~Gemma~
I nicked my lip on a sharp point. “Can you put those away? There’s an art to kissing when fangs are involved.”
“Yes. And you are so very talented at it.” Damon winked, his fangs in tact.
I squealed like a nervous virgin when he crudely yanked my dress over my head. “Okay, buddy! Clothing is fair game.” I fussed with removing his shirt. “So many buttons! I hate your fancy clothes.”
His dark brown hair, almost black, fell in the most flattering way across his forehead. His chest, although needing a tad sun, might have been sculpted from marble. “Little dove, are you ogling me?”
“Uh-huh,” I managed to form the words. I touched his chest to see if the muscles were real. You’d think I’d be over this obsession by now. I’ve seen the show before. However, it didn’t stop me from being a repeat customer.
“Truly. I am flattered by your ad
~Gemma~ WTF! That was a total shit show. I ran a hand through my hair and collided into a statue. Nope. Just another vampire. “Excuse me.” I mumbled and stepped around the blockade. Unfortunately, the blockade spoke. The blonde vamp crossed her arms and gave me a hostile glare. “Well. Hello, witch.” Yeah. My night went from incredibly bad to even worse. She hated me with a special flavor of venom. “What? Does nobody bother to learn my name?” “You are off in a hurry. Trouble in paradise?” She ignored my rant and examined her manicure with rapt attention. “Hey! Were you listening to us back there?” My adrenaline had not faded. I was still raring to go. She shrugged, pointing a finger and invading my personal bubble with it. “You do not deserve him.” “Listen, Vampirella.” See? I could play that game. “I am so not in the mood right now!” I grabbed her finger to shove it away but paused. I could read her! I could not read or sense a
~Gemma~ I held my cup of coffee as if it could rescue me from my life. It was Tuesday. Tuesdays meant listening to the most intimate details of some very dysfunctional relationships. I swallowed the remaining contents in my mug before promptly refilling it. I had two minutes before my next headache walked in the door. I filled this relationship guru position out of pack desperation. My pack ran off last qualified individual. Alpha Devlin seemed in no hurry to find a replacement. I’m stuck in the shit until then. “Good morning!” I greeted cheerfully. And they said I couldn’t act. Ha! “Hey, Gemma.” Layne grimaced. Geoff trailed closely on her heels, similar grimace in place. My worries that it would be another boring hour were completely unfounded. “Take a seat. How is it going?” I struggled to remember where we left off from last week. I really should consult my notes prior to these sessions. That would require me to start taking notes! As the loving couple immediately began bic
~Alpha Devlin~ The meeting proved to be pointless. In fact, I anticipated this outcome. I pitied Alpha Derrick. His character lacked strength and honor. I shook my head in disgust as the meaningless words continued to tumble out of his mouth. Gemma appeared to be enjoying herself. She cared more about her meal than the discussion at hand. The meeting was a just an excuse to get her by my side. I did not need her input. I made my decision regarding Alpha Derrick’s request as soon as he proposed it. However, I grew tired of the witch’s lack of interest. “Gemma!” I scolded her privately. She dropped her knife and turned to face me. “Rude! You don't have to yell.” She screeched at me like an angry banshee. I swallowed thickly. Did she realize how fucking beautiful she was? I tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and teased, “I hope this isn’t your first meal of the day.” Gemma rolled her eyes before stuffing another chunk of meat in her mouth. “Ahem,” our visitor cleared his th
