Page 32 of Quintus

“This world, it breeds both good and evil. And he sure was from Hell. I didn’t think we’d survive.”

“Nor did I.”

“Mao was your happiness. That’s why he killed her. He killed your happiness.”

“As he did yours.”

“We survived, though. He didn’t. So fuck him.”

“The good. That light within us. I’ve held onto it with a straw at times. To turn to his dark ways…it could have been easy.” Quintus reached for his glass, and brought it to his lips, the smooth cognac coating his tongue.

“True. Our brothers and sisters…some chose his way,” Viktor reflected.

“A few are still out there. I feel them at times but they dare not stay within a thousand miles of me.” His sister, Amelia, was especially dangerous, but it had been many years since their last encounter.

“Gabriella’s yours?” Viktor asked, brushing lint from his red velvet jacket.

“I don’t know how it’s possible.” Quintus considered denying the bond, but as the minutes passed, his psyche continued to absorb her unique magick.

“So she is yours.” Viktor raised a questioning eyebrow, his lips curving upward. “You’re bonding.”

“She’s not human.”

“A witch, though. It happens.”

“She’s hybrid. A wolf.”

“But of course the Goddess pairs you with a shifter,” he laughed.

“You should see her. She’s beautiful. She shifts into this gorgeous black wolf.” Quintus blew out his breath and shook his head. “It’s still hard to believe this is happening.”

“Hey, I can’t say I’ve had experience in this area but you can’t shake this bond. She belongs to you. I know that much.”

“I can choose to walk away,” Quintus lied. It would be nearly impossible.

“So you say, my friend. But why…”

“I have enemies. She’s vulnerable. I cannot allow her to be killed. Mao…”

“That was a long time ago. We were young. Weak. Now, you’re one of the most powerful vampires in the world.”

“The only thing I can do is protect her from the coven. Do what I need to do to break whatever hold they have on her. She’s already in enough danger.”

“Tonight’s the full moon. Does she have a pack?”

“No, but you are right on the moon.” She’d be forced to shift. “I’ll make arrangements but we’ve got to straighten out the witches. There must be peace. Jax will control his wolves.”

“You plan to pawn her off on the Alpha?”

“She will have no other master.” His eyes snapped to Viktor, who wore a sly smile.

“Ah, but she’s wolf. If the bond is not completed…” He stood and stretched his neck from side to side.

“She doesn’t belong to Jax. I’ll simply see to her safety.” A stern expression crossed Quintus’ face, his pulse racing at the thought.

“So you’ll keep her then?” Viktor gave a chuckle and gazed out the window.

“She doesn’t belong to Jax,” Quintus replied without directly answering his question.