Sally returned his smile, although she was wary of the look in her Alpha's eyes.

"Alpha," Costin cleared his throat as he spoke. "I would like to go with Cynthia and Sally." He gave no reason for his request, just waited to see what Vasile's response would be.

Vasile looked over to Alina, who gave a nearly imperceptible nod.

"Don't meddle," she told him through their bond.

"Mina." His voice was a teasing reprimand. "You hurt me to say such things."

"Let fate take its course, Alpha. If he's requesting to be with her maybe his wolf knows something the rest of us don't. I don't know that Costin is completely aware of the possessive and protective behavior that he has been exhibiting. Grant his request, my love."

"You make me a better man, a better Alpha, Alina mine." Vasile caressed her face through their bond.

"Don't you forget it," she teased.

Vasile groaned aloud. "Bloody Americans rubbing off on my woman," he grumbled.

Alina winked at the confused-looking Sally and Jacque.

Vasile conceded, "Alright. Costin, you and Crina switch places. You may go with Sally." He heard his mate growl at him for adding that last little bit. After all, he didn't have to point out that Sally was the reason for Costin's request, but then sometimes deliberateness was the best course of action…especially for an Alpha.

Costin didn't respond to Vasile's jab, simply nodded and returned to his sentry position.

Vasile turned to Sally. "Her name is Perizada but she prefers Peri." He watched Sally's face and knew that her gypsy blood would intuitively understand the meaning behind the name.

Sally gasped. "Oh, they can’t be real?"

Vasile smiled again. "Werewolves exist, don’t they" he said in answer.

"Yeah, but that just seems normal now."

"Is who real?" Jacque puzzled, cocking her head and looking at her best friend.

"Perizada means fairy-born." Sally grinned at Jacque. "I'm going to meet a Fae."

“You mean with little wings and pixy dust?”  Asked Jacque.

“Something tells me that there won’t be any pixie dust,” responded Sally gleefully.

"Ah, man," Jacque whined. "She gets to meet the Fae and I have to go to a dungeon to talk to some old, reclusive werewolf scribe who's probably as worn and dusty as the records we'll have to sift through."

Sally looked at Vasile and then back to Jacque. "That about sums it up, Red." Her grin remained in place.

"That is so not cool, V. Not cool at all." Jacque glared at her father-in-law.

"Still with the V?" Vasile asked.

"Yeah, well, just because you're Alphadoesn’t mean you are exempt from nicknames. Although, I could call you A, but it would be too tempting to add the word hole behind it."

The room erupted in much needed laughter.

Sally fist bumped Jacque. "Score."

Vasile growled at the two girls, but softened it with a wink. "I suppose I prefer V."

Jacque gave him a nod. "Good choice."

"Thank you, Luna," Fane whispered in her mind.

"For what?"

"Bringing laughter. There will be little joy in the coming days and we must grab it when it comes. You gave us a gift." He was absently tracing the markings underneath her red curls.

"Thanks, wolf-man. But you're not out of the doghouse yet. Don't think your sweet words will sway me."

Fane chuckled. "I can think of several things that could sway you."

Fane sent her images to punctuate his words. Jacque gasped and slapped his chest.

"Fane, quit flirting with your mate. Pay attention," Vasile growled, though he was trying not to laugh.

Decebel watched from across the semi-circle. The easy way in which Fane and his mate interacted, the obvious love and affection they shared... I had that, he thought.

How could I forget having that? Did she tease me? Did I look at her in adoration as Fane does at Jacque?

Decebel's mind wandered. He puzzled through the idea that if he did indeed have a mate, he'd more than just forgotten her—her face, the color of her eyes or hair. He hadn't just forgotten the feel of her skin or the feel of her body against his. He had forgotten all that they had shared. He felt a sharp pain rip through his chest. Did I hold her? Kiss her? He closed his eyes, squeezing them tight, trying so hard to find something, anything that would confirm that she did exist. Jen, his mate. But nothing, there was nothing.

He growled as he felt his wolf stir. His wolf knew something he didn't. Maybe his wolf remembered her – or maybe he just remembered having her and now knew there was something lost. He looked across at Fane and made eye contact, a silent request to talk later. Fane nodded, his lips tightened in something that looked like sadness.

Vasile cleared his throat, bringing everyone back on task. "Alright, those are the plans. I chose you all because you have been through much already and triumphed. Make no mistake, this will not be easy. Dealing with a witch is dangerous, especially one that we know nothing about. Rely on each other's strength. Protect one another. Pay attention to any emotions or actions that seem out of character for yourself or another in your group. If you notice someone acting odd, it could be dark magic. You must fight it."

The group was quiet as they thought on Vasile's words. Then Sally broke the silence with a giggle.