Chapter 2
Slake Resort, Peirasmos Island
The island was guarded like a fortress. Whatever had been out there couldn’t have been a threat, not with Princess and the other hellhounds patrolling the island. They were only one of the many vigilant measures set in place for the safety of the island’s patrons.
Lucy inhaled the cooler air inside the private entrance to the vampire-inspired resort, forcing her shoulders to relax. Her high heels sank into the thick wool carpeting that lined the stone hallway. This particular passage might not be as opulent as the sweeping carved staircases and lavish, gothic-inspired chandeliers in the main entrance, but they were still greeted with tapestry-lined walls and candle sconces flickering dim light over their path.
Aletheia were the race of Immortals who’d inspired vampire myth, and as romantic as the candlelight might be, its use likely had more to do with the race’s sensitive eyes than any sort of ambiance it added for the mortals lucky enough to visit the exclusive venue.
As far as myth went, humans had actually gotten a few things right about “vampires,” except they weren’t dead. They were very much alive, possessed incredible sexual pheromones, and were known for their intense telepathic abilities. The fangs were real, but for either taking blood memories or injecting a sought-after venom known for loosening inhibitions. Fitting, considering their purpose in ancient times had been that of interrogators. In the present, they were desired for the far more pleasurable aspects of their nature. That venom was an aphrodisiac banned in most countries, but not on Peirasmos Island.
Lucy shook off her edgy feeling. Everything was fine.
She quickly glanced at Ophelia. “Have you heard from Thea and Anarchy?” They were heading to Club Thirst to celebrate Anarchy’s birthday.
“I was just at their place. The terrible twosome were getting ready while a big drooling dog and a ferret ran in circles, playing keep-away with some panties I truly hope hadn’t come out of a hamper. I’m sure you had nothing to do with any of that.” A smirk tipped her glossy red lips, and amusement twinkled in her eyes.
Lucy sighed. “Don’t judge.” She had always had empathy with beasts, and not just the Hell variety. It was her constant forays into cities of Earth that made it challenging. It seemed anytime she ventured into the mortal Realm, she brought back another animal.
“No judgment here. Those animals are insane, though,” Ophelia said.
“Twinkie and Bob are just getting used to their new home.”
Ophelia snorted. “Is Twinkie the dog or the ferret? Belle was passed out on the bed.” Belle was the laziest hellhound Lucy had ever come across, even as a pup. The beast had bonded with Thea as a child and had learned patience early on. It could have been all the dresses Thea put her in. Belle might look like a frightening, demonic creature to humans, but she wouldn’t eat her new roommates.
Lucy sighed. “The mastiff is Twinkie. Thea named the ferret Bob.”
“Was your mom out of room?”
“Yes. And I couldn’t take them to the manor, either.” The compound in the Immortal Realm, better known as the Guardian manor, was already teaming with animals she’d confiscated. Her cottage was the same way.
“Is your life of crime still getting you in trouble with Drake?” The dragon leader of the Guardians of Earth wasn’t exactly thrilled with the hordes of animals the staff at the manor now looked after.
She firmed her lips. “Everything’s fine.”
She knew she had handled her empathy with animals badly that first year of adulthood, and neither her friends nor her family had let her live it down. Having humans report to authorities that an Immortal had teleported into their home, threatened them, and then absconded with their pet wasn’t exactly great for Immortal PR. The assholes never mentioned why she went off on them, and somehow their neglect and cruelty never seemed to come up in the reports.
She shook her head in disgust.
After apologizing to the Guardians, she’d learned to be discreet. Now, no matter how furious she was at them, she never let the mortals see her, and she’d gotten very good at avoiding security cameras. She loved her family, but their deeming her the “cat burglar” had lost its amusement years ago, so she was pleased that Ophelia wasn’t going there now. Considering Ophelia was the proud owner of three actual cats Lucy had rescued, she was eternally grateful the other female was too classy for such name-calling.
They turned down another short hallway.
Lucy thought it wise to change the subject. “I’m not sure the world is ready for a fully legal Anarchy.” She knew she wasn’t ready for it. Thea had been a handful enough at twenty-one, and now that her partner in crime was legal, all hell could break loose on Earth.
Ophelia snorted. “No kidding. That’s part of why I didn’t wait for them. I need a primer before they get here.”
