Page 64 of Quintus

“I’ve got to go to the bathroom.” She pushed onto her elbows, and scanned the room, noting the red lacquered wood walls. Blue water twinkled in the distance and her face crinkled in confusion. “Is that a pool?”

“Si, let me help you.”

“Why is there a pool?” Gabriella gave a moan as she sat upward, a dull pain shooting through her spine. The force of the energy from the relic had left her muscles aching. “What is this place?”

“It belongs to Viktor. He’s got a condo in a protected building. We’re safe here until the both of you are ready to travel. I’m thinking you both should rest up before I flash us over to the jet. We can leave in the morning.” Quintus put his arm around Gabriella’s waist. “Let me help you up. Please.”

She gingerly touched her feet to the floor. “I’ve got this.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.” Gabriella teetered as she stood, the scent of her vampire all around her. She struggled to balance on her feet. As she finally found her footing, she glanced up to Quintus, her heart squeezing in her chest. She didn’t want him to stop touching her but she had to learn to go on without him.

“The bathroom is there, over in the hallway. I can help you,” he offered, releasing his hands from her arms.

“No.” Gabriella carefully began to make her way across the room. She stilled as she heard the Alpha rouse. She glanced to the floor where he lay on his back.

“Holy fuck,” he groaned. “This flashing shit is getting old.”

“Wolves…” Quintus stayed within arm’s reach of Gabriella.

“Gabby. You okay?” Hunter asked.

“Yeah,” she lied. Another wave of nausea slammed into her. Vomit rose in the back of her throat, and she willed it to stop. “I’ve gotta go. I’ll be fine.”

Gabriella released a breath as her hand reached the doorknob and turned it. She quickly went inside and locked it behind her. Tears sprang from her eyes, a cacophony of emotions pouring through her. Quintus had said all the right things, but it couldn’t erase the memory of seeing him touch Mao.

It shouldn’t matter, she told herself. She’d only known him for days. The attraction they’d felt had been but a primal instinct, driven by her beast. Any sane person wouldn’t fall for someone as dangerous or ancient as Quintus. She blamed her infatuation on her loneliness. It had been so long since she’d been with a man and in truth, she’d never been in love.

Easy come, easy go had been her motto up until a week ago. On the run, she couldn’t afford to get attached to anything that didn’t fit in a backpack. Whatever feelings she’d caught for the captivating vampire would go away over time, she told herself.

She flipped on the light and gripped the sink counter, staring in the mirror. You will be okay, she repeated and brushed away her tears.

Her stomach calmed, but her temples throbbed with stress as she considered her next steps. How am I going to get the bone from Hunter? How can I escape Quintus? There was no way she could stay and watch him with Mao. She reasoned she could catch a flight to New Orleans and go see Samantha herself. The thought of running caused her chest to tighten, but she couldn’t keep relying on Quintus to help her when he had a mate waiting for him at home.

The heated floor warmed the pads of her feet as she crossed the room. She opened the glass shower door and turned on the spigot. Making quick work of removing her jacket, she peeled off her clothes. As she turned to look at her gaunt face in the mirror, she sighed. Her white bra and panties nearly blended with her pale skin.

“When I’m safe, I’m going somewhere sunny,” she mumbled. Gabriella pictured her wolf relaxed, lying in an open field, warmth radiating onto her fur. Someday she’d be free. Happy.

Gabriella removed her underwear and unsnapped her bra, letting it fall to the floor. Steam wafted into the air, and she stepped into the hot spray. The tension in her shoulders released but her mind raced. If she was to walk away from Quintus, she’d have to get the first witch’s bone away from Hunter. They’d watch her like hawks, aware of her desire to leave. If she could somehow get her hands on the object, she might be able to conjure a confusion spell.

She leaned back into the water attempting not to let her thoughts drift to Mao. The devastating loss was simply too much emotion for her to bear. No matter how much she wanted Quintus, she had to let him go. Her heart crushed, coming to terms with the fact that she’d have to live without him. She’d pray to the Goddess for another mate. It was the only way. I’m leaving forever.

Calm and warm, Gabriella nuzzled into the lapels of the fine terry cloth robe. She reached for her bra, but stopped short of getting dressed as the scent of cinnamon and apples drifted into the bathroom. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that it had been hours since she’d had food. Deciding to put off the inevitable, she opted to eat first before escaping.

As she turned the knob, Gabriella heard their voices. She softly padded down the short hallway, and caught sight of an enormous platter of pastries on the coffee table. Hunter leaned back on a sofa, his feet propped on an ottoman. His gaze settled on hers, and she swore she detected desire in his brown eyes.

“Hey, darlin’. Come eat.” He patted the sofa. “You’ve gotta be hungry.”

“I’m starving.” As she stepped toward the Alpha, she startled. A loud splash drew her attention to the pool. Her jaw dropped in awe as she caught sight of her muscular vampire gliding across the surface of the water. “He’s swimming?”

“Yes, he is. Quint and his brother have expensive tastes,” the Alpha responded. “Sit.”

This time his words struck her as an order, not a request. She heeded his tone and gently sat down next to him, her focus still on Quintus.

“Have a croissant. These cinnamon and raisin ones are the bomb.”

“Thank you.” She reached for a pastry and bit down into the heavenly delight, her gaze rising to meet his.