Page 58 of Quintus

“Viktor, take her to the compound. Stay underground until I get back.” His club in Central Park had been fortified after a supernatural attack shook through it like an earthquake. He’d installed several holding tanks that could be utilized to house unruly customers. Although he hated to take drastic measures, Mao could be safely locked away in a comfortable but secure cell until his return.

“You sure?” Viktor asked. “I could go to my place.”

“Do it.” A pixiu, it’d be likely she’d attempt a formidable escape, but it was the best he could do under the circumstances to keep her in New York.

“Sorry, Mao. It’s time to go.” Viktor placed his palms onto her shoulders and they dematerialized away.

Quintus blew out a breath as the firemen stormed into the high-rise building, its occupants spilling out into the streets. Although Mao had attempted to plant seeds of doubt in his mind about Gabriella, there was no way in hell she could’ve done this. He detected dark magick in the smoke, ashes drifting in the air like snowflakes. Fucking hell. He prayed it was the Salem witches, Absinthe…anyone but Mao.

He retrieved his cell phone and tapped a text to his friend who worked at the airport. Gabriella was resourceful but she underestimated his ability to track her. She’d go to the nearest airport, hop a plane to Paris. Although she had no money, he suspected she’d wield her magick to secure a ticket and get through security.

Your girl’s booked a 5:30 flight to Paris. But Q, there’s no record of her passing through security. She’s using magick. His little wolf was resourceful, he’d give her that. But she’d put herself in considerable danger. He’d have to meet her, then later, he planned to spank her ass red.

“Hey.” A voice broke his contemplation and he looked to the tall wolf approaching through the chaos. Now dressed, he blended with the humans.

“You New Yorkers sure do know how to throw a party,” he commented, scanning the crowd.

“Gabriella’s gone.” Quintus restrained the fury that burned through his body.

“I won’t ask how she managed to escape but I’m not surprised. The energy on that girl is fucking sick.” Hunter sighed. “I don’t know what kind of witch she is but she’s not your average wolf.”

“Our bond…it’s affecting her. Her magick is growing stronger but she’s green. She doesn’t even know the spells to harness her power.”

“Your New York witch. She didn’t seem to let on that she knows about the Salem coven.”

“Absinthe? She’s kept the peace here. That’s the most I can say. Her allegiance blows with the wind. Every favor comes at a cost. Don’t get me wrong. I’m no different. And Jax? He’s as tough as they come. We coexist but we don’t trust.”

“You’re going to need to trust someone.”

“Samantha maybe.” Quintus shrugged.

“Luca’s girl?” the Alpha guessed.

“Si. She’s new but she’s bonded with a vampire of my lineage. Ilsbeth?” Quintus gave a sardonic laugh. “She used to be a formidable ally but she’s been compromised.”

“Sorry about your place but it doesn’t look too bad,” Hunter said.

Quintus closed his eyes, concentrating on the life force within his building. “No one has died.”

“You live with humans? Now that’s a surprise.”

“I have many homes, wolf. But since you’ve agreed to come along for the ride, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. There’re things necessary to being a successful vampire, living thousands of years and not getting staked. Number one. Live among humans. I won’t ever forget what it’s like to be one. I’ve survived on them, but I live with them to remember where I came from.”

“Number two?” Hunter looked up toward the flames.

“Don’t ever trust an ancient. We have many secrets.” Quintus wished he had the patience to travel any other way, but he didn’t have time to mess around. He’d ask for forgiveness later.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Hunter asked.

Quintus placed his hand on the Alpha’s shoulder and closed his eyes, dematerializing them across the Atlantic. Charles de Gaulle Airport. First, he’d trap his little wolf. Somewhere in the City of Light they’d find the bones of an ancient priestess and free Gabriella of the Salem witches.

Chapter Ten

Gabriella clutched at the trench coat, pulling it tight across her waist. The icy rain brutally lashed at her face as she held out her hand to hail a taxi. As the car slowed, she reached for the handle, swinging the door open and slipping inside its warmth. Gabriella shut it behind her, speaking in fluent French to the driver.

“Villa Adrienne et Avenue du Général Leclerc s'il vous plait.”

“Quel hôtel allez-vous?” he answered.