White Party Artemis

[ARTEMIS AMELIA CROWE]

Griffon hated seeing Odette glaring at the floor like this. There was a part of him the wanted to punch Conner for causing it but he knew it wasn’t the smart thing to do. It was just really hard for him to see HIS imprint upset about another man. “Odette how about we go back out to the party and let them get Nathan back on his feet. With so many people around him we are probably crowding the poor kid.” He reached out and touched her arm, hoping that she would come with him.

Conner hadn’t really realized what Odette would think when she saw him holding Nadia’s hand. He really hated seeing her upset but right now he needed to focus on taking care of his son. “Thank you for bringing him in here Odette.” He smiled and started to reach out to her but figured she was probably mad so changed his mind. When he heard that it had been Natalie he sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “I knew she was upset but I didn’t think she was going to pull something like this.” He looked up and spotted Natalie trying to sneak upstairs, “NATALIE! Get down here now!”

Natalie groaned when she heard Conner yelling for her and started heading back down the stairs. She had enough lectures for one day, “Will you chill out already? I told you that he was going to-“She stopped in her tracks when she spotted Nadia frowned. This party was Nadia’s and Natalie knew that but she still wasn’t very fond of her aunt. It was her fault this family was a mess and Natalie preferred Odette. And she didn’t care if she heard it on her mind or not. Why should she care about a woman she never knew? She vanished right before Natalie had been born. “I am not sorry for what I did. Punish me and yell if you want. Just get it over with. I would like to be gone before he wakes up if you don’t mind.”

Harmony had heard all the fighting but hadn’t been able to get away until now. She thought having all the Crowe’s in one area would make her job as a guardian easier but no. Just made her even busier. She walked into the room where Nathan was and shook her head at the sight of all of them. It was really awkward. “I can take care of it Conner.” She walked over to them and knelt down next to Nadia, “If you move over I can have him awake in a second.” She said as she laid her hand on Nathans arm and used her powers to help him.


Destiny sighed and shook her head when Zach looked at her, “Don’t look at me, if she was anything like me then she would have just ignored Nathan. Not practically put him in a coma...She is so angry all the time. I don’t know how to help her or understand her...Maybe we have been letting her hang around Jimmy to much...Or have you been putting stuff in her head Derrick?”

Derrick shook his head, “I am completely innocent. You know I have been on my best behavior lately. Besides I have been too busy keeping an eye on my mother and Chasity to even think about causing any trouble.”

Mack looked over at the men Malcolm was talking about and shrugged, “I have never seen them before, and they must be some friends of Jimmy’s. They keep looking over here...Gwen do you know them?” She asked as she turned to her brothers girlfriend. She figured that would be the most logical reason for them to be looking over here if Malcolm didn’t know them either.

Gwen had been silent while Malcolm talked to his sister mostly because of the men talking to Jimmy. “They are Jimmy’s brothers, Demons...They know my mother.” Right now she was hiding how stressed she was pretty well but she wasn’t sure how long that would last if Landon came near her. Thanks to the stupid deal she was having a hard time not walking over to him herself and it really pissed her off She couldn’t believe he would show up here.

After all the work she went through getting away from him, now she was going to have to do it again? This wasn’t fair. She had finally found someone who she really did want to be with and now it was going to be ruined. How in the world was she going to explain this to Malcolm? Then again maybe she wouldn’t have to, if she could just get him to leave with her then “Malcolm I know this party is pretty important, but how about you and I get out of here a little early? I’m not really feeling well.”

[NADIA DIANE CROWE]

Before Odette could turn and walk away with Griffon, Nathan stirred. He opened his eyes and immediately saw three faces. Harmony and both of his parents. "Whoa! Its not that serious guys. She just made me feel too much." He was about to say out loud he had her do it before. Not on purpose though, he just wanted to know what his Da was feeling. Niether of them at the time knew what was going to happen. He rubbed his Face and looked at his mom.

Nadia frowned at Nathan's thoughts but didn't say anything. "Well you knew you had it coming. I told you that if she was anything like her father she would be vengeful. I'm not about to dote on you. When you feel up to it you may rejoin the party. Your Grandmother will expect you to be out there." Part of Nadia's aggravation with her son was his thoughts. She wasn't about to start that argument between mother and son in front of everyone at a party. She hoped he had learned his lesson. Nadia stood and saw Odette turning to leave with Griffon. "Wait"

Odette was turning to leave when she felt Nadia's hand on her arm. Nadia pulled her to Conner and Made her take his hand. She was confused but she saw a smirk on face and wondered what she was up to.

