Chapter 6

Cassia nervously played with the fob on her zipper. It had taken nearly forty-five minutes to get back to the Crescent City. She stared out the window, praying Samantha's spell still worked to cloak them from the hellhounds and whatever or whoever else was after them. The chill of death chased them…evil. She could feel it in her bones.

She glanced at Dominique who drove the Escalade like she was born to drive in the Grand Prix. The vampire exuded confidence, not missing a single sharp turn. Yet Cassia's instinct sensed the pain beneath the fa?ade and she suspected something far worse than a trip to Hell had fractured her soul. Unlike shifters, Dominique had once lived among humans, perhaps lost friends and family, leaving her with a deep sense of loss that vampiric magick could never replace.

Julian, who sat next to Dominque in the front seat, glanced back to her and winked. Butterflies flew in her stomach and she begged them to quell their antics. Now was not the time for feelings. Icky, inconvenient feelings that made her lose control. She bit her lip. Pain. That's it. Stop thinking about sex. Stop thinking about Julian. Oh Goddess. Focus. Cass.

Rafe, seated behind her, appeared indifferent to the danger they were about to face. Wearing headphones, he shook his leg in beat with his music.

She stole a glance at Greyson who sat next to her. He twirled a gold coin attached to a red and white string.

"It's a Martisor."

"It's pretty. What is it?"

"It's good luck from my home country." His smile faded. "I don't care for the fae. Always looking to trick people into debt. You be careful in there."

"We don't need luck." Julian swiveled his head to speak to them. "We all stick to the script. We're lookin' for Thorn. He's already had a run in from Rafe, so he still owes Hunter and Hunter's pack for his bad behavior. We all need to be careful with our words."

"We need him to tell us whatever he knows about the fires, the attacks," Greyson added. "Find out who is behind all this nonsense."

"The hellhounds too," Cassia added. "Who did this to them?"

"I want to know the person who lured you to that house and their connection to this," Julian told her. "Kellan may not know but we'll find out soon enough."

"She's chameleon. You're of royal blood. You're rare. Your mating is even rarer. A commodity if you will," Greyson mused. "Perhaps they needed a chameleon for a spell. Ilsbeth isn't the only bad actor who's in the market for supe parts."

"I'll tell you what. I've had enough of his bullshit. I'm going to kill Kellan myself if he doesn't cough up what we need," Rafe called from the back, his voice laced with anger.

"Not before we get what we need," Greyson warned. "I don't want you biting?—"

"It's right up here." Dominque pointed to a low-key corner dive bar. Neon signs illuminated the exterior. Big Richard's Honeypot. "Whoever named this is a real genius."

"Maybe it's just his name," Rafe suggested.

"Yeah, sure it is. And I'm the Queen of England." Dominique pulled the car into a parking space, skillfully navigating between a red, beater pick-up truck and a motorcycle. "All right boys and girls. You have arrived at your destination."

"Kade told me that sometimes this bar caters to transient vamps. Hopefully the damn fae will cooperate like a good little boy. I'd prefer to get in and out without fighting. I just got my nails done."

Cassia stifled nervous laughter as she swung open the door. Her pulse raced in anticipation as she planted her boots onto the pavement. The deafening sound of heavy metal music blared into the night.

As she stepped into the street, she caught sight of a mouse scurrying up an overflowing trash bin on the corner. "I hate mice."

"Keep your thoughts and secrets to yourself. Don't let him hear you. Try not to even think it," Julian reminded them.

"Okay." Cassia nodded.

"Stay close." Julian reached for her hand and headed into the bar. "Let's roll."

* * *

Cassia stifled a cough;the stench of cigarette smoke and body odor hung thick in the air. A flashing red sign that read ‘fuck or get fucked' hung over the bar. Hundreds of dead alligator heads lined the perimeter of the tin ceiling. Nicotine-stained bumper stickers covered the walls. A fake eight-foot alligator stood in the corner of the bar wearing Mardi Gras beads around its neck.

"Where's all the people?" Cassia whispered. The dive bar was empty save the bartender who wiped a beer mug with a dirt-stained towel.

"This way." Julian led the group deeper into the belly of the beast.

Shadows danced in the darkened corners of the building. Huge black speakers flanked a soulless stage.

Julian exchanged a look with Greyson who nodded and pointed to the exit. Bright orange lights flickered from inside the long bricked tunnel. Cassia sensed the evil in the air as they walked through the threshold, the distinct scent of sulfur lacing the air.

"Julian." The energy grew darker and her beast warned her not to go further. She put her hand onto Julian's thigh, stopping him from entering the courtyard. "Do you feel that?"

Dominique shrugged and flicked her fingernails. "This place is hot."

"Hellfire," Cassia whispered.

"It's gonna be okay," Logan told them. "Stay close."

"Demons." Dominique's expression remained impassive. "It's a good day for payback."

"In and out," Greyson warned.

As Julian led her through the tunnel, she caught sight of several roaches running up and down the walls. What the hell?

The earth crunched under her boot. An insect fell from the ceiling and landed on her shoulder and scampered down her arm. She jumped back and smacked the enormous brown creature off her wrist. "Jesus Christ. I hate roaches. This place is crawling with vermin. Fuck."

"We're almost there," Julian assured them.

"Fucking roaches. Fucking fae. Fucking demons." Rafe kept close behind Cassia.

"All right, lad. Keep your cool," Greyson reminded him.

As they stepped inside the courtyard, Cassia's pulse raced as she caught sight of two men fucking a woman suspended by ropes. A red-headed man sat on a black velvet wing back chair with a book in his hands. Smoke poured out of his mouth, a pipe clutched tight between his teeth.