Anarchy would know if their hearts weren’t in the party, and since this was a big night for their friend, they needed to get in the mood. At twenty-nine, Lucy had been there for everything in every single one of their lives, and she wouldn’t bow out tonight. She’d put her game face on and have a good time, no matter how much her mind strayed to a sexy, tattooed God or the weird sensation they’d felt outside.
“That sounds perfect,” Lucy agreed, smiling. “Shots?”
Ophelia grinned back at her. “Definitely shots.”
Immortal metabolisms didn’t make getting a buzz easy, but it wasn’t impossible. There were special wines and liquors distilled in the Immortal Realm that packed a much bigger punch than mortals could generally take.
In reality, Lucy deserved a celebration of her own for her part in helping ensure Anarchy survived to adulthood. It might “take a village” to raise human children, but it took practically an entire city of powerful beings to keep Guardian children out of trouble. They were a mix of different beasts with an array of dangerous or mischievous traits. They’d all pushed limits no human child would even fathom or attempt, partly because, aside from decapitation, they were pretty indestructible. Not that regrowing limbs was fun, but they’d all gone through it.
Far worse was when they gained the ability to teleport. Only Gods, Guardians, and the Immortal race known as Kairos had that particular skill set. The only thing that saved them all was that teleporting usually came around sixteen or seventeen. It took sneaking out to a whole new, dangerous level when a teenager could end up anywhere in the four Realms within a matter of minutes. A few children started teleporting earlier, like Rykr had, but for most, it was an adolescent thing.
A few steps into the hallway, they passed a hulking security guy in a black suit. The male nodded respectfully. They were expected tonight. She wouldn’t be surprised if security cameras had been on them since she ported in.
The hall opened up beside one of the more grandiose carved staircases of Slake, the one that would take them up to Club Thirst. Mortals and Immortals milled around, dressed for an evening of fun in the clubs and bars. Most would end up in one of the fantasy rooms to indulge in their dirtiest desires. Lucy imagined there’d be a lot of fang involved in whatever went on in those rooms, considering that was the major draw of the place. Any other amenities for indulgence or pampering were just icing.
Heated looks slid over their bodies, lingering appreciatively as the two made their way up the stairs. No male dared more than look, though, since they valued either their lives or, more likely, the sensitive aspects of their anatomy. Having a Guardian or a powerful God as a father meant the girls were given plenty of space by Immortal males as a whole.
After taking a few flights up the curved steps, they finally made it to the top floor. Stepping past a crowd of laughing, excited females, they nodded at the security guard, who ushered them into the nearly dark club.
Purple light glowed from the recesses of the ceiling to highlight females dancing in cages. The dance floor was packed with swaying bodies moving to the erotic beat thrumming all around them.
They headed toward the two-story wall of heavy glass that separated the illuminated blue pool from the club. Plant life swayed in the clear water as two female Nereids, or “mermaids,” swam naked. Their iridescent tails flicked and streamed through the water, appearing delicate and nearly transparent. The females were doing a beautiful kind of dance beneath the surface, meeting to kiss softly as their tails fanned out in the opposite directions.
Thirst was in the more sensual, or tame, part of the resort, but that hadn’t stopped a few couples from getting caught up in all the pheromones in the air. Lucy might be immune to the allure of the beautiful beings around her, but the scent of arousal still affected her. Her eyes flickered to a blond female in a short black dress dancing provocatively with a dark-haired “vampire” at her back. Lucy was caught by the sight of the female, her back to his front, the male’s hand at the apex of her thighs as she rotated her hips. Even in the near darkness, it was clear what he was doing to her. The blonde’s lips were parted in a gasp as her head rested back against his hard chest. The dim light flickered off the male’s metallic eyes, and the arousal there was unmistakable.
Lucy nearly groaned and forced herself to look away as she followed Ophelia up a few hidden steps to the right, where their private seating area awaited.
She let out a breath when she sank onto one of the couches. A shirtless waiter had followed, so they quickly ordered drinks. The entire scene made her think of Rykr, of him holding her exactly the same way, with his hand between her thighs. Maybe restraining her with his thick forearm so she was completely at his mercy. She mentally groaned. Considering he was a good foot and a half taller than her now, their bodies might not line up that way, not even if she wore higher heels.
Their raised section allowed them to watch the dance floor below, but it was filled with too many people to catch the full show those two had been making.
Ophelia was still staring in that direction when she murmured, “Damn. If only I could find someone that could have that effect on me.” Lucy nodded in complete understanding.
