QUINTUS

by Kym Grosso

  “They really could come from anywhere.”

  “Unlikely they’re from out of the country but they’ll come from strongholds. Either way it doesn’t matter. The only way to feel this out is to attend the event. It’s possible the witches have been influenced by outsiders as well. This coven that’s after Gabriella…from Salem. They’re unusual. Purists.”

  “Since the beginning of time, these purist cults have existed. For every species there is another that dislikes others. Idiots.”

  “Hybrids exist but are rare. I’m not sure how a witch breeds with a wolf…it’s impossible really. The wolves…they must be hybrid.”

  “Perhaps her father was hybrid.”

  “Or she’s an undiscovered diamond. Nature changes life. Evolves.”

  “There’s always been something special about you, Quint. It’s how you’ve survived. The fact that there are two women you’ve come across in your lifetime…this is an opportunity.”

  “Or a curse. Mao’s dead. Gabriella is at risk from her coven and my enemies.” Quintus shook his head. “Ironic that we have all these women throwing themselves at our feet. Blood whores who live to be bitten. Yet the loneliness, we ignore it to the point where we forget it even exists. It’s a weakness in our humanity. And now…”

  “And now you have a shifter. But you’re not alone in this unusual path. Look at Leo. He enjoys his fish.”

  “Naiad.” Quintus gave a small smile, amused with his brother’s simplicity.

  “Naiad. Fish. Whatever. She breathes underwater. She’s like a dolphin.”

  “Technically that’s a mammal.”

  “Seriously? A shark then. Because she seems to be able to take care of herself.” Viktor laughed. “Not so much a mermaid? I still believe they exist…but she’s got no tail.”

  “You’re lucky Leo can’t hear you. He’d kick your ass,” Quintus laughed.

  “Pfft. I’d kick his ass, and you know it. Your child isn’t as strong as me.”

  “Let’s not try to find out. But about tonight…”

  “It’s important,” Viktor finished his sentence.

  “It’s critical to put an end to any trouble. Jax is always trying to establish his own dominance. Plays games. I won’t have it.”

  “Ah, but you’ve known the wolf many years.”

  “That may be so. I’ll grant him his due but nothing more. Apparently he and his beta are off on some other business tonight and sending in Hunter Livingston,” Quintus said.

  “What the hell?”

  “I don’t expect any issues from him. I met up with him out in California.”

  “Yeah, well, no offense, but look how that shit show turned out for you,” Viktor replied.

  “The bigger issue is that the wolves are simply just that. They’re wolves. Jax. Hunter. Alphas control packs not witches. There are others in this city, ones who would gladly start shit with Jax.”

  “Absinthe?”

  “Don’t speak too loudly. My wards are strong but that damn witch has this uncanny ability to sense her name in the air.” Quintus shoved to his feet, his gaze set on Viktor. “She’s been around long enough to know if there’s been a shift in the magick. Any rumblings of new covens…she’ll know. She might be able to help with the Salem coven that’s been chasing Gabriella.”

  “You know her better than I.”

  “Perhaps, but that’s only because you’re a rolling stone.”

  “I’m here when you need me. That’s what counts.” Viktor smiled broadly.

  “True, but when you flash, I expect your ass with me. No spur of the moment trips to Egypt, V. This is one of those times I need you there and on time.”

  “What else do you know about the coven that’s after her?” Viktor asked.

  “Not much. Gabby’s been on the run for years.”

  “She’s a child in the supernatural world.”

  “Yet another concern.”

  “She’s an adult with you, though. I smell her on you.”

  “Not so much on me but in me. Her blood. She’s like pure magick. I’ve never tasted another like her.”

  “Not even Mao?” Viktor challenged, turning to give his brother a sly smile.

  “It’s been many years. Mao…she wasn’t at all human.” Quintus considered the years that had passed; he barely recalled the taste of her, leaving him wondering if she had been but a dream. “She wasn’t a witch. You know full well that although most witches are born, they can be created under unique circumstances. Look at Luca’s woman. She was human.”

  “Are you trying to say that Gabriella’s human?” He gave a disbelieving laugh.

