Page 38 of Quintus

The limo door creaked open and the driver stood solemnly waiting in silence. Quintus stepped onto the black macadam, and extended a hand to Gabriella. She instantly broke out in gooseflesh as an icy wind gusted, and clutched her velvet shawl closed. He walked quickly past the guards, giving them a nod. They acknowledged the ancient vampire with respect, bowing to them as they passed.

Quintus sensed Viktor close behind. His jovial brother had switched his light demeanor to the dark persona that often cloaked his mind. Tonight was business. As he’d done over the centuries, Quintus stepped into battle willing to employ diplomacy, knowing the reality was he’d be lucky not to kill someone within the hour.

Chapter Eight

Shivering masked the fear causing her to tremble. Gabriella took a deep breath as they walked, spying the dead body out of the corner of her eye. Act nonchalant. You can do this. No, fuck no, I can’t. Yes…get out of here alive. Her emotions bordered on explosive as they reached the tall purple wooden doors.

Sensing danger, Gabriella’s wolf howled, itching to shift, but she forced her back into the recess of her mind. She’d suspected all the wolves would do the same. With the full moon, it would be nearly impossible to last more than a few hours. Although she hadn’t told Quintus, she worried about her ability to control her beast around the other wolves.

A low scratchy voice drew her out of her contemplation. Gabriella raised her gaze to the tall thin man who extended his hand, ushering them through the door. She struggled not to stare at his white tuxedo which had been stained in blood. Her heart pounded in her chest, recalling the body that sat only a few feet away from the entrance.

“Sir,” he greeted them, his focus settling on Gabriella. “I do hope you and your young lady friend have a lovely time.”

She nodded politely as he smiled at her, revealing his brown decayed teeth.

“We won’t be staying long,” Quintus growled at him and protectively wrapped his hand around her shoulders. “Viktor.”

“Right behind you.”

“Did you see that guy? What was he?” she whispered, her nose nuzzled against his lapel.

“A ghoul.”

“A ghost?” she asked, clutching at his arm.

“Yeah, sort of. He’s more or less a lower level demon. Not quite dead but no longer alive.”

“How?” Gabriella kept her voice low, attempting to conceal her shock.

“The witches…he was human.”

“Emphasis on was,” Viktor added, his lips brushing her ear.

“A few hundred years ago. A witch put some sort of spell on him,” Quintus explained.

“Name’s Trev. Poor bloke’s been stuck like that for a while,” Viktor said.

“Not much of a life. They let him out for the occasional haunting. He’s got this gig of course, but he’s on a tight leash.”

“Not tight enough. That man outside missing his head…he did that?” Gabriella asked as the din grew louder.

“Most likely. Or had a snack before he attended,” Viktor confirmed.

“No, he doesn’t. He eats them?” Shock rolled through her at the thought.

“Sometimes people. Sometimes animals. The guy out front? It was probably done with good reason,” Quintus stated in a matter-of-fact manner.

“Easy, bro. Your girl isn’t up for ghoul talk.”

“It’s not like you see them every day. Not all witches can make them. To be fair, there’s a world out there beyond witches, wolves and vampires. Our numbers are the strongest, but there are others…shifters, fae, demons …other nasty things. But tonight, our three groups celebrate together.”

“Is that what this is?” she asked.

“Positive thoughts.” He gave a small chuckle, his hard exterior showing a crack as a corner of his mouth turned upward.

“A unique opportunity to see special creatures?” Gabriella suggested with a smile. She stayed close to him as they talked.

“That’s the spirit,” Viktor quipped.