"Kellan." Julian's face wore a loathsome expression.

"Knew you were comin' so put on a show. Rugged lads. That one there has a huge cock."

"Put your fuckin' clothes on before I give you a show," Greyson growled at the trio and glared at Kellan. "Stop bein' such a cunt."

"So many of you tonight. Am I that big of a threat?" Kellan pointed at the naked woman. "This is Sheila. She's a professional. She loves a good fucking but is great at head."

"Don't fuck with us, fae. Stop this now," Julian demanded.

Kellan held a book into the air. "The Great Gatsby. It has all my favorite sins. Lust. Gluttony. I do believe it's my favorite."

"We're here for business. Get rid of the side show," Julian demanded, exerting his power.

Dressed in a smoking jacket and pajama pants, Kellan blew out a breath, sending rings of smoke up into the air. He set the book down in his lap and with his pipe still between his teeth, he clapped his hands and they disappeared. His cold eyes settled on Rafe.

"The wonder boy wolf lives. Why is he here?"

"I'm here to finish off what you started in Wyoming. Hunter wouldn't let me kill you that day but oh …" Rafe looked side to side and then cocked his head. "Don't see him here."

"We need information about a vessel called Aroya," Julian told him.

"Are we making a deal, Alpha? Well then, welcome to my humble abode. Hmm…what shall the debt be?"

"There'll be no debt. You owe Hunter, therefore you owe me." Julian pinned him with a glare.

"No, no, no, no. That's not how this works," he spat, his voice laced with anger. "You pay. I give you info."

"Let me tell you how this is gonna go. I'm asking and you're giving me the information I need to know," Julian took a step towards him. "Do it and I won't send you straight back to the demons you're running from."

"Ah, what are you talking about? I go freely, I tell ya. It's the magick of the fae. We do as we please."

"I've heard you've been spending a lot of time here in New Orleans. Why's that? Perhaps it's the devil himself you owe?" Julian asked.

Kellan tossed the book into the stone firepit and jumped to his feet. "You know nothing!"

"Agree to my deal. You answer and I keep Rafe and Dominique from ripping you to shreds and feeding you to the hellhounds that have been chasing us."

"I command the hellhounds … who are you to come here and demand such things?"

"You must mistake me for someone who hasn't been to Hell. Would you like me to remind you of the powers of an ancient?"

"Liar. You don't have the power to kill me." Kellan kicked at the dirt and began to pace, continuing to smoke his pipe.

"That's not a bet you wanna take. You owe Hunter. You owe his wolves. Rafe is of his pack."

Kellan stopped in his tracks, a sinister smile on his face. "But not anymore, is he? He's vampire."

"I'm wolf you stank ass mother fucker." Rafe took a step toward him but was stopped from attacking as Greyson released a low warning growl. "You're fucking lucky the ancients are here. Saving your sorry ass."

"I have the respect. I'm useful," Kellan boasted with a cold smirk on his face.

"You're useful, all right. So is the shitter," Greyson told him.

"The wolf is mine," Julian claimed. "Hunter's blood is my blood. Your debt to him is a debt to me."

"This isn't at all fair."

"Do you agree to the terms?" Julian pressed.

"Arggggh. Fucking goddamned wolves. You mother fuckers come into my lair. Disturb my peace. Then you expect deals? No—" Kellan gave a dismissive wave and spat onto the dirt.

Julian nodded to Greyson who released Rafe. He lunged for the fae, knocking him onto his back. Rafe clutched at Kellan's throat until his eyes bulged. The fae flailed on the ground unable to shake free.

Cassia's heart pounded in her chest as Julian released her hand and approached Kellan. In her mind, the hellhounds howled to her beast. Her skin crawled in anticipation. They're coming.

"I've been to Hell. So has Greyson. Dominique. We survived stronger." Julian knelt down to the ground, coming within inches of Kellan's face. "You're a smart fae. Answer the questions and you get to live. Do you agree?"

Julian nodded at Rafe who eased up on his grip. Kellan sucked in a deep breath and coughed.

"Yes, yes…you fucking animals. Get him off of me."

Julian nodded and Rafe released his neck. Kellan scrambled to sit up and brushed the dirt from his clothes.

"Despicable beasts." He shoved to his feet.

Cassia steeled her nerves as the fae set his focus on her. Her fingers tingled with magick but she resisted the urge to shift.

"And who's this lovely creature?"

"She's mine," Julian growled.

Kellan sniffed into the air. "Ah, she smells of lilacs and coconut. Hmm and sex."

"Stay the fuck away from her." Julian moved in front of Cassia blocking his full view of her.

"She's not wolf, is she? Interesting."

"None of your business. What information do you have about the Aroya? The vessel. I'll know if you're lying, so don't even try it."

"Fine, fine," he groaned. "I don't know what it does. But I've heard of it. People talk, of course."

"Where is it?" Julian pressed.

Kellan's smile didn't reach his cold eyes. "Only a demon can tell you that. It created the vessel. Aroya may belong to a demon or a conjurer. Whatever's inside the vessel holds a secret of Hell."

"A secret of Hell?" Julian asked.

"Yeah, yeah." Kellan sat down on his throne and straightened his spine. "Secret of Hell. The old biblical brimstone and fire."

"These are human notions," Greyson mused. "It is merely a game of good and evil. Satan isn't interested in keeping secrets."

"What would you know, vampire?" An icy sneer broke across his face, his eyes burned with an odious glare.

