Page 74 of Quintus

The car door opened, and Quintus stepped onto the cobblestone driveway. He sensed Gabriella’s hesitation, but she feigned confidence, her chin held high. The Alpha exited the car, protectively shielding her from behind.

The scent of roses lingered in the air. The fragrance triggered childhood memories, momentarily distracting him. Shoving the thoughts to the back of his mind, he refocused on their task. He sensed Luca seconds before the front door opened, but it was Quintus’ child who surprised him, materializing onto the driveway.

Léopold Devereoux. France. 988AD. During a drunken celebration with his fellow warriors, he’d been badly beaten. A mercenary, loyal to no man or king, Quintus wasn’t bothered about humans, but the broken soldier had bought him a drink, befriended an Italian stranger in a foreign place. In a brief conversation that Léopold would never remember, the vampire had confessed his grief; his family had been murdered whilst he’d been at war. Later in the evening, Quintus had found him beaten, dying on a filthy stone floor. In a desolate alleyway, Quintus offered immortality to the pitiful stranger.

Quintus had given Léopold enough instruction to live but he couldn’t afford to bring a fledgling vampire with him on the road. Living under the radar, he traveled the world, taking on dangerous missions, killing his marks. He’d known Léopold harbored resentment, but the new vampire would have died within the year had he taken him. The benevolent action had cost him a friendship, but was a price well paid, considering how the vampire had flourished on his own.

“Quintus.” Léopold flashed directly in front of him, blocking his view of Luca.

“Léopold.” He nodded, shielding Gabriella with his body.

“What are you doing here? You could have gone up north, no?” The vampire eyed him, letting his gaze drift to Gabriella.

“We’re here to see the high priestess,” Quintus explained. Far too many years had passed to ease the anger of the French vampire. “It’s complicated.”

“You bring wolves?” He tilted his head, his gaze falling upon Hunter.

“Si. Like I said. Complicated.”

“What do you need with Samantha?” Luca interjected without greeting him.

“Where’s Kade?” Quintus asked, annoyed with the Spanish inquisition.

“I’m here.” The tall vampire stepped out of the doorway onto the porch. He made his way down the steps and extended his hand. “Quintus.”

“Kade.” Quintus shook his hand but didn’t mistake the gesture as weakness. “I realize this is an imposition but I’m in need of Samantha’s services.”

“What are you doing here? New York is a big city. Go see Absinthe,” Luca growled.

“You best mind your manners around me, Macquarie. Remember your place.” Quintus narrowed his eyes on the British vampire. He balled his fists, his fangs itching to drop.

“He’s only saying what we all think,” Léopold said, shaking his head. “You’re one of the most powerful vampires on the east coast. Absinthe is skilled. Why Samantha? Why do this here? There’s no…”

“I’ve got this, Leo,” Kade interrupted. “Quintus. Clearly we have our reasons for questioning why you’re here. To Luca’s point, you have resources in New York.”

“Absinthe can’t be trusted,” Quintus responded. “You know full well I used to consult Ilsbeth every now and then, but she’s far gone. Samantha is pure. She’s Luca’s. This is Gabriella. She’s mine. We’re bonded.”

Kade’s expression softened, his attention going to Gabriella.

“There’s a coven in Salem. Circe. They’re trying to kill her. We have an artifact. Samantha is the only one I trust to help us figure out what kind of spell we need to protect her.”

“Samantha’s new in her role as high priestess. We have a daughter,” Luca stated. “I don’t want you upsetting either one of them.”

“I’m new too,” Gabriella said, her voice soft.

Quintus sensed her pushing her energy at the vampires. Although protective of his witch, he squeezed her hand, encouraging her to advocate for herself.

“I need help. I’m a novice witch. A wolf. A hybrid. I…we have an artifact, but I need the help of another witch.” Gabriella lowered her gaze. “Lilitu. She’s going to kill me. More than anyone standing here right now, I have something to lose. But I’m still standing here pleading for your help.”

“What in the world is going on out here?” a female voice asked.

A corner of Quintus’ lip turned upward as the diminutive redhead stepped outside onto the porch, hands on her hips.

“Luca? Why are our guests standing outside?” she demanded.

“We’re just having a little conversation, darlin’. Be right in,” he explained.

“Let’s not be rude. We can do this in the court yard,” she said, as she stepped down the stairs.