Page 20 of Quintus

“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 embedded 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.