Nadia smiling at Odette spoke in a sickening sweet voice. "You have one escort I don't think you nee two." Nadia glanced at Griffon and then at Conner. She was upset that she wasn't able to Tell Conner about Griffon's Imprinting on Odette. So she was going to be a little vengeful her self. "I don't have an escort." She walked up to Griffon and slid her arm into his. "You don't mind do you? I could use a bit of fun and from what I hear you are Artemis's Nephew." She spoke this time so only he Could Hear. "I know it hurts to walk away from her. It hurts me to walk away from him." She glanced back and wasn't sure how to read Conner's face but she could tell he wasn't happy. That broke her resolve and she almost went to him. Almost, but didn't. She turned to the door and Hoped Griffon wouldn't make her look like a fool and just come with her.

Malcolm stared At the three men. Who are they? Why are they here? What are they looking at? When Gwen said they were demons Malcolm's mind started to turn. Her mother knows them. That means she knows them. With his sister near his senses were heightened. He could feel the tension in Gwen rising and he was sure Mack could feel it too. Then she asked to leave. He cared for Gwen and hated to see her that way but knew that his Grandfather wouldn't be happy if he left. He didn't even want to think about his Grand mother. But he used them for an excuse not to leave. "Now Gwen, You know that My Grandparents would kill me if we left, But If you are not feeling well I am sure MAck wouldn't mind showing you to my side of our room So you may lay in my bed." He wasn't about to leave without more of an explanation. He would find out who they were and what they wanted. There was still more to know. What about Nadia would she really stay or would Conner choose Odette? He need to be here to bring Nadia to his home in Seattle. Of course if Conner was trully that stupid he might have to fight him. Coven leader or not. There were too many questions to leave just yet.

[ARTEMIS AMELIA CROWE]

Griffon forced himself not to react to Odette being pulled away from him. However it was a little harder to control himself when Nadia made Odette take Conner’s hand. He had to quickly look away to keep Odette from seeing how upset it had made him. She didn’t need to see him that way. It would only confuse her. The last thing he wanted was to upset Odette so he decided to go along with Nadia for now. What was this little hybrid up to? “I don’t mind at all...I was only keeping Odette company until she could return to Conner.” He could tell that Nadia was suffering as much as he was, so he would humor her. Even though he was pretty sure this was going to give Conner another reason to kill him. “Yes, Artemis is my aunt...Well great aunt. I’m not really as much fun as she is though. I tend to be kind of boring.”

Conner was relieved to see that Nathan was awake, now he just needed to figure out what to do about the two young troublemakers. “I think you and Natalie need to have a talk...but wait for her to calm down first. The last thing I need is another fight during the party.” He was about to say something else when Nadia suddenly decided to walk off with Griffon. The sight of her on another man’s arm was sickening. Apparently Zach wasn’t the only person Natalie inherited her vengeful side from. It made him angry that she could just walk away like that. It was his pride and Odette that was keeping him from doing anything about it. “I am sorry about all this Odette, I brought you here to have fun. Not to watch me deal with fighting teenagers.”

Gwen felt pathetic. Someone with her power and control should not feel fear. Demons should not be afraid of anything! But she could feel fear building up in her gut. Fear of having everything she worked for taken away from her and having to go back to letting the bond her mother forced on her rule her life again. It was hard to hide that kind of feeling, especially with Malcolm and his sister so close to her.

Gwen could see the wheels in Malcolm’s head turning. It was frustrating how perceptive he could be. He was going to want to know more but this wasn’t something she was really ready to talk about with him. Even if she did try to explain, where would she begin? This situation was really starting to annoy her. She had been looking forward to watching all the drama at this party. She didn’t want to be a part of that drama. “No...That’s alright. I know the way. I’ll just go relax for a bit, once I feel better I will come find you.” Being alone with Landon and his brothers in the area didn’t feel like a good idea to her, but she really needed to get away from Malcolm to clear her head before he started questioning her. “Stay out of trouble while I’m gone.” She said quietly as she walked away. A part of her wanted to tell him not to go near the demon brothers, but that would only make things worse.

