It was as we neared the fringe of the rainforest that we noticed a figure lounging against a thick, vine-covered tree. Gina laughed cruelly on spotting us. Did anyone want their boyfriend’s ex to see them in a bad state? I didn’t.

“A fashion statement of some kind?” she asked.

“I still can’t quite believe it speaks,” I said to Alora, who chuckled.

The amusement vanished from Gina’s almond eyes. She was beautiful – there was no doubt about it. But she was cold, and that tainted it. At a guess, I’d estimate that she had been in her thirties when she was Turned. Being so much older than me and with so much more life-experience, she made me feel unworldly, young, and naïve in comparison – especially since she persisted to call me ‘child’ and used that condescending tone when talking to me.

I offered her a blank look. “Excuse us.”

“I see that you haven’t gotten past what happened at the meal. Really, child, you’re too sensitive.”

“Whatever, old woman.”

She almost snarled. Ooh, how fun. “I can’t see it. I can’t see what could possibly have drawn you and Salem together. You’re nothing alike. You have nothing at all in common. Salem’s always liked strong women. Not to mention that he’s a breast man.”

I adopted my airhead tone, knowing it drove her insane. “Yeah, but what I lack in breasts I make up for in pure awesomeness.”

She ground her teeth so hard it was audible. And hilarious. “You can’t honestly think it will last. Salem isn’t going to join you in Munchkin Land.”

“Sure he will. There’s a wizard nearby and everything.”

Ignoring that, she continued, “You have a lot to learn about men, child. Especially Salem, since –”

“Yeah, uh-huh, me too.” I waved a hand dismissively. “I have stuff to do, so…” I went to pass, but she planted herself in front of me.

“You really do think you can hold onto him, don’t you?” she sneered.

“And you really do think you can lure him away, don’t you?”

“Astonishing,” mused Alora. “Not to mention delusional.”

“I can have any man I want, including Salem,” Gina stated, adamant. “I can make even a Bound male into my very own puppet.”

Fletcher was right; she saw Salem as a possession. To this woman, men were toys for her to play with and control. She liked that she could manipulate, seduce, and control them; that she could have a level of power over them.

“I’d wager I could even have Jared under my thrall.”

Alora winced. “I’d advise you not to try it. If it worked – which I strongly doubt – Sam would kill you. And if it didn’t work…well, Sam would still kill you.”

I nodded. “Now, fascinating though this is, I have no intention of abandoning my schedule to give a shit about the petty crap that goes on in your head.” Again I went to pass Gina, but she moved to block my path.

“You’re not as blasé about this as you’re acting,” she insisted. “My presence here worries you. You know Salem will fall under my thrall, you know you could never forgive him for it, and you know part of the reason he’ll so easily fall under my control is that he wants it.”

Seriously, how could I not pity her? “Feel free to immerse yourself in that alternate reality if it makes you feel good about yourself. It would be cute if it wasn’t so pathetic.”

Ooh, that really pissed her off. She glowered as she advanced on me. “You little –”

A loud squawk split the air as a parrot came to land on the branch of a neighbouring tree. It bobbed its head as it squawked, “Gina’s a slut, Gina’s a slut, Gina’s a slut.”

I exchanged a knowing smile with Alora, who was looking suspiciously innocent. Sometimes I wished I had her gift.

Gina’s glower turned deadly, and I expected her to cover the tiny distance between us with one huge lunge. Instead, she froze. And I quickly understood why. Jude, Paige, Imani, Maya, and Cassie were coming up behind me and Alora – presenting a wall of defence. Gina snickered and backed away. Her expression said ‘we’ll speak again soon’. Then, in vampire speed, she was gone. Good fucking riddance.

(Salem)

Ava laughed and smiled at people all the time, it was part of her nature. And they always laughed and smiled with her – it was the effect she had on people. It was fine.

Unless it was Ryder.

Entering Sam and Jared’s office to find them laughing and joking like old friends, Ryder’s hand on her elbow, made something dark and dangerous slither beneath my skin. I clenched my fists and ground my teeth as I attempted to get a hold on the fury, bitterness, and a strange black emotion I didn’t recognise that began to curdle in my stomach. It was jealousy, I realised. Not something I was very familiar with.

Either Ava had sensed or scented my presence, because she turned with a welcoming smile. A slight crease formed between her brows as she took in my expression. Ryder instantly dropped his arm, recognising my possessive reaction.

Part of me wanted to storm over there, punch the ‘pretty’ little prick, and drag Ava out of the room. Evan and Alora, who were chatting in the corner, wouldn’t prove to be a hindrance. Only two things stopped me from doing exactly that: one, Ava had stepped away from Ryder; two, there was no guilt in her expression. This wasn’t the look of someone who had done anything wrong. She hadn’t been flirting. She was loyal and good, and she didn’t deserve my anger. It wasn’t her fault that I could be a possessive and jealous bastard when it came to her.

That didn’t mean I was going to leave her with the little fucker.

“Everything okay?” Ava asked, concerned, as I approached.

“Fine.” I grabbed her hand and tugged her to my side, glaring at Ryder…who annoyingly seemed to find the situation funny.

“Ryder said my mind is like sunshine.” She laughed.

Like sunshine? Was that supposed to be a pick-up line? Because if so, I might reconsider the whole punching thing.

“It’s a refreshing place to be,” elaborated Ryder. “Full of positivity and joy.” There was no awe or longing in his voice, so I’d allow him to live. For now.

Ava dug her heels when I moved to leave. “Wait! I need to check if Alora’s still game for movie night.”