The warning almost came too late.
Quentin instinctively threw a capture orb at the beast.It disappeared in a flash of light.His heart pounded so loudly that he was certain all the supernatural creatures in the forest heard it thunder.They kept coming like a tide of slashing claws and sharp teeth.
He wasn’t proud that he panicked, but his magic saved him once again.Instinct had him flinging his right hand forward.Power, warped to his bidding, flared across the forest like an electric net.
Focus.
He had to focus.The creatures Grevin had summoned attacked the werewolves, distracting them enough for Quentin to gain the upper hand.Even as they fell beneath teeth and claws, they served their purpose of being the front line of attackers.
He flung orbs at every beast, emptying his bag, calling forth the image of the cages in the Bounty Hunter’s basement.Several pulses of magic later, and the forest was empty of every moon-blessed being.
Dizzy, Quentin swayed on his feet until strong arms wrapped around him and the soothing voice of his lover told him he’d done well.
“Good job, my love.Stay with me so I can reward you for your efforts later.”The silky, smoky voice, along with the press of Jaks’s firm body against him, had Quentin sucking in a long, deep breath.It took several deep inhales and exhales before he found his equilibrium.
“If you are done snuggling, we still have your mother to rescue,” a deep voice interrupted Quentin’s obsession with Jaks’s melting gaze.
Shaking his head, Quentin straightened his spine and took a careful step away from the vampire who was becoming his world.“Sorry.”He shook his head.“I’m ready to continue.”
The rude vampire, Quentin, didn’t recognize snorted, then wandered off to join the others.
“I don’t think he likes me,” he whispered to Jaks.
“He doesn’t like many, but he’s faithful.”
He didn’t mention that that was what Jaks had said about Braed.Instead, he nodded while making a mental note to investigate the entire clan and make sure there weren’t any more dissenters.The vampire didn’t have to be pleasant if he supported Jaks’s rule.
After shaking his hands to clear out the staticky tips, he continued his walk.
“Q!”Glenn’s voice echoed through the trees—an eerie sound in the mist.
Where did the mist come from?This was taking the haunted forest theme to the next level.He hoped none of the patients from the nearby hospital decided to go on a nature walk.
He didn’t answer the call.That may or may not be his friend’s voice, but it wasn’t as if the vampire who nested here was unaware that Quentin was coming.He wouldn’t leave a friend behind.
They kept walking.If Glenn wanted him, he knew where he was.
Ten minutes later, darkness swarmed around them like a living cloak, blocking out the stars.Quentin swallowed the little moisture that remained in his mouth.Shivers were having a knockout battle with his spine, and it took all his resolve and dedication to saving his mother to keep him on the path.He sent orbs of light to float through the forest, not staying near any particular person, but illuminating the area.The darkness was no competition for Quentin’s magic.At least something was working out.It must be the contact with the enchanted forest that jump-started Quentin’s own magical core.It usually would’ve taken longer to recharge.
The orbs continued forward until they circled an unexpected sight.
Although the twins had mentioned a house, Quentin had foolishly imagined Nikko was desperate and hunkering down until his plans came to fruition.This blew away that preconception.
A manor crowded the trees around it.Whether it was painted black or merely absorbed the darkness around them could be debated after they made it back to the safety of Jaks’s mansion.Right at this moment, Quentin knew two things.The building before them had been there for a very long time, and they had underestimated their opponent.This wasn’t a weak but wily vampire who had accidentally turned Glenn.This was a creature of age and power operating under its own agenda.
“Hello!”Jaks shouted.
Quentin poked him in the shoulder.“What are you doing?”
Jaks shrugged.“We have to open communication somehow, and I don’t want to enter that house of death if I don’t have to.”
He had a good point, even if Quentin would never tell him.Jaks was cocky enough.
The front door creaked open.
Nothing came out.
“Oh, hell no!”