Mack was surprised at the way Gwen was acting. Sure she hadn’t known the girl for very long but knew enough to know that it wasn’t normal for her to be so tense. What was it about those guys that bothered Gwen so much? “I hope you feel better.” She called out as she watched Gwen walk away. This was just another piece of drama for Mack to try and figure out. However she didn’t want to cause trouble at the party so she tried to contain her curiosity and continue talking to her brother. “So Malcolm...” This was the first time in a while that she could talk to her brother alone but she couldn’t figure out what she wanted to say. “I didn’t know Jimmy had other brothers...and they know Gwen’s mother, very small world.” She said as she looked over at Jimmy. “Do you know anything about Gwen’s mother?”

[NADIA DIANE CROWE]

Nadia giggled a little. "If I and honest with myself I could really use to make a boring friend." She walked with griffon out to the party. Everyone in the Family was stretch out across the party. Talking with humans and mythics alike. The walked up to the refreshment bar and she ordered a drink. She didn't speak again until after she had a sip of her whiskey sour. it went don't smoothly. She was thankful that Malcolm introduced this drink to her. She turned to Griffon and sighed, "I am very sorry about this. I supposed you fell into this side of the family just at the wrong time. I am sure you have been told about my abduction..." She sighed and looked across the lawn and Odette and Conner. They two were staring at them. "You know everyone but Conner knows that you imprinted on her. I can't remember when I imprinted on him, but my memories are slowly coming back. I was going to tell him, About you with odette, but then Nathan was brought in the house. Which thank you for that. That was very nice of you." She was babbling and not letting him speak. "Sorry, I am nervous, This is the most people I have been around in Five years. I tend to talk a lot.

Odette gave her best smile. "Zachary said there would be some drama. I was prepared." Odette would have done anything to be Nadia right then. To be the girl on Griffon's arm. No! Don't think that. You are with Conner! You love him! What is wrong with you? Odette let Conner lead her out to the party crowd and they found some old classmates to make small talk with. She stole glances in Nadia and Griffon's direction and was suprised to see Nadia looking right at her. She looked at Connor and wrapped her arm around him. "You know, I am eventually going to have to talk to her if any of us are ever going to be happy."

"I will come check on you soon." Malcolm would have called out that he loved her. But he wasn't fully ready to do that. he instead watch her disappear into the house and then turn to his sister. "I didn't know that either. Funny enough I don't think any of the Crowe's knew. Except maybe Grandfather." Malcolm Debated walking up to them but he thought better of it. He instead ordered a drink with a waitress and sat a table. "Sit with me. It has been a while since we could catch up. So the boy you were talking with in the woods that day... Has that developed into anything for you?" He genuinely wanted to know about his sister. He wasn't going to plot anything today. This day was about Family.

[ARTEMIS AMELIA CROWE]

Listening to Nadia talk was a nice distraction, “The famous Nadia is nervous? That’s not what I expected when we came into this family.” He teased her to try and get her to relax a little. He hated seeing anyone acting nervously. “I am aware of some of the details about what happened to you. We tried to find out everything we could before getting involved with the family.”

Griffon didn’t want to think about the fact that everyone else knew. All he could think about was the one person who didn’t know. “Maybe Conner doesn’t see it because he doesn’t want to see it...Or he is so distracted with you here that it is making it hard to focus...either way I am not sure what will happen when he does find out. Honestly I am starting to think he is more likely to kill me over the fact that I am over here having a drink with you. Did you see the way he looked at me? I think you signed my death sentence.” He teased as he turned to see if they were still looking over at them. Of course they were. “What are you going to do? You obviously want to be with him again. What’s keeping you from saying that to him? Is it because of the guy who took you?”

Conner couldn’t concentrate on any of the conversations going on around him. It was frustrating that Nadia still had that effect on him. After all the time he had spent trying to forget how he had felt. As a leader it made him look weak, He didn’t want anyone thinking that he was weak. But seeing her over there and realizing she was no longer his hurt him.

It wasn’t until Odette wrapped her arm around him that he finally came back to reality. The thought of her talking with Nadia scared him a little. He was a little worried the conversation would go badly. “I am not sure if that is such a good idea, she has a bit of a temper and is extremely stubborn. I don’t want you to end up getting hurt.” He kissed the top of her head and looked around to see what everyone else was doing. “I know all of this must be hard on you. Being with me has pulled you into all of my family drama...It must make it hard to be happy with me.”

The last thing Mack wanted to do was sit and talk about boys with her brother. Maybe back before Malcolm had changed but now she wasn’t sure how to approach him. What if he laughed at her or thought that something she was doing was silly? Then again maybe she didn’t want to talk about it because she wasn’t sure what was going on with her and Rupert. With everything else going on with the family it almost didn’t feel right talking about her issues.

