Page 50 of Quintus

“Yeah, probably not the best idea.”

“I’ll figure something out.” Quintus’ thoughts drifted back to his little wolf. “Gabriella shut me out tonight, but I’m not going to let her do it again. This business of running. She’s going to learn submission.”

“Well, that should be interesting because even I could feel her power tonight. She’s not the shy little wolf she pretends to be.”

“Witch.”

“Whatever. I’m just saying, that there’s something about her power.”

“I’ve felt it too. She’s young. She’s learning her power.” Quintus looked to his brother. “This thing with Mao. I need to deal with this tonight.”

He set his drink on an end table, and retrieved his phone, tapping on its screen.

“What’s next?”

“Paris is what’s next. Taking the private jet.”

“The PJ? No flashing?”

“If it were just you and me? Yes. With Gabriella? No. She’s just getting used to…” Quintus stopped short of finishing his sentence as she entered his building. Gabriella.

As the elevator door slid open, Quintus caught sight of Hunter, the sheen of his sweat on his bared body. The small black wolf trailed behind him.

“Thank you for returning her safely,” Quintus said, his attention on Gabriella.

Viktor remained seated and rolled his eyes as Hunter approached, a small smile forming on his lips. “You know I’m down for commando any day of the week, but I never get how you wolves give zero fucks about strolling around buck naked in front of other people. Just letting it swing free in the wind. Nice.”

“I’m a wolf, jackass.”

“Yeah, I get that. Windmill away.”

Quintus ignored both his brother and Hunter, transfixed as Gabriella shifted back to her human form. Her long caramel locks tumbled over her shoulders, brushing over her nipples.

“I’m here,” she said, her voice steady.

“That you are, bella.”

“These wolves are…” Viktor began but Quintus cut him off.

“Not a word, brother. I can assure you this isn’t the time.” Quintus reached for Gabriella but she stepped backward, avoiding his touch.

“I need to go shower. Then I’m leaving. I know I asked you to help me but…”

“You’re not going anywhere. We’re flying out in the morning.”

“You don’t need to help me,” she insisted. “No, it’s more than that. I don’t want your help anymore. I’ll go myself. I’ll get the bones of the first witch. I’ll learn the spell or ritual or whatever it is I need and then I’ll go.”

“Gabby.” Quintus stepped forward, removing his jacket.

“No, please…” Gabriella held up her hand.

“I’m just going to…” Quintus’ chest tightened, sensing her confusion and pain. Pain that he’d caused. Mao.

“I can’t stay here anymore,” she whispered. Her voice shook.

“Gabby.” Quintus gazed into her teary eyes, his heart heavy.

“I’m leaving.”