ELLE POV The show had ended, and it was everything others said it would be; too bad my mind was in searing pain the entire time. The strange man's eyes did not leave my body for a second, his gaze oppressing like a weighted blanket too heavy for my body. As Jonah slams the limo door close, the pressure released from my head like a balloon leaking helium. For the first time in hours, it doesn't feel as though nails are being dragged across the inside of my mind like someone is trying to dig themselves out. It was the most uncomfortable 4 hours of my life, and I am thankful it's over and we are back at the hotel. The ding of the elevator opening pulls me from my thoughts as my friends shuffle in front of me. None of us say anything until we are safely locked behind closed doors. Jonah, Eli, and Brad were on a lower level, and we all had to witness Taylor practically swallow Brad's face. They acted like they would never see each other again and weren't sharing a room this weekend.

Hello All, I apologize for the delay in adding additional chapters; a horrible case of strep throat hit my family this week. I have been battling a 103-degree fever for the last week, and I have been in a pretty delusional state, making it difficult to write. (Even typing this out is a struggle). Between family emergencies, technical difficulties, and now this sickness from hell, October just isn't my month. I will get back to posting regular chapters as soon as the fever officially breaks and I am back to normal. I apologize, XOXO Emma Taylor p.s for those wondering how I typed this, I didn't my Significant Other had too since they are finally feeling better.

ELLE POV Before I pour myself a glass of champagne, Emma, Taylor, and Charity drag me to the middle of the packed dance floor as the song "Single Ladies" by Beyonce blares through the speakers. Women are going wild throughout the club, pushing men to the side to take over the dance floor. Even with the dozens of bodies crammed into the small space, I can feel eyes on me. I know they are watching my every move causing a feverish feeling to lick my skin and my heart to pound relentlessly in my chest. Letting the music guide my body, I throw my hands up in the air, letting my hips move seductively, teasing all the men in the crowd, particularly those watching from above. "Let's go drink!" Emma screams, grabbing my wrist and dragging me through the crowd, bumping into sweaty bodies after a few more songs have played. As the girls surround me once more, we make our way back to the table where the guys are waiting with more shots; now that I am closer to my birthday and first shift, th

ELLE POV After an hour of drinking and dancing, without the return of Jonah, my curiosity at his location gets the better of m,e forcing me to take drastic, albeit stupid, measures to get some damn answers. Getting on my feet, I look at Taylor, Emma, and Charity, signaling silently that it's time to go the bathroom. No words need to be said for them to understand my intentions. "Where are you going?" Theo asks, standing to join us on our journey to the bathroom. I wouldn't have time to search the whole club, but I'd be able to look around for Jonah and see his true intentions. His demeanor has been incredibly different than the man I met a few weeks ago. "To the restroom, Theo, " I reply indifferently, "you guys can stay here while we go." I nod to the twins and Charity. "No," Theo insists, "let me come with you; it's not safe." I can see Jonah's beta, Eli, watching us intensely while he tries to listen to our conversation. "Theo," I say, adding an edge to my warning, not wan

DAMON POV Elle and I weave through the room, holding hands tightly, our scents mixed like a perfect cocktail. Slade is purring like a maniac, barely aware of our surroundings. I am still dazed from our time in the bathroom, stumbling along the dancefloor to the VIP section. There is no hiding from the rest of the group what happened; I am drenched in Elle's juices, and so is she. As we near the others, I link Andrew, 'we are on our way to the table. I do not want to hear a single remark about our prolonged absence.' Andrews's laughter rings through my mind, annoyance settling in my chest, 'Sorry, it's just that Elle linked Theo to say the same. You two will make quite the couple.' 'Beta,' I say, my tone warning him to quit this line of questioning, 'tell the others.' 'Theo already did,' Andrew replies, 'Jonah is still missing, by the way.' I don't need to ask any more questions as we approach the table where everyone else is sitting. Theo and Andrew sit beside each other, talki