"I've been around longer than you, asshole. You're not the only one here who's danced with the devil," Greyson shot back.

"Tell me about the humans in Idaho?" Julian asked. "The cult in the woods. Who are these people? What do they want?"

Kellan laughed. "Now that would cost you extra. But his soul," he looked to Rafe, "his is a soul I'd very much like to deliver to Satan himself. I'd surely fetch fifty talent for a beast such as you. A hybrid … very rare."

"I'm gonna kill him, Jules," Rafe growled. "Right fucking now."

Greyson clamped his hand onto his shoulder. "Keep back, son. This is Julian's fight. Don't allow the fae to bait you. His blood will poison you."

"No, no." Julian smiled. "I think we must have some fun with him."

Cassia gasped as the Alpha moved with preternatural speed. Julian wrapped a muscular hand around Kellan's throat and shoved him up against the brick wall.

"Who are the humans?" Julian demanded.

"Why should I tell you anything?"

The Alpha lifted him up into the air and slammed the fae against the wall once more.

"Fuck you!" Kellan grunted as he struggled to break free. With his eyes burning red hot, he dug a hand into his pants.

"What do the humans want with the chameleon? Who is in charge of this cult?"

Kellan spat at Julian, missing the Alpha's face. Caustic saliva burned a hole in his jacket, burning him. Julian instantly dropped Kellan, who rolled onto the ground and landed on his stomach. The Alpha pounced on the fae shoving his face into the dirt. "Who. Are. The. Humans?"

"I don't fucking know! Fucking wolf! Let me go!" Kellan flailed his arms, attempting to break free.

"I want the truth." Julian pressed his knee into his back.

"There are forces you cannot change."

"Who is it?"

"Talk to the demon. I'm as good as dead if I say anything." Kellan coughed, his black saliva dripped from the corner of his mouth.

"I'm gonna let the wolf have you. I'm giving you one last time to tell the truth." Julian stepped back, towering above the fae.

Kellan stumbled onto his hands and knees. He held a hand up into the air as he began to release maniacal laughter. "You think I'd let you come in here alone? You think I'm that stupid?"

Julian glanced at Greyson. Cassia scanned the courtyard, which had fallen into deafening silence. Julian, something's wrong.

Get back. It's a set up. "Grey, get Cass out of here."

No! I'm staying.Instinct warned her something extraordinary had been set into play.

"Fool me once, shame on me, as they say." Kellan tossed two blood orange stones onto the dirt and spat a stream of black fluid onto them.

Cassia's pulse raced as the stones began to multiply, growing larger and larger until they morphed into creatures over ten feet in height. Horns formed on the head of the winged demons. Silver talons grew from their fingertips, their skin encased in a scaly armor.

"Meet my personal demons, friends. The sons of the succubus! Beautiful beasts. But you're not friends, are you?" Kellan's eyes narrowed in on Julian. "Kill him first."

"Get her out!" the Alpha yelled to Greyson.

As the vampire flashed to Cassia, she transformed into the biggest animal her beast could conjure. Greyson jumped back as her mighty tusks formed. "What the fu?—"

Admittedly Cassia had never shifted to an elephant. But the power coursing through her veins sent the beast into a rage induced attack. My alpha. She reared up on her back legs and released a mighty roar. Her front legs stomped down onto the demon's foot, instantly smashing it into dust.

The Alpha's great wolf struck a second demon, tearing at its throat. A third demon attempted to pile on Julian, and Greyson attacked it from behind.

The Alpha snarled, and leapt upon the demon's lower torso. The enormous African elephant attacked, stomping and smashing the demon's horns and skull until it pulverized into dust. Julian rolled away from the demon, giving Cassia wide breadth to destroy it.

Rafe and Dominique fought the flying demons, but they appeared to be multiplying.

"A little help, mate." Greyson called to Julian. "We've got to cut this shit off at the source."

As Kellan attempted to flee into the firepit, Cassia wielded her mighty trunk, striking him and sending him flying against the brick wall. A demon attacked Greyson, sending him face first onto the ground. He swung his foot underneath it and it toppled onto him.

Rafe shifted to wolf and charged the demon. It wrapped a scaly arm around the wolf and drove its horn into his abdomen. Rafe released an ear-piercing howl, and Julian attacked, driving the demon to the dirt, separating him from his wolf. Rafe rolled away, transforming back to his human form and clutching his gut.

Now! The Alpha commanded Cassia who bellowed a trumpet-blast and charged the demon. In a rage, she raised her feet and slammed all of her weight down, smashing it. On the verge of losing control, she refocused her thoughts and scanned the room for more demons.

Julian ran to Kellan who struggled to stand, stunned by Cassia's attack. The Alpha stood transformed, looming over the fae.

"You cannot stop me. I will make more demons. You will all die for this. There will be no redemption. A great debt to be made." He eyed his firepit and ran.

"You're right. And you're going to pay your debt with your life." Julian looked to Cassia who charged the fae.

There was no outrunning the great elephant. Kellan had hurt Rafe, and Cassia would ensure the fae paid his debt … with his life. The fae tripped as he dove for the pit. Cassia stomped down onto his leg, pulverizing it. But as she reared her legs once more, Kellan eluded her as he grabbed onto the stones and hauled himself into the pit. With her trunk, she scooped up his mangled boot and tossed it into the fire.

* * *

"Julian,"Cassia cried as they materialized. She shivered, her naked body lying sprawled on the cold slate floor. As she opened her eyes and saw the Alpha, relief washed over her.

"Where are we? Are you okay? That thing … did it bite you?"