A flicker of sadness glimmered in Ophelia’s eyes before she appeared to lock it away. It was a known fact that Immortal females weren’t attracted to less powerful males, and Ophelia was a Demi-Goddess. Only a very powerful Immortal would be able to arouse her in that way.
Immortal men, on the other hand, were ruled by their cocks. The guys actually needed the energies from sex as much as they required the healing energies of the world itself.
Forcing some fake cheer into the moment, Lucy declared, “Who needs males when there are so many choices in vibrators?”
Ophelia choked out a laugh. “True.”
They were spared more conversation about men or toys when their special shots of Immortal-strength vodka were dropped off.
“To toys.” They both grinned and clanked the small glasses together before downing the contents. Lucy relished the warmth that slid down her throat. After a second, she felt a little lighter, and they smiled conspiratorially, having come to an unspoken agreement that they were going to have a good time.
After sending the waiter for more festive drinks, they tucked their legs beneath them. The spot had become theirs in the four years since Ophelia had reached her majority. It wasn’t just because of the atmosphere at Slake. It was because this was the most secure place in the mortal Realm. She and Ophelia could relax their guard and have drinks without being constantly watchful. The island’s owner, Tynan, diligently screened anyone who sought entrance to the island.
When the crowd got a little loud for a second, she and Ophelia sat up, looking out at the dance floor. Anarchy and Althea had arrived, but they weren’t on the floor. They were grinding against each other on the top of the bar. The two couldn’t look more opposite as they danced and laughed as they sang along to the music.
Lucy couldn’t stop the smile that spread on her face. Anarchy’s sexy curves were wrapped in a low-slung, short black skirt and a sparkling red halter that showed a lot of light-cocoa skin. Her long hair was in tight braids that flipped back and forth as she moved to the pulsing beat.
Thea, on the other hand… Is she trying to twerk?
Lucy and Ophelia burst into laughter. Thea oddly had zero rhythm, but that never stopped her from going all out anytime music played. Whatever was playing at the moment seemed to be her “jam.” Her shoulder-length, dark hair was bleached white at the tips, and she wore a ripped black tank top with some white writing, and a short black skirt. Her blue-tinted mercury eyes glittered in the purple neon around the bar. The metallic sheen was courtesy of her “vampire” half.
If her father could see her now… Lucy shook her head as she and Ophelia exchanged knowing looks. Both girls’ fathers would lose their minds if they saw their daughters dancing on a bar with Immortal males drooling below, especially when said males were likely getting a great view of some skimpy thongs. At least there were no cell phones permitted on the island.
A moment passed, and then the crowd parted.
It had only been a matter of time.
Tynan had arrived. He towered above most of the club’s patrons, and his dark hair, strong jaw, and silver eyes only enhanced his sexy yet intimidating appeal. The shirt sleeve of his dark suit slipped back, revealing a strong, tanned wrist as he held his hand up to Anarchy.
Even from a distance, Lucy could see flames flickering in the Phoenix’s eyes as she defiantly planted her hands on her hips for a second. A moment passed, and she made an obvious huff. Switching to a big grin, she jumped gracefully into his arms.
Lucy couldn’t see the male’s expression, but she was sure he was smiling indulgently. Tynan was made of pure sex appeal and charm. But he was also a close friend of all their parents.
The crowd shifted more, allowing Tynan to easily set the birthday girl on the floor. That done, he turned and reached his hand up for Thea so she could climb down via the chair. She winked down at him and then flashed a bit of saucy fang. Lucy was a little surprised Thea didn’t jump into his arms like Anarchy had. Instead, she bent so he could lift her down by the waist.
He was shaking his head as he escorted the two through the crowd in Lucy and Ophelia’s direction. When they were almost past the sexy dancing couple from earlier, Thea stilled. Frowning, Lucy watched as Tynan turned to his charge. A wisp of raw power slipped up to the VIP section, and Lucy and Ophelia exchanged a look.
“Is that Thea’s power?” Ophelia whispered.
Lucy nodded. “I think so.” Every Immortal on the dance floor seemed rooted in place, having either felt it or having heard rumors of Thea’s budding ability. Either way, it had turned into a room of statues.
The small Immortal turned to the blonde dressed in black and slid a hand over the human’s arm. The blonde’s eyes widened, and Lucy wondered what she was feeling.
