Page 9 of Quintus

The creak of the wooden floor above drew his attention and he jumped up from his seat. He read the flicker of mischief in Viktor’s eyes and gave him fair warning. “Leave her be, brother. She belongs to me.”

“Why must you be so selfish? Sharing is caring.”

“There is no sharing. She’s mine.”

“Yours, huh?” He laughed.

Quintus heard footsteps coming down the staircase, and as she approached, his body quickened in awareness of her magick. His eyes flashed to Viktor who gave a smirk.

“No,” told him.

“Yes.”

Quintus cursed as Viktor dematerialized out of the kitchen. “Goddammit.”

The blade sliced across his brother’s abdomen, and Quintus gave a muffled laugh. With his arm wrapped around her waist, his eyes lit in amusement as his little witch vowed her vengeance.

“This is what you brought home?” Viktor chuckled and wiped the blood from his healing skin. “She’s feral.”

“Fuck off, V. She’s special. And you deserved it.” She attempted to jerk from his arms but he held tight. “Sorry bella but you’d best relax. Make nice.”

“Fuck you. I will not make nice. I should have never helped you,” she yelled at him.

“Feisty.” Viktor’s lips curled upward. “Ah my friend. Is it her blood or her spirit you’re after?”

“Neither,” he lied, aware he craved her blood like air.

“Definitely her blood. You don’t normally go for women with spirit. Demure is more your type.”

“Would you shut up?” Quintus demanded, his voice calm but terse.

“Go to hell. Both of you,” she spat. “Let me go.”

“This is going to be fun.” Viktor nodded his head in amusement.

“This is going to be an obligation I fulfill. Nothing more, nothing less. I need to get back to New York before shit goes down.” Quintus maintained a nonchalant tone.

“Shit is already going down.” Viktor shook his head and walked toward the kitchen.

“Let me go,” Gabriella grunted, wrenching out of his arms.

“Easy now.”

“I want my clothes.”

“I’m having some things sent over but if you insist, there are clothes in the closet you can wear.”

“I want my clothes not something that belongs to a girlfriend. And I want the wards lifted too. I’ve got to get out of here.”

“Demanding little thing. You picked a winner,” Viktor’s voice carried from the other room.

“I didn’t pick her. She picked me.” Quintus smiled.

“This isn’t a joke. I have commitments.” Her eyes widened at his audacity. “I saved your sorry ass. You need to trust me. I do need your help but I…I…”

“Whatever is after you, we can discuss it. But you must understand…look at me.” Quintus gently placed his hand on hers. She stilled at his touch, her fingers relaxing into his. A defiant fear shone in her eyes as they drifted to his. “I’m going to protect you. I don’t know what you owe.” His anger roused at the thought of anyone hurting her, holding her hostage for debt. “But I’ll repay it. You’ll be free.”

“It’s more than that. I mean…I owe someone something.” A single tear rolled down her face. “And there’s the witches…”