"I'm fine. We're in Greyson's place near New York City." His palm cupped her face, releasing his soothing power.

"What? But Logan … wait, where is Rafe? That thing gored him." Panic laced her voice. Her skin prickled with gooseflesh, the cold penetrating her down to her bones. "Dominique. Where is she?"

"Over here," the vampire called from the sofa. "Lovely of you to think of me."

Cassia grunted as she shoved up off the floor and took in her surroundings. With sandstone walls and windows sealed over with chrome metal shutters, the home reminded her of a castle. The light of the gas fireplace reflected off a collection of what she surmised were rare paintings.

"Well, that was an epic shit show." Dominique tossed Julian and Cassia a couple of throw blankets from the couch and rolled her eyes. "The wolf is upstairs with Greyson. You should go to him. He's not doing well. He was warned of the poison."

"Shit." Julian released an exasperated breath and wrapped a blanket around Cassia's shoulders.

"We've got to go." Dizziness rocked through her and she fell into Julian's arms.

Dominque lay back onto the enormous brown leather sofa and kicked her boots up onto the arm rest. She pointed a nail file at Julian. "You need to warn her."

Cassia's vision blurred and she struggled to focus. "What's happening?"

"It's going to be okay. Close your eyes."

"She needs food." Dominque resumed sawing the file across her nail. "You're gonna be all right, lovey. You just need a nice cup of tea and a cookie. Put her on the sofa. I'll take care of her."

"Rafe," Cassia whispered.

"I'm not gonna leave you," Julian told her.

Dominique set down her file and leapt to her feet. She clapped her hands. "Come on wolf. Don't be stubborn. Rafe needs seeing to. Let me take care of her." She cocked her head and shot Julian a look of annoyance. "Tick tock."

"How bad is it?" Julian brought Cassia to the sofa and settled her onto its cushions.

"Oh Goddess. I'm sorry." Cassia's teeth chattered as the chill ran through her.

Dominique blew out a deep breath and reached for more blankets. With great care, she laid them over Cassia and tucked them in around her neck. "I haven't seen him. Greyson won't let me in."

"I'll be okay, Julian. Please make sure Rafe's all right. You can come back and get me." Cassia moaned as the weight of another blanket sealed in the heat of her body.

Julian sighed and looked to Dominque. "Not one hair on her head."

"What?" She put her hand to her cocked hip.

"Don't touch her?—"

"That's gonna be hard given she needs some help. Girl doesn't shift into an elephant and snap back. She's no rubber band."

"Come get me if she worsens." Julian leaned down to Cassia and brushed his hand over her head. "You're sure you're okay, Cass?"

"I'm fine. I'm just … I'm not used to flashing places."

"It couldn't have to do with her turning herself into an elephant. Ignore the obvious." Dominique shrugged with a cool smile. "Just a guess. Call me crazy."

"Yeah, that's the first time I've ever shifted into one. I swear I'm fine, though. Go to Rafe. Make sure he's okay. Please. I'll be good. I just need a few minutes."

Julian pressed his lips to hers, nearly taking her breath away. "I'll be back in a bit. You were incredible."

His lips disappeared with his body, leaving Cassia yearning for her Alpha. What is wrong with me? "Goddess."

"I admit I've been called that more than once but I'm afraid it's just me," Dominque quipped as she rummaged through the wet bar cabinets.

"Surely you can feel him. His power."

"Darling, you clearly got your head knocked about. Sure he's attractive in a rugged hottie sort of way, but wolves aren't my thing. Ah. Here we go." She retrieved a teabag out of a copper jar and dangled it in the air. "I was right about the old man. He likes his human ways still. And of course it's his favorite tea. Yorkshire. Doesn't surprise me."

"Is that a bad thing? You were human." Cassia regretted her words the second they left her lips. Dominique's expression fell flat.

"I was weak is what I was. I failed to protect those that meant everything to me. That will never happen again. Not to my friends or my family." She turned her back and retrieved two mugs. "Tea, however, is an essential for the modern vampire. It's the only thing keeping this world remotely civilized."

"Some humans can be good. I believe everyone starts off that way." Cassia pushed up to sit on the sofa and tucked her feet under her bottom. "I've worked with humans. I think they're similar to us."

"Come now. You must be joking, They're so weak," she scoffed. "No, I went vampire and never looked back."

"Supes still have good and evil. You're good."

Dominique pointed a spoon at her. "Sometimes. But, like with humans, the temptation is always there. Sugar?"

"No, no. Just tea, thanks."

"I suppose the ancient isn't missing his human life that much. I can't find one damn cookie." She sighed, rummaging through his cabinets. "I should search his kitchen."

"No, I'm fine. Really. I was just dizzy because of the transport."

"Maybe I'm the one who needs a cookie. They do go well with tea." Dominique shot her a sly smile.

"Sorry—"

"Ah here. We've got some beef jerky sticks and chips. Not really my thing but eh, I do suppose I could use a pick me up. No … wait … here we go. Lemon wafers. Perfect."

"Greyson really has snacks in there?" Cassia laughed.

"Apparently. And we have successfully raided the ancient's secret stash. You'd think it was made of gold by the way he'd hidden it." Dominique reached for the tea kettle. Steam swirled into the air as she poured it.

"I can help."

"No my dear. And it's not because your mate will rip my head off if I don't keep you well." Her eyes lit with your amusement. "We wouldn't want that, would we?"

Dominique made quick work of setting out the snacks and tea onto the table.

Cassia reached for her tea but was promptly stopped by the vampire, who held up a hand.

