Page 54 of Quintus

“No, Mao. This bond, our bond…nothing should have broken it. Something, I don’t know what it is just yet, it’s not right. You’ve spent a long time in Hell and I think we’d be stupid not to think it didn’t have an effect on you. The sulfur…”

“I was in Hell…”

“Exactly but it’s still all over you. And the bond…” You died. He refrained from using the words, but kept speaking. “There’s nothing that should have broken my bond to you. You hadn’t completed yours, but you were mine. I couldn’t live without you. When you died…” he sighed, “I thought I’d died too.”

“Quintus.”

“I grieved. Over a thousand years passed and no one entered my life…not until last week. And then magically, Thorn rescues you from Hell. I can’t say exactly what’s going on, but I know this much…something isn’t right.”

“Of course it isn’t. I’ve been in Hell. Look at me. Really look at me. The things I’ve endured…” Tears welled in her eyes. “Those bastards stole everything I had. My life with you. My body. My mind. My soul. I wish I’d died.”

“Mao.” His voice softened yet he resisted touching her. “I would have traded places with you. I’m sorry…but…” Quintus paused, searching for his words. “You stand before me as the woman I loved, but you’ve changed. The bond is gone.”

“It hasn’t changed for me,” she insisted.

“I’m not your mate. And you know how it is for a vampire. We can make love to many, drink from many, but when we form a bond with someone, it’s nearly impossible to resist. The call of their blood…no other will satisfy us. Your beast, she knows. I’m no longer her mate.” Fuck, I sound like a dick. Quintus inwardly cringed at his words. If only it was as simple as him not being her mate, but he feared she had a far greater problem. Death, Hell…the aura grew more intense. If he hadn’t known any better, he’d guess her to be a demon.

“Maybe it’s just delayed. You aren’t even giving us a chance.”

“I’m sorry. I have Gabriella. We’ll soon be bonded. I’m her mate.” Quintus’ thoughts drifted to his little wolf. She needed him, and he needed her. He’d spent far too much time with Mao.

“I’ll stay here until you return but I’m going back to China. I don’t belong here.” Her tone went cold, her eyes flat as she turned her back to him.

“I’m sorry.” He sucked a breath, backing away toward the door. “I can’t tell you where to go. But please stay until I get back. At the very least you’re safe here. I’ll help you.”

“Your wolf is more than she pretends to be.” Mao’s monotone voice filled the room. She remained with her back to him, staring out the window.

Quintus went still at her statement. He could have sworn he detected a hint of dark magick. He feigned indifference, answering with a nonchalant tone. “My wolf is of no concern to you. She’s mine. That’s all you need to know.”

“She lies to you,” she continued. “Her magick is strong.”

“Mao.” He paused as a flurry of magical currents zipped through the air. Even though he resisted, it drew him toward her. “Whatever you’re doing…”

“I’m a pixiu. Nothing more.”

“I don’t know what went on down in Hell, but don’t think of stirring trouble in my home,” he warned.

“All I can promise is that I will wait for you. But I could change my mind. And if I do, I’ll be gone.”

“China won’t be the same. It’s likely your village is gone.”

“I’ll find my ancestors. I’ll begin anew.” She turned to face him, dropping her robe. “And this flesh,” she cupped her breasts, “this belongs to you, Quintus. What I feel…all those years ago when we made love. You’ve tasted all of me. Make love to me again and we’ll reunite.”

The scent of her arousal spun into the room, the magick pulling him toward her. Although his mind warred against it, he stepped toward her and she rushed into his arms.

“Feel me,” she told him. “Remember.”

“Mao.” As she brought his hand to her breast, he recoiled. His fingers brushed her nipple, and he pulled away as if he’d touched fire. “I don’t know what’s happening but…no. I can’t do this.”

He backed away, his face without expression, concealing the shock that plowed through him. Dark Magick.

“It’s our bond. You feel it, don’t you?” she asked, her voice demure.

“No. This won’t happen. Viktor will help make arrangements for you. I’ve got to go.”

“I know you feel it. You cannot lie to me.”

“Viktor will see that you are kept comfortable in a secure location until I return. I highly suggest you consider going to California where you could be near another pixiu.”