Page 4 of Quintus

“Yes, but something else.” Quintus leaned over her, his nose brushed her hair.

“I need to take a shower,” she blurted out, her face reddening. “I smell awful. Like death.”

“I only smell sweetness but I’ll indulge you.” He smiled. “Answers. This is what I want.”

“I’ll try.” Gabriella sat hunched over, her forehead brushing her knees. As he ran his palm over her hair, emotion bubbled inside her chest. No one ever touched her with compassion, yet this powerful stranger treated her with kindness. She prayed he’d help her.

“Whatever has happened to you. Whoever has hurt you. This is over now.” His strength reverberated in his voice.

“I don’t need anything.” Protection was exactly what she needed, but Gabriella hesitated to ask for the favor.

“You obviously do need help. I don’t know what kind. Or how you knew me. But answers. This is what I need from you first.”

Gabriella shook her head, unable to speak. Quintus could be the answer to her prayers, but she was on the run. The coven sought her. Ramiel…he waited for her blood.

“Whatever you’re thinking, you’re safe. My home’s guarded with magick. Nothing will get you here.” He paused, raising an eyebrow at her. “But you won’t be able to escape, if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m afraid that I cannot let that happen.”

“What?” Panic laced her voice as her head snapped up, her eyes flashing to his. “No. I have to go. I have an appointment. You can’t just keep me here.”

“Ah, bella. I’m afraid you’re wrong there. I most certainly can.” Quintus rose and crossed the room.

“No.” Gabriella jumped to her feet. A wave of dizziness threatened but passed as she sucked a breath of fresh air.

“You shouldn’t be going anywhere right now in your condition. You need to eat. Shower’s in there.” He pointed to an open door. “Come downstairs when you’re ready. I’ll make you something to eat.”

“No, I need to go,” she insisted.

“Doors to the outside are warded and locked. Like I said, nothing’s getting in to hurt you but you’re not getting out. You’re not well enough to leave, and I’m curious as to what has you so scared. I’ll be waiting for you.”

“Shit,” Gabriella uttered under her breath.

She should have known better than to think she could step into the presence of an ancient vampire and easily get out of his web. As he closed the door behind him, her stomach sank in resignation that the vampire she’d been selling her blood to would call the coven, alerting them to her location.

As she trudged across the chestnut floor planks and stepped into the bathroom, hopelessness washed over her. She flicked on the light switch, and a soft glow illuminated its emerald walls. Peeling off her tattered clothes, she took a step to cross to the shower, and caught sight of herself in the mirror. Her unkempt hair spilled over her pale skin. Faded bruises from the blood draws mottled her arms.

Gabriella closed her eyes and shook her head, inwardly disgusted with herself. She reached for the spigot and turned on the water, grateful to take a shower in somewhere other than her roach-infested hotel. As she stepped into the white marbled, glass-enclosed bath, the hot spray stung her skin. She welcomed the pain, convinced that no amount of soap would ever cleanse her. No matter how many times she told herself to be proud of how long she’d survived, the guilt of how she lived lingered in her mind. As she ran the soap over her body, she glanced to her scarred arms, a painful reminder of the price she’d paid. Like a punishment for living, the ugly marks grew more defined, and no magick or shifting would remove them.

Tears streamed down her face as she released the anguish she’d restrained. At her best, she’d saved the powerful vampire from dying, demonstrating her cunning and magick. Yet nothing could save her from the coven if they found out her location.

The one man who could help her kept her hostage, and she could sense his distrust. As she recalled how he’d gently held her, she wept for the love she’d never know. To be attracted to anyone was a futile emotion. No creature would mate with her. Witches would shun her. Be strong. Fight. She’d repeated her mantra every day for nearly fifteen years. She swore to herself that she’d put one foot in front of the other and keep going until she found a way to destroy the coven.

Exhausted, she slid down onto her bottom and curled her knees to her chest, pressing the heels of her hands to her forehead. Get yourself together, Gabs. Even if it’s just for today, you’re alive. A creak of the door alerted her to his presence, and she startled.

“Mi, bella.” His low voice wrapped around her like a warm blanket, and she lifted her eyes. “I can feel you all the way downstairs.”

“I’m…I’m sorry.” Water droplets dripped down her face as she took in the sight of the handsome vampire. Confused, she wiped her eyes. No one had ever sensed her emotions after drinking of her essence. That had been the beauty of her blood. Nothing more than a short-term high, her magical blood gave vampires an energizing boost. But at no point had she ever bonded with a vampire or become tied to them.

“I know what you’re thinking. Something about your blood,” he said, his back turned to her.

“I’ll be down in a minute.” Gabriella glanced away, wishing she could hide her vulnerability, her sadness. This was not who she was. Tough. Impenetrable. Essentially invisible, she’d flash her glamour, hide her appearance and feelings.

“I promise you you’re going to be all right, little witch. Whatever pains you, you’ll let this go.”

“I…” She lost her words in confusion.

“Come down and eat when you’re done taking a shower,” he told her. “Just letting you know I’ve put a robe out for you. It’ll be a little big on you, but it’s all I have. I, uh, I just didn’t want you to worry about your dirty clothes. I’ll see to getting you some new ones.”

“Ah…okay,” she replied, her voice soft. Gabriella noted how he’d been careful to avoid staring at her nudity, only briefly looking at her face. Ensuring her modesty, he’d quickly turned away. Something about this ancient vampire intrigued her. She hoped he didn’t plan on feeding from her, but her gut told her to trust him. With her magick weakened, she wasn’t in a position to argue.