Page 33 of Quintus

“And tonight?”

“If there is one thing I’ve learned in all these years it’s not to be impulsive. We have many things going on of importance. The vampires have concerns regarding the witches. There hasn’t been this level of unrest in hundreds of years. From the minute we arrived in New York, I sensed the rumblings. What happened in the club was just a taste.”

“Surely what you did to Ravi will make an impression?”

“Perhaps. But other vampires from outside the city could be involved, possibly from Louisiana.”

“You’d think Kade would have some info,” Viktor guessed. “How ‘bout Jonathon?”

“He’s an amateur but I wouldn’t discount him.”

“He’s hungry for power. He knows Kade’s got a tight hold of New Orleans, and if there’s nothing in Baton Rouge for him, it wouldn’t surprise me. Takes balls, but never underestimate stupid.” Quintus set the glass on his desk.

“They really could come from anywhere.”

“Unlikely they’re from out of the country but they’ll come from strongholds. Either way it doesn’t matter. The only way to feel this out is to attend the event. It’s possible the witches have been influenced by outsiders as well. This coven that’s after Gabriella…from Salem. They’re unusual. Purists.”

“Since the beginning of time, these purist cults have existed. For every species there is another that dislikes others. Idiots.”

“Hybrids exist but are rare. I’m not sure how a witch breeds with a wolf…it’s impossible really. The wolves…they must be hybrid.”

“Perhaps her father was hybrid.”

“Or she’s an undiscovered diamond. Nature changes life. Evolves.”

“There’s always been something special about you, Quint. It’s how you’ve survived. The fact that there are two women you’ve come across in your lifetime…this is an opportunity.”

“Or a curse. Mao’s dead. Gabriella is at risk from her coven and my enemies.” Quintus shook his head. “Ironic that we have all these women throwing themselves at our feet. Blood whores who live to be bitten. Yet the loneliness, we ignore it to the point where we forget it even exists. It’s a weakness in our humanity. And now…”

“And now you have a shifter. But you’re not alone in this unusual path. Look at Leo. He enjoys his fish.”

“Naiad.” Quintus gave a small smile, amused with his brother’s simplicity.

“Naiad. Fish. Whatever. She breathes underwater. She’s like a dolphin.”

“Technically that’s a mammal.”

“Seriously? A shark then. Because she seems to be able to take care of herself.” Viktor laughed. “Not so much a mermaid? I still believe they exist…but she’s got no tail.”

“You’re lucky Leo can’t hear you. He’d kick your ass,” Quintus laughed.

“Pfft. I’d kick his ass, and you know it. Your child isn’t as strong as me.”

“Let’s not try to find out. But about tonight…”

“It’s important,” Viktor finished his sentence.

“It’s critical to put an end to any trouble. Jax is always trying to establish his own dominance. Plays games. I won’t have it.”

“Ah, but you’ve known the wolf many years.”

“That may be so. I’ll grant him his due but nothing more. Apparently he and his beta are off on some other business tonight and sending in Hunter Livingston,” Quintus said.

“What the hell?”

“I don’t expect any issues from him. I met up with him out in California.”

“Yeah, well, no offense, but look how that shit show turned out for you,” Viktor replied.