~Gemma~ I came into awareness with a slight feeling of distortion. Ugh! Of course the goddess would leave me smack in the middle of a spectacle. I did my part, vessel. I played your champion. Her voice rippled through my conscience. I smirked. The goddess was ever practical. “Gems? You in there? Are you really laughing right now?” Tyson nudged me. "Are you really naked right now? What do wolves have against clothing?" I ruffled his hair and avoided looking at the elephant in the room. That's right. His cock. He shruggrued with a rueful grin. "I had wolfy things to do. " “Thank the gods you are well.” Alpha Devlin interrupted our conversation, pulling me into a rib-crushing hug. “Okay. I’m okay.” I patted his shoulder and tried to disengage from his embrace. Everyone was staring. Again. “Do you think now is an appropriate time to proceed?” Corbin inquired. His expression was severe, his face lined with stress. He reminded me of the grave circumstances at hand. “I suppose
~Alpha Devlin~ I showered to wash all evidence of gore away. I couldn’t approach Gemma in anything but pristine condition. She deserved that. My selfish actions resulted in Gemma getting hurt. I had to acknowledge she was put at risk far too often. Tyson wore a robe covered in light florals. “Well, at least I don’t have to look at your dick. The night is turning in a positive direction.” I smirked. Tyson laughed. “Check your language, bro! There are children present!” He nodded his head to the side. Gemma and the false witch sat together, talking quietly. “What the fuck is she doing here!” I yelled, not caring if I woke the entire packhouse. I didn’t want that bitch near Gemma or my brother at the moment. Gemma got off the couch and walked over to us. “Alpha Devlin, everything okay?” Her gaze wandered over my face. “No, Gemma. Everything is not okay. I don’t want you making friends with her.” I pointed at the cowering girl across the room. “Not after what she did.” Her face s
~Gemma~ Sounds of my own screaming tore me from sleep. My heart thudded in my chest. I tasted the taint of the wicked witch and her twisted alpha. Shit! Weeks later I still woke with night terrors. My tank top was drenched with sweat and clung to my body. Gross. I rolled over to look at the alarm clock and groaned. Usually if I was up at three am, it was because I never went to bed. Fat Kitty cuddled me, giving me his own special flavor of love. I wished it was enough. Love never saved me from a damn thing. Sorry if that hard truth made me out to be a heartless hag. Sleep evaded me, refused to entertain my pleas for a comeback. I tried. I tried so hard. Some days were rougher than others. “Gems? Do you need me?” Alpha Devlin’s voice cut through the misery that was my life. His sleepy voice carried through the distance. Of course he never had trouble with sleep. And most unforgivable, he was a morning person. “Gemma? I know you're awake. Stop avoiding me.” I gritted my teeth. Ever
~Alpha Devlin~ Damp hair clung to my forehead. Since sleep refused to come, I decided to work off some steam. An hour of lifting weights and abusing my body provided no comfort. Might as well shower and let go of the idea of rest. “Knock, knock.” A female voice called out, along with a light rapping on my door. Who the hell is here at this hour? “Go away!” “Devie, let me in. I know you’re in there.” I silently cursed, remaining quiet on the chance she would go away. “Don’t act like this. Let me in.” Her nails clacked on the door frame. “Or I will cause a scene.” Fuck this! I swung the door open and pulled her inside. “It is Alpha Devlin to you. Don’t forget your place.” I ignored her pouty look and continued. “Now what do you want? It’s late.” “Technically, it’s early.” Tasha nibbled on her bottom lip. “I miss you. And I know you miss me.” I know it was rude. I didn’t give a shit, dismissing her claim with an arrogant wave of my hand. “I explained very clearly where we stood.
