N. Walters - Quinn's Quest

“Who is Damek?” They’d mentioned him before but she still knew nothing about him. His name had made all of them take a deep breath. He had to be pretty special to draw that kind of reaction.

One corner of Isaiah’s mouth kicked up in a grin. “Damek is a law unto himself. He’s also a vampire and not someone you want to cross.”

Bethany shivered at the warning. “A vampire? Truly?”

Meredith smiled. “Truly. And why not? We’re werewolves.”

“But a vampire…” She trailed off, not quite knowing what to say. It was crazy. Then again, her entire life was crazy these days. Who would have thought vampires were real. Did he live in a coffin? Drink blood?

“You okay?” While she’d been lost in thought chairs had been shoved back and most of the group had left the table. Quinn was beside her, watching her.

“I’m fine,” she told Quinn. She should have those two words tattooed on her forehead she’d said them so damn many times. But what else could she say?

“You don’t have to go with us.”

She found it hard to read his expression. Did he want her to go? Or did he think she was a pain in the ass for tagging along? No matter, she was going. Just because they’d slept together it didn’t make him the boss of her.

“Yes, I do. I want to,” she added. Somewhere out there, Chrissten was still being held captive. She owed it to her friend to find her.

“Good enough.” He nodded toward Hank. “As soon as he grabs his sniper rifle, we’re going to set out.”

It was a reminder of just how dangerous this mission was. But Bethany didn’t care. No one would worry or mourn if something happened to her. But Chrissten had family and Bethany was determined to reunite them.

It was the least she could do before she went home to Detroit. Speaking of which… “Do I have time to make a call?”

Quinn shrugged. “Sure. You can use the phone in Meredith’s office. She won’t mind.”

For a second, Bethany thought she saw heat in Quinn’s eyes, a longing that matched the sensations racing through her. Then it was gone and his pale blue eyes were expressionless once again. “Thanks.”

She turned and walked away, feeling colder with each step she took. Okay, so they’d had hot sex. It was simply two adults coming together during a difficult time. Mutually satisfying. No need to get bent out of shape or wrap it up in pretty emotions.

And Bethany knew she was lying to herself. What she felt for Quinn was totally confusing. It went beyond simply sex. That she knew for sure.

Male hands fell heavily on her shoulders and she found herself whipped around. Before she could speak, lips, hard and firm, pressed against hers.

Quinn. There was no mistaking his taste, his scent for anyone else’s. She opened her mouth for him, allowing him inside. He growled low in his chest as he swooped in. His tongue twined with hers. Tasting. Plundering.

By the time he pulled back, they were both panting for breath. Somewhere along the line she’d wrapped her arms around his neck and he’d placed his hands on her ass.

His voice was gruff. “Make your call. We’re leaving in five minutes.”

She watched as he walked away, admiring his firm butt and the way his well-worn jeans cupped it.

“Do you need anything?” The deep male voice was so close she jumped. Michael was standing next to her, staring at her face. No not her face, her mouth. He really was good-looking with his black hair, strong face and stormy blue eyes—a masculine version of his mother. But he didn’t stir her physically or emotionally, not the way Quinn did.

Now she was the one who was staring. “The phone.” Her voice was a bit hoarse so she cleared her throat. “I need to make a call. It’s long distance, but I’ll pay for it.” At least she would as soon as she got replacement identification and was able to get a new bankcard. She didn’t have a lot of money in her account, but enough to cover her debts, including returning the forty dollars that Margaret had given her.

“In here.” Michael put his hand on the small of her back and urged her toward a door. Bethany knew he was simply being kind, but she hurried ahead, not wanting him to touch her. It felt wrong somehow. Like a betrayal.

Which was totally nuts. She and Quinn weren’t a couple. They’d had sex. Nothing more. Nothing less.

“Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.” His voice was warm, like a caress. “If you need anything else don’t hesitate to ask. And if you’re still hungry, drop by the kitchen and Teague will make you anything you want.” She raised her eyebrow in question and he shrugged. “I noticed you didn’t eat much breakfast and you need to keep your strength up.”

The fact he’d noticed what she’d eaten, or hadn’t eaten as the case may be, made her feel slightly uncomfortable, even though he’d really done nothing to make her feel that way. He’d been nothing but cordial and nice to her. “I will. Thanks again.”

She hurried to the desk and picked up the receiver. When she glanced at the door it was closed and Michael was gone. Bethany released a deep sigh of relief. Being around the others wasn’t easy. She was still trying to understand them and herself.

She shook off all thoughts of Michael and Quinn and dialed information first to get the number for the superintendent of her apartment building. Then she placed the call.

Four minutes later she hung up the phone. She no longer had an apartment, but the super had agreed to box up her few belongings and hold them for another month. She’d had to promise him a hundred bucks to get him to do it. But it was better to lose the money than what few personal possessions she had.

There wasn’t much but there were pictures from her childhood of her and her mother. Those were irreplaceable. Plus, she longed to wear her own clothing. Meredith and Neema had both loaned her some tops and jeans and, while she appreciated their generosity, it wasn’t the same. She’d also like her small collection of books and music and knick-knacks, the little treasures she’d collected over the years. None of it was expensive, but no matter where she ended up she’d want her own stuff around her. It would help ground her wherever her new home happened to be.

She made another quick call, this one to the diner where she’d worked. As she suspected, the owner wasn’t happy with her. She pleaded a family emergency, and he finally agreed to send her final paycheck. She found a business card on Meredith’s desk and gave him the address for the bar. Even if she didn’t stay here until the check arrived she knew Meredith would forward it to her.

Feeling better to have done something to get her life back on track, she left the office and headed back to the main area of the bar. The other men were waiting. Isaiah, Hank and Quinn were carrying duffle bags and she suspected there were weapons inside.

“If you find a likely spot, call before you go in.” Isaiah pinned Quinn with his dark brown eyes. “I mean it, Quinn. Our best chance to get your sister out alive is to do this right.”

Quinn nodded.

Satisfied, Isaiah turned to Hank. “If you think you’ve found her, find a high spot in case they try to slip out.” The alpha turned to her, offering her reassurance. “Hank is former military and is trained for this.” What went unsaid was that Hank would shoot to kill whoever tried to take Chrissten away.

Hank nodded and headed toward the door. Bethany followed the men, her stomach in knots. Would they find Chrissten today? She prayed they would. She didn’t want to think about what had happened to her friend since the escape attempt.

We’re coming, Chrissten. Hang on . She thought the words, trying to project them out into the world, trying to send hope to her friend.