by Kym Grosso
Freed from the zombie, the Alpha rolled to the ground, whining in pain, a section of his flesh and fur missing from his back. Mao gave a loud shriek, spinning around toward Quintus, her wild red eyes flaring in anger.
“I’m going to kill you all. It’s just a matter of time.” She broke from his grip, stumbled backward and rocked on her heels, finally finding her footing.
Quintus’ heart pounded, taking in the sight of the woman he’d once loved, knowing he was about to kill her. But he knew, no matter how much this rancid creature looked like her, she wasn’t Mao.
“I’ve killed Viktor.” Her rotted brown teeth broke through her heinous smile. “Or have I?”
The mention of his brother hit him like a punch to the gut. Quintus sucked a deep breath, concentrating on his task. His gaze darted to Gabriella who continued to step toward Lilitu. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Hunter shift to human and back to wolf again. With a fiery glare, he set his focus back on Mao.
His gaze dropped from her eyes to her bloodied stump, the broken white bone jutting from the wound. The hand. Where the hell is it? She’d flash back to Hell, taking it with her if he didn’t move quickly.
“What are you doing, darling? Once the witch kills the cunt you mated with, you’ll be mine again.” Her long tongue curled out of her mouth, dripping with saliva.
“Who sent you?” Quintus eyed the torn hand lying on the ground.
“Hmm…you never can tell.” She laughed, tilting her head. She ran her hand over her gown, its purple shredded velvet exposing her thighs. The skin beneath was riddled with seeping red boils. “They say the Goddess does all the work. It’s a lie. It’s demons who create, create, create.”
“Who made you?” he asked, his feet edging toward the right.
“Prophets. Witches who need help. They all have a price for their work. Ramiel.” Her eyes rolled upward in her head, revealing only the whites.
“Ramiel?” He’d been the vampire who’d paid for Gabriella’s blood, had threatened to beat her. “He’s no demon.”
“Isn’t he? Had you ever heard of him? Stupid, stupid vampires. The demonic magick is so strong we can easily fool you all.”
“Why create you?”
“Your mating,” Mao growled, her smile falling into a scowl. “It had to be stopped. Your bitch may live but you’re coming with me to Hell. Someone must pay for Lilitu’s debt… she’s been a greedy, greedy witch. She owes. Viktor was payment but the demon wants more. I’m but his humble servant.”
The earth shook beneath his feet. He caught sight of Gabriella. A blinding light streamed out of her fingers. Mao’s gaze went to the severed hand and back to Quintus. He lunged for the rotting flesh, snatching it off the ground. As Mao rushed to retrieve it, he bared his fangs, and grabbed her by the back of her long hair. She screeched, writhing in an attempt to steal it back from him, and he sunk his teeth into her shoulder, tearing open her rotting flesh. As she struggled, he spat out the decomposing skin and shoved the hand into her mouth.
“This is for my brother, you evil bitch.” Quintus swiftly flipped her onto the ground and with a knee to her chest, continued to stuff the severed fingers and palm down her throat. Her eyes bulged as he cupped his hand over her lips. Convulsing underneath his weight, her torso collapsed upon itself. The pus-filled cavity burst open and her flesh melted.
“She’s a devil,” he heard Hunter yell. As Quintus turned to Gabriella, he caught sight of his mate. Thick green horns curled out of her head into points. Fire spat from her mouth as she spoke.
“What the fuck did that fae do to her?” Hunter asked.
“Hellfire,” Quintus responded. No matter how she appeared, there was no way she’d become a demon. He sensed her wolf, and exhaled loudly. “Fae magick. We’re seeing an illusion.”
“No, Quint. She’s a fucking devil. Something isn’t right.”
“Back off Alpha.” Quintus struggled to find his balance as the earth beneath his feet violently shook. The ground split open, forming a deep crevasse.
Gabriella’s body illuminated with the energy of the first witch as she stalked toward Lilitu. Her eyes held a smile, watching as terror emanated from Lilitu’s face. All the dark emotions she’d inflicted on Gabriella churned inside her chest propelling her omnipotent power.
Drawing on the ancient energy, she flashed five feet toward Lilitu. Gabriella would bring destruction. There had been a time, one more innocent, when she’d have granted mercy but not tonight. Only death existed, and she’d be the one to send Lilitu to Hell.
