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Ember shook her head, confirming what we all knew. “I never got a text.”
“I figured. As soon as we got to the cottage, I recognized it from the vision from the Ancient One. Morgan’s working with Samara, and she brought me to that cottage to poison me. When I refused to drink it, she attacked me, and after that… all hell broke loose, and we were basically fighting to the death.”
Griffin stood from the bed and paced about the room in silence.
“I told you she was bad news,” Ember said. “Her aura was clouded with darkness.”
“Probably black magic,” Emily muttered. She went on to describe the darkness that surrounded Morgan, the black mist that seeped from her body, and her black eyes. Her hand absently went to her throat as she told us about the black mist choking her.
My hands balled into fists at my side, and I had to stretch my fingers to keep from pounding into the pillow, imagining it was Morgan’s face.
Emily yawned, stretching her arms above her head. “Can we talk about this later? I’m too tired to think straight.”
“Yes, of course,” Griffin answered, taking a seat on the other side of Emily.
I scoffed, shaking my head at his pathetic attempt to sleep in her bed. “You’re not sleeping there. If anyone is sleeping in that bed, it will be me.”
“Excuse me?” Emily rose from the bed slowly and placed her hands on her hips.
I raised my hands in defense. “That’s not what I meant. I should sleep with you to protect you.”
Ember cocked an eyebrow, unsure where I was headed with the conversation. Meanwhile, Griffin’s smug expression mocked me from behind Emily.
“I don’t mean sleep with you. I meant you should get some sleep, without someone trying to put moves on you.” I sent a scolding look toward Griffin. “I will stay up and make sure you’re protected.”
“And you think I’d keep her awake to what, put moves on her?” Griffin quoted with his fingers. “I think I’m capable of keeping my animalistic instincts to a minimum, thank you.”
I narrowed my eyes, already over his antics. Between the change, my mate nearly dying, Morgan working with Samara and escaping, the last thing I wanted to do was deal with Griffin. I opened my mouth to speak, but Emily cut me off.
“Look guys, I appreciate your concern, but neither of you are sleeping in my bed. I’m too tired to listen to you argue, so Ember’s sharing my bed. You two sleep over there.” Emily pointed to where I was sitting.
Griffin shrugged and hopped onto the bed beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “Guess we’re bunk mates, then.”
I slithered out of his arm and grabbed my phone, heading toward the door. “I’m going to call Sam and tell him to bring some of the pack. We can track Morgan and get some answers as to what the hell is going on.”
My eyes scanned the room—from Griffin’s nod to Emily’s outstretched arms as she yawned, overcome with sleep. “You guys get some rest. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“Cassian, wait,” Griffin said, his tone urgent as he hopped off the bed.
I turned back abruptly, my eyebrows creased in concern. “Yes?”
He dug through his pockets and handed me a dollar. “If you see a vending machine, will you get me a snack? My stomach’s been growling for over an hour.” He winked, and I snatched the dollar from his hand, rolling my eyes.
After I called Sam and explained the situation, I returned to the room to find everyone asleep. I must admit, it was a moment of peace I hadn’t realized I’d been craving. Among the silence of the roadside motel, I found myself drifting off on the bed that I’d—reluctantly—climbed into next to Griffin.
* * *
Cassian
My eyes peeled open as I felt the warmth of a body against my back, curled around me. I smiled, turning to face what I thought was my mate, until I remembered where I was and who I was with.
“Gah!” I shouted, louder than intended.
Griffin came to, yawning and rubbing his eyes. “Well, good afternoon, sunshine.” His sarcasm plucked at my nerves like the string on a banjo.
“Look, I know I said I was okay with sharing Emily’s affections, but that doesn’t mean we need to cuddle,” I said with annoyance.
Griffin frowned, sitting up to cross his arms. “Well, if you didn’t hog the pillows, then maybe I’d have something to hold onto.” He grabbed the pillow, jerking it out from beneath me, my head hitting the headboard.
