Six

The air felt light under the glow of the full moon. It was a perfect night for flying. She selected her favorite white dress with the dainty straps and it now clung to her skin as the wind passed by. The scent of the bath flowers on her skin left a perfumed trail in the air behind her.

Her pink heels landed softly on the edge of the Hoover Dam. It was one of her favorite places to think, but she hadn’t been out this way in months. She sat down, dangling her feet over the sloping concrete. Candace fought the urge to slide down the side, remembering how she’d torn her favorite pants the last time. She closed her eyes, searching her memory for the construction sounds and voices of the men who’d helped build the wonder of modern engineering.

The workers helped usher in the showgirl era of Las Vegas. The population increased fivefold in a short amount of time and all those men needed to be entertained. Those were glorious days. They were strong and adventurous having left their old worlds behind. Donors weren’t voluntary then. Coming out as vampire was much too risky during the era, but Prohibition made feeding easy with most men overindulging when given access to any product. They wouldn’t remember a thing and bites were easy to hide under injuries earned on the job.

Alejandro was her first supernatural lover. They met at the Northern Club on Fremont Street which offered both illegal alcohol and gambling. Candace was there to find nourishment while Alejandro had his sights on Mayme Stocker, the owner and first female to ever receive a Nevada gaming license. He never fulfilled his wish to become a kept man.

Instead he saw Candace easily escorting an intoxicated man twice her size and followed her to the alley where she was beginning to feed. Alejandro stood guard until she finished, winning her over in the process. She didn’t have to hide or lie. There was no interrogation over a few random bloodstains here and there. It was as easy and sexy as loving a warlock-demon could be. They shared nearly seventy years together and then he vanished.

Candace stared down at her feet, letting the wind lift her legs with each gust. What an odd position to be in. Waiting on a human and not just because he’s dinner. It’s a whole new world. She stood up and performed a swan dive without hesitation. Her stomach flipped as she picked up speed on the descent before whooshing up at the last minute. She pressed her lips together tightly to avoid trapping any bugs in her teeth.

The boats anchored in Lake Mead grew larger as she lowered herself