Page 61 of Quintus

“I’m assuming the other word…what was it?” Hunter paced as he spoke.

“Rudhirapāyin.” Quintus repeated.

“You’re the blood drinker. But who’s the demon? The only demon we met recently was that dude back at the party. Thorn. And he strikes me as being on the fence. No, this is badass straight from hell shit. And we’re about to open a portal to get to the bones. Tell me we aren’t summoning a demon to get it,” Hunter said, his voice tense.

“No…I don’t think…” Gabriella stuttered, unsure of what they needed to do.

“I’m going to draw your blood,” Quintus stated in a matter-of-fact tone.

“Okay… you’re not part demon or, hell, whole demon, are you?”

“Jesus, Hunter. Of course, he’s not a demon. How could you say that?” Gabriella defended her vampire.

“Just sayin’.”

“Ignore him.” Quintus rolled his eyes.

“She can’t ignore me. I’m an Alpha. Remember? Big bad wolf.” A broad smile broke across his face.

“Not her Alpha,” Quintus corrected.

“Yeah well, y’all need to get your shit straight, because unlike you, I’m not lovin’ our current accommodations. I know you vampires are all about a good dirt nap but I’m a wolf. This air isn’t good for my fur.”

“As if I like it?” Gabriella asked. “I’m a witch.”

“You’re hybrid,” Quintus told Gabriella and then focused on Hunter. “We don’t sleep in the dirt.”

“Sure thing, fang boy. Oh that’s right. Where’d y’all meet? Yeah, pretty sure it was an underground club. A crypt or some shit.” Hunter tilted his head, raising his eyebrows. “I’m seeing a pattern.”

“It wasn’t under the ground,” Gabriella replied.

“Stop fucking around. We’ve got to get this bone or bones or whatever the hell we are looking for and get the hell back to the jet.”

“I’m not going with you.” Gabriella shoved up her sleeve, exposing her wrist. “This is my problem, not yours.”

“Goddammit if your ass isn’t going to be bright red by the time I’m done with you. You’re not going anywhere.” Quintus’ eyes lit with intensity.

“You’re not spanking me. I don’t belong to you.”

“Look, I said I’m not up for crypts, graves…pretty much anything underground…but that ass? Well, that’s another topic. I’m all for a spankin’.”

“I’m not…you’re not…” Gabriella lost her words at the thought. A quick flash in her mind’s eye of his palm on her bottom caused heat between her legs. She shoved away the sensation, aware they’d both read her emotions. “No.”

“I think my little wolf might enjoy this.” Quintus gave a small smile. “Ah, but this is a punishment, my sweet bella. Not a pleasure. And the way you sass the Alpha, I’m leaning toward letting him help.”

“Now that’s what I’m talking about.” Hunter gave a small laugh. “You’ve pushed all kinds of boundaries tonight, Gabby. Sorry, girl.”

“Fuck you…both of you.” She gave a side eye to Quintus and continued. “Can we please stop with this talk and get out of here?”

“I’m in agreement with that. What’s up on the menu? Spooky spell? Maybe start seeing if there’s a loose rock? If the girl says it’s here, then let’s find this shit and go home.”

“We’re going to New Orleans,” Quintus replied, dropping his fangs.

“I’m down. NOLA was my first home.” Hunter stared at the vampire’s fangs. “I thought I was going to at least get a croissant out of this Paris trip but from the looks of those teeth of yours I’m guessing that’s not happenin’.”

“I’m going to have to bite you,” Quintus warned.

“Just do it,” she snipped, extending her arm. As he stepped closer, she pulled it back to her chest. “Wait. I don’t want it to hurt.”