The Alpha's Human Mate

The Mountains

“Welcome my child” The white-haired lady in front of Gemma said “I am Serena, one of the guardians of the order. We have been waiting a long time for you”

Gemma nodded her head even as she buried it further into her duffle coat. Her hair wet had plastered to her head. When Serena turned to Carrie, Ben and Max to welcome them, Gemma felt a shiver run along her body and tried to look around even as they were being led inside of the cave. Gemma’s eyes widened as she took in the sight before her, stepping into the round wooden corridor.

“This is a small corridor which is the entry point for many beings. As you can see, there are different doors along the corridor on each side” Serena said, waving to six doors on each side “Each one allows a different species to enter here. This great call is like a portal that allows them to come here for meetings, ceremonies, gathering and council meetings. Each of these doors are used two folds”

“Two-folds?” Gemma asked in confusion

“Yes. for example, the doors are entry ways for them to come here. When that happens, the door is solid wood colour. They come here to the middle of the circle and check in with a fairy. The fairy’s job is to sign them into the building, guide them to where they want or need to go or guide them with various information. Some only come for guidance or information and leave, others are here for a meeting with the council or here to train. In that instance, what you will find is that they will be asked to go to their own dorm. That means that they walk back to the door they come out of, turn the handle in the opposite direction and press the button in the middle. The door colour changes to orange and the other side inside is now a big waiting room with vending machines, comfortable couches, a nice fire and even a few bedrooms. Each dorm has an elf, a fairy or one of their own species who is the caretaker and cleans or caters to them”

“Wow!” Ben exclaimed

“Indeed” Serena said with a smile “However if they are here for training then this is where they go” She said as she led them to an elevator. Once everyone was inside and the door closed, the elevator blew a warm breeze on them the group looked at each other in surprise. Suddenly Gemma felt dry and the warm air helped her body to stop shivering.

“The elevator can sense when a person is not in their best form and so looks to rectify it. You are all wet and cold, so it has dried you and is providing warm air to help you. If you were disheveled or hair askew it would fix it. Same with a cut or injury...to an extent”

Carrie smiled as she looked at the children who were giving each other shocked glances. Serena chuckled and stepped forward as the elevator stopped. As they all came out, they saw many people walking about, their chatter loud, their pace busy. Some were in human form while others were in their natural forms. Fairies, elves, vampires, wolves and even hybrids. They all walked around so casually.

“What if you had someone with you that wasn’t from our world? Ben asked as the group moved forward

“As soon as anyone enters our building, and it detects a human or being unaware of our world their eyes have been misted. Then, everything they see or touch, too others it is in their natural form, but to the misted, it is just the ordinary. Including those walking about. Including you, your highness”

“Me?” Gemma asked with a squeak

“Yes. it is not the right time to let the others know you are here. Everyone can feel a powerful being among them but they are not sure who it is. Also we have put a power dampener on you. It mean that your true power is not being imitated”

“Why?” Max asked

“Because if we told them you are here. They would want to meet you. We need to get to your chambers first” Serena said

“Each dorm has a security system in place where their own people or those they trust can enter without an invitation. So say you knew mr smith was a good person and no threat to you, they can walk into the dorm or appear in it. If mr gold was bad or had ill intent but from your pack the room would require that person to announce themselves. Anyone not fully trustworthy would need to not just announce themselves but their power would be taken away”

“What do you mean?” Max asked

“Well for example, a vampire couldn’t strike, a wolf couldn’t shift or a fae couldn’t do magic. That would be for both parties at the time of the unsure visitor. It’s to keep the peace and encourage trust among different species” Seren explained

They walked to the end of the corridor and could see another door at the end. Opening it with a wave of her hand Serena gestured for them to enter and the group walked in and gasped in surprise. Inside, the walls were made of white bricks and a golden chandelier hung from the middle of the ceiling. On one side of the room was an open fire place, surrounded by big comfortable couches and floor cushions. On the left side of the room were three rooms and a staircase. The white and caramel marble floor made the whole space wider and bigger and brightened up the room. Along one wall was a large table with some plates. Walking over there with her own accord, Gemma touched the table in reverence and sighed, wishing that she could have some fish finger sandwiches and a big plate of mac and cheese and garlic bread. Oh and a tall ice cold glass of Irn Bru. Suddenly everyone gasped as all the food that Gemma was thinking about appeared on the table, the heavenly smell of warm garlic bread wafting through the air

“Gemma! How did you do that?” Ben asked in wonder as he walked beside the table

“I...I just thought about the food and what I wanted to eat and it just….happened” Gemma replied as everyone started picking up plates and filling it with food.

