Page 36 of Quintus

“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.