“You want to talk about me and boys? Most brothers hate to hear about their sister’s love life. Are you really sure you want to get into that conversation?” She asked as she sat down in the chair across from him. “Honestly, I’m not really sure about what’s going on between Rupert and me...I know how I feel about him, but I am not sure how he feels. He is going through a lot right now with his sister so I haven’t really tried talking to him about it. I am a little afraid that he sees something in me that isn’t really there.” Talking about it didn’t feel as awkward as she had thought it would. Maybe it was because Malcolm really did want to know about her. “Can I ask you something without you jumping to conclusions? When you drank human blood for the first time...how did that make you feel?”

[NADIA DIANE CROWE]

"You would be nervous too if you knew the things I knew about the Crowes." Nadia started walking around the party with Griffon and lughed at his statement of her signing his death sentence. "No no, Really I am just trying to lure Odette into talking to me. If we could have a little girl to girl I am sure I would be able to explain why her relationship with Conner would never work. Then she will have you to come in and save the day. Her imprinter." She sighed, "Unforunately I don't think Conner will let me near her." Nadia knew the only way to get them closer was to stay near the shifter.

Odette had not thought of the possiblitiy of getting hurt. She looked at Nadia and thought if only she were human. I could probably take her then. she rested her head on conner's shoulder and notice Zane come up. "Hey Zane are you enjoying the party?"

Zane was Suprised that the only drama so far was with the youngest coven members. He watched Conner and his sisters cat and mouse game and it was making his head hurt. He walked though the party and met with up with Conner and Odette. "One hell of a birthday Bash. It's not everyday twin Hybrids turn fifty-five and don't look a day over twenty." Zane and Nadia had never been close. He felt closer to Conner than his own twin. He spoke to Conner now. "How are you handling things?"

Malcolm wasn't sure what to say to his sister. "I would suppose my type of advice would help you but here it is. Your Best bet is to just act like you aren't that into him and the flock to you.you will have your pick. That is what I did with Gwen. I was too busy, there was another girl on my arm at some small coffee shop and i left with Gwen." He stopped realizin that it made him lok like a real jerk. "I know not cool. But to be honest Gwen was the one I wanted but I had to make sure she wanted me too. The other girl was just an innocent bystander."

His sister's question threw him. He hadn't been expecting her to ask that. Not now or ever really. "Do you want me to be completely honest? Because if I am you have to promise me that if you ever want to try it that you have to call me. I will take care of you. You won't have to hurt anyone." He stared at his sister and waited to see if she really wanted to know.

[ARTEMIS AMELIA CROWE]

Griffon could understand why Conner wouldn’t want to let Nadia get close to Odette. “Well she is human, and if you two ended up in a cat fight...Well it would be more like a giant dog attacking a kitten. That’s not a very fair fight. Not a very good image either...Almost all of you Crowes have tempers...Anyway, I am still learning about this whole imprinting thing. It literally just happened. What if she doesn’t want me to save her?” He really wanted Odette with him but he was a little afraid that maybe she wouldn’t want to be if she still had feelings for Conner. “I don’t think that Odette will let Conner stop her if she really wants to talk to you.”


Conner was happy to see Zane. Having him around always helped him keep a clear head. He knew Zane had his back no matter what. “I’m fine, there is nothing at this party that I can’t handle...Almost nothing.” He smiled a bit and continued to look around. Was there anyone at this party who didn’t have issues with someone? “I am pretty sure that if my mother could read minds she would be lecturing everyone.” He really needed to try and relax a bit. It was just so hard to do with Nadia over there with Griffon. “What about you, is your birthday partying driving you crazy yet?”


Mack didn’t know why she was surprised at the way her brother had gotten Gwen. Perhaps it was because she could still remember when he was kind and not so arrogant. His advice did make sense but she wasn’t sure it was something she could do. The thought of using someone like that seemed so cruel. Even if it did work. “So what you are saying, is that I should act like the complete opposite of myself? I am not sure that’s possible. We may not be close anymore but you know me better than that.” She sighed and leaned back in her seat. “What was it about Gwen that made you want to use someone like that to get her?”