"Ah, ah, ah. Don't you dare. Here you go, my mighty elephant."

"Thank you." Cassia smiled as she took the cup from the beautiful vampire.

"You're very welcome." She sat back into an oversized easy chair and cupped her tea. She took a great inhale and sighed. "Finally a moment of peace without the boys."

"Is Rafe hurt badly?" Worry twisted in her gut.

"Hmm … probably."

"Will they feed him?"

"Likely. He's vampire now. Hybrids are rare, though. There's not aways a one-size fits all solution when you suffer a from a demon injury."

"I've never seen anything like that before."

"The cambions? A half demon, truly. Succubus demon seed. They say they are borne of Orpiment. Arsenic sulfide is quite poisonous to paranormals and supernaturals. They're essentially dark magick. Not exactly living. But the poison in the horn will surely keep Rafe from shifting."

"But how will he feed?"

"They'll bring a donor."

"Here?"

"Greyson has discrete donors." She reached into the jar, selected and tore open a pack of lemon cookies. "Here."

"No, I'm okay."

"This isn't an option. You're chameleon not vampire. You need food. Besides. I don't want to eat alone."

Cassia reached for the cookie and took a bite. She washed the sweetness away with the black tea.

"Do you enjoy being chameleon?" Dominique inquired. "It seems quite chaotic to me. No offense, while I loved how you killed the cambion, it was terrifying. Absolutely brilliant."

"It's been a solitary existence so far, but Julian—" Cassia's heart tightened, his name on her lips.

"The Alpha." Dominique nodded. "The bond is too strong to resist. The mating is a compulsion."

"Vampires bond too."

"Not me. I've already been married so I don't count. I'm good."

"I don't think that's how it works," Cassia told her with a smile.

"Don't sass me with your nonsense. Of course I can't be mated."

"Liar." Cassia laughed. "What about Greyson? How do you know him?"

"Well, you can't get away from family, can you?" She took a bite of the cookie and swallowed. "I barely have tolerance for anyone really."

"I like you," Cassia confessed. Like Dominique, she hadn't forged strong connections with anyone, knowing eventually she'd be forced to leave.

"You're kind." Dominique smiled. "Truth is. I've had a bit of a setback the past couple of years. My brush with evil … let's say, I didn't bounce right back away. It took some time. They're all worried about me now. That's why I was with the wolves."

"Who's worried?"

"Kade, Sydney. Luca and Samantha too. I used to live with Kade. Spent a lot of time rehabbing, if you will, with Samantha. I just needed to get away. Sydney suggested I seek nature. But they wouldn't trust me on my own. And maybe they're right."

"You seem strong to me."

"I'm stronger, yes, but not quite up to par just yet. I'll admit the demons were too much today. Unexpected. That fae is as good as dead. He's a scourge on society. I was half tempted to jump through that firepit back to Hell. It's why Greyson flashed my ass back here."

Cassia sipped her tea in silence. She looked up to the ceiling, listening.

"Eavesdropping?" Dominique laughed.

"It's killing me not to know how he's doing. I think I might be ready to go upstairs." Cassia swung her feet off the sofa and sat up straight. The room swayed for a second but soon steadied. "Whoa. Okay. I'm good."

"Are you sure? Because that Alpha's going to kick my ass if you aren't. Why don't we have some more tea? The baby vamp will be fine."

Cassia laughed. "Rafe's far from a baby. I supposed he's younger compared to ancients."

Dominique shrugged. "I'm not saying he isn't hot … for a wolf."

"He's vampire too." Cassia raised an eyebrow.

"A girl can look. But alas, I'll never be with a wolf and a wolf will never be with me. Or a vampire. You know how it is." She sipped her tea.

"Julian and I … I never thought this could happen either."

"Oh do tell. I love girl talk. I've been learning, but Samantha won't share the good stuff. Of course I've heard her and her kinky vampire. Luca's always been sexually dominant. It's difficult to ignore the paddling."

"It's nothing. It's just that I haven't been with many men. Paranormal or otherwise. This thing with Julian. Oh Goddess." Cassia released a loud exhale and smiled, a warm sensation stirring in her stomach. "He's just so … so …"

"Sexy?"

"Yes. I mean … yes! But it's more than that. My beast … she craves him. I want to spend time with him. Be with him. I want him near me … in me … Jesus, I know I sound crazy. I'm crushing hard."

"You don't sound crazy. You sound like you've found your mate."

"It's almost not real."

"Maybe to you but you're not raised wolf. Now though, you'll help lead a pack. You're his mate."

"Have you ever been in love?" The foreign emotions that stirred within Cassia confused her, yet she couldn't resist the allure of the Alpha.

"A long time ago." Sadness shone in her eyes. "Maybe someday we can talk about it. But not today. Today … you must rally. Feeling better?"

Cassia nodded and stood, the blanket wrapped around her. "I want to go see Rafe. And Dom …"

"Yes?"

"I'm gonna need clothes again."

* * *

The stenchof illness and sulfur lingered in the air. Like oracles in contemplation, the Alpha and the Ancient stood somberly watching over Rafe.

Cassia's heart tightened in her chest as she caught sight of the wolf, lying injured in bed. Though she hadn't known Rafe very long, her connection to the wolf had weaved into a tight cord. Pack.

"What's wrong with him?" Cassia whispered to Julian. Her beast howled, the pain twisting through her.

Julian lifted his gaze to meet hers and held out his hand. Though the silence lingered, his touch reminded her she was his.

"It's the poison," Julian replied.

"He's not responding." Greyson sighed.

