Page 40 of Quintus

Gabriella released a breath as Quintus freed his hands, holding them towards the crowd. He spoke with determination, the entire room silent.

“There is only one true and powerful coven within New York. The Celestine coven has held leadership since the days this country was founded. And while we’ve had our disagreements over the years, we’ve protected vampires, the coven, the pack. There will always be outsiders. As long as they bring flavor not dissension, they’re welcome. Our leadership is far too cohesive for division. Tonight is a reminder. So please, tell your children, and heed my words. There will be no trouble in New York.” Quintus’ line of focus drifted to Hunter who stood with his arms crossed. The Alpha nodded in agreement. “The wolves. You’ll have no issues and should you cross paths with an enemy, Jax will take action. Tonight is a celebration.”

The room exploded in applause and Quintus held a hand up to silence them. “Tonight is also a warning. A warning to others wishing to try their hand at taking down the coven. A warning to those who spread false rumors. There’s no trouble here, so don’t go seeking it. If you do, this is the face you will see.”

Gabriella’s heart fluttered at the sight of Quintus. His fangs dropped as he gave a lethal glare to the crowd. Fear filtrated through the room, the dark energy spearing through her mind. His anger and strength didn’t scare her, but his commanding presence reminded her that her vampire was indeed lethal, an ancient creature, powerful and alpha.

“Wise words darling,” Absinthe said, her voice firm. “We have a few more surprises for tonight so please do stay for a few hours.”

Music blared to life reanimating the crowd. Quintus leapt from the stage onto the floor and stalked toward her. His feral energy blasted through her and she sucked a breath. As he took her hand into his, Gabriella hoped they were leaving.

“Let’s dance,” he growled, his fangs still bared.

She lost her words as he tugged her toward him and released her glass of champagne to Viktor. A slow sensual beat pulsated throughout the open space, and Gabriella surrendered into his arms as he pulled her toward him. With his chest pressed tightly to hers, she relaxed into his embrace.

“Are we going?” she whispered.

“You’re beautiful tonight,” he told her, loud enough for others to hear.

“I…thank you,” she replied.

“Jesus Christ, you’re fucking hot, do you know that?”

“Quintus…” She lost her words as he rocked his erection against her belly. Her nipples tightened in response.

“I’d fuck you right here. I want them all to know you belong to me. Do you understand?”

She gasped as he tugged at her dress, exposing her shoulder. His lips brushed her bare skin.

“Look around here. I’m an animal too. This body. Your soul. It’s mine,” he claimed.

“Ahhh….” The sweet prick of his fangs teased her skin as he dragged his lips lazily over her collarbone. “But I’ve never….It’s public…”

The lights dimmed, flashes of red and white light strobing in the darkness. She caught sight of others crowding around the dance floor.

“I want to be in you,” he told her, his voice rough with lust.

She clutched his shoulder as he brushed the fabric of her dress aside, his hand slipping through the slit of her dress. She bit her lip, the touch of his fingers dancing over her mound. “Quintus…please…”

“Are you begging me to stop or are you begging me to finish?” he asked.

A jolt of arousal twisted through her, and she whispered. “Quintus…there’re people watching.” Her forehead rested on his shoulder as he plunged a finger deep inside her pussy.

“You’re so fucking wet.”

She rocked her pelvis as he fucked her with his hand. The ache between her legs blossomed, and she rubbed her breasts against his chest, her body on fire.

“What’s happening?” she breathed in confusion at her uncontrollable desire. She caught flashes of faces surrounding them as the lights pulsed overhead.

“They’ll all know you’re mine.”

“Quintus…please.” Through her lust-driven haze, her beast clawed to be with her mate. Her words failed as he slid a second finger inside her heat.

“Tell me, did you enjoy my bite?” He gently nibbled her shoulder, without breaking the skin as he held her in place.

“I’m going to come…” Her orgasm rose, his fingers thrusting in and out of her slick core, his thumb playing at her clit.

“Tell me…tell me who you belong to…”