  “I’m saying anything is possible. She’s hybrid. There clearly was something special about her mother that allowed her to mate with a wolf. You know as well as I do it’s impossible. Witches have gone mad attempting to mate with their lovers. Look what happened to Ilsbeth. No, no, no…” He scrubbed his hand over his hair. “Something broke the spell. Perhaps her father had been hybrid as well…something within his bloodline…it wasn’t pure.”

  “And you’re saying Mao was?”

  “What I’m saying is that I was young, and it was a very long time ago. And Mao was a rare creature.”

  “You were her mate, though.”

  “But we didn’t complete the bond. She never took my blood.” Quintus had begged her but she’d refused, afraid of turning. From a rural village, she’d been young and believed the superstitions spread by her elders. He’d always believed that if she’d had his blood, his master wouldn’t have been able to kill her as easily.

  “All I’m saying is that Gabriella is every bit as much of a shifter as Mao was, maybe less pure but she shifts.” Viktor shrugged and glanced at his reflection in the wall mirror. “Do you think this red velvet looks too…I don’t know….vampirish?”

  “Are you for real?” Quintus shook his head.

  “I’m just saying. Red. Blood. It’s kind of stereotypical. Maybe I should have gone with purple. I’m thinking of dyeing my hair.”

  “You’ve got issues.”

  “You’ve got no room to talk. Blue satin? Don’t get me wrong. It works on you.”

  “The red does scream ‘vampire’. Maybe you should change.” Quintus rolled his eyes.

  “Are you fucking with me?” Viktor’s eyes widened and he craned his neck to get a better view of himself in the mirror.

  “What do you think, asshole? We’re about to go shake things down at this supe fest and you’re worried about whether or not you look like a vampire. You’re a fucking vampire.”

  “Well, yeah.” He shrugged and looked at himself once again, smoothing a stray hair from his forehead. “But that doesn’t mean I need to let other people know. Always keep them guessing. I don’t want to be predictable.”

  “You’re a fucking idiot, you know that?” Quintus sidled up to Viktor, his hands moving to his own silk bow tie. He straightened the fabric, his thoughts drifting to Gabriella. She was beautiful, a glorious sexual creature created just for him.

  “You look fine,” Viktor said.

  “Jesus, would you stop talking. A little silence.” Quintus closed his eyes briefly and opened them.

  “I can hear you, bro.” Viktor laughed. “You’re into her.”

  “Turn me the fuck off then. I can’t help it. She consumes me. There’re no words to describe it. I’ve got to get things sorted for her so she feels accepted. Fuck Jax if he doesn’t help me. I’ll find another pack that will. Hunter. He’s always been friendly with the witches. Or maybe Logan.”

  “Quint, man, I don’t know about this plan of yours but you’re right about one thing. We’ve got to sort the mess here with the witches. The vampires are starting to freak the hell out and Jax? Jax is Jax. We’ve been together long enough to know you’re gonna do what you want.”

  “So we focus.” Quintus released his tie, a firm hand settling on Viktor’s shoulder. “Don’t discuss Mao in front of Gabriella. I don’t want her involved t
oo much with my history.”

  “I hear you but…” Viktor went silent and Quintus raised his fingers to his lips.

  Quintus should have sensed her far quicker than he had. He suspected the blood exchange had affected his judgement. At the sight of his gorgeous witch, he struggled to appear composed.

  The sheer fabric of her dress hugged every curve of her body. Although her nudity was concealed by wisps of royal blue silk leaves, Quintus recalled every inch of her creamy skin. Thick curls spilled over her shoulders, accentuating her delicate neck. She might as well have been wearing nothing, deliciously alluring in the couture dress.

  Blood rushed to his cock as her intense gaze met his. Quintus rooted his feet to the ground, determined not to reveal his excitement. Goddess, this woman could get him killed. His body and mind lost their logic, summarily immersed in her presence.

  “I…” Gabriella glanced to her feet. “Do I look okay? The things you bought. I’m not used to dressing up.”

  “You’re stunning,” he responded in awe of her humility.

  “I…I’ve never worn anything like this,” she admitted, running her palms over her hips.

