A red sky casts a dark shadow over the land and the cliff where I stand. Hot wind blows my hair, causing it to whip around me harshly. Below me are waves that crash against pointy and jagged rocks. Here, I feel no fear, I don't see my doom if I were to fall.

"Witchy," someone mutters behind me. "You must be a witch because there's no way a human would be able to do this."

The voice carries malice and disturbance inside of it. Hate oozes from this being and it nearly chokes me. Evilness is all I can see while gazing into her red eyes. If this is the vampiric version of going rogue, this is what it would look like.

Ameri walks towards me, somehow being able to even on the rough rocks in her heels. Curling her lip, she hisses at me. Perhaps this would be comical if her look wasn't so deadly. Instead, it's intimidating in a way, yet I know she wouldn't be able to harm me. Not if I can just force myself to wake up.

"I'm no witch." I shake my head, furrowing my eyebrows. Like we're having a real conversation, I want to tell her that I don't know what I am.

"Hmm, you must be if you've managed to bewitch my sister." Ameri smirks, crossing her arms. Her smile doesn't make me feel any better. It only manages to tense me up more. This isn't the first time someone has said some variation of that to me.

"She's my mate," I mutter. "I didn't bewitch anybody. In fact, I recall being locked in a dungeon for a long time."

"Yet you didn't die."

"Why are you here, Ameri?" I want to ask her why she's not surprised to see me and why she's being so civil. While I'd be able to wake up, she could still try something now. Instead, she stands there, having a conversation with me.

The female raises an eyebrow and slowly shakes her head, tutting at me. "I'm the one who should be asking that, witch. You called me here, not the other way around. I've seen a lot of things in my lifetime, but never a witch who calls to her enemies in her sleep."

Pursing my lips, I look away from her and towards the dark forest to the side of us. I don't want her words to be true, but the past few times I've done this, it was because I thought hard about where I wanted to be. There's a chance I manifested my thoughts all the way to Ameri wherever the hell she is.

"I suppose you want to call some type of truce? It'll be very big of you. Dogs usually like to bite and deal with the consequences after. Witches are much the same, the finicky little things." She walks closer to me, swaying her hips in exaggerated motions. "Always ready to cast a spell but never ready to confront us face to face. Is that how you're feeling, dog? Witch."

She doesn't understand that her words don't hurt me. Calling me a dog does nothing, because for a long time now, I haven't seen myself as a wolf. And I've never once claimed to be a witch, even now. Looking at Ameri, I no longer see a killer vampire queen who's ready to attack. Now, I only see a vampire who's hurt at being betrayed by her sister.

"It's okay," she quickly states, but her voice cracks ever so slightly. "Your end will come soon. I guarantee you that."

Turning on her stilettos, Ameri walks away from the cliff and from me. Despite her having the last word, it doesn't feel like she's actually had it. The air is rather calm instead of a tense haze of doom and doubt. Her words don't make me feel like I'll die by the end of the week. Perhaps it's a newfound confidence after sealing my bond with my mates. It could also be that Ameri is nothing but a child throwing a tantrum.

Whatever it is, I won't let that woman cause me any more problems. Not anymore.

***

Waking up is like watching smooth, velvety chocolate being poured. It's blissful.

That's how I feel with two sets of lips kissing me away. The fluttering of eye lashes tickles my skin and makes me feel like I'm in some type of honeymoon phase. Light shines through the uncovered window, brightening the room in a beautiful and natural glow. From the open aperture, it's slightly chilly, causing my nipples to harden and goosebumps to line my arms.

"It's early," I note in a raspy voice. Clearing my throat, I stare at the two culprits of my calm wake up call. "What's going on?"

"Pack meeting," Alexei answers, planting a kiss on my neck. "Rory and I were discussing a few things and we felt it may be best to explain to your members what's happening."

Raising an eyebrow, I glance between them with a surprised smile. Granted being, they had been controlled by Cytherea before, but it's still a bit odd to see my mates getting along. They seem like they're perfectly cordial and I can't decide how to feel about that. On one hand, I would love for them to bond as mates do and mark each other. On the other, I'm happy they're at least comfortable. Things haven't always been this easy.

"That's an amazing idea." Stretching, the cover slips from my body, revealing my bare chest to them. "I think it's worth the time to calm everyone and explain everything. Why we left, why we came back, and what will happen now."

Rory nods his head before laying down next to me. "Yes, and maybe also mention the vampire that's currently after us too. Though I feel that won't hold over well."

"It'll just filter out those who are loyal and those who aren't." Alexei shrugs. I watch her as she moves off the bed and stands to her feet. Taking in her delectable body, I won't be surprised if a trail of drool starts dripping down my chin.

"You'll get flies." Rory laughs before he taps my chin. "Yes, Alexei is gorgeous, doll, but damn. You froze for a good minute."

"Rory," I mutter, my cheeks lighting up. Removing my gaze from the woman before me, I instead turn to face my other mate. "Don't call me out."

Alexei's rich laughter fills the air, the sound womanly and somehow mature. Her smile is infectious as it lights up her whole face, making her appear more open and calm. Looking at her now, I don't think I've ever noticed the tiny beauty mark that sits under her left eye. With a glowing gaze, I fall in love with my mate even more.

Maybe we aren't traditional because we still barely know each other or we haven't been on dates. That'll change, hopefully soon. When we no longer have Ameri or even Cytherea to worry about, I'll take my mates out and give them a first date I've always dreamed of. A first date they've always dreamed of.

"Let's shower," I suggest, smiling softly as I glance between the two of them.

On our way to the bathroom, I let my dream slip from my mind. Instead of worrying and having that reflect in my thoughts or on my face, I forget the exchange I had with Ameri. Rather, I focus on the love that flows between the three of us. Even in the tiny bathroom we're squeezing into, our happiness is palpable.

When we finish our shower, we spill out of the bathroom with towels wrapped around us. For now, Alexei will have to wear Rory's clothes until we can go out to get her things. Naturally, mine don't fit her, but she doesn't seem to care that she's stuck with his style of striped t-shirts and sweats or joggers.

"Do you think the talk will go over well?" I ask, pulling on a simple v-neck shirt. "Or do you think they'll be upset? Especially with the Ameri situation. They all may think they'll be targeted because of us and that's a logical fear to have."

"We'll just calmly explain the situation and if they get upset, it will be for good reason. But it's what they choose to do with that fear and anger that really matters. It's never bad to give people their space, not at all. The only problem is if anyone tries to retaliate," Alexei voices from behind me. As I turn to look at her, she pulls on a pair of Rory's crazy joggers that grip her ankles tightly.

"And if someone retaliates?" Rory asks next, coming up behind me. He's already dressed and ready to go.

"We treat them fairly and promptly. A punishment will be dished out for their insolence. Yes, the situation sucks, but that doesn't equate to further trying to destroy us." Alexei shrugs. "Now, let's go and get this over with."