Decebel txt: ur kill n me

Jennifer txt: assure u that's not what I want 2 do 2 u

Decebel txt: blushing

Jennifer txt: LMAO!

Decebel txt: Go. To. Bed.

Jennifer txt: join me?

Decebel txt: phone will b by my heart

Jennifer txt: tears

Decebel txt: don't cry baby

Jennifer txt: why here? why now?

Decebel txt: don't know Jennifer

Jennifer txt: sucks

Decebel txt: I'm holding u

Jennifer txt: more tears

Decebel txt: wolf gettn restless

Jennifer txt: sorry, I'm ok

Decebel txt: hold me 2

Jennifer txt: all nite long

Decebel txt: nite baby xoxo

Jennifer txt: nite

Decebel txt: no lovin 4 me?

Jennifer txt: didn't want 2 get u all worked up

Decebel txt: thanks 4 ur concern

Jennifer txt: nite, deep intense kiss, hands in your hair, bodies pressed together

Decebel txt: GRRRRRRRRR

Jennifer txt: what? 2 much?

Decebel txt: i'll dream of u

Jennifer txt: I bet u will, lol, nite B

Decebel txt: nite baby

Decebel scrolled through their texts, smiling at her playfulness. It wasn't enough, but it would get him through the night.

Jennifer curled into a ball in the bed that she'd told Decebel was too big to be in by herself. All day she had kept herself busy. Now here, in the dark, she could feel the hole that was widening with every moment away from Decebel.

She had been thrilled when Vasile had told her she could text him. She smiled to herself, remembering his texts. Decebel had a sweet, romantic side. And bloody hell if it wasn't the sexiest thing ever. She closed her eyes and thought of him. His handsome face, dark hair, amber eyes.... She fell asleep to the memories of her mate's deep, soothing voice and strong body holding her.

Chapter 24

Cynthia yawned as she sat at the table with her pack, eating breakfast. She'd been out searching until two in the morning. She had phased when she went out looking for it, knowing her wolf could move much faster. Finally, over ten miles away from the estate, she found the Nepeta, a.k.a. catnip. She was still working on perfecting it in liquid form – the hardest part was that it needed to be potent enough, but also dissolved so the plant's little particles weren't visible. People tend to get suspicious when there's stuff floating in their drinks.

Cynthia caught Jen's eye across the table and nodded, a subtle motion for her to follow her out of the room.

Cynthia was waiting in the hall when the five girls came out, Costin at their heels. Yeah, this doesn't look suspicious, she thought.

"Whatchya got, doc?" Jen asked.

"I found the Nepeta ten miles out. I've been working on it all morning, and the only thing I'm not sure about is its potency while making it undetectable in the drink."

"You found something that will keep the guys from being able to phase?" Costin spoke low, so as not to be overheard.

Cynthia, Jen, and Sally all nodded but didn't elaborate.

He lifted his eyebrows. "Ooookay, how did you find out about it?"

Sally looked over at Cynthia who gave a nearly imperceptible shake of her head.

"We just did some digging and it sort of fell in our laps," Jen told him vaguely.

"Uh-huh, just fell in your laps." Costin eyed them suspiciously. "Well, if that's your story..."

"Finalized, illustrated, and edited." Jen gave him a sharp nod. "Alright. Moving along, people. Doc, we need test subjects for your mojo."

"That would be the most accurate way to determine if it's effective," Cynthia agreed.

Jen smiled sweetly at Costin.

Costin watched the gleam in Jen's eyes as she smiled at him. Realizing what she was thinking, he put his hands up. "No way, Jen. Come on, you can't ask me to do that. I can't protect you guys if I can't phase. No. I'm putting my foot down."

Jen didn't argue, realizing that no amount of flirting, groveling, pushing, or bribing was going to work on Costin. She watched each member of their group, all trying to think of a wolf to test this concoction on.

Finally, Cynthia spoke up. "I'll do it. It's my creation, I should be the one to test it."

"Are you sure you want to do that, Cynthia?" Sally asked.

"Yes, definitely. I'll take Jacque, Sally, and Costin with me while you three go bait your prey."

Jen held out her fist to Cynthia's. Cynthia picked up on what Jen was after and balled her fist and bumped it to Jen's.

"Let's get this party started, ladies."

Costin cleared his throat and look pointedly at the evil schemer.

"Oh, for crying out loud. Let's get this party started, ladies and hot werewolf. Happy?" Jen asked.

"You think I'm hot?" Costin grinned and winked.

"You don't hold a candle to B, so don't get too excited."

"Ouch. I'm hurt, Jen." Costin smiled, placing his hand over his heart.

Jen shook her head and turned to Marianna and Crina, "You two ready?"

"Totally." Crina smiled.

Marianna gave a weak, "Yipee," her eyebrows raised as she made pom-pom motions with her hands.

"That's the spirit." Jen laughed. "Let's go find the rat pack."

Damion looked up from his table to see the blonde American and the two female Romanian wolves coming towards him. "This day is looking up boys."

The other four turned in their seats to watch as the girls walked confidently to their table.

They stopped a foot away and looked each of them over.

"I hear you boys are the ones who put that wicked cool video together." Jen smirked as she folded her arms across her chest – not by accident.

Damion's eyes wandered south of her neck before returning to her face.

"That was us." Damion winked. "We wanted to share all that beauty with everyone."

"Aw, that's sweet." Jen glanced back at Crina and Marianna. "Isn't that sweet, girls?"

"Very sweet." Crina raised an eyebrow at the wolves.

Marianna silently nodded with a sweet smile.

"Is there something we can do for you, ladies?" Adrian spoke up, drawing their attention.

"Actually, we came over to invite you guys to a friendly game of cards tomorrow night. There will be refreshments."