Page 65 of Quintus

“You can thank Quint there. He’s an interesting sort. For as city badass as he is, and he is one bad motherfucker, he seems to do the right thing.” Hunter stared over at the pool. “He’s as old as they come, but he’s got this human way about him. He ordered this food, but it’s not like he needs it. He thought of you and me. Some paranormals, they lose their way. Their power is so great, they lose sight of morality. Right and wrong. Loyalty. These aren’t just human values.” Hunter lifted a china teapot off the tray and filled two cups. “Have some.”

“Thank you again.” Gabriella stopped eating and held the pastry. “For everything. I don’t mean just tonight, but for running with me. It was my first time.”

“Listen Gabriella, I know you’re not pack, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s my job as an Alpha to look after those who need a place in our world. It’s true that some wolves go rogue on purpose. Maybe they run from their mating. Or their Alpha. Something serious happens to divide them from their pack. But with you…you’re not a typical rogue wolf. You never had pack.”

“I don’t know who my real father was. The coven. If they’d known my mother had been with a wolf, they would have killed her. I don’t know how I was conceived.”

“Maybe they were mates. And if they were, he probably died somehow, because I doubt he’d ever leave her. I don’t know. But regardless, you’re here now. You’re a witch and you’re a wolf. The power you have to shut me out. To shut him out.” Hunter glanced to Quintus. “That’s real strong stuff. So whatever you are, however you were made, the Goddess brought you to where you are for a reason.”

“I’ve got to get away from the witches.”

“And you will. But you’re going to need help. Like tonight.” Hunter sipped his tea and then set it down. “We needed you and you needed us. I’m just sayin’ that you’re going to have to accept who you are. As pack, we rely on each other. There is no solo act. And now, you have a mate.”

She nearly choked on her food as his words pierced through her like a knife. “I had a mate. As in past tense. Quintus already has a mate. Mao.”

“That’s not what he says, and I think he’d be the first to know. I’ll be honest here, I’m an unmated wolf so I don’t know what it’s like personally but I’ve known plenty of wolves. You can’t turn away from a mating. It’ll break you.”

“I didn’t say I didn’t want him.” She glanced to the pool, captivated as his face broke through the surface, water beading down his chest.

“As far as I can tell, he wants you. But you’re going to have to submit, darlin’. I’m just tellin’ ya now. That man there isn’t going to take any less. He’s your mate. Your Alpha. And runnin’ like ya did.” Hunter shrugged and gave a half smile. “That shit’s gonna get you in some deep ass trouble.”

“But I…” Gabriella lost her words as Quintus ascended like a phoenix out of the blue water.

“I’m gonna go take a quick shower, because I think y’all need some time alone. But don’t you worry now, I’ll be right back because I wouldn’t want to miss the show.”

Gabriella’s breath caught as Quintus stepped out of the pool. Droplets beaded on his flesh, rolling down his ripped abs. Bared, every inch of his rock-hard body displayed for his mate.

Stop staring, Gabby. Her eyes caught his and he gave her a wry smile. Oh shit. Stop looking. Her eyes dropped once to his half-hard cock and back to his face. Stop fucking looking. What is wrong with me?

“You like the croissants?” he asked.

“Um…yeah.” It’s not the only thing I want to eat. Jesus, stop thinking. He’s going to hear me. “Um…the croissants are great.”

Quintus gave her a broad smile and closed the distance, standing naked before her. He lifted his towel to his face, not bothering to cover himself.

“We’re going to spend a few hours resting here before we go to New Orleans.” He dragged the terry cloth over his muscular chest. “I’m thinking this would be a good time to set some ground rules. Discuss next steps.”

“I…um…well…you can give me the bone and I’ll go get help. I mean now that we’ve found it, you don’t need to…” Gabriella licked her lips, struggling to keep her eyes on his. As he took his cock into his hand and ran the towel over its length, her body ignited with desire, her wolf awakening.

“You see that’s the thing. What you did the past twenty-four hours…running away? Twice. That’s never going to happen again.” Quintus stroked his dick in his hands, his voice firm. “I’ve said it nicely and now we’re about to have a lesson.”

“But…” Quintus raised an eyebrow, instantly stopping her from speaking. I’m in trouble. So much fucking trouble. In so many fucking ways. Gabriella couldn’t decide whether to beg him to fuck her or run for her life.

“I hear your thoughts. No more, Gabby. No more running. Tonight you’ll learn submission.” Quintus towered over her, his voice commanding. “Tonight we’ll complete the bonding and when it's done, there will be no room for doubt that I’m your mate. That woman back at my house. I’m not bonded to her. You’re mine. There is no one else for me.”

“I…” Gabriella’s nipples tightened in arousal as he came closer and stroked his cock.

“Hear me, Gabby. I want you in my life. I’m your mate,” he told her.

“Quintus,” she breathed.

“Open your mouth,” he instructed, his tone serious.

“What?” Gabriella’s heart pounded as he straddled her legs and placed his palm onto the wall behind her. She yearned to touch him but resisted.

“Tonight, I’m going to fuck you so hard you’ll never forget who your mate is. But before that…submission. This is your lesson. You will learn. I am your Alpha. Your mate. Now open your mouth.”

Gabriella’s palms settled onto his muscular thighs as he dragged the tip of his cock over her lips. Helpless to say no, she craved her vampire like no other. He widened his stance, and glided his shaft into her warm mouth. She sucked him deep, moaning as he withdrew. He tempted her with his tip that lingered on her tongue.