Of course he was going to think that she wanted to try it. That was the obvious reason for her to ask. It was nice to hear that he would take care of her though. Hearing that actually made her smile. “It’s not that I want to try it. You know how I feel about that. No offense to you but I think it’s horrible and a very dark thing to do...it’s just that somethings happened and he ended up bleeding...when I saw the blood and the smell hit me, I wanted to...I controlled myself but now I’m afraid that if it happens again I might not be able to stop myself...So yes I want you to be completely honest because I need to know. Also maybe hearing it will help me understand you a little better.”

[NADIA DIANE CROWE]

"You May be right about if we were to fight." Nadia agreed with him, because she knew he was right. But she knew better. "I promise I would never hurt her. I have strict orders from... Well... That doesn't matter. But I will never hurt her." She almost spilled out more information than she should have. Her father had been doing some research and found out that this particular human was a descendant of his. Nadia knew one thing she would become useful to her. There was a door that wouldn't open the first day they moved into the house. It seemed so long ago. Her older twin brothers Destiny and Conner all had found a secret room together under the house. Oh my God! She thought. I remember him! I remember that day! She looked over at Conner and every memory spun in her head. Even the last night at the club. His smile, his eyes, lips and scent. They way they moved perfectly together. "Griffon what do you say we go talk to our imprints? Maybe we could explain what imprinting is... If you don't want to tell Odette about you thats fine. But he is mine and that is my hand she is holding." She was shaking as she stood. This seemed slightly stupid but she had to do it.

Zane shrugged. "Not to bad. Artemis went all out and I think she did a fine job. I don't think she left a single detail out." Zane swirled the ice in his drink and sipped it. He looked at his sister and groaned. Why did she have a devil may care look on her face? Why does it look like she was going to come over here? He watched her stand up and start to walk over. He turned his back and looked at Conner. He heard everything in her head. Damn that twin link but he was able to warn his brother. "She remembers everything."

Malcolm wasn't sure how to explain. He did just make everything he did to get gwen seem like the worst thing he could ever do to someone. "I made that sound a lot worse than it was." He sipped his drink and continued, "The girl I was seeing was named Alexis. She was a very childish. She was only sixteen. Now, I know that we are not much older but you and I are not like humans. She was needing help and I helped her. I got her into the girls school in Seattle and am paying her college tuition..." He frowned. "She is the daughter of the human I accidentally.... well you know..."

Human blood hadn't been like anything else he had ever consumed. "I will say it is like a power rush. I felt stronger and nearly invicible, more so when i drank from the source like the first time. But the high only lst for 5 mins and the you are left to dealing with your actions. That is where our humanity comes in." He wasn't sure if he really liked feeling like this, but he felt the old malcolm weaving his way into his mind.

[ARTEMIS AMELIA CROWE]

Griffon was a little freaked out when Nadia started heading towards Conner and Odette. It was like some kind of switch had flipped and she couldn’t help herself. “Easy now Nadia, Don’t you think you should calm yourself down first before you go over there. You are shaking and you look a little territorial right now so just wait a second.” He pleaded with her but he could tell she had already made up her mind. “Alright, just don’t do anything crazy if she decides not to let go of that hand.” Explaining what imprinting was seemed like a good idea. However, just because they explained it didn’t mean Odette would understand it.

She remembered? Was that really possible? When he turned and saw the look on her face as she headed toward them he knew Zane was telling the truth. “She remembers me?” Conner’s first reaction was pulling Odette behind him, at least that way there would be something in between the two girls. Better safe than sorry. “Odette, I’m really sorry.” He had given up hope that Nadia would ever remember, part of him believed she didn’t want to. Now he wasn’t sure what to do. If the memories were back, did that mean she wanted him back? Would she still leave with Malcolm and the others? He took a deep breath and calmed himself. Then waited for Nadia and Griffon to get close “Nadia, what’s going on?”


“We have so much power already, adding more power to that seems reckless to me. Mack didn’t like the sound of what human blood did. “Wait, you helped a human girl? And you are still helping her by paying her tuition? But I thought you...I was under the impression that you thought humans were just food. That they were beneath us...you even got upset with me when I told you that I wanted to be human, remember?”

She hadn’t seen Malcolm feel bad about something in a very long time. She almost didn’t believe it but she could see a small glimmer of regret in his eyes. That was an emotion she didn’t think he was capable anymore. Was it because he was away from Gwen or something else. Maybe she hadn’t completely lost him after all. “Malcolm, are you alright? You are not really acting like yourself. I don’t know if I should be worried or relieved.”