As Gabriella advanced, Lilitu held up her athame but fear shone in her eyes. A bolt of lightning struck within inches of Gabriella but she merely absorbed its energy and stalked toward the witch.
“Tonight is the end,” she declared, scanning the cemetery for the coven witches who hid in the shadows. Light speared from her hands, the pure energy searing the ground, leaving a trail of ash as she walked. “The first witch, who lives inside me demands your sacrifice. She’s sending you home to Hell. Tonight,” Gabriella stepped within two feet of Lilitu, “you die.”
Lightning blasted all around them, driving black divots into the ground. Lilitu lunged at Gabriella, stabbing the knife into her abdomen. Gabriella laughed and wrapped her fingers around its hilt. The power of the first witch was far too great for earth magick. Painlessly, she withdrew the blade and tossed it aside. Allowing the light to cease, she clapped her hands together and outstretched her arms toward Lilitu.
“And now.” With every cell of her being, she focused on the first witch allowing her to seize her body. The beam of light streamed from her fingertips. Like a laser, it sliced clear through Lilitu. The priestess screeched wildly as blood gushed from her abdomen, her eyes bulging as the cavity grew wider and wider. “Everything you’ve done to me. To my mother. To your victims. It ends. You end.” Gabriella closed her hands into fists and stretched open her fingers, tugging at the threads of energy, ripping Lilitu apart until her flesh exploded.
The rush of her power mushroomed into a storm of pure energy. Every ounce of magick flowed through her, destroying the demonic witch. Gabriella sucked a breath as the first witch exited her body and absorbed into the universe. She collapsed, curling into a fetal position.
Conscious but unable to move, she blinked away tears, her chest full with emotion. Gabriella knew the second she hit the ground her entire life had changed. Not only had she obliterated the entire coven, she’d destroyed the magick that had created the witches.
The sacrifice had been swift, her own magick disappearing in an instant. No longer would she be able to have a child. Her wolf howled for her mate, yearning to be in his arms. Her eyes fluttered closed, praying he’d understand.
Chapter Fifteen
Quintus held tight to the ailing Alpha, as the blinding light tore through Gabriella. Although she looked to be demon, he was certain it was the fae magick playing tricks. As the light ripped the witch into thousands of pieces, Gabriella flashed back to herself. She crumpled onto the charred ground, and the entire cemetery went silent.
“Gabby!” Quintus released Hunter and rushed to her side, scooping her up into his arms. He lifted her off the ground and pressed his lips to her forehead. “You’re going to be okay, bella.”
“Quintus.” Gabriella licked her lips, tears streaming down her face.
“You did it. She’s dead. They’re all dead,” he told her, his voice calm.
“Tell me again,” Gabriella whispered.
“She’s gone. Mao’s gone. The coven is destroyed.” Quintus suspected his brother was dead too but aside from stepping into Hell to look for him, there was little he could do. He didn’t dare mention it in front of Gabriella. Between the fae magick and first witch, she’d gone limp in exhaustion, her grief palpable.
“Something’s wrong…” She swallowed and licked her cracked lips.
“Shh…it’s okay.” Quintus closed his eyes, tightening his embrace. He swore he’d never let her go.
He reached for her mind, and her strong wolf greeted him. But something was off…her magick…it was gone. “I’m going to take you home now.”
“I’m sorry,” she said, burrowing her face into his chest.
“It’s okay, Gabby. We’ll find a way to get it back. I promise you,” he assured her. He’d never met a witch who’d lost their magick. “Your wolf. She’s there. It’s going to be all right.”
Quintus’ gaze flashed to Hunter who shook his head no, his lips drawn tight in concern.
“You comin’ with us?” he asked the Alpha.
“I’ll stay here and clean up after this mess. With all the energy that just fired off, y’all know Logan’s going to be fixin’ to kick someone’s ass. Kade will be showin’ up here soon. And fuck if the humans aren’t going to get riled up. Your girl there took out the whole damn coven but this is a cemetery for humans.” He sighed. “Go on now. We’ll meet up later at your place.”
