~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
~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~ 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
~Gemma~ I doodled on the mostly blank sheet of paper. A sunflower here, a brilliant sun there. Oh! I needed more milk. M-I-L-K. I jotted the word down. Cripes! How long was this meeting going to drag on anyway? I had things to do, important things. My stomach rumbled, accusing me of neglect. Yup. I forgot to feed myself before the never ending meeting. The horrible rumors were true. Coffee alone couldn’t sustain life. I took a deep breath. Surely, it wasn’t normal for a nearly nineteen year old girl to feel more like forty. “Gemma, are you taking notes?” Alpha Devlin’s voice rudely cut through my musings. When I ignored his question, he growled for my benefit. As Alpha of the Midnight Sky Pack, he did his best to act menacing. He suffered from the misconception that the little human, me, trembled at the sound of growling. And tremble I did, just not with fear. Girls, don’t kid yourself. A growling werewolf was freaking hot in the right situation. Not that I would confess such a thi
~Gemma~ I wasn’t overly alarmed. Shapeshifters had a flair for dramatics. “Sadie! No!” Alpha Camden yelled. She sprawled halfway across the conference table before he seized her around the waist. He bound her arms behind her back with one hand. She flopped around on the table with all the grace of a beached mermaid. “Stop! This is very unladylike!” I was embarrassed for her. She screamed at me like a rabid hyena. Not that I blamed her. I’d also be mortified by the lack of effort required to subdue me. I thought lunas were supposed to be hot shit. I shook my head. Luna Sadie broke free and grabbed a handful of my blouse. I yelped. So what if the luna with anger issues startled me? It happened to the best of us. My nails slashed across her face in reaction. Her shrieks swallowed the silence as her skin ripped in jagged tears. “Silver-infused nail polish, a human girl’s best friend.” I wiggled my nails as I reached for her again. Alpha Devlin wrapped his arms around me and hauled me
~Gemma~ “Well?” Alpha Devlin arched one eyebrow, impatient for my reveal. While all alphas were pushy and demanding, his affliction had to be on the extreme side. My eyes snapped open. “Well what?” “Goddess, please tell me there is something in me worth saving!” Alpha Camden groveled on his knees where he belonged. The Moon Goddess enjoyed the taste of his despair. Everyone thought the goddess must be a kind and loving entity. I knew better. In my experience, she was temperamental and egotistical as well as benevolent. In other words, the goddess’ personality was complicated. Go figure. “Not in you. In her.” I spoke in annoyance. “Sadie will carry the mate to Alpha Devlin’s son. Through our young, our packs will flourish.” The words flew out of my mouth uncensored. I blinked. Time slowed to a standstill as I witnessed glimpses into a future I did not want. I held a little boy of around three years old. He was more beautiful than I could ever imagine with a head full of dark curls
~Gemma~ Tyson patiently waited for my rant to conclude. “He is so arrogant. I mean, sure, he works under immense pressure every day. Stress doesn’t give anybody permission to be a dick. Am I right?” I hoped Tyson felt the weight of my displeasure. I deemed him guilty by association and let my wrath fall freely upon him. “I assume we are eventually going to address my issues.” He glanced at his watch with a serene expression. “You have blown twenty minutes talking about your problems.” “Somebody should to listen to my complaints and he is your brother!” “Turn the drama down a notch, love. Put away the claws.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Please accept the fact he will never allow you to escape his control.” “Claws out. Balls out.” My favorite expression lacked any conviction as I blinked away tears. “Why can’t he take a second to consider my wishes for once? The office is perfect, in the heart of downtown next to my favorite coffee
~Gemma~ “Yes. She will come home.” I squeezed Tyson’s shoulder. “Are you sure? Have you seen it?” I rubbed my eyes tiredly. “I do not need a vision to see the outcome.” “If I were waiting for you, would you come home?” He looked insecure as he waited for my reply. I wanted to comfort him. Underneath their rugged surface, most hardcore werewolves were mushy, sentimental fools. “No way!” I patted his cheek. “There are reasons I prefer cats. Dogs require too much upkeep, all the fur and slobber. Yuck.” Tyson scowled. “I hate cats. Why are you hanging out with lupines if felines are your thing?” “Good question. I wonder if the local panther pride needs a psychic.” I pretended to jot on my notepad. “I’ll check into it, maybe request a transfer.” Alpha Devlin grumbled from my desk. No. I did not find it amusing. How dare he steal my court and cast judgments on me from my throne? “Quiet, please! I cannot concentrate wi
~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