Page 47 of Quintus

I’ll do it without him, she told herself, fresh tears brimming from under her lashes. She didn’t know how she’d become so close to Quintus. She knew wolves could walk away from their mates, but she’d heard it drove them mad, forcing them to go rogue.

The crackle of broken branches caught her attention, and within seconds his familiar dominating presence registered. Her attempts to block his energy were thwarted as he drew closer, her name on her vampire’s lips.

“Gabriella, you’re going to be all right,” Quintus said, his voice calm.

“Go away,” she managed. With her forearms pressed to the cold sand, she lifted her head. Her wolf howled with pain as he continued to approach. She yearned for the mate she’d thought was hers.

“Please. Gabby. We’ll figure this out. Let me take you back home.”

“No, don’t come closer. I’ll shift. I’ll run.”

“I’m not certain she’s really my mate. Once upon a time, yes…a very long time ago…”

“No, don’t say it. I don’t want to hear about her. I don’t care. I should have never come to you. Just so you know, I would have done it anyway. Saved you. But I’m so stupid asking for your help…all this. I let you bite me…” Her words faltered as she began to cry.

“I just need a little time to sort this. It’s possible she isn’t…”

“No!” Gabriella pushed away from the earth but struggled to stand. She fell to her knees, defiantly staring at him. “Don’t touch me.”

“I didn’t want to do this the hard way, Gabby, but I’m taking you home one way or another,” he told her, his tone stern.

“No…I’m not…” Gabriella went silent as the Alpha’s power unexpectedly washed over her. Hunter approached through the brush, infusing her with his healing powers. Her wolf cowered in submission.

“Gabby.” Hunter gave Quintus a nod as he crouched down so he was on eye level with Gabriella. “It’s all right. What you’re feeling right now…that energy. It’s me claiming you as my pack. I know you’re hybrid but your wolf feels me and I feel her. I can’t say I know all of what’s going on between you and the vampire, but I do know you belong with pack. I’ll protect you.”

“Like hell you will. Gabby, we’re going home…” Quintus’ focus shifted as Viktor materialized.

“Hey Quint. This sitch is getting a little…uh, complicated.” His brother glanced to Gabriella then back to Quintus.

“Can’t you handle things? I’ve got my hands full here.”

“Yeah, she’s not in good condition. I really think you need to get back here. Hunter and I will take care of Gabby.”

Quintus blew out a breath. “Goddammit. Okay, look, Gabby, we’ve got to go. Just let me flash us both out of here. You can’t stay here.”

“You mean she needs you.” Gabriella gave a soft sigh, then a laugh, and shook her head. “You can’t have two mates. It’s okay. It didn’t make sense anyway.”

“I’m going to give you three seconds,” he warned.

“And what?” She gave a sad smile. “I’ll go back to your house to get my things, but I’m not going with you.” Her eyes landed on Viktor’s. “I’m not going with you either.” Rubbing the back of her hand against her mouth, she sighed in defeat and nodded toward Hunter. “The Alpha. I’ll go with him.”

“What the hell…” Quintus began.

She gave a sad laugh, her eyes finally settling back on Quintus. “I’m a wolf. You saw me. You all saw me. This is my nature.”

Quintus reached for her but she flinched, quickly transforming to wolf. She released a low growl, warning him away.

“Hunter,” he said, never taking his sight off of Gabriella. “You can bring her to my home. I don’t give a shit what the rules say about mates. This woman, this wolf…she’s mine, are we clear?”

“You haven’t completed the bond,” Hunter challenged. “If she doesn’t want you, that’s her choice.”

“We’ve already begun the bond.”

“You have a problem on your hands, my friend,” Hunter said.

“Don’t worry about me,” Quintus replied. “Just bring her back to my house safely.”

“I’m offering her sanctuary with my wolves. Jax’s pack would seem logical but he’s not here and I am.”