QUINTUS

by Kym Grosso

  “You saved me.”

  “I never thought of the consequences. I put everyone in danger. Viktor…”

  “That’s not your fault,” he insisted.

  “We don’t know that. Your house was set on fire. Both of you have been in danger because of me. In the catacombs. Now at Luca’s house, the baby. It could have been any of them. Sam. Kade. Sydney. No, this has to end.”

  “It’s going to. We’re going to find a way to end it,” Quintus said.

  “But how? I need to talk to Samantha. If she doesn’t have a spell or know what to do with the bone, I’ve got to go somewhere else to get help.”

  “Go where?” the Alpha asked.

  “I don’t know.” She shook her head, her gaze fixed on the table. “I’ll go anywhere to get answers. I’ll keep running until I figure out how to use that damn bone. It’ll destroy her. I know it and she knows it.”

  “You’re not going anywhere,” Quintus told her flatly.

  “I can’t put you guys in any more danger,” she insisted.

  “We’re in this together,” Quintus said.

  “The three of us,” Hunter added.

  “You sure?” Quintus locked his eyes on the Alpha, who nodded.

  “Damn straight. Gabby, you may have grown up alone. But now you’ve got a pack. We’re it.”

  “It’s not fair to you,” she protested.

  “I’m not saying this isn’t going to be dangerous, but I think we’ve got to approach this another way.” Quintus reached for her hand.

  “Another witch? Who else can we trust?” she asked.

  “We can’t really trust anyone as far as I’m concerned. My vampires, they’re all as close to trustworthy as you’ll get but I agree we can’t wait on Samantha,” Quintus told her.

  “Then what?”

  “Who,” Hunter replied.

  “Kellan. He’s fae,” Quintus began, still trying to convince himself this was a good idea. While it was dangerous, they didn’t have many options.

  “A fae? I don’t know much about fairies, but my momma always said they were evil.”

  “Your mama be right,” Hunter agreed.

  “They can be difficult. They’re not exactly demons but they know the underworld. With Kellan, there will be a price without a doubt. I did him a favor a while back. He’s not likely to fuck with me.”

  “How can you be sure about that?” she interrupted.

  “I’d call it eighty-twenty in our favor. He owes me and he’s always looking for ways to get one up. I haven’t talked to him in centuries, but I know how to reach to him.”

  “Why wouldn’t Samantha just tell us to go to him?” she asked.

  “Witches don’t get involved with the fae. It’s too dangerous. They aren’t demons, but they definitely have some demonic-laced magick going on. Kellan’s the only fae in New Orleans I’d trust. And even then I don’t trust him.”

  “But you just said…”

  “We’re running out of options. We have to get Lilitu before she gets to you. This place here is only safe for so long before she finds you again. Hunter’s got a place for us to move to after we blow.”

  “Wait…where’s this Kellan dude?” she asked. “Does he live above ground?”

  “He’s got demon-like powers…qualities, but if you’re asking if he lives in Hell, the answer is no. He’s too much of a partier to let those assholes rain on his parade. He lives for Mardi Gras and fresh virgins.”

  “Fae have a special pass for Hell,” Hunter said.

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  “They can make a choice to go back into the netherworld, pass between the realms,” Quintus explained. “But don’t bring it up in front of him. Be very careful what you say. Any information he gives you, whether for small talk or otherwise, is considered a favor owed. We are in and out.”

  “I’d say wait for Samantha, but I don’t want to put her in anymore danger,” Gabriella said.

  “We’re going to do this together as a team. Don’t go getting any ideas in that head of yours. I can see your wheels turning and you need to just accept my help. I’m not going anywhere,” Quintus told her.

  Gabriella nodded, yet Quintus wasn’t fooled into accepting her silence as acquiescence. With her independent streak strong, he knew her wild nature couldn’t be harnessed. While he admired that about her, he grew concerned her impulsivity would put her in more danger. With their blood mingled, she’d adapt, possibly taking on some of his own powers.

  With no more words to be spoken, they ate in silence. One thing was clear. The end was coming. First he had to outwit Kellan.

