~Gemma~ I sat on the edge of the sink. Alpha Devlin stood between my legs, struggling with indecision. We could practically see the wheels turning in his head as he weighed out each option. “Fuck, Dev!” I broke free from her leash long enough to appeal to him. “End this!” It was a brief reprieve as she struggled with me and won. Another laugh rippled out of our mouth. “Brother alpha, I know from experience the little witch prefers each option equally. Pick one. What is your desire? Will it be sharing pleasures with this body?” We opened the robe in enticement. “Or perhaps you wish for me to reveal a secret the witch is keeping from you. Such a naughty witch.” We smiled. “She loves her secrets, even in the face of my wrath. Oh, yes. She has paid the price for her disobedience. Are you aware she enjoys her fair share of pain?” We noticed the controlled rage settle over his features as he digested the goddess' revelations. I regained control of the steering wheel, pushing her to the

~Gemma~ I yawned and stretched. I only grabbed about four hours of shut eye. Damon left around midnight, after I nicely kicked him out. I promised to call him soon. Soon was such a vague term, my kinda commitment. I ran on hopes and dreams at this point. At least I managed to get in a shower and changed into a clean outfit. I wore a pair of skinny jeans, black tee, and some sandals. Candace called me early to say the luna wanted to see me. Therefore, I hauled my ass back to the hotel. Late July was upon us. I felt the summer slipping away. How sad. I drove with my windows down, music blaring. Since Luna Sadie woke up from her slumber, we decided to stop sedation and wait for the next step. The atmosphere in the hotel room tasted heavy of blame and accusation. Yuck! I grabbed my phone, reading a text from my cousin. “Irina should be here in about fifteen minutes.” Alpha Camden paced the room like a wild animal. I asked the luna. “Did he sleep at all?” “I do not think so.” She

~Alpha Devlin~ I overheard Gemma and her kin talking quietly. Yes, I stayed hidden around the corner and listened. What of it? “I think it is breaking! It is becoming less effective.” Gemma whined. Irina sighed. “Have you considered facing the music instead of hiding? It has been years, Gemma. It may be best to not put it off any longer. It will only get worse with time.” “No!” Gemma whisper-yelled. “Goddess, no. I cannot. Help me, Irina. I have no one else. I am utterly alone, swimming in a den of wolves. Save me from fucking drowning!” “Fine. Give me the damn necklace. Wait, I smell a dog.” Irina hissed. With no other option, I stepped out from my corner. “Irina. Gemma.” The guilty expressions on their faces did nothing to quell my suspicions. What are these witches up to? “Gemma, Alpha Camden and Luna Sadie are making their departure. Will you accompany me to see them off?” I held out my hand. She hesitated. I saw her desire to refuse me. “We need to show a united front.”

~Gemma~ We had a goddamn rat in the Midnight Sky Pack. I glowered at the rat in question. He shrank from my hostility. “Gemma! Are you fucking paying attention?” Alpha Devlin griped at me. I put my hands on my hips. “I’m not and you fucking know it!” We crammed in the conference room. It was late and we never got our French toast thanks to said rat. He witnessed the altercation at Fame and alerted Alpha Devlin. The meddling alpha intercepted us in the parking lot. “Gemma, for goddess’ sake, take a damn seat.” My grumpy alpha commanded. I sighed. Damon sat at one end of the conference table, the alpha at the other. I was pissed at Damon still, but headed in his direction. A low, trickling growl came from Dev. Fuck it! I took a chair in the middle. Damon smirked. He sat in his chair as composed as a regal king. His hands rested on this crossed legs, ever the gentleman. Alpha Devlin wore ripped jeans, no shirt of course, and his feet were bare. His body draped over his chair wit

~Gemma~ Tyson made coffee while we three ladies sat at the kitchen island. I had to admit, the Chase boys were real handy in the kitchen. Damon sent me a text, wishing me and Irina a pleasant visit and promising to contact me soon. I sent him a heart eyes and a kissy-face emoji. Irina took my phone and set it on the counter. “Gemma, he did wrong tonight. Let that hot-headed vamp sweat it out for at least a day.” “You’re right.” I pouted. “But I don’t have to like it.” Alpha Devlin strolled in wearing black jeans and a white tee. His hair had been combed. He caught me ogling him and he smirked. Dammit. “Now who the fuck is hungry?” He asked. We all raised our hands, including Tyson. “Hey Ty!” I grabbed the corner of his shirt as he poured me coffee. “One lump or two?” He asked cheekily as he grabbed the container of my stevia sweetener. I ran a finger down his arm. “I prefer two. But then you know that, right?” I winked at him. “Christ, Gemma.” He swallowed, his Adam’