[NADIA DIANE CROWE]

Nadia made a mental note to make sure to breathe. He was right she would need to be prepared. What if Conner didn't want her anymore? This made her slow down. She didn't like that thought. The way she was explained how imprinting worked was, Imprinting mostly in men, the woman would love them no matter what. they would be together always. It wasn't Nadia's fault her memories were taken for her. She had been working with Viktor day and night trying to remember for weeks. How was she supposed to know that her memories would come back from talking to a shifter about his imprint... wait that's it... Odette.... She unlocked my memories... WHo knew that my father's human descendant was capable of that. "Don't worry Griffon" She took his hand and gripped it in hers firmly but not enought to hurt him. "You can break my arm if I lose my cool."

Zane didn't like the look on Nadia's face but her thoughts were amazing. Using his power he spoke to Conner I will say Conner, There are a few surprises to what Nadia knows. Apparently That girl holding you is a descendant of our father's only human Daughter. Talk about keeping it in the family huh? Zane laughed out loud and made people look at him weird since no one had said anything funny.

Malcolm Laughed. "Mack don't think I have gone soft on you. She is supernatural human. Her power is useful for when I can't be somewhere. She and I have an agreement She works for me and I make sure she lives comfortably. SHe is what you would call an assistant. Believe me, I am still nauseated by the idea of being with one. I am not sure how Conner can do it. I wouldn't have been able to control myself." He shook his head to remove the thought. "Humans are food, but not to the extent of murder. let's just say Grandfather gave me one hell of an ultimatum. Either do things his way or die. He told me the next time he wouldn't stop the Volturi in killing me." Malcolm's eyes watered in anger. He hated being controlled. "You have no to worry about me. I am sure that you and I will be just fine kid. I have to go check on Gwen. But do you think you could do some recon for me? Go talk to Uncle Jimmy and his brothers? Try to find out why they are here? I have a strange feeling they are here because of Gwen." Malcolm glanced at them and back at Mackenzie. He could tell being in love with Gwen was making him soft and his sister was noticing.

[ARTEMIS AMELIA CROWE]

Griffon was glad she was giving him permission to protect Odette from her if he had to. He was hoping it wouldn’t come to that though. He would hate to see what the rest of the Crowes would do to him for hurting Nadia. That and he wasn’t completely sure he could win in a fight against the hybrid. His brother would never let him live that down “Alright, just try to keep your cool so I don’t end up having to break a bone. Fighting with you would really hurt my manhood...especially if I lost.”

Hearing this new information made almost made Conner trip over his own feet. It didn’t help that Zane was laughing. At least someone thought this was amusing. That proves it...I am cursed. I have to be. Did he seriously just go from one Crowe girl to another? If Odette was a descendant then did that make her Nadia’s niece or something? God that made him sound like a perverted old man. No wonder Zane was laughing. Its nice to see this amuses you. Just wait, one day you will end up in a complicated relationship and I will be the one laughing at you. He turned his head and looked back at Odette. Looking at her now made him realize he should have noticed it sooner. The hair and the eyes should have tipped him off right there. Why were they just finding this out now?

Malcolm said he wasn’t going soft but it was hard for Mack to believe. Even when he spoke about being nauseated by the idea of being with a human it still felt as if he wasn’t as bad as he used to be. Was it that girl doing it? A half demon making someone go soft sounded crazy so maybe she was just imagining things. “You really think grandfather would let them kill you?” She had never seen her grandfather’s bad side, but could he really get angry enough to do something like that? Something told her she didn’t want to know the answer to that question. At least the threat was keeping her brother in line. “Don’t call me a kid Malcolm, I’m not an innocent little girl anymore.”

“So you want me to be your little spy then? Fine...I’ll do it but you will owe me one.” Of course she would have done it anyway because she was curious. “Go check on her, I’ll let you know if I find out anything interesting.” She said as she stood up from her seat and headed towards her uncle. “Hi Jimmy. I don’t mean to interrupt but I think I am going to hang around here with you for a bit. Malcolm and I got into a little argument and everyone else is being a little bit to dramatic. I figure right here is the safest place to be if grandmother decides to go on a rampage.” She smiled as she stood next to her uncle and turned to look at his brothers, “Who are your friends?”

[NADIA DIANE CROWE]

Nadia's heart was pounding in her chest and before she knew it she was standing in front of Odette and Conner. She looked at Griffon and hoped that he would help her if she needed it. She looked at Conner and Knew they would have to rebuild their relationship but that was okay. There was a lot they need to Catch up on. "Odette, Do you think you and Conner could join Griffon and I at our table. We need to talk about something that is very important and I think you should know."

