her settled with Jax Chandler or Logan, finding her a home within a pack where she could mate.

  He unbuttoned his pants and kicked them off, standing nude before her. Her fingers went to her bra, and Quintus reached around her back, easily unhooking it. As it fell to the floor, his eyes remained fixed on hers. She exhaled softly, allowing him to take the lead. Although he wasn’t wolf, he’d demand her submission.

  Steam rolled through the air as his palms drifted over her shoulders. They lingered briefly before trailing down her arms. As he settled his hands on her hips, he slid his fingers under the sides of her panties. In one swift pull, the fabric tore away, leaving her bare to him.

  “Quintus.” She backed into the hot spray, her gaze painting over his body.

  “Si, bella. You’re trouble.” He took a step forward, looming over her fragile form.

  “What do you want?” she whispered, water beading over her body.

  “Something about you…your blood…it’s special. That’s true.”

  “So all you want is my blood?” Her defiant eyes met his.

  “Your blood saved me. But something about you. Your spirit…” He placed his palm onto her chest. “This is the person I want to know.”

  “I…don’t date. I don’t…”

  “Your disobedience will get you killed some day. You must learn to listen.” Quintus kept his eyes locked on hers, brushing the back of his knuckles over her taut nipples. Blood rushed to his dick, and he breathed, restraining the urge to fuck her right then.

  “I’m not a human. I’ve been on my own for a long time…you can’t just expect me to take orders…”

  “But that is the thing, little one, I do expect.” He leaned toward her, his firm chest brushing her nipples. His lips teased over her collarbone and she sighed, her back flattening against the cool tiles. “I’ll teach you. Is this what you want?”

  “Quintus…it’s not in my nature…”

  “Ah, ah, ah.” He sniffed her skin, taking in her delicious scent. “I disagree. You’re wolf. Your submission will be mine.”

  “I…” she began to protest but instantly went silent as he dragged his tongue over her neck.

  “Tell me you want this, Gabriella.” Although he knew he’d just fed, her blood called to him, but he denied their true connection. There was no way the Goddess would send him a wolf. He’d fuck her out of his system, sating his hunger, he lied to himself.

  “You and I…” Her fingers grazed his chest, reminding him that her wild nature was in need of taming.

  “I’m going to fuck you right here. Tomorrow we’ll figure out the rest.” His palm drifted between her breasts and down onto her stomach.

  “Quintus, please.” As his fingers delved between her legs, she sighed, her head lolling back against the tiles.

  “Tell me you want this.” His dick went rock hard as he teased his fingers inside her slick sheath.

  “I…that feels so…” Her fingers gripped his shoulders as he
stroked inside her.

  “But pet, if we do this, there will be no going back. I want to hear it now. Do you want this? Answer me or I’m going to walk away.” It’d kill him but she needed to do as she was told. For as much power as she held, her impulsivity could get her killed.

  “Yeah…I just…please, Quintus.” Her hand moved to grip his shoulder.

  “Say it,” he pressed.

  “Yes…I want you…I…” Gabriella panted as he withdrew.

  The temptation to bite her mounted. Fuck her first, his gut told him. Once he tasted of her during sex, he’d forever be tortured if she didn’t belong to him.

  Lust twisted through him as his eyes lingered on hers. The emotion of what she might be to him was too much in the moment. He spun her around, shutting off his feelings. She moaned his name as he bent her forward, kneeing open her legs. He ran his hand down her slippery back, teasing his fingers over her bottom, spreading her cheeks open. A chill ran through him as he stroked his dick, his crown prodding her entrance.

  “Keep your hands on the wall.” As he eased inside her sensitive flesh, her magick danced through him and he gave a loud sigh.

  “Quintus,” she exhaled, pressing back onto him.

  He withdrew and thrust inside her, wrapping his hand around her stomach. His other palm moved to her throat, and he fought the urge to come inside her.

  What the fuck? Over a thousand years had gone by and he’d never felt so connected to someone. None of it made sense. The urge to taste her blood surged yet his mind warred against it. He laid his cheek upon her shoulder, his fangs dropping, itching to bite her. Careful not to draw blood, he glided the edges of his fangs over her skin. She moaned in response, her core contracting around his dick.

  Don’t bite her. Fuck her. Help her. Leave her be. A wolf, she’ll have a true mate and you’re not it. He’d never been as conflicted in his entire life, his thirst mounting as he fucked her.

  Quintus wrapped his hand around her neck, his little witch trusting him as he took control. Fucking hell, she’s submitting. As the pad of his forefinger glided toward her mouth, his strength wavered as her lips sucked it.

  “Please. You can bite me. Do it,” she encouraged. Her tongue teased his finger as if it were his cock.