Page 35 of Quintus

“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 too 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.”