Chapter 40

**Gareth

As usual, with that minx mate of mine around, it made it hard to think. My mother’s heavy-handed endorsement wasn’t helping, either. Goddess, what I wouldn’t give to slaughter that witch in her sleep.

Colette wandered her fingers up my bare chest, and I frowned in annoyance. I’d forgotten her presence in my bed. “What has you thinking so hard?” she asked demurely.

“Vanya,” I muttered and