"He's alive, but he's unable to shift. He can't fully heal."

"He's had blood?" Dominique asked, her voice soft.

"The purest we could find." Greyson kept his eyes trained on Rafe. "I'm going to have to call Viktor. Maybe even?—"

"Don't say it." Julian shook his head. "It's not an option. She's not an option."

"Who?" Confusion swept through her.

"Ilsbeth." His voice was soft but not quite a whisper, as if the very mention of her name would conjure a maelstrom of trouble.

"May I?" Cassia glanced to Rafe who lay motionless in bed. The large gash in his chest had sealed over with boils.

Julian looked to Greyson and back to Cassia and nodded.

She gingerly sat on the bed and reached for Rafe's hand. Her warm fingers wrapped around his, his skin cold as ice. She closed her eyes and called on her beast. Where is the wolf?

Within the darkness of her mind, Cassia struggled to see Rafe. A wolf whined in the distance. Through the din of his cries and the chaos, she couldn't find him. He existed but only within the obscurity of his mind.

Cassia looked up to Julian. "He's there. I can't see him though. His wolf is injured."

Cassia startled as Rafe's fingers clutched hers and his fangs descended. Though alarmed, she didn't attempt to pull away. "He's here … he feels me."

"He needs to feed again." Greyson folded his arms across his chest and blew out a contemplative breath. "It doesn't make sense. He's nearly drained three donors already."

"It's the demons. He was already compromised from his first attack," Julian said. "He's fighting to survive."

"His wolf is in pain. I can hear it." Cassia stroked the pad of her thumb along the back of his hand, holding tight. "It's okay, Rafe. I'm here. We're all here."

"Then we need to get as many donors as we need to get him better." Julian grimaced in frustration. "We need something. A spell perhaps. Magick."

"We should get Samantha," Dominique suggested.

Cassia's eyes widened as a suave-looking vampire with his protruding fangs materialized in the room.

"Brother." Greyson nodded.

"What is going on? Tell me now," Viktor demanded.

"He's had a run in with the fae before, yeah?" Greyson reminded him.

"Fucking Kellan. Hunter should have let him kill the son of a bitch the last time we saw him." Viktor shook his head, his face tense with concern. "His fangs are out. He needs blood."

"He's already fed from three donors."

"The first time I saved him, he was so close to death. Ilsbeth?—"

"No. Magick is fine, but we aren't calling Ilsbeth. I'll go get Samantha," Julian said.

"He's a new vampire. He truly needs to stay the hell away from Hell." Viktor trained his eyes on Cassia, who still held Rafe's hand. "Who are you? More importantly, what are you? I can sense your magick … interesting vibe."

"I'm Cassia." She glanced to Julian and attempted to remain calm. The power of all three ancients threatened to overwhelm her. "I'm chameleon."

"Okay then, people. What are we waiting for?" Viktor clapped his hands together.

"What are you talking about now, brother?" Greyson wore an expression of annoyance.

"The chameleon is the answer, of course. Neither a wolf nor a vampire, she carries magick in her blood. One of you can supervise … make sure Rafe doesn't get carried away. Go on, feed him."

"Not fucking happening, Viktor." Julian took a step toward the vampire.

"Why not? The chameleon is already here. Get to it."

"The chameleon has a name. Cassia."

"And?" Viktor's eyes widened.

"She's my mate. There's no fucking way you're using her like that." Julian looked to Greyson who shrugged. "No. There's got to be another way."

"Well I suppose you could possibly ask Ilsbeth but she's not the most maternal type. You'll waste time trying to find her," Viktor advised.

"I'll do it," Cassia had no rational explanation for offering herself as a meal. She'd never in her life let a vampire feed from her.

"See, there you go. Problem solved. She agrees."

"No. No you won't," Julian insisted. "There has to be another way. Call the witch."

"But Julian, it's Rafe. He's pack," she insisted. The twines of their connection had already begun to tie them together. It wasn't logical … it was instinct.

"Cass." Julian knelt down and placed his hand over hers and Rafe's. "We aren't fully mated yet. I?—"

"You'll be here." She placed her palm on his cheek. "I'll be safe with you. Nothing will happen without you."

"But vampires … when they bite … you will feel it."

"Well of course I will, but?—"

"No, Cass. You'll feel it. I'm not talking about just his bite." He raised his eyebrows.

Her eyes widened and her cheeks flushed, realizing his meaning. "I'm not going to have sex with Rafe."

"Well, I'm sure it's not the worst thing. He's quite blessed." Greyson raised an eyebrow at the Alpha.

"It's not that I haven't shared women, Cass. But this isn't the way. You're my mate but we've not fully mated. You need to be real sure of this. Like ready to mate sure. Because if this happens, my wolf … you'll be mine … forever."

Cassia's heart pounded in her chest. She closed her eyes and listened once again for Rafe, but this time, she was met with silence. There was no other choice. He was dying. His wolf was dying. It would kill him if he could no longer shift.

"I understand the risk, but I've got to save him. You're here. I trust you. Nothing will happen between me and Rafe without your consent." She bit her lip, and looked down to both Rafe and Julian's fingers intertwined with her own. "Rafe isn't just any wolf … he's our pack. Our wolf. We've got to save his wolf."

"Cassia." Julian cupped her face with his hand and looked into her eyes. "The second he's better, I'm getting you out of here."

Her chest burst with emotion. The attraction bordered on obsession. Her beast would have her Alpha. Mine.

"We need to work fast. I can't hear his wolf. If he wakes up a full vampire?—"

"It'd kill him to not be a wolf." Julian glanced at the bed. "Okay, let's hurry."

