Page 94 of Quintus

“It’s already finished, but I’m giving this to you with a warning. I will not be held responsible, vampire.” Kellan retrieved a small vial from the chest and carefully lifted the bowl to its rim, pouring the bloody elixir inside it. Thunder rumbled and he startled, nearly dropping the glass. “Fuckin’ witches.” He fumbled with a cork.

“Hurry up, fae,” Quintus demanded.

“She’s here. We’ve got to go.” Gabriella’s body trembled as she stood, her foot tapping the ground. She looked to Hunter and went to him. Crouching, she set her palm on his face. “Please. He’s dying.”

Kellan extended his hand to give Quintus the vial but as the vampire reached for it, the fae clasped onto his wrist, yanking him to his chest. His face inches from Quintus’, he issued a warning. “This magick. She needs to drink it, but it can only be done in the presence of Lilitu to work. Hellfire…not everyone can handle it.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“It can mess with your head. The illusions you see from me? This is the power within the fire. Within Hell. It is not meant for others.”

“Are you fucking kidding me? But you want Gabby to drink this?”

“If you want the high priestess dead, then yes. I did as you asked. I owe you nothing more.” Kellan released Quintus, shoving him backwards.

A bolt shot down from above striking the fire, and Quintus caught sight of Lilitu’s face in the clouds. Her cheeks stretched the veil, like a fist pressing through latex. Her mouth opened wide, and her roar grew louder.

With his arms outstretched and frantic laughter, Kellan fell back into the fire pit, melting into the embers. As the veil broke, Quintus rushed to Gabriella and Hunter, throwing his body over theirs. Dematerializing them away, he prayed the next time he saw the high priestess, they’d destroy her forever.

Tears streamed down Gabriella’s face. “He’s dying. His pulse is weak.”

“Goddammit,” Quintus yelled as he sucked a breath.

He pressed onto his hands and knees and rolled the Alpha onto his back. Quintus tore at Hunter’s shirt, exposing the hidden wound.

“What is happening to him? What is happening?” Gabriella repeated as she caught sight of Hunter’s skin.

“It’s the poison. It’s like a flesh-eating bacteria. The demonic elements have attracted insects. They’re part of death.” Cream-colored worms oozed from a three-inch gash on his arm, the rotted skin peeling away from its edges. Quintus gently pressed down onto the wound with his fingers. Hundreds of maggots gushed from the opening, spilling down onto the carpet.

“No, no, no,” Gabriella gagged. “I’ve never…oh my Goddess, I’m going to be sick.”

“Turn on the shower,” Quintus ordered.

“Where are we?” she asked as she pressed to her feet.

Quintus took in the sight of his surroundings. A log cabin in the bayou. He hadn’t been certain of the location but Hunter had told him details, enabling him to materialize into his home. The interior was exactly how he’d described, a wide-open living room and kitchen area with cathedral ceiling. Off to the left was a thick wooden door, leading to the bedroom.

“Over there.” Quintus pointed to an opened interior door. “The bathroom should be through the bedroom. Go look.” He rounded behind Hunter and slid his arms underneath him, lifting him off of the floor.

Gabriella hurried to the bathroom, and turned on the lights. She turned the shower spigot, and water sprayed onto the white tiled floor.

Quintus followed, gently laid his body into the cold spray and tore off his shirt. Gabriella reached for the shower head and yanked it out of its cradle. She directed the nozzle toward the wound and began spraying it clean of the insects and pus.

“I’ve got him,” Quintus said, pulling the Alpha onto his lap. The vampire bit his arm, and pressed the flowing blood to Hunter’s lips. “Come on, dammit. This has to work.”

“His pulse is weak.” Gabriella reached for his arm, inspecting the wound. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

“Come on, Hunter. Don’t fucking die on me.” Quintus rested his head against the cold tiles, willing him to drink. The imperceptible draws on his magick drained slowly, and the vampire sighed in relief. The cool water turned warm and his gaze caught Gabriella’s.

“It’s working. Look,” Gabriella ran her finger over the new skin that had formed over his wound, “it’s totally healed.”

Quintus detected the Alpha’s strong heartbeat but Hunter showed no signs of rousing. He pulled his arm away from Hunter’s mouth, and lifted him closer, speaking into his ear.

“Come on brother. You’re strong. Can you hear me?”

Gabriella reached up to the spigot and turned off the water. She dropped the showerhead and ran the back of her hand across her eyes.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with him. My wolf should be able to contact his, but he’s not responding,” she said. “Maybe he just needs some rest.”