Page 72 of Quintus

“Yeah, but she’s not your typical zombie. My guess is she’s capable of maintaining her human form for longer as long as she feeds on blood,” Quintus agreed. “Witches. Demons. Both own the toolkit to create these kinds of things.”

“And just when you think the zombies were so last year, they make a comeback. Who knew?” Hunter laughed.

“Jiangshi are rare. I’ve only heard of them,” Quintus said.

“Do you think Lilitu had something to do with this?” Gabriella asked.

“Can’t rule her out. Could be a demon. One that’s laying low. They aren’t usually the social types. Thorn’s hybrid so he doesn’t count. Witches like to be known. It’s possible it’s a new player. A witch or a warlock, but they haven’t made an appearance.”

“What about Absinthe? She’s a slippery one,” Hunter said.

“Yes she is. But I doubt she has the power.” Quintus looked to Gabriella. “When we get back to New Orleans, we’ll head straight to Luca’s and meet up with Samantha.”

“And Viktor?” Hunter asked.

“I’m going to text him again,” Quintus replied. Attempting to hide his concern, he stared out the window. He knew his brother all too well. Despite his warning to avoid her, Viktor would attempt to find Mao. She’d challenged him by breaking his wards.

“He’s going to be okay,” Gabriella whispered.

Although he didn’t hear her voice, it was her fingers brushing his cheek that drew him out of his deep thoughts. As he turned, she straddled his legs and his hands found her waist. Her intense gaze held his and his heart tightened.

His eyes fell to her lips and he leaned in, capturing her mouth. His tongue swept against hers, tasting and probing. She kissed him in return, her hands cupping his face. She tasted of honey, her familiar feminine scent wrapping around him. Blood rushed to his cock, and he groaned as she sat on his lap and rocked over his erection.

His hand slid up her shirt and cupped her bared breast. “Fuck, you’re not wearing a bra,” he groaned.

“I’m not either.” The voice of the Alpha broke Quintus’ concentration.

He reluctantly tore his lips from Gabriella’s, his forehead resting on hers.

“Don’t mind me. I don’t want to sit out on the game but if I can’t play, I’m good with watchin’ y’all again. But hold on a minute, lemme grab something to eat. Where did the co-pilot say he kept the snacks again? Up front right?” Hunter stood and walked toward the cockpit and began to rummage through the cabinet. “Damn. You didn’t tell me they were fully stocked.”

“Seriously wolf,” Quintus exhaled loudly and lifted his head, catching a glimpse of Hunter waving a small bottle of vodka.

“Stuff’s top shelf, vamp. Want some?”

“No.” Quintus focused on Gabriella, whose heated gaze churned his desire. “There’s only one thing I want to drink right now but that will have to wait until later.”

“And here I thought I was getting another show.” Hunter poured the clear liquid into a glass and held it to the air.

Quintus ignored the Alpha. As Gabriella moved to stand, he pulled her back onto his lap so that they both faced Hunter. “We should talk about the bone.”

“Really? The bone?” Hunter began laughing, walking to his seat. “You mean like the one you’re hiding in your pants right now?”

“He’s like a thirteen-year-old boy,” Gabriella commented.

“Wolves.” Quintus rolled his eyes. “I’m sorry. This is your lineage.”

“Hey, I’m part witch,” she protested.

“The first witch. Her bone,” Quintus clarified.

“Oh yeah. Right. Sorry, got distracted there for a minute with the PDA. It’s over. I’m good.” Hunter sipped his drink, exhaling loudly. “Look, I don’t know what we are supposed to do with it, but I’ll go with weapon.”

“I agree with you. We either have to physically use it, which if that’s true, we’ve gotta be in pretty close proximity to Lilitu. Or maybe there’s some sort of potion. And again, that involves close contact.”

“Growing up, I saw Lilitu and the others doing spells with no contact,” Gabriella said.

“True but I’m with Quint on this one. I’ve been around a lot of witches in my time and while they can do spells on people without contact, they usually need something that belongs to the person they are using the spell on. The more personal the better. Hair plucked from the scalp. Blood. A personal item like a ring or bracelet would work too. Clothing.”