Viktor glanced to his watch and tapped at it without looking up at them. "I have to get ready for the opera. La Traviata. Waverly is waiting. Ah … she's a fiery one, I tell ya." The vampire glanced at Greyson one last time before disappearing.

Cassia settled next to Rafe, the warmth of Julian behind her calming her nerves. Curled on her side, she ran her palm along Rafe's chest. His heartbeat echoed in her mind but she still didn't sense his beast.

The room fell silent as she whispered in Rafe's ear. "It's me, Cass. I know you're in there. You're really sick right now. You need to feed from me. My magick … Viktor said it can heal you."

Rafe lay unmoving and didn't so much as twitch.

"We're going to be family soon. Pack. I need you to listen to me. You need to feed. Do you hear me?" Rafe. Rafe, her beast called in her mind. She steeled her nerves as she looked up at his sharp fangs.

"I'm right here, sweetheart," Julian told her.

"Rafe. We need you to feed." Cassia held her wrist to his lips but he made no move to bite her. "He's not listening. His wolf is too quiet."

"Let me try." Julian removed his hand from Cassia's waist and placed it on Rafe's bare chest. "This is your Alpha, Rafe. You need to feed … take Cassia's blood."

Cassia gasped as Rafe clutched her wrist. "He hears you."

"I command you, Rafe. You will submit. You will feed. Feed now!"

"Ah …" Cassia sucked a breath, the sting of his bite slicing into her skin. The pain was soon replaced by an unfamiliar sensation…pleasure twisted through her body. "Yes …"

"That's it, wolf. Drink the magick of the chameleon. My mate will heal you."

"Julian." Desire threaded through her body as Rafe drained her blood.

"Ah, that's it, just a little bit more," the Alpha told her.

"Goddess … Julian, I—" As if no one was watching, she moaned, a sexual fantasy swirled in her mind.

Julian's hardened cock pressed against her bottom, his fingers grazing over her breast. Her lips brushed Rafe's chest as Julian's hand moved between her legs.

"Please …" The ache between her legs throbbed, her hips tilted against Rafe's thigh as she sought relief. "Julian …"

Rafe's eyes flew open and he released her wrist, sucking an audible breath.

Cassia's reeled with sexual hunger, her eyes locked on Rafe's as they both realized what had happened in the moment. His wolf had returned, yet she couldn't control her own body, arousal still twisting through her.

"Julian," she pleaded. My Alpha.

Cassia gasped as she and Julian materialized into a darkened bedroom. Julian loomed above her, his wolf wild with lust.

With no words spoken, the Alpha claimed her. Spreading her legs open, his mouth descended on her pussy. Cassia cried out as his tongue worked its magic, flicking through her wet folds. As he penetrated her core with a thick finger, she cried out, her body edged the precipice of orgasm.

"You're mine," he asserted, his words muffled as he devoured her, flicking the tip of his tongue over her swollen bead with relentless abandon.

Though she attempted to resist, to hold out just one second longer, her orgasm rolled over her. She trembled, the ripples of ecstasy flowing through her body.

"My Alpha," she panted as he granted her a temporary reprieve from his wicked tongue.

Her heart pounded in her chest like a drum as she watched him tear off his clothes. Wild, her ravenous mate stared down at her and slid his hands under her bottom, tugging her toward him. He stroked his thick cock and tapped it against her mound.

"Forever mine, Cassia Luna. My mate." Julian grunted as he lifted her legs over his shoulders and slammed inside her tight channel.

"Ah, Goddess, yes." Her beast howled in celebration, her canines descended, in anticipation of claiming her mate.

Cassia clutched at the sheets, accepting each hard stroke as he fucked her. Without warning his mouth found her breast and she cried out with pleasure as he took her taut tip into her mouth. Her fingers tunneled into his hair, her body electric with pleasure as he made love to her.

He peppered kisses along her chest and neck until his lips captured hers. Her beast demanded more, to mark him would never be enough. She'd initiate the mating. Julian was her mate and no other would have him.

Desperate for him, she cried out into their kiss, "Julian! Yes, fuck, yes!"

Her hips tilted against his pelvis, seeking relief from the aching. As his fingers once again found her clit, she moaned, her fingers curling into the sheets.

Without giving him warning, she tore her mouth from his. As her orgasm ripped through her, she bit down on his shoulder. Lost in his magick, she drank of his blood, her beast howling in victory, finally claiming her mate. The connection between them would be forever sealed.

"Ah fuck," Julian grunted.

Cassia gasped as he flipped her onto her stomach, immediately filling her with his rock-hard cock. The sound of flesh meeting flesh resounded in the room. She pushed onto all fours, presenting her ass, urging him to go deeper.

"All of you, meu amor," he grunted with each hard thrust.

Cassis sucked a breath as he coated his fingers in her juices and circled the pad of his thumb over her anus.

"This…this will be mine too…all of you," he growled.

"Oh Goddess…" As his thumb stretched into her back hole, she continued to push back onto his cock. He'd take every inch of her body and soul and she'd happily submit to him. Full with his cock, her climax teetered once again.

"My beautiful mate … come for me," he commanded.

With one firm thrust after another he fucked her hard. She gasped as he wrapped his arm around her, cupping her breast, pulling her upward toward him until his lips brushed her shoulders.

"Mine," he grunted as his teeth sunk into the soft flesh of her shoulder, drinking her essence as he came deep inside his mate.