“The dorm caters for what is needed. Refreshments, Comfort such as clothing or bedding or protection. There is a whole host of things the room will cater for if asked correctly and without evil intent” Serena explained

“That’s so cool” Ben said as he closed his eyes and thought about crispy chicken drumsticks and coleslaw.

Opening his eyes, seeing it appear in front of him in a large tray, Ben laughed as he and Max took some and enjoyed the sound of the crispy coating break as they took a bite. Gemma raised her eyebrows at their antics and smiled as did Serena.

“This dorm room Gemma, has been one that your family has been using for generations. Including your mother Lily along with Carrie” Serena answer

They all stopped what they were doing and looked at Carrie in open mouthed shock. Carrie smiled tenderly and walked to Gemma, stroking her black ponytail lovingly.

“After I discovered who your mum was, I came here with her. We stayed in this very dorm as we talked about boys, our mates and her life goal. While my initial training took place elsewhere, I had also come here when I was fifteen until I left on my sixteenth birthday. A lot happened that year that was required of me and I had to go back to the pack”

“I...I knew mum had been alive for many years. She must have had her training here” Gemma whispered.

“Yes love” Carrie said “She did”

“Eat. We shall speak after” Serena said as she encouraged the hungry guest.

Plates piled high with food, they walked to the long dining table that seemed to manifest out of thin air, near the fire. Looking at each other excitedly, Gemma, Max and Ben sat down and started to eat.

“This room will cater to what is needed. In this case, Gemma wanted to eat at a table so she could enjoy the meal with everyone. As this was a reasonable request, the dorm granted it”

“Does that count for everything? Like if I’m missing my mate then she would appear? Or say you want a boozy party?” Ben asked

Max got up and smacked the backside of Ben’s head when he saw the lascivious thought’s filter through his eyes. Carrie and Gemma grinned at their childish behaviour as the two friends fought over what would be classed as an appropriate request.

“Mate” Max said to Ben “I don’t need to hear about you requesting my sister so you two can get it on!”

“Oh!, so it’s ok for you to get frisky with my sister but when it’s yours, it’s not acceptable?” Ben teased, wiggling his eyebrows

“Ben” Carrie warned good naturedly

“You have mated haven’t you?” Serena asked with a frown

Gemma blushed and looked down at her half eaten plate as she started to eat another forkful, her intention to avoid the conversation obvious. Max cleared his throat a couple of times before opening his mouth to speak

“Not yet”

“Not yet?! Oh my! You both need to mate as soon as you can!” Serena insisted

“I...we” Max stammered

“I so don’t need to hear this!” Ben groaned as he closed his eyes in pain “With all due respect Guardian Serena, I don’t want to hear about how my sister needs to get nailed-”

“Ben!” Carried barked out with a frown on her face

“But mum!” Ben whined

“Be respectful” Carrie said

“The reason you need to mate soon is so all of her emotions are released and her third being can be manifested. Being repressed and hidden won’t allow the third being to come out. Besides; how have two such young mates not mated?” Serena asked with a laugh “Your father and mother mated the very night on the day they met”

“I knew it!” Carrie gasped aloud “Lily denied it, saying it was an intimate act between mates which didn’t feel right being talked about but I had a feeling”

“Yes Carrie, you would have. As her Vo-Suie, you would have felt a change in her” Serena explained

“Erm. Can we not talk about my parents...erm-” Gemma waved her hand about.

Serena and Carrie smiled at each other before they resumed eating. Serena explained that this dorm was where they would stay and that outside there were grounds which were used for training, hunting and other battle and survival skills. There were also indoor rooms where further training would take place including cooking, school and home classes. Discussing all of that, they move to sit by the couch where an elf suddenly appeared. His long nose and gangly arms were visible first before his floppy ears and black eyes became visible. He smiled a kind smile, his smart clothes screaming elegance and refinement.