~Gemma~ “I miss you so much.” I reached for the beautiful man with such longing. Imagine trying to touch a treasure you had no business coveting. He stared at me with those empty, soulless eyes. “Why won’t you come to me?” “I’m sorry! I can’t!” I explained. Flames danced in his eyes. “Come to me!” His hand caressed my face. I woke trembling and confused. Shit! I dreamed of him again, of Damon, my former vampire lover. This dream marked the third in the past week. My night terrors about the tainted witch and her alpha finally stopped. And now this fresh hell. It had only been a few months and I still missed him. Besides the physical connection, I missed his company and our stimulating conversations. I know it may be hard to believe, but we were friends before lovers. I sighed and pulled the blankets up to my neck. Somewhere in the hidden corners of his mind, did he miss me? Unlike with Alpha Devlin, Damon and I had no sordid past constantly getting in our way. Well, that was unt
~Gemma~ I cuddled the crap out of a wiggly Little Zander. Yes, I was actively avoiding Rina. “Nobody understands me like you do, little dude.” I squeezed him again for the hundredth time. He stared at me with those dark, sage eyes of his. “Are you hiding out in the nursery?” I startled at the sound of the Alpha’s mocking tone. Where the hell had he come from? His hulking frame looked ominous in the cheery and bright room. “What of it? Mind your business.” He crossed those powerful arms of his across his expansive chest. “You are clinging to my son like your life depends on it. Hence, it is my business.” My shoulders hunched a little as I sat Little Zander down. When his hands immediately grabbed for me, I scooped him up again. “It’s no hope for it now, Alpha Zander. Little Z is my new bestie at the moment.” I winked at him. His sweet, cherub face smiled back at me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Beta Solar pass by the doorway. “Hey! Beta! Wait up!” I yelled after him, kno
~Alpha Zander~ James crossed his arms. “The witch has a name. It is Gemma. She prefers to be addressed as such.” James walked deeper into the kitchen. His gaze taking in the gamma’s body on the floor. “She attacked Marcus.” I pointed out the obvious. James rolled his eyes. “Marcus is the biggest douchebag around. I could feel her hunger from out there. How could it not be choking everyone from here? We tried to find her some food super early this morning and there was nothing. She was acting weird. Weird for her.” Irina remained quiet, listening to what James said. She studied her mate and then turned to Marcus’ body. “How long until he wakes up?” I wondered. “It was only an apple.” Irina frowned at that. “He will rise when I wish him to. Is anyone offering to go retrieve her? Because I am more than capable.” I nodded my head at James. “The witch,” I began. The look on James’ face irritated me. Given the circumstances, I let it ride. “Gemma,” I corrected. “Go get her and bring
~Gemma~ Why me? Just why? I rolled over, spitting out hair stuck to my mouth. My whole body hurt, like I’d been beaten with a baseball bat. Fuck! I untangled from the bedding. Yeah. Still clothed. Thank goddess. It was ten in the morning. Great! My food hunger still raged. At least the other was nowhere to be found. The day looked bright so far. Before knocking on Rina’s door, I heard feminine moans followed by a giggle. Jeez! I called out. “Um. I hope you guys realize this room is so not sound proof! My imagination is wildly out-of-control now. Thanks for that!” Driven by desperation, I made my way back to the kitchen. Surprise, surprise. Today’s search came back fruitless. Almost. I played with the apple in my hand, debating on eating it. On one hand, it was stupid. People were starving in the world while I agonized over my lack of options. I sat in the same chair I had occupied only hours earlier. I pinpointed the exact moment when my solitude had been breached. “Well, what
~Gemma~ The next night, I received a phone call from an unknown number. “Hello?” “Gems? Thank fuck! Are you okay?” Dev spoke quietly. WTF? I tried multiple times to contact him via mindlink to no avail for the past day. His phone number had been changed. And now he decides to call? When I’m an emotional fucking wreck? Avoiding the goddess' hungers wore me down, physically and emotionally. “Gems?” Shit! I answered. How could I not? “How’s Tyson doing? And Sam?” “Ty’s fine. Sammie is a fucking trooper. I’m convinced they only survived because of the enhanced strength the goddess bestowed upon them.” He hesitated. “Listen…” “Dev, I can’t. I need space to breathe. Let my anger simmer and then maybe I’ll be in the mood to listen.” I hissed at him. “The thing you saw with that she-wolf, it was a mistake I immediately regretted. It didn't get very far.” He went silent for a few moments. I could still hear his breathing over the line. I kept my mouth shut. Otherwise I might cause
