Page 90 of Quintus

His eyes went to Hunter’s and he nodded toward the gate. “Careful.”

“Silver.” The Alpha shook his head. “Does that prick really think he’s going to keep us out of here with that shit?”

Quintus turned his head, giving a glance over his shoulder to see if anyone was looking. With a swift kick of his boot he smashed the door wide open and it clanged against the stone wall. As it swung back toward them, he shouldered it open, and ushered Gabriella and Hunter through the narrow doorway. “Don’t let it touch you. He’s a clever fae but not clever enough.”

“What a dick.” Hunter kept close behind Gabriella, taking care to shield her.

As they stepped into the courtyard, darkness morphed into a reddish hue, a bonfire burning in the corner. Quintus suspected oak doused with dragon’s blood flamed within the fire pit. The distinct silhouette of the tall blonde fae sat in a chair facing them.

“You broke my fucking gate, you overbearing fanger,” his rumbling voice yelled.

“You can replace it,” Quintus told him. As they approached, he caught sight of Kellan’s beady yellow eyes, his hands curled into fists. A topless woman knelt between his legs sucking his dick.

“My time, my time. You waste my time. You’ll owe me,” he told him. Kellan shoved at the woman’s shoulders until she released his cock. “Go on. I’ve got business here.”

The girl swiftly pressed to her feet and gave them a closed smile before scurrying back into the bar.

“I’ll pay for your time. There shall be no debt,” Quintus assured him, well aware everything came at a price.

“Why do you come here to bother me tonight? I expect payment, you understand this?” Kellan stuffed his dick into his pants and zipped them shut.

Quintus sifted through his pocket and retrieved several bills, fanning out five hundred dollars.

“Ah, then. I’ve got plenty of time to see an old friend.” Kellan extended his hand, ushering them to sit.

“Of course.” Quintus placed the bills into Kellan’s palm and nodded to Gabriella and Hunter. As he sat onto the rotted wooden chair, he flicked away a piece of the old paint that had flaked away from the armrest.

Quintus’ expression remained impassive as he locked eyes with him. He wasn’t fooled by the attractive fae’s welcoming smile.

“Wolves,” Kellan noted, leaning into the light of the fire.

“She’s mine. The Alpha is under my protection as well, so I expect no harm will come to either of them,” Quintus stated.

“Harm? Pfft. You’re dramatic, vampire. I’m just sitting here drinking an ale and getting a blow job. Enjoying some music. Besides…” Kellan sniffed into the air, his gaze landing on Hunter. His nostrils flared. “He’s already hurt. He’s ill.”

“He’s not your concern,” Quintus told him. His gaze darted to Gabriella who wore panic in her expression. We’ll deal with it later. He’s fine. Jesus, this wasn’t going how he’d expected. He should have insisted on seeing the wolf’s arm back at his home.

“And this one…” Kellan extended his hand to Gabriella. “It’s okay…”

Gabriella’s focus went to the fae, and she reluctantly placed her palm into Kellan’s. Quintus gave a reassuring squeeze to her other hand.

“She’s mine,” Quintus reiterated.

“Yes, yes. I heard you the first time.” Kellan turned her hand over, examining her palm. “She’s so young. And you not so much. I feel her magick. It’s fresh. So strong.”

“That’s enough, Kellan,” Quintus told him, his face tensed, a tick pulsing in his jaw.

“Just saying hello is all. If you want answers, I must know who I’m dealing with.” He released her hand and looked to Hunter. “The Alpha is sick. He’s going to die soon if you don’t do something.”

“I’m fine. You’re going to be the one regretting things if you don’t mind your business,” Hunter growled.

“Enough,” Quintus snapped. While he agreed with the Alpha, he needed the fae’s help. Arguing with Kellan in his realm would get them all killed.

Kellan smiled, the light flickering onto his handsome face. Quintus blinked and the fae transformed into a horned creature, its scaly yellow skin shining under the light. He moved quickly to diffuse the situation as Hunter jumped to his feet and tore at his shirt.

“Enough, Kellan!” Quintus shouted at the fae. He turned to Gabriella whose face had gone pale. Hunter’s fangs had dropped, claws sprouting from his fingertips. “No shifting. This isn’t real. He’s fucking with you.” The devilish creature began laughing maniacally and Quintus jumped to his feet. “Fucking knock it off, asshole. We have business. You want money or not? I’m flashing if you keep this up.”

Kellan instantly appeared as his human form, and lifted the bottle to his lips, smiling. “Just having a bit of fun. No harm done.”