  “Fuck,” Hunter groaned as they materialized into the back alley.

  “You okay?” Quintus asked, aware the Alpha suffered.

  “I think it’s getting better,” Gabriella said, panting. “It must be our mating. I’m not as bad. Not like…well, not like him.”

  Hunched over with his hands on his knees, Hunter spat onto the pavement.

  “You okay, brother?” Quintus asked, his lips tight realizing the word he’d used to call the wolf. Brother. Viktor. When this was all over he’d go for him. But tonight, he needed to focus on their task.

  “Yeah, yeah,” the Alpha lied, holding his clenched fist to his chest.

  “When we get back, I’m taking a look at your arm. You all right to keep going?” Quintus knew the materialization made wolves sick, but he grew concerned the Alpha was suffering from poisoning.

  Hunter coughed and sucked a breath, standing straight upward and nodding. “Yeah, I’m good.”

  “There’re a lot of humans out tonight. Let’s do our best not to cause any sort of a conflict that would result in their untimely demise,” Quintus suggested.

  “Like what?” Gabriella’s focus shifted to a homeless camp as they crossed the street. Nearly twenty men and women gathered on the grassy area between the roads.

  As they passed, Quintus reached into his pocket, and set a wad of bills into the lap of an older gentleman leaning against the brick wall, his grey puppy sleeping alongside him. There were far too many humans sleeping on the streets, yet if he could help a few every now and then, he’d try. He couldn’t save the world, but he was determined to get a few humans back on their feet.

  Jazz music grew louder as they turned the corner onto Frenchman. He reached for Gabriella’s hand, and a picture of him dancing with her flashed in his mind. He swore when all this shit was over, he’d take her on a proper date.

  “Where are we?” Gabriella asked, walking into the light that flickered from the gas lamps that hung on the side of the building.

  “Frenchman Street.”

  “These murals are beautiful,” she commented, spying a painted cat on the wall of a two-story building.

  Tinkling charms sounded, and Quintus slowed. Bells of various sizes dangled from the porch above. The unassuming establishment appeared to be a typical jazz club, but dark magick hummed in the air as a warning.

  “Why do they have so many wind chimes?” Gabriella asked. “Do you feel that energy?”

  “Yeah, I feel it. Those are bells,” he told her, his voice low. “The fae use them to ward off other fairies. Evil fairies.”

  “But I thought they all had ties to Hell,” she responded.

  “They do, but some are far worse than others. It’s like any other supernatural really. Take Samantha. Compare her to Lilitu. The fae, they are a devious sort. Tricksters. The bells are both a beacon and warning. For us? A welcome mat.”

  “Okay, let’s do this,” Gabriella said.

  “Remember the rules. We stick together. Limit the information given and questions asked. If anything goes down, we’re flashing out. Got me?” Quintus directed.

  Hunter gave a nod, and reached for the brass door handle. “Ladies first.”

  “Whatever you see in here…keep in mind, it may or may not be real. The fae like to play with your mind. No matter what happens, stay with me,” he told her, giving a squeeze
to her hand. “That goes for you too, wolf. Stay close. I don’t like what’s going on with you.”

  “I’m good.”

  “Uh huh. Let’s go.” Quintus sensed the Alpha’s pain but knew he didn’t want to admit to his weakness. As soon as they were finished with the fae, he was going to heal him.

  Quintus pushed the heavy wooden door open, and strode into the crowded bar. A heavy-set man played a trumpet solo while an older woman gently rapped her sticks on a high-hat cymbal. The bass player stared at Quintus but quickly broke eye contact as the dominant vampire strode through the bar as if he owned it.

  The scent of frankincense mixed with sweat lingered in the air. Waitresses buzzed around a floor filled with small round tables, patrons talking and listening to music. Bartenders busily worked behind the bar, attending to the three-person-deep line waiting for their drinks.