Quintus didn’t argue and swiftly dematerialized. As they flashed into his bedroom and fell upon his bed, her sadness overwhelmed him. He could tell that with the little energy she had left, even in a state of sleep she’d shielded her thoughts.
“Whatever it is, it’s going to be all right, Gabby.” His heart constricted, her utter sadness threading through him. The fae had warned him something bad could happen, and this was far greater than the illusions he’d seen. Gabriella had given up her magick in order to destroy Lilitu; everything she’d been her whole life had been torn away. “I’m sorry about your magick, but I swear to you, you’re never going to be alone again. I’ll be with you. I’ll take care of you as long as I walk this earth and beyond. I…”
Quintus closed his eyes, his lips grazed her ear as he whispered to her. “I love that you’re brave. Not that you aren’t scared but you’ll do anything to make things right. To protect others. I might spank your ass for leaving like you did, but I know why you did it. I know how you think. But you don’t need to walk alone anymore. I’m here. Hunter’s here. We’re your family. Gabby…I love you.”
Quintus pressed his lips to her forehead and gently removed his arm from underneath her body. Gabriella needed rest. He slipped out of bed and stood, then removed her boots. Although her clothes were covered in dust, he didn’t want to disturb her. He reached for a throw at the bottom of the bed and spread it over her, a long sigh releasing from his lips.
A voice called from downstairs, and he smiled. Damn wolf knows how to get in my house. He’d deliberately adjusted the wards so that Hunter could enter but he gave a small laugh at the irony of the situation. After a lifetime of keeping others at a distance, he’d fallen in love with an incredible woman and bonded in friendship with an Alpha within days. Quintus gave Gabriella one last glance, turned off the light and flashed to the kitchen.
He found the Alpha, fully clothed, sitting at his kitchen table and shoving food into his mouth. Quintus smiled, pulled out a chair and sat, his hands folded on the table.
“Where’d you get the threads so quickly? Not that I’m complaining. I’ve seen enough of your bare ass lately.”
“I’ve got a hottie down on Chartres Street. It’s a quick run. She, uh, dresses me every now and then,” he laughed.
“I’m sure you’ve got a wolf in every town.”
“It’s in my nature. And I’m good with it, if you know what I mean. Don’t get me wrong, you and Gabby are great together but that mating bullshit isn’t for me. Why do you think I love Wyoming? It’s remote. None of the females in the pack are my mates. They’re more like playmates, if you know what I mean. Got my own place. Make my own rules.”
“You’re the Alpha. That’s kind of how it works.” Quintus raised his eyebrows, his gaze falling to the bag on the table. The delicious scent of baked goods wafted into his nose.
“Beignet?” Hunter held up the powdery treat and took a bite.
“I’ll never be able to live on just blood.” Quintus retrieved a pastry from the bag and sniffed before sinking his teeth into it.
“You can live on blood. You’re a vampire. It’s kind of how it works.” Hunter laughed.
“Goddess, these are delicious.”
“One thing that’s not as easy to get at home.”
“NOLA’s the best.” The fluffy dough covered in its sugary coating tasted like heaven.
“My life is good how it is. I’ve got a few regular friends, shall we call them, in New York and New Orleans.” He shrugged and raised an eyebrow. “No complications. Wolves are easy creatures. We all know the score. If you’re not my mate, you know it. And I know it. Neither of us is under any illusions we can have a permanent thing. A sex thing, yes. Anything else is a no go.”
“You’ll find someone someday. Take me for example. Viktor always said…” Quintus closed his eyes, the pain of the loss rushing to his chest. He took a deep breath, and raised his gaze.
“I’m sorry about your brother, man. If you need help getting him…”
“No. Don’t go there.”
“I’m just sayin’…he could be alive.”
“You know how you feel your wolves? You just know they are there. Can sense their pain. Their presence,” he sighed. “Well, I’ve got nothing. A few thousand years and nothing.”
“We can search for him,” Hunter suggested.
“I can’t leave Gabby.” Quintus shook his head.
“But we can’t just leave him there,” Hunter protested.
