Page 48 of Quintus

“Look at her. She’s scared, but she’s not yours.” Quintus’ face softened as he gazed upon his angry she-wolf. “Hunter…just bring her back. I need some time to deal with this situation. It’s only a matter of time before the Salem witches catch up with Gabby and I’m not leaving her.”

“But if you’re not her mate…”

“I am,” Quintus insisted, his voice certain.

“But…”

“Don’t test me Alpha. I’m not a fight you’re looking for.”

“I’m Alpha for a reason, vampire. You’re not a wolf. Gabby is.”

“I don’t give a shit where you think she belongs. I know where she belongs and it’s with me. She’s confused…” Hunter’s lips tightened with anger.

Gabriella growled, incensed by Quintus’ insistence she was his. None of it mattered if he had another mate. She forced her feelings for him away, refusing to let them influence her. She turned to bolt when the call of the Alpha seized her, thwarting her escape. What is happening? As she attempted to block Hunter, Quintus’ voice played in her head. Little wolf. It’s time to go home.

“You can’t run forever, Gabriella,” Quintus told her, his voice softened.

“You can’t block both of us at the same time,” Hunter cautioned. “You might be getting more clever with Quintus but he’s not a wolf. What you’re feeling is just a sliver of my power.”

“I told you not to hurt her,” Quintus warned.

“I’m going to shift now, and then we’re going back home,” Hunter said to Gabriella. “It’s not a good idea for you to be around Jax’s pack.”

Quintus sighed as the wolf stripped off his clothes. “Don’t touch her, wolf. As much as I appreciate your help, I won’t think twice about killing you if she’s harmed.”

As Hunter shifted, Quintus’ focus went to Gabriella. “You get a pass tonight, but this conversation is far from over. Next time there will be no running. The only things saving you are the moon and the Alpha. I don’t care what you think just happened back there, but you belong to me.”

Gabriella set off running into the brush, his anger sweeping over her. Run little wolf run…you’ll always be mine. She shoved his words to the recesses of her mind, unwilling to give her heart to someone who’d never be hers. As the Alpha joined her, she gave in to her feral nature, forgetting everything and everyone except the call of the moon.

Chapter Nine

Quintus had grieved Mao’s death for centuries. The guilt had nearly caused his own demise, but he’d prevailed, finally accepting that life went on without her.

“Goddammit,” Quintus growled under his breath as he flashed into his living room. The second his feet hit the floor he caught sight of his brother’s face mere inches from his.

“Hey brother,” Viktor quipped, materializing directly in front of him.

“Jesus. I told you not to do that.”

“You’d think after a few hundred years of annoying your ass, it’d get old.” He shrugged with a smile. “But no. Just as good as it was the first time.”

“Contrary to what you believe, tonight isn’t a fucking joke.” Quintus strode behind the bar and retrieved a bottle of whiskey. “You’re supposed to be watching Mao. Where is she?”

“She was taking a shower last I saw her. She’s a hot chick but I didn’t think you’d be down for me sticking around to watch, so I flashed. Room’s warded so she can’t get out if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“She’s a fucking pixiu. If she wants to get out, she’s going to tear the damn house apart.” Quintus blew out a breath, slid two glasses across the bar and began to pour. “Well that night certainly went to shit pretty fast.”

“Gabriella,” Viktor said, accepting the drink from Quintus.

“I can’t believe she went with Livingston.” Quintus took a long draw of the liquor, exhaling as the golden nectar burned down his throat. “Fuck.”

“I’m surprised you let her go with the Alpha.” Viktor raised an eyebrow and cocked his head.

“Don’t fucking say it.” He poured another shot.

“So let me get this straight. Your girl turns into an animal. You guys find her and then let her run off with the wolf.” Viktor laughed, shaking his head. “An Alpha at that.”

“Don’t be an asshole.”