“My Queen” He bowed “I am ever so humbled to be able to serve you. Rest assured not one word will leave my mouth of your arrival until you say so. I had hoped to be the one to serve you my lady, in my lifetime”

“This is Pontus. He is this dorm’s caretaker. His family has long served this family since Queen Lily.” Serena explained

“Thank you Pontus” Gemma said with a smile “I hope my being here wont be too much of a hindrance”

“Never your majesty!” Pontus exclaimed before his eyes became glassy “You are just like her. The true Queen. Her mannerisms. I see her in you”

While everyone else smiled with confusion, Gemma smiled with pride and sadness, knowing she could voice that the Queen was her actual mother. She saw Carrie look between them in confusion a little, contemplating them. Gemma cleared her throat to distract everyone and moved to sit in front of the fire, sinking into the plush black couches as Max sat beside her, his hand on her knee. When pontus brought a jug type of refreshment along with cups and saucers, Gemma gasped

“Oh!, a Hibiaie!”

“A what?” Max asked

“My Queen is correct” Pontus said with pride

“How do you know what that is?” Carrie asked, looking at Gemma with a frown

Flushed and unsure what to say or how to explain it, Gemma bit her lip. Max reached over and swiped his thumb over her lips before kissing her soundly. Ben groaned at the display and started to ask questions. Max had kissed Gemma again and just as he finally pulled away and pulled her closer at his side, Gemma caught the tail end of the explanation of what it was.

“Wow! That is some seriously cool magik!” Ben exclaimed

“Now. I will leave you to rest. You will find that your bags have been brought here when you first came here. Gemma, you will find your room at the top. It was your mothers room” Serena said with a glint

“Ok” Gemma whispered, her breath hitching

“Each of you have further clothing we have provided to wear for training. Each room also comes with an en-suite and again, everything is provided in there for your use” Serena explained “I would ask that you plait your hair Gemma, so that it is kept out of the way. It is only 7pm. So enjoy your free time. As of tomorrow, I’m afraid your time won’t be your own”

As Serena moved towards the door she hugged Carrie and whispered words to which only she understood. After a few quiet words she turned to the tri who were talking among themselves and smiled, her eyes watery

“It has been a long time since anyone from the Royal House of Fae has been here. It is good to see. For a few weeks, everytime you are in other people’s company, you will be misted so your appearance will be altered. This is only until you have the go ahead from Naitsab to reveal who you are”

“Naitsab” Gemma whispered, her heart kicking harder “Who is he?”

“He is the all seeing sear, a healer and a warrier. The most powerful of beings and a descendant from the House of Fae. It is he who makes all the rules and regulations for all supernatural beings. You will see him sometime when you are training. He often comes to check on the new recruits or classes”

Gemma nodded, trying to keep calm and collected, not wanting to alert anyone of her excitement at knowing the name. Already she was arousing questions when she blurted out what the item was when Pontus bought them drinks. She couldn’t explain about Lily yet. Not without exposing the full truth so the only thing she could do was try to keep it bottled up and hide it.

“Oh and another thing” Serena said, waving her hand and a light shone above the dinning table “Those are the timetable for both your classes and training”

“Classes?” Ben asked

“Yes. While you may be the Astrid and her warriors; you are, in essence, still children. You would be sitting your exams for this year before moving to apply to further education. Since you can’t complete school in the normal sense, you will be doing so here” Serena explained with a slight nod of her head

“Nooooo” Ben groaned “Come on! Max and I did exams at the training school”

“Be that as it may, you are still in need of further education. You will also be taking some basic magik and position classes along with the basic curriculum. For Gemma, as she is younger, her subjects that she selected for exams and then her actual final exams she would have done for university entrance”

Both Max and Ben groaned and huffed out a breath. Carrie nodded in approval and Gemma rolled her eyes, her body lax in disappointment. As she went close to hug Serena, she one again felt a chill up her spine, as if she was being watched very closely by intense eyes . Gemma looked around discreetly trying to find where these eyes were but once again, she was unable to.

