Page 57 of Quintus

“You’re an asshole.” Quintus shot at him. “Si, I loved her. But now, she’s a memory. You and I have lived thousands of years. We’ve met all sorts of creatures in our lifetime. If Mao were truly Mao, I’d know. The bond, even if it had been broken, I’d feel something for the woman in that bedroom. I felt nothing. Not until the magick. And it wasn’t strong enough to hold me. No, there’s something going on with her. Either she’s simply changed or possibly something worse. I can’t tell just yet. I’ll keep her safe, but I have to focus on finding the bones of the first witch.”

“When are you leaving?”

Quintus retrieved his cell phone and glanced at the time. “The jet leaves in three hours. It won’t leave much time for Gabby to rest but she can sleep on the plane. I’ve gotta text Hunter and Jax.”

He quickly tapped out a few messages to the Alphas, pleased at their quick response. “Ah, good. Jax said Finn is already in New York. His beta’s got his pack. Hunter agreed to come with.”

“It amazes me how you snap your fingers and the wolves come running like a couple of Chiweenies wearing diamond-studded collars. You’re like the wolf whisperer.” Viktor stood and glanced at himself in a long wall mirror, running his hands over his stomach. “Do you think these pajama pants make me look fat? Hmm…maybe I should have bought the yellow ones.”

“No, but you’re pale as fuck,” Quintus responded.

“What can I say? I eat clean. Blood only. Stay out of the sun. This look works for me. Chicks dig it.” He smiled and patted his abs. “I keep it tight. Don’t look a day over twenty-five.”

Quintus coughed. “You look every bit the ripe age of thirty.” He shook his head and gave a small chuckle. “There’s really something wrong with you. You know that, don’t you?”

“My keen sense of humor makes life interesting.”

“Real food makes life better. You need to remember your mortality.”

“Overrated.”

“I’ve got to go talk to Gabby.” Quintus blew out a breath. “She trusted me before this.”

“She’ll forgive you.” Viktor exhaled a loud breath.

The patter of water in the shower above drew Quintus’ attention. Is she still in the shower? He reached for her, aware she’d grown stronger, blocking him from her emotion.

“I think there might be something…” Quintus went silent as he detected the scent of smoke. “What the fuck?”

“Fire,” Viktor said, his eyes wide.

“Get Mao! I’ll get Gabriella!” As Quintus dematerialized into the upstairs bedroom he spotted Gabriella underneath the covers of his bed. He ripped off the comforter, revealing the pillows beneath it. He tore across the room into the bathroom and glanced to the empty shower, the water still running.

“Goddammit!” Quintus pounded an angry fist to the wall, shattering a nearby mirror.

He quickly flashed to each room in the house, searching for her, as plumes of toxic smoke billowed into the air. He sensed Viktor had gone and materialized onto the street below. Viktor stood barefoot, his arm around Mao.

“What the fuck is going on?” Quintus asked, directing his anger toward her.

“A fire. Your wards aren’t as good as you think they are,” she countered.

“Where’s Gabby?” Viktor asked.

“She’s gone.”

“What do you mean she’s gone?” he asked.

“I mean she left.” Quintus scrubbed his palm over his scruffy cheek.

“She did this,” Mao accused.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Quintus asked. He clenched his sweaty palms and dropped his fangs. “There’s no fucking way Gabriella would hurt me or anyone else for that matter.”

“I told you. She’s more than what she’s telling you.”

“Stop talking,” he yelled.

“She’s a wolf. She’s jealous. She’d do anything to keep her mate. She’s losing you to me.”