  It had been years since Quintus had seen Kellan, but as he listened through the din, he heard the familiar humming. The fairy had a distinctive habit that either lulled or annoyed his victims. As they made their way to the back of the darkened bar, Quintus noted the branches growing through cracks in the brick walls.

  He stopped short as he came upon the arched exit. An intricate metal gate blocked his way. Quintus sucked a deep breath, steeling his nerves as he inspected the poisonous silver structure. Clever fae knew the metal would deter both vampires and werewolves alike. In contrast, the fairies couldn’t bear the sight of iron, let alone touch it.

  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.”

  Quintus’ eyes flared in anger. Hunter fell back into his seat, releasing a loud sigh. The fucking fae was right about one thing. The Alpha struggled, and Quintus suspected he’d been unable to shift.

  “This is Gabriella. She’s a hybrid,” Quintus told Kellan.

  “I’m a witch,” Gabriella offered, her voice shaking.

  Kellan tilted his beer bottle and nodded. “That explains the magick. Tricky little hybrids. Mother Nature is a delight.”

  “We seek your assistance in exchange for payment.” Quintus leaned toward Kellan, his eyebrows narrowed.

  “What is the favor?” Kellan smiled at Gabriella.

  “A purist coven. Specifically, a high priestess. We believe she’s working demonic magick. She’s been trying to kill Gabby since she was a kid.”

  “When I was thirteen, I shifted,” Gabriella divulged the private information to the fae. “I’ve been on the run ever since.”

  “Her name is Lilitu. All I can share is that she’s able to break wards,” Quintus explained.

  “Not here she can’t.” Kellan gave a proud smile. “The fae run the show.”

  “You haven’t seen this bitch in action. I know you think you have it all figured out but she’s the real deal.” Hunter coughed, his arm held to his chest.

  “At first we suspected black magick, but it’s more than that. My home in New York? She somehow managed to break wards and set it on fire. Broke through wards at Kade’s estate as well. And I suspect she’s somehow involved with necromancy. There was someone once. We’d begun the bond but never completed it. She died. And when I say she died, I’m talking well over a thousand years ago. But a demon, goes by the
name of Thorn…long story short she’s back from the dead.”

  “Perhaps he’s the one who reanimated her. I assume she’s not exactly the same, huh?” Kellan laughed.

  “The demon. He’s a half-breed, and doesn’t appear to have anything to do with the necromancy. But you’re right in that Mao, she’s not the same. Looks the same but clearly isn’t. I suspect she’s a Jiangshi.”

  “You don’t see that every day, do you? Someone wanted to create the indestructible. Ah but for what?” Kellan asked, his tone thoughtful. His gaze settled onto Gabriella. “The wolf hybrid is your mate, yes?”

  “She is.”

  “And this Jiangshi shows up at the same time you meet her?”

  “Shortly after, yes.”

  “It’s almost as if someone knew. A prophesy. Why does a demon create a Jiangshi? Why does one show up more than a thousand years later? And this high priestess? Instead of letting you run off, she continues in pursuit.” Kellan pressed the heel of his hand to his forehead, humming quietly, then continued. “No…something about this. A high priestess who breaks wards can easily find the mouse. She tracks the mouse. She plays with the mouse. She was waiting.”

  “But she almost killed me. The other day, she tried to kill a baby. Her knife went clear through me. The poison.”

  A mischievous grin crossed his face, his eyes darting to Hunter then back to Quintus. “Poison. We know what ails the wolf. But no mind. The wolf is but a casualty in the game. Many battles, many battles, but only one war. This high priestess has been patient. Waiting, waiting,” Kellan sang. “But she’s so close…close to what? What is it that she wants? How is the Jiangshi related?”

  “They’ve been seen together but never spoke. Lilitu never even acknowledged Mao’s presence the other day,” Quintus noted.

  “But what? What does she want? What is so special about you, little wolf?” Kellan stared into Gabriella’s eyes, rubbing his palms together.

  “I…I…nothing,” she responded. “I’m a hybrid. She killed my mother.”

  “No, no, no. You’re lying,” he accused.

  “I’m not lying. There’s nothing special,” she insisted.