Page 10 of Quintus

“I want to know what’s exactly going on so I can protect you.”

“I can’t talk to you…”

“You can trust me.”

“I can’t trust him.” Gabriella trembled, craning her neck to peek down the hallway into the kitchen.

Quintus had had enough. He wanted to know exactly what was going on and who was after her. He made a split-second decision, aware that neither Gabriella nor Viktor would like it. Fuck the eggs. “Hold on.”

Transporting her away into his bedroom, Quintus held her tight as she trembled in his arms. It was the only place in his house where even Viktor couldn’t hear them. Gaining her trust was the only way to get her to tell him what in the hell was going on and who was trying to hurt her. He trusted Viktor with his life but his brother and Gabriella hadn’t exactly gotten off on the right foot.

“You’re okay,” he told her. She didn’t move to break free but instead molded into his embrace. “Witches don’t usually get dizzy. Ah, what’s going on with you? Please, bella. You’re safe in here. Viktor won’t hurt you.”

“I’m not safe,” she said through her tears.

“He can’t hear you in here. I promise.” Quintus held her in his arms, gently cradling her head to his chest. What in the hell had happened to his little witch?

“You need to eat.” He was beginning to regret his decision to leave the kitchen. He knew she needed actual food to survive.

“It’s not that…I just can’t stay. The moon is coming soon. And I’m going to…” Her words faltered as he sat onto his bed.

Quintus lay back onto his pillow, bringing her with him, not willing to let her go. “Gabby, I’m the one in your debt. I could have died if you hadn’t intervened. I don’t know why you did it but you did. So let me help you.”

“I can’t stay here. I swear I’ll be back. I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”

“Whatever you think you need to do, it’ll wait.” Quintus sighed. “Even if you gave me your blood because you needed a favor, I might have helped you anyway.”

“You’re not known for helping with no reason.”

“It depends on the situation.” While it was true that he’d been merciless in his ways, ruling with an iron fist, he would occasionally help those he deemed worthy. Both supernaturals and humans alike were a disappointing lot. He didn’t have time for insolent idiots calling on favors.

“They’re after me. They’ve always been after me,” she replied, her voice calm. Quintus glanced to her eyes which were glazed over in an icy haze.

“Who’s after you?”

“If you’d let me go, I could have got the product to him.”

Quintus’ fingertips grazed over her silky smooth skin. His anger spiked as his eyes drifted to the needle marks. “And I take it you are the product. You sell yourself.”

“Don’t judge me, vampire. There was no other way. I’m surviving.”

“I’m not judging you.” His stomach clenched at the thought of her sharing any part of herself with others.

“Blood,” she whispered. “Nothing else. I would never do that.”

“I didn’t say that you were selling your body, it’s just…” Quintus’ words faltered as he reconsidered his thoughts. He released a silent breath in relief. Something about her. He didn’t want to know if she’d had sex with anyone, let alone for money. “Why though? You’re a witch. You could work at a variety of places.”

“I can’t practice the craft.” She raised her eyes to meet his. “I’m running. This is my life.”

His stomach twisted at her words. “Do you have a home?”

“Yes. No. Sort of.” She laid her head onto his chest, and relaxed into his arms.

“How long have you been in New Orleans?” Quintus asked.

“Five months. Before that I’d been in Seattle for seven years. Lucky number seven.” A sad smile formed on her lips, her eyes wet from her tears.

“Why’d you leave? Why’d you come here?”