“Oh and one last thing” Serena said with a quick click of her fingers “All professors will be in golden/amber and white coloured clothing, such as robes or training ware. All Guardians and Vo-Suie’s will be in black, all first year training students will be in grey, second year in red, third year in blue, fourth year in dark green and anyone student you see in yellow and white mixed are those that are training in specialist subject such as healers, seers, medicine, magik and so forth. Some of them will have an element they work solely with and so will have that colour somewhere on their clothing. Now if you see anyone in suits in light blue, they are the people used as a front face to humans. All council members dress in many different colours but most of them like to be flamboyant or as you youngsters say, ott in their choice of clothing. All except Naitsab. He is always dressed in white and only white”

Wide-eyed, Gemma looked at Serena and nodded her head. Going forward, she hugged and thanked her for being so hospitable. Serena hugged her back tighter and took a deep breath, her breath hitching a little. With a light sheen of tears in her eyes, Serena whispered in Gemma’s ears

“Welcome home love. There are so many of us who have long awaited your return”

Saying that, She released Gemma and said goodnight before she disappeared in front of their eyes. Taking a deep breath, Gemma turned around to see the rest of them looking at her before she smiled.

“Well. I could do with a shower and maybe another cup of tea. Should we meet here later?” Gemma asked

“I could sleep for a week” Ben said as he cracked his neck. “The plane wasn’t so bad as the treke up here. That killed it”

“You weakling” Max teased “I think I need new beta if you can’t even handle that journey”

“Like anyone else would want to put up with your s**t” Ben scoffed

“Well-”

“Boys” Carrie interrupted “While this argument is fascinating, I think we can all use some downtime and being refreshed”

“Basically mammie means you stink Ben” Gemma teased

“Heyyyyy!” Ben groused “Why am I the only one stinking? You and Max did the same journey as me”

“My mate doesn’t stink” Gemma said smugly

“My mate smells delicious” Max growled back, his eyes darkening in lust

“Oh please!” Ben said rolling his eye

“Shut up Ben” Gemma said good naturedly

“Yeah, shut up Ben” Copied Max as he walked towards Gemma and nuzzling his nose against hers

“Oh I see how this is” Ben grumbled “Don’t you forget who’s the brother and beta here and how I have taken care of both of you guys at one point and-”

“Shut up BEN!” They both shouted together

---------------------------------------------------

“She’s here”

“I know. I felt her power when she entered” The masculine voice replied

“Did she feel yours?” She asked

“Yes. But she is unaware of what she is feeling. She will learn in due time”

“She is everything we had heard of and just as beautiful. She looks so much like her”

“A sight for sore eyes” He whispered in sadness

“When-”

“Soon. I must gather myself first. It has been a long awaited battle. I have almost weakened with longing for her”

“Go to her. Tell her”

“Not yet. It is not the right time. She must prove herself first”

“It’s the first training class tomorrow. Will you-?

“Only if she proves hers” He said, cutting in “I know it is her, but I mustn’t let greed get in my way. She must follow through with her training and then….and then I will go to her”

“Of course”

“Be with her. Guide her. I will be watching until it is time”

A lone figure, one who would not even be looked at or seen if asked; listined in quietly to the two people speaking before turning around and leaving. Their quiet footfall barely heard on the marble flooring. Walking quietly away, the figure approached the elevator and whispered a few words to cloak where the elevator was going. After a burst of white light, the figure disappeared into the light, appearing in a blue room.

“Well?” Goine said

“It is true. She is here. Her first training day will be tomorrow”

“f**k!” Where the hell were the assassins that I sent?” Goine shouted

“I don’t know sire. My sources said they saw them at the underpass before they walked to the mountains. Her first challenge was to locate the correct passage. She did. After that, no-one saw or heard from the assassins”

“Unacceptable. Find out what happened to them! And make sure she has problems completing the first tasks. I want the other guardians doubting her capability”

“Yes sire”

“Now go before there are other suspicions. I will call you when I have need of you”

“Yes sire” The figure bowed before the white light took them back into the elevator

----------------------------------------------------------

“And now I’ve just had breakfast and waiting for Ben and Max to finish before going down to the training room” Gemma said

“Wow! It sounds amazing! So Harry Potterish! I wish we could be there too” Maddie said glumly

“I miss you guys too” Gemma said with a sigh as she looked into her phone

“How was it being in your mum’s room?” Cindy asked

Gemma quietened as she looked around the room and back at the camera and into her friends faces. Shaking her head she took a couple of breaths, trying to steady herself

“Awww Gems” Maddie said

“It’s ok Gems. You were bound to feel like this” Cindy added

“It’s just so strange to think that mum was here and so was….erm…..Mammie” Gemma added before giving away the information “I do need more time to look at this room properly. There’s so many hidden caverns and walls. I’ve gone around this room touching things and at times I feel peaceful and other times...like I need to buzz around faster to find something”

