Page 19 of Quintus

“She’s not all witch. I told you she’s a hybrid. Gather the others,” Quintus ordered.

“I’m not his witch,” Gabriella spat, brushing his hand out of the way. How could he have taken them out of New Orleans? She was convinced she needed something for the spell, something that could only be found in the Big Easy. “Let me go. I have to go back.”

“I’m afraid you aren’t going anywhere right now. Stay here in my office. I’ll be back in a few minutes and we’ll go home.”

“I have no home. Where are we anyway?” She scanned the gothic room, taking note of a faceless figure in the corner, bronzed bands stacked on its armor, its head topped with a domed hat. The statue held a long metal spear in its hand as if it were readying for war. Fixated on the walls, her mouth gaped as she caught sight of an array of axes, swords, knives, sickles and clubs. Although in shock, she forced her voice, speaking slowly. “What is this place?”

“This is my office,” he told her, shoving to his feet. “Rest here.”

“Rad, isn’t it?” Viktor ran his finger over the blade of a sword.

Gabriella’s stomach rolled at the sight of all the ancient weapons. Their dark energies vibrated throughout the room. “New Orleans. Take me back now.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible. I need to deal with some business. We’ll discuss your coven sisters later.”

“They’re not my family,” she interrupted. Her hands gripped the arms of the sofa, and she sucked a breath in an attempt to regain her equilibrium. “I tried to warn you.”

“I have a city to run. You aren’t the only one with witch problems. The coven up here is causing conflict. I’m expected at an event tomorrow night. While I have every intention of helping you, I have things here I need to deal with. I’m not entertaining a war in my town.”

“Where are you going?” Gabriella’s head spun as he spoke. An underlying beat bled into the room and her eyes went to a huge wooden door.

“Don’t even think about it. You’re not leaving.”

“You can’t keep me here.” Her fingernails dug into the fabric of the sofa as she attempted to stand but dizziness overcame her, forcing her to rest again.

“I’m sorry, Gabby, but I most certainly can.” Quintus crossed the room to an intricately carved mahogany armoire and opened the door.

As he stripped off his wet t-shirt and tossed it onto the floor, Gabriella struggled not to stare at his muscular chest. What is he doing? She stole a glance at his ripped abs which left her pulse racing. She quickly averted her gaze, struggling to ignore her burning attraction to the vampire.

“You’re wet. While I’m gone, you can change into one of my shirts if you want. I’ll keep a guard at the door. You’ll be safe in here.” Quintus reached for a tailored shirt and slipped it on, buttoning it as he spoke.

“I can’t stay in here. I hear music. Where is this place? Where are we?”

“New York, of course.”

“Of course,” she repeated, her deflated tone matching her expression.

Quintus stood in front of a rectangular wall mirror. Looking into the reflection, he glanced at his brother. “I’ll take care of your coven issue, but first I must attend to my own. We have…”

“Complications.” Viktor completed his sentence and turned the doorknob.

“Yes. My followers. Vampires. They’re extremely dangerous should they be left unattended for too long. And I have been gone for quite a long time.” Quintus looked back into the mirror, and finger-combed his hair.

“I’ll meet you out there. Liam can keep watch.” Viktor swung open the door, and music blared. As it slammed shut, the din dialed back to the beat of a bass.

“This is Sekhmet,” Quintus offered.

“Like the goddess?” She sighed and shook off the confusion.

“Si, you know of her? Although she wasn’t vampire, she thirsted for blood. I think of this place as a sanctuary for the wild souls that inhabit Manhattan. Sekhmet is more of a playground.”

“You live here?” Gabriella ran her palm over the cold stone wall.

“Occasionally I sleep here but it’s not my main place.”

A dark magick buzzed under her hand, and she contemplated how hard it would be for her to conjure an escape spell. “Something about this is different. Why are there no windows?”

“We’re underground. The earth. It rejuvenates us.” Quintus blew out a breath and turned to face her. “This place is special. But it’s also very dangerous. These vampires are lethal. It’s not safe for you to be out in the open.”