Odette was talking to Noelle, her best friend from high school when Nadia walked up to her. "Um... I guess we can..." SHe looked up at Conner quite confused and wondered if they really should. He had kept warning her about Nadia and now she was nervous.

Malcolm SHook his head. "You have never seen him angry like the men in this family have And you never will." Malcolm frowned thinking of the day he cleaned up Malcolm's mess in a cafe. He never would forget the verbal lashing he received. He laughed at the kid comment, "Okay Slick, thanks." He made his way though the party and into the house to find Gwen. "How are you feeling?"

Jimmy turned to his neice and smiled. "Hey Mackenzie, Enjoying the party?" jimmy was only there to make Artemis happy. Everyone knew that. Jimmy was busy and didn't have time for these things all the time but this was important to the Coven mother so it was important to him. " These are my youngest Brothers Landon, Damon and Blake. They Are Faust Demons so never bargain with them." Jimmy turned to his brothers who were all scowling at him. "She is my family and she is off limits."

Landon Shrugged, "That's no matter." Damon smiled, "There are plenty around to bargain with here that are not your family James." Blake was sitting in a chair, "If she wants to sell her soul for something she is allowed, She did just tell her twin she wasn't a kid anymore, Didn't she?"

[ARTEMIS AMELIA CROWE]

Conner was nervous about this talk Nadia wanted to have, but maybe it was for the best that they got it all out in the open. He started to wonder what Griffon had to do with it, but then he noticed how Griffon was staring at Odette and it finally hit him. How did he not notice that before? “I think a talk would be good, things are getting to be a little too tense for my tastes. It’s best to sit and talk it out.” If her memories really were back then he knew things were going to have to change. First he needed to let Odette go. It wasn’t right for him to keep her tied to him when he was still in love with Nadia. Odette deserved to be happy and she would never be happy with him. They didn’t really belong together. He just needed to figure out how to tell her that. He led Odette over to the table and squeezed her hand to try and reassure her. “Don’t worry, everything is okay.”

Gwen had managed to calm herself down while she was alone. However she still wasn’t sure what she was going to do. Every plan she had come up to deal with the Fausts seemed pointless and stupid. Malcolm would probably help her if she told him what was going on but she was too afraid of how he would react. She hated admitting it to herself but she loved him. She would do anything to keep him from leaving her. Even if that meant lying to him about being bound to another man. When Malcolm came to find her she smiled and acted like nothing was wrong, “I’m feeling much better. I’m sorry if I caused any trouble. I’m not sure what came over me.”

Mack hated being called Mackenzie but Jimmy was one of the only people who actually called her that so she always let him get away with it. “Bargain demons? So it is really true that you can trade your soul to a demon and get whatever you want? ” That seem pretty dangerous, especially around here. Most people she knew would trade their souls in a second if it meant getting what they wanted. She just hoped they were all smart enough to keep from making a deal. “Don’t worry Jimmy, There isn’t anything that they could offer me that would make me want to give up my soul. My soul is kind of important.” These guys gave her a bad feeling and she was kind of regretting coming to speak with them. But she promised Malcolm she would figure out what they wanted. They couldn’t take her soul unless she made a deal anyway. “Do you guys know Gwendolyn Kenyetta? I’m just asking because she seemed to know you.” The sooner she figured it out the sooner she could get away from them.

[NADIA DIANE CROWE]

Nadia Walked Back to the table she had been sitting at with Griffon and made Odette Sit next to her, "I am about to feed you a lot of information and I need you to listen closely." Once Odette nodded she continued. "I imprinted on Conner years ago. Now I know you don't know what that is but with Conner and Griffon's help I will explain it to you." Nadia took a breathe and smiled. "Imprinting for a shifter it like love at first sight. The moment you first see that person you become bound to them and they to you. Soulmates."

Odette listened intently and moved towards Conner with every word Nadia spoke. She frowned realising what Nadia was meaning. "What you mean is, Now that COnner is with me you want him Back?" Odette wasn't happy about this but she knew her pride was the only thing that kept her there.

