Page 23 of Quintus

“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.