“To find what?” Maddie asked curiously

“I don’t know” Gemma shook her head in frustration

“Well look. You said it yourself. You need more time to explore the room so don’t panic. It’s not like you’re only there for a few days. I’m sure you will have time to find out more about your mum” Cindy said encouragingly

“Gemmaaa, pumpkin are you ready?” Carrie shouted

“s**t! I gotta go. Mammie’s calling me. The guys must have gotten ready”

“Go, go! Maddie laughed

“We can chat later. Love you” Cindy said

“Love you guys too and say hi to Pops and uncle alpha from me too”

Blowing kisses to the phone, Gemma ended the video call and stood up. She ran to the mirrored wardrobes and quickly reapplied the light glorr over her lips before checking her appearance quickly. She had plaited her long black locks and secured any wispy bits so they wouldn’t distract her. She’d only added a little concealer, basic thin eyeliner and a light lip gloss that matched her natural lip colour. Flicking her ponytail back over her shoulder, Gemma walked out of her room and down the marble staircase before reaching the steps and gasped out in pleasure.

Max and Ben were dressed in matching outfits. Tucked in light blue shirts, what looked like dark blue navy leather bottoms, black shoes and their hair in place and stiff. Gemma whistles slowly before walking towards them

“Are you wearing leather?” Gemma asked

“No. It’s some sort of stretchy pants that seems to mold itself to your body to give off the leather look” Ben explained, admiring himself “Very comy. I feel like I’m wearing joggy bottoms”

“You look so fuckin hot mate of mine” Max growled, walking over to her. He lifted her chin up and kissed her lightly

“Am I gonna have to put up with this all the time?” Ben joked

“Shut up Ben” Gemma whispered once she got a chance to catch her breath

Max looked over his mate from head to toe and felt his erection rising. She wore a dull red top with capped sleeves. Her maroon bottoms gave off the same leather look they had which was accompanied with a gold belt and gold detailing running up and down the outer side of each leg. She wore her normally loose hair in a high plaited ponytail that reached almost to the middle of her back. With light makeup on and her smell intoxicating, Max growled in pleasure as he felt his wolf rise.

“I don’t know if I can handle knowing that we will be working separately. I don’t want to let you go” Max growled, biting her bottom lip teasingly

“Serena said we would be together for the first training class” Gemma reminded him

“Yeah, just so we feel comfortable. Most of our classes and training is separate. I didn’t agree to be separated from you” Max grumbled in anger

“Mammie will be there. She won’t let anything happen to me Max. Besides. I’m safe here”

“Your not safe here unless mammie or I am with you”

“Hhhheeeyyyy!” Ben exclaimed “What am I? chopped liver? I can protect her too”

“Your skills are not in question here Ben” Max replied

“Just apparently my trustworthiness”

“Ben-”

“Ok, Ok enough” Carrie said as she too walked into the hallway from her room

“Oh sure mum, why not-”

“Stop. Max is right Ben. Just because it is SUPPOSED to be a safe place for her, we can’t assume it is. We all still need to be vigilant. This isn’t about trustworthiness or ego so rain it in”

Ben sighed as Max gripped his friend’s shoulder in support. Ben gave him a serious look before he looked at Gemma

“I’d never let anything happen to you Gems. You that right?”

“I know Ben. You’re my big brother. I trust you with my life”

“I’d give my life for you, without question”

“I know Ben. There’s never been any doubt in my mind about that!” Gemma cried out running up to him and wrapping her arms around his waist for a hug.

Watching the brother and sister interact, Max kept his body stiff as he nodded to Ben who looked at his best friend and alpha.The two males acknowledging the importance of the female in between them. Carrie cleared her throat and gestured to the kids to leave, her hand brushing lovingly over Gemma’s hair as she passed her. As Carrie trailed behind the children, she turned to look back at one of the green couches near the fire

“I’ll protect her Lily. I promise” Carrie whispered

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“Good Morning Everyone” A tall, thin man said to the large group in front of him “Now, many of you already know who I am. However, as you can see, we have some new recruits among us. Two new trainees are our third year students. Alpha Max Senider and his Beta Ben Henderson.They are accompanied by Gemma Henderson and Her guardian Carrie Henderson. I am professor Aldridge. Tom Aldridge. I teach the art of Combat. Body and upper strength. You will also be taught combat with weaponary with Mr Tony GoodWell. Now you two” He indicated to Ben and Max “Will be going to you’re next class which will be different since Gemma is in second year and you both are third”