~Gemma~ The day was a win so far. The sun glared down on us, warming the water. We met a few pack members. Everyone seemed nice and welcoming. Well, this one she-wolf gave me the stank eye. What could you expect? Rina snagged one fo their most eligible bachelors. Alpha Zander spent more time with me that was necessary. When Little Zander was carted away to take a nap, I joined Rina and her mate in the hot tub. She dangled her feet in the hot water, a towel wrapped around her shoulders. I scooted over, sitting on the opposite side to face them. “This is cozy. With all his money, the alpha couldn’t spring for a bigger hot tub?” What was that all about? When my foot accidentally touched his, I drew my legs up on the seat with me. “Sorry. Not being rude. But there is no freaking way I want any of your spillage.” I apologized. Rina giggled. “Will you help me unpack later?” I glared at her. “We packed most of that crap! I am aware how much is stuffed in those bags and suitcases.” “I
~Gemma~ I stared at Alpha Zander, disoriented for a moment. “Um.” I faltered. “So you’re a blank, right? Maybe tomorrow we can ask Rina to verify. Otherwise, good for you.” He watched me in silence for a moment. “Care for another drink?” “I think I’ve had enough.” I pushed my chair back and stood. “Will you think about what I said?” He stood with me. “About what?” “Joining the Moon Tide Pack and remaining with Irina.” I rolled my eyes. “No pack has two witches. That’s greedy, alpha.” He sighed, irritation riding his voice. “Avoiding the question. Again.” I lifted one shoulder. “It’s a personality quirk. Irina and I together is a lot to handle, you brave, delusional soul. Yes, I will think about it.” “Whatever your current salary, we will double it.” “Wow. That’s a lot for a troublemaker.” His statement stunned me. “I assume you can also help out with pack matters and meetings.” “And Rina?” “As the mate to my beta, her place in the pack is secure. No games, no bullshit. S
~Gemma~ As soon as Rina laid eyes on me, she scowled. “It was meant to drain you of your powers, right?” I asked her. “How do you know?” “Because that’s how I feel! Fucking drained!” I whined. Irina rolled her eyes. “She’s hangry. When is dinner? This one often forgets to feed herself. Then, everyone around her pays the price.” “Hey!” I said. “Rude, but accurate.” “Call the goddess and have her restore your strength.” Rina suggested. I groaned! “Not that bitch! Haven’t I suffered enough?” “Gems!” “Fucking fine!” I summoned her. It must have been my lucky moment of the day. Her cool power swept through me, revitalizing me. She never came to the surface. I felt full, like I had plenty and still had excess left over. Out of curiosity, I touched Alpha Zander’s arm. A shocked expression covered his face. I held on for a count of three before running over and placing a a hand on Rina and her mate. She gasped, clutching at my hand. Beta Solar groaned, in a good way, not complain
~Gemma~ He convinced me all alphas were a chip off the same stupid block. “Are you for real right now? After everything that has gone down?” “Did you sleep with him?” Alpha Zander hissed at me. I rolled my eyes at the his dramatics. “Yes! I slept with him. I would think that fact was obvious.” I wore a black tee-shirt. Alpha Zander’s tee-shirt to be exact. The very one he ripped off his back and ordered me to wear after storming my room. I say my room loosely. The alpha owned it all. “Did you fuck him?” “Bingo! Now we’re getting somewhere.” I crossed my legs. “No, Alpha Zander. I did not fuck James. Not that I think it is any of your damn business.” Beta Solar entered the office. “Gemma, she is awake and asking for you.” I got up and left, making a swift exit from that troubling conversation. When Beta Solar noticed my outfit, I said, “Don’t ask.” My head nodded in the alpha’s direction. Irina sat up in bed. I rushed to her side. “Hi, love! Sorry I wasn’t here when you woke.
~Gemma~ Alpha Zander pushed through the crowds of his pack members. “Move!” He roared. People scattered upon his demand. Something in me snapped as I stared at the nightmare in front of me. Her injuries were extensive. Irina laid on the ground, bloody and broken. Her beautiful black hair sprawled around her, like a bride’s veil. She reached her hand up to me. I grabbed it, kneeling beside her. As her excruciating pain and sorrow rolled over me, I ripped it all away from her, bottling it up in the pits of my rapidly blackening soul. Beta Solar crouched down on her other side, his face a mask of torment. “It’s done, witch. We have them.” I closed my eyes, shuddering in relief even as I absorbed her pain. “I’m dying. We’re dying.” Rina’s voice sounded so very weak. "No spell I cast can fix this." A smile curved on my lips as I swept the remaining hair covering her face to the side. “Do you really think I’d ever let you abandon me in this shitshow? Quiet, while we heal you.” I patt