“First of all, I don’t feel him anymore. Seriously, Hunter, that’s like a doctor calling it. But let’s say by some miracle he’s in there, he won’t ever be the same. No one goes into Hell and comes out unscathed. It doesn’t happen. Even just a brush with it, of which I’ve had a few. It fucks with your mind.” Quintus blew out a breath and set the beignet on the table. “I’m not saying I’m not going to look, but what I am saying is that I can’t leave Gabby right now. She hasn’t had stability in her life for nearly twenty years and before that, her life was a shit show. Aside from her parents, and we don’t even know who the father is, she’s grown up alone. Selling her blood. To fucking Ramiel, who is still out there, by the way. Who the hell knows if he’s going to come at her again? No,” Quintus shook his head again, his lips tense, “I can’t go right now. We just bonded. She deserves some peace.”
“You sure about this, Quint?”
“One hundred percent. I can’t leave her. You know how it is in Hell. You step in, you can be gone five hours or five hundred years. I can’t chance that right now. She’s…” Quintus paused and stared at the Alpha, resigning to trust him with the truth about what happened in the cemetery. “She lost her magick.”
“No man, her wolf is good. I felt it back there and I can feel her now.”
“Her wolf is good. But her magick…you know…” Quintus gave a tilt of his head.
“Oh, that magick. Are you sure?”
“I guess between the fae magick and the first witch, she used everything she had on Lilitu. Honestly, who the hell knows what happened? Of course I’m going to check with Samantha but in my experience…well, it’s rare a witch loses her magick for any reason, but the ones I’ve seen lose it, they didn’t get it back.”
“Good riddance. What the hell does she need it for anyway? She’s a wolf. Not to brag but we’re kind of awesome if you haven’t noticed.” Hunter laughed.
“You know, it’s strange. Before this happened, I would have thought the same thing. It’s not like I got the impression that she practiced very often. It’s held nothing but bad vibes. She’s never been part of a coven as an adult. But I’m telling you, she’s really upset. She’s blocking me. I’ll ask her about it when she wakes up.”
“Yeah, she’s a true-blue wolf. She seems in love with you, happy to be mated. It would be one thing if she practiced magick, but she seems more in line with her lycan nature.”
“It’s natural to be upset over the loss but this is something more. I don’t know. What did she get from witchcraft that was such a grea
t loss? It doesn’t make sense,” Quintus said.
“I don’t know. It’s like I said. She has pack now. She has you. She’s mated. Has a family.”
“Family.” It hit Quintus like a ton of bricks. Children. She believed her magick could make her like Samantha.
“What is it?”
“A baby.”
Hunter went to shove the pastry into his mouth and stopped mid bite. “Oh, a baby. I just assumed that was a no go with you being a vampire.”
“Yeah, it’s not common.” The thought of having a child with her had crossed his mind after their conversation, but he remained rooted in the reality that vampires couldn’t sire babies. Luca and Samantha’s child was a miracle.
“Sorry, man. I don’t know what to say. Gabby had to know this when she mated with you. You could adopt.”
“Yeah, it’s tough. Look, I knew the score. When you’re turned, the sooner you accept that you are vampire and everything that goes along with it, the better off you are. The less likely you’ll end up like a shish kebab.”
“It’s all about food for you, isn’t it?” Hunter laughed. “No offence but that part about accepting being a vampire, I figure you’re about at ninety-nine percent. Seriously, you’re kind of obsessed.”
Quintus laughed with the wolf. Hunter knew far too much about him, and for once, he simply didn’t care. The only thing that mattered was Gabriella and her happiness, and that too, made him smile.
He shrugged and stuffed another beignet into his mouth. Goddess these things are good. Tomorrow, he’d begin his mission to make every day of Gabriella’s life happy. Evil and terror were a thing of the past. When he went to look for Viktor, he’d ensure that she was safe and secure, knowing she had family. He smiled, knowing he felt love and was loved.
Quintus stood, gazing out over the horizon. Lights twinkled off the buildings as the echo of car horns and music reflected the mood of the city. A lively Saturday evening was beginning in the French Quarter.
Quintus scanned the rooftop, ensuring every detail was perfect. Candlelit arrangements floated in the long rectangular pool. The fragrance of her favorite flowers, lilies, permeated the air. A table off to the corner had been set, awaiting a delicious dinner. A jazz quartet played soft music in the corner. He laughed, so cliché, yet exactly how he’d dreamed it would be.