A few minutes passed as the vampire at the mortal’s back moved away from his dance partner. Judging from the scene and the way the male looked down at Thea, their friend was speaking to him telepathically.
It was impossible to look away.
Tynan’s muscles were tense as he protectively watched over the exchange. The other vampire seemed to suck in a deep breath before getting an almost reverent look on his face. He turned back to the mortal and bowed respectfully, showing a hint of fang before softly kissing his dance partner’s hand and saying something they couldn’t hear, maybe an apology, before leaving her.
Tynan briefly halted Thea, gazing intently at her. Lucy wondered if they were speaking telepathically, as neither of their lips were moving. She and Anarchy turned from him a moment later to walk up the stairs to their VIP section as Tynan watched. After a moment, he spoke to the blonde before some of his staff ushered her away. Not one vampire seemed able to tear their gaze from Thea, but she appeared unaware of the attention. If anything, she looked lost in thought.
A mating bond was sacred for their kind, especially to those who’d lived alone for thousands of years. That blonde was marked for an Immortal. Thea wouldn’t know which one, only that she’d found a mortal mate.
Lucy wondered what the years would bring, how many mates Thea would find. Thea had only found her gift in the last couple of years, and this was only the third time she’d found a mortal who’s unknown mate was waiting for her somewhere.
“Can you believe her mojo?” Anarchy said, smacking Thea on the arm when they sat down.
After Thea righted herself from the whack her friend gave her, she smiled and winked, though it seemed forced. “I do what I can.”
“Are you okay?” Lucy asked.
With a flippant wave the other female replied, “All good. Just shaking off the mojo.”
Anarchy gave her a side hug, and the two shared a look. There was definitely a secret there.
A waiter arrived a moment later, sparing Thea more attention she didn’t seem to want. Signature Thirst martinis, smoking with dry ice, slid in front of them. The drinks were a sort of blood-red, vampire-inspired cosmopolitan and had to be courtesy of Tynan. The other drinks she and Ophelia had ordered were set to the side.
Lucy nodded at the mortal waiter. He was new and seemed to be having a good time flirting with Anarchy before exiting their secluded spot. The birthday girl took her cocktail with a wide, covetous grin. Her excitement was contagious enough to get Lucy back in the spirit of things.
“I will get back on that bar tonight,” the Phoenix declared. “Or I might get in the pool with the Nereids. I’d love to see Tynan try to fish me out. I’d be all wet.” The last was said with a fun little shimmy in her seat.
Ophelia snorted. “He’s like family.”
Thea murmured, “Yeah, the uncle I’d like to handcuff to my bed.”
“What is wrong with you two?” Ophelia laughed.
Thea’s eyes widened in mock innocence. “What?”
The flirting had been a game for Thea forever, but in reality, Lucy knew very well that the other female had real affection for Tynan, and it wasn’t the dirty kind.
Lucy leaned back, drinking deeply of her smoking drink. It tasted like magic, which meant she needed to slow down. She’d had a lot of Immortal-strength drinks in a very short time. Smiling, she listened to the girls’ antics, wishing the warmth of the booze wouldn’t make her wish for another kind of warmth. One that included a sexy, tattooed God who belonged to her. She put her hand to her stomach. There was a fluttering there that she knew was just her wishing for something more.
It was warm, comforting.
They laughed and talked for only a few minutes before Ophelia stilled completely.
“What’s going on?”
The Demi-Goddess sat up and looked out to the entrance with a hard glint in her eye. “We’re about to be escorted out of here.”
“What?” Lucy wasn’t sure if Anarchy or Thea spoke. She was too caught up in the sense that something was very wrong.
It took only a moment before the club itself silenced, and they turned as one to see their fathers at the entrance to Thirst, with Tynan at their side. The massive Guardians and God towered over the others in the room, and their sheer power radiated out in waves, stilling the masses. Hades wore a suit, his black wings retracted into his back. There was a very dangerous glint in the Deity’s blazing blue gaze that matched the three Guardians’ at his side, including her father’s. Everyone instinctively moved back as the powerful males swept the room with their eyes and power. They were far too tense, and that set Lucy on alert as she scanned the room with them, knowing the other girls were also searching for some kind of threat.
Her father’s green eyes connected with her much lighter versions as his rumbling telepathic tone entered her mind, We’re leaving.
What the hell was going on?