Page 25 of Quintus

“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.