Malcolm chuckled softly and joined Gwen on the bed. "You? Cause trouble? No way!" Sarcasm was dripping for every word but he wrapped his arm across her waist and followed with. "No, you have not. You didn't feel good. You layed down. Artemis , I am sure would Understand. We could just chalk it up to the ridiculous amount of humans that are here and you needed to lye down before you ate some of them." He laughed softly and kissed her hair. "You know caring for you is making me Soft."

Blake nodded. "Very true, But it is mor difficult with Vampires. While they do have souls they never die, so we are forbidden from bargaining with them any way. Blake looked around the party and realize he and his brothers were very under dressed. Damon looked at Landon and laughed loudly, "Hey Bro? DO we know Gwendolyn Kenyetta?" Landon growled a little at his brother and then spoke to the girl in front of him. "Of course we know her. For one she is part demon and We know most of them and two... She is bound to me. and she has left me at the altar twice." He wasn't rude to her. he just stated the facts. "Is that all you wanted to ask?"

Jimmy shifted his weight and looked at Landon "So that's why she looks so familiar." He shook his head. how could I let my nephew do that? he for sure will fulfill the prophecy now."

[ARTEMIS AMELIA CROWE]

Griffon was having a hard time watching Odette moving so close to Conner. It made him want to reach over and pull her away. It was not fair that his imprint was in love with someone else, “Imprinting is so much more then love at first sight. It’s like finding a piece of yourself that you didn’t know was missing. One look into that persons eyes and these feelings you can’t control fill your body and consumes you. One look and you know that there is no way you could live without them, and you would die protecting them...Love just doesn’t seem like a powerful enough word. At least not when I see my imprint. I don’t know anything about her. Honestly I have barley even said more than a few sentences to her, but she is the single most important thing in my life...My feelings for her are so strong that my body aches when I am away from her and when I look into her eyes everyone else disappears...but I haven’t been able to tell her that”

Conner knew it was hard for Odette to hear that Nadia wanted him back. It was going to be even harder for her to hear that he wanted Nadia back as well. “I know imprinting sounds confusing. Especially to those who are not shifters. But it isn’t just the shifter who feels the impact of imprinting. The person they imprint on feels equally the same. Sure it’s possible to love more than one person. But your imprint is the only person you belong with. Without them you feel incomplete...When you lose them...the pain is so unbearable that you cease to function.” It was a feeling that he never wanted to go through again. He had only manage to keep going because of Zane, Nathan and Odette. “Odette, have your feelings for me changed at all? Isn’t there someone else running through your mind...If I am wrong and you still feel the same way then we can forget everything we just heard and walk away right now...I want you to have the happiness that you deserve.”

Gwen grinned at his sarcasm, “I’ll have you know that just because I enjoy causing trouble doesn’t mean I like doing it all the time.” She laughed and laid her head against his chest. He seemed okay so hopefully that meant he hadn’t tried to talk to the Fausts. That was one less thing for her to worry about for now. “I can’t believe how many humans were invited to this party. It’s like your grandmother wants to torture us.” She wished that she could say it was the humans making her feel this way. That would be so much easier to explain.

“The great Malcolm Demont becoming soft because of little old me? That sounds impossible.” It was moments like this that she was so afraid to lose. Moments where everything felt right with the world. She was finally with someone who wanted to be with her, not someone who was only with her because he had to be. “I am starting to think that you are having the same effect on me. I wouldn’t stop hurting humans for just anyone you know...Do you think that means we are bad for each other?”

Mack could see the brother had very different personalities. Damon seemed to be the most annoying so far. He seemed very loud and obnoxious. Hearing him explain how he knew Gwen made Mack’s stomach turn. Malcolm was just starting to get back to normal because of the way he felt about Gwen. If this demon in front of her was telling the truth then Malcolm could end up getting hurt and losing control. She couldn’t let that happen, if he lost it then that would mean she would lose him forever.

When Jimmy spoke she got angry. Maybe if he had said something then Malcolm wouldn’t be in this situation. She knew it wasn’t his fault but he should have remembered Gwen sooner. “Bound to you? What do you mean she is bound to you?” Gwen didn’t seem like the kind of girl who would let herself be bound to anything. Now Mack understood what had upset the girl when they showed up. “It must not be a very strong bind if she has left you twice, are you sure the whole thing isn’t just in your head?” The thought of her brother getting hurt was making her get frustrated. Especially since she knew he was expecting her to tell him what was going on. “You are not going to try to get her back are you? Because...I think it would be safer for you to just stay away from her.” She hadn’t meant for that to sound like a threat but she couldn’t let Landon ruin everything.