“With all due respect sir, no” Max said, folding his arms

“Excuse me?” The professor said

“I can’t leave Gemma-”

“Mr Senider, are you implying that she is in danger here and we are the enemy?” Professor Aldridge said with a frown on his face

“Professor-”

“I’m sorry professor” Gemma cut in quickly “Max and I have recently discovered that we are mates. He is just a little protective of me”

“I see” Professor Aldridge said as he looked between the two “And judging by your protective stance, I take it you two have not mated yet”

The rest of the class laughed quietly, their indistinct chatter slowly increasing. Gemma ducked her head down in embarrassment while Max cleneched his fits before grabbing his mates hand in his and tried to offer comfort to her. Before Max could say anything about the way his mate was feeling, the professor nodded and cleared his throat

“Very well. For the next few days you both may stick around provided you don’t fall behind in your own classes. It will be your own responsibility to catch-up. Is that understood?”

When both Ben and Max nodded, The professor turned around and addressed the whole class again. Gemma breathed out a puff of air and smiled at Max, her cheeks aflame. Gemma glanced around and still couldn’t believe the sight. They had followed Carrie through an archway where the steel doors had been wedged wide open and followed a brick path way through greenery and flowers. On each side of the path were steel victorian style kingfisher lamp posts with three head lamps painted gold. As she looked up to the sky, she could make out an almost silver, glittery cover as if a big net was covering it. It was then Carrie had told them that the almost invisible, glittery stars above in the sky was a cloaking net and it blended mostly with the colour of the sky. Carrie explained that, as the sky changed, so did the colour of the netting to blend in and had two reasons for being used. One for protection and two, so if anyone was above them, they could not see what was going on below. It covered a vast amount of ground since there were five various training grounds dotted about outdoors and various training taking place at one time.

Gemma and Ben had oowwd and aaahhdd as they followed Carrie to the big clearing where they saw close to fifty second year students and a couple of guardians. Carrie explained that the first two classes for Gemma were to be conducted outdoors so they could determine where she sat in the scale of combat. When They had approached the students, Carrie had stepped back and stood with the other guardians as was custom.

As Gemma listened to the professor explain the next few steps in detail and what was expected of them and their exams structure, she suddenly felt a shiver down her spine again. But instead of feeling a good powerful presence, she felt threatened, scared. WHipping her head about left to right and behind her, she couldn’t pinpoint where the feeling was coming from. Carrie was smiling at her before her smile turned into a frown and her eyes questioned Gemma; but Gemma only smiled and looked in front at the professor again. Just as the feeling of unease started to go away, she suddenly heard a voice in her head. A rapsy, cold voice

Hello Gemma. It has been a long time since I have seen you

Who are you? Gemma said

You will find out soon. You know...your mother stood at this very spot too...before she ran away like a coward

Gemma’s teeth bard as she looked around. The feeling of unease back again.

Who are you?

Your worst nightmare. I am everywhere and I am coming for you

“Gemstone, baby are you ok?” Max asked

You bought your guard dog with you I see. No matter, I will tear him apart, limb from limb

NO! Gemma shouted.

Suddenly, a gruesome video was pushed into Gemma’s mind, where it showed Max, chained to a wall and being tortured

“Nooo” Gemma whispered

“Gemstone, what is it” Gemma could hear their words but all she could see was the video in her mind

Suddenly Max was in a field, fighting when he was lifted in the air and his body twisted in pain as bone by bone was twisted and broken from within. Blood poured out from his nose, ears and mouth before a clawed hand ripped through his stomach and heart, pulling out intestines, blood and gore following behind. Max looked at Gemma and called her name on his last breath before the creature behind him ripped his body in half.

Gemma screamed for him even as his blood and body parts fell around her, soaking the ground beneath her, his blood drenching her from head to toe, his heart falling into her outstretched hands, beating one last time before dying.

Gemma couldn’t breath as she experienced Max’s death before her eyes, her orbs fixed on the heart in her hand. Feeling dizzy and the weighty loss of her mate, Gemma’s legs crumbled beneath her as she tumbled down, unconscious; into unknown arms