Cassia cried out in pleasure, trembling in orgasm. Her psyche meshed with his, the mating completed. Their beasts met in their minds, becoming one with each other. She lost sense of time and space, their bodies and spirits running together. No longer alone, the chameleon submitted to her mate.

My Alpha.

* * *

Cassia snuggledagainst Julian's chest, her mind racing. The mating had been completed. After a lifetime of running, thinking she'd be alone forever, she'd found her Alpha, her mate.

"We should get you something to eat." Julian pressed his lips to the top of her head, pulling her from her contemplation.

"I really just want to lie here with you. What we just did … oh Goddess. I can't believe you're my mate. I'm so … I'm just?—"

"Are you gonna show me your wolf some day?"

She smiled. "Someday."

"That elephant though?" Julian laughed. "You surely kicked some ass back there."

"I can't believe it worked. I kept trying to think of what might be able to take those thing out. They were … terrifying." Cassia's mind drifted to what lay next. The demon.

"We'll find him. One step at a time."

"We're really connected. It's crazy. I'm happy but it's wild. Do you really think someone knew about us before we did … that we would mate?"

"Possibly. The question is, what would a bunch of humans want with you? And where or who are they drawing their power from?"

"Someone did that to the hellhounds."

"They weaponized them. What most people don't know is that there are many factions in Hell. But we're going to find out who did this and stop them."

"How well do you know the half demon?" she asked.

"Thorn? Yeah. He's, eh, he's not all bad but he's still a demon. I'm not sure exactly how he came to be but one thing I do know about him is that he enjoys earthly pleasure … more than your average demon."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, I mean, I don't know what his other half is but he enjoys the human realm. One of my concerns is that he's been with Ilsbeth. Which isn't surprising. He's a collector and connoisseur of supernaturals. She's a witch and also collects for different reasons. Like most witches, she's seeking rare ingredients for spellwork. Thorn, on the other hand, collects creatures so he can invite them to events."

"Do you think he's a danger to us?"

"Well, he is a demon, but I don't think it's him per se that is of concern. It's those around him. I'll be able to gauge where he's at when we see him."

"Jules, do you think Rafe will be okay?" Cassia's thoughts turned back to Rafe. Her cheeks flushed recalling how she'd responded to his bite. "We just left him there. I feel bad."

"You healed him. I sensed his wolf. But I couldn't stay there." Julian pulled her tighter and held her close. "My wolf … seeing you with him. There are many things I can control, but the feral nature of our mating … I had to have you."

"We are driven by instinct," she agreed. The warmth of his body radiated over Cassia. His power, his love

"The feeding of a vampire. It's intimate," he commented.

"I've never been bitten by a vampire before … tonight … it was …" Cassia had been tempted. Though she hadn't been attracted to Rafe, in the moment, her libido would have tipped her into being with both men. She'd known the way of the wolves. While loyal to their mates, they often shared when it suited them.

"It's okay, Cass. I know what it feels like. The vampire bite is very seductive. I've been there?—"

"You've been bitten?" Cassia kept her voice quiet in an attempt to conceal her jealousy.

"I'm old, sweetheart. Life is an adventure."

"I suppose." She slammed down her shields. The thought of him with another woman stabbed at her gut. Of course he's been with other women, Cass. Calm down. You just met him.

"I know that when Rafe bit you … you felt it. It's a natural response. You thought of being with both of us, right?"

"What? No. Never," she lied, her voice raised in shock that he'd asked.

"We're shifters. The draw of the vampire … it's compelling. Not to mention Rafe is pack which makes it even more appealing in the moment. It happens."

Cassia shoved upward onto her elbow. "I need you to know, Julian. I'm not a wolf. I'm not …" she stumbled over her words, "If you want to see other people, I guess, I don't know. The beast inside me … I can't. If you need to see others?—"

"Meu amor," his tone serious, "Whatever goes on between us will always be consensual. If and only if we ever decide to explore things, it will be our decision … together. I will never run around on you. I am loyal … especially to my mate."

Cassia fell back into bed and rolled on her side. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. I'm losing it.

Julian faced her and cupped her cheek. "My wolf … he knows you're mine. Only you."

Guilt racked through Cassia. "What happened with Rafe tonight. It was … I can't explain … it felt good though."

"I'll admit I didn't want you to feed him, but that's only because I was worried he couldn't control his thirst. But seeing you, the three of us together like that, your reaction?—"

"My body was on fire. It's not just the vampire bite, though. I feel like I've known him. And with you … I feel like I've always known you."

"We're pack. We don't have to understand everything. We just need to survive. You saved Rafe tonight. Whatever you were feeling, it's okay."

Cassia lowered her gaze. The confession fell from her lips. "Tonight. When Rafe bit me. And you touched me. I wanted to be with both of you. Don't misunderstand me. I don't think of Rafe like that but in the moment … Jesus, I don't know. I'm sorry. I felt so out of control."

"You're shifter, Cass. And Rafe's vampire. Had he bitten me, I'd have to fight the response too. We both feel connected to him. We're pack. Maybe one day we'll explore that more, but today we all should just take it easy. We don't need to think about it too much. You saved him and that's all that's important. You did that."

Cassia rested her head upon Julian's chest, and settled into his embrace. She'd sought and been granted validation. A myriad of conflicting thoughts swirled inside her but it was her heart that constricted with a foreign emotion she'd never experienced in her life. Love?

Cassia looked up into Julian's deep brown eyes. They swirled with desire, and her beast howled to be released once again. Her Alpha captivated her like no other man. With Julian, her mate, she and her beast were now secure in their connection. With their mating fully complete, her life was forever changed.