  “It’s not the dress, it’s you.” Quintus reached for her hand, the ambrosial floral perfume filling his senses. Gently turning her wrist, he brushed his lips to her delicate skin. Her magical essence tempted him. His fangs ached to release but he restrained himself.

  Quintus gently released her, and his eyes lifted to meet Gabriella’s. “Tonight we shall be in dangerous company. I’m hoping you’ve learned your lesson. Don’t repeat your defiant behavior from the other day, pet.”

  “I know tonight is important, but you remember I’m going to shift tonight, right? I can only fight it for so long.” Her soft expression turned tense. “You can’t tell me what to do.”

  “But I can. And I will.” It was much too dangerous for her to disobey. Although he could flash them away, he couldn’t predict what others would do within the confines of the event.

  “Just because we…you know, we did what we did…you can’t boss me.”

  “Tonight, at this event, I most certainly can. You’re mine.” The thunderous words reverberated in his chest, claiming her. He sucked a breath, his gaze darting to Viktor and back to his witch. “You’re a novice, untrained.”

  “How am I supposed to hide? If I use glamour, the witches will probably detect it.”

  “They’ll sense your magick as soon as you walk in the room, but don’t say a word about being a witch.”

  “What are we going to tell them?” Her face flushed in anger.

  “We’ll lie. Correct that. I’ll use compulsion, they’ll believe me. I’ll tell them that you’re a wolf.”

  “I don’t know if that’ll work with the wolves. They’ll know I’m not from their pack.”

  “I’ve already texted Jax. Anyone in attendance will not question your presence. I’ll say you’re with Hunter Livingston’s pack. He’s a friend.” Viktor gave a chuckle and Quintus’ lips straightened in displeasure, refusing to respond. “He’s more of an acquaintance really.” They weren’t friends at all but they’d both fought as allies.

  “I’m sorry to intrude on this little tête-à-tête, but he doesn’t really like you. You know that, right?” Viktor gave a sly smile. “It’s true. He’s kind of…well, how would you say it? Hmm…”

  “An Alpha,” Quintus replied.

  “A dick,” Viktor joked, a lilt of amusement to his voice.

  “But he’s a wolf. And so is Gabriella.”

  “I still don’t believe a word of it. She looks to be all witch to me,” Viktor said as he buttoned his jacket. “Not sure I like my women with fur.”

  “Seriously? You don’t need to worry about it. She’s not yours,” Quintus growled, his eyes fiery.

  “Ah, you see that there, Gabby. He’s possessive.” He laughed and smiled at himself in the mirror.

  “Would you please shut up?” Quintus turned to Gabriella, his gaze settling on hers. “Tonight you’re wolf. They’ll sense your magick. But sometimes it can be difficult to discern the type when there are so many supernaturals in one place. The energy will be high. No mentioning Salem. You can say we met in New Orleans. That Logan Reynaud invited you to visit the city. He’s the Alpha of Acadian wolves. I’ll make up some bullshit story about you needing warmer weather.”

  “I bet ole Hunter freezes his furry balls off in the winter,” Viktor chirped.

  “What the hell is wrong with you tonight?” Quintus shot him a look of annoyance.

  “I kind of like the snow. Reminds me of home,” she responded.

  “This isn’t a joke, you two. Wolf. You belong to Hunter.” Quintus blew out a breath.

  “What about the vampires who met me at your club? They’ll know I’m witch.”

  “But do they?” Quintus rarely discussed his powers, but the ability to make a lie into a truth was a gift. “The vampires in that room are under my control. What they once knew to be true is no longer. Again, you’re a wolf.”

  “Yes, fine. But I’m worried the coven…they can track me. Wherever I’ve gone, they’ve followed. What if they come?” Panic laced her voice.

  “We’ll deal with it if they come but there’s going to be a lot of supernatural energy. It may cloak whatever signal they have on you. We’ll take the limo.”

  “What no flashing in? The witches love that shit,” Viktor said to Gabriella.

  “They don’t,” Quintus told her, a small smile on his lips. “Less is more. This is a formal event. A few humans could be in attendance as well so it’s best not to make a scene. That being said, I’m not taking any shit from anyone so if things get tense, Viktor…you keep her safe.”

  “No one’s getting Gabriella,” he replied, his tone serious. “I’ll fucking rip their heart out.”

  “And that is why he’s my brother.” Often impulsive and lethal, Viktor was quite capable of killing. With every year that passed, Quintus often wondered how long he’d remain in control.

  “Would be a shame to ruin this suit though. You like the red?” Viktor asked Gabriella, a broad smile crossing his face.

  Although his brother’s demeanor had changed, Quintus detected the blood thirst that flickered in his eyes.

  “It’s…it’s a lovely color. You look…” Gabriella’s eyes went to Quintus and he sensed her concern. Her emotions rolled through him as she raised her walls, a twinge of fear in her mind. “Very handsome.”

  “You can trust him to protect you,” Quintus told her, his voice calm.

  “But the coven…”

  “Let’s deal with these New York witches first. There’s someone I know here. Someone who might be able to help us.”

  “I have some spells. I’ve been told there’s something I need that will help me, but I’m not sure how it works or what it is.” Her breath quickened.

  Quintus resisted the urge to take her in his arms with his brother’s watchful gaze upon him. Instead he reached for her hand and brought it to his chest. “You need to trust me, Gabby. You saved me once. I promise you, I have every intention of saving you right back. Look at tonight as one more step toward your freedom. We both have something to gain. But I know my city. They do not play. You need to follow the rules. My rules.”

  She returned his statement with silence. While he respected her spirit, and considered the fun he’d have spanking her ass, tonight’s event was no time for defiance. He understood her reluctance to submit. The trials of her abandonment had born her independence. He considered that she’d likely resist her submission to an Alpha, yet she’d need to obey him as well.

  “Come…it’s time to face the witches and wolves.” Quintus nodded to Viktor as he led Gabriella out of his office towards the door. Tonight he’d get answers, and kill anyone who crossed him.

  “Do you see the full moon?” Gabriella asked, her voice in a whisper.

  “You can go for a run after the event,” Quintus assured her. “I know a wooded
area outside of the city.”

  “Okay. Just take me there. I can run by myself.” She stole a glance at Viktor who tapped at his cell phone, seemingly not paying attention.

  “It doesn’t seem particularly safe to run alone in New York. Tonight, I’ll be there with you.” Her confession didn’t surprise him, given she’d been in hiding.

  “I stay away from supernaturals whenever possible. Especially wolves and witches. I could navigate the vampires. I’d wear glamour. My energy is usually weak. I could have easily been human or psychic. They didn’t know the difference.”

  “You may have done a good job avoiding the wrong vampires…most of them anyway. But I knew within seconds you weren’t human. Or psychic.” He placed his hand on her thigh, and but for a second, he recalled her taste on his lips, making love to her. Blood rushed to his cock at the thought and he sucked a breath, willing his erection to subside.

  “My wolf. You’re the first person I’ve ever shown,” she admitted.

  “You’re beautiful.”

  “Is she?” Gabriella asked.

  “You’re always beautiful. Both as witch and wolf. You don’t have to hide anymore.”

  “I’m not so sure,” she hedged.

  “It’s up here,” he interrupted. Quintus glanced to Gabriella whose eyes widened at the spectacular stone building. “It used to be a sugar refinery. Built in the 1800s.”

  “The get together is in there? It’s so big.”

  “Whatever happened to renting a ballroom at the Four Seasons?” Viktor commented with a smirk.

  “Not exactly the right crowd.” Quintus looked to Gabriella. “It’s not that certain groups don’t meet in…how would I say? A more typical establishment.”

  “These partyers are anything but…I mean a few of the wolves are well cultured but you see, many of us…paranormals, we prefer a setting where we can let our inhibitions loose,” Viktor added.

  “You’ve seen my club. They crave the darkness of the night and in their souls,” Quintus explained.

  “Yeah, I’d say everyone’s going to be revved when they see Quint tonight, so buckle up, sweetheart.” Viktor raised his eyebrows and gave a devious smile.