Page 39 of Quintus

“May I take your shawl?” a squeaky voice asked.

Gabriella startled at a tap to her shoulder. As she swung around, she caught sight of a curvy female, her balayage-colored hair spilling over her shoulders in shades of the rainbow. She wore an orange latex corset and white tutu, her large bosom spilling over the tight fabric like an overbaked muffin. She blinked her red eyes, turning them to purple as she reached for Gabriella’s wrap.

“Thank you,” Gabriella managed, detecting the distinctive magick that only came from witches.

She forced herself not to stare at the girl as Quintus led them down a darkened brick hallway. Unable to contain the shock, she leaned toward her vampire, whispering, “I felt her. I don’t know the coven…she’s strong. That magick…”

“Don’t worry about her. She’s harmless. A basic witch.”

“But her energy,” Gabriella protested.

“My sweet little wolf. I’m afraid you haven’t been around many witches lately. You’re going to be okay. Take a deep breath. It will be all right. No more talking of this once we get in the ballroom. This section has been warded to protect wandering ears from listening but it’s free game in there. Mind your words. Stay with Viktor.”

Gabriella did as he said, inhaling deeply as they approached a stairwell. They passed through the entryway, and the walls appeared to close in around them. The narrow, brick, spiral staircase twisted up several stories. The suffocating tunnel morphed into a claustrophobia-inducing nightmare, their steps illuminated only by a dim string of twinkling lights on the ceiling.

When they finally emerged into the ballroom, a flickering neon green light blinded her. She caught flashes of men and women engaged in conversations. A Celtic rock band played on a raised circular stage while a line of young women danced in unison. Long blonde braids grazed over their bared breasts, red silk skirts hung low on their hips and brushed the ground as they moved. Masked in white leather, they floated rhythmically at a frantic pace, their eyes glazed over as if they’d been drugged.

In a far corner, Gabriella spied a stunning woman dressed in a bright green satin ball gown. Vines adorned with tiny reflective flowers topped her bun like a crown of glass. She spoke with a small court of young women who appeared bespelled, their attention solely focused on the grand female.

Quintus’ voice rumbled through the noise, startling her. “Gabriella.”

“Ah, yes. Sorry…what?” she asked, unable to focus.

“Champagne?”

“I’m not sure…what if…”

“Blood for vampires. Champagne for everyone else.” He waved at a pair of waiters. One stood with his eyes lowered, holding a tray of empty glasses, waiting on another who poured the effervescence from glittery golden bottles.

Quintus accepted a glass, gently setting it into her hand. His fingers deliberately brushed over hers, sending a tingle up her arm. Her body went on alert, her wolf seeking her mate. Mate. Gabriella blinked her gaze away, quickly sealing off her emotions. Confusion twisted through her, but she didn’t have time to linger on her thoughts as the music went quiet and the screech of a microphone tore through the ballroom.

“Good evening,” a female voice with an earthy tone resounded and the room went silent. “Welcome witches, wolves and vampires. Please show your appreciation to your fine leaders. Quintus. Please come up and say a few words.”

“Stay with Viktor.” Quintus brushed a kiss to her cheek and released her hand.

Gabriella’s heart pounded as Quintus strode toward the stage. Cheering and whistling sang in her ears. She startled, as a firm hand clasped hers.

“Easy sweetheart,” he said.

“Why does he have to go up there?”

“Business is business. Her name’s Absinthe. She’s the high priestess of the Celestine coven. She can quell all this dissension by showing solidarity with Quintus. You know how it is…every now and then you’ve got to pull out the big guns.”

“But where’s Jax again? The wolves?”

“That big fella over there. Hunter Livingston. He’s an Alpha from Jackson Hole.”

Gabriella’s heart raced as his eyes locked on hers. Even with her shields up, the call of his wolf spoke to her. Her beast stirred, scratching at the surface to run free. No, no, no. This can’t happen. Look away. Look away. She sucked a breath and brought the champagne to her lips, drawing a deep gulp.

“He’s powerful,” Viktor commented.

She coughed and gazed up at the blond vampire. “I’m sorry. It’s just…I haven’t been around many supes. Especially not wolves. The Alpha…he…” She shook her head.

“It’s going to be all right. Hunter doesn’t exactly love Quint but he’s solid. Nothing happening to you tonight.”

Quintus approached the stunning witch, and Gabriella’s stomach twisted in a knot as she embraced her vampire and held tight to his hand. Absinthe appeared far too familiar with him, and Gabriella’s wolf growled in response.

“The ways of our tribes are different, but we live peacefully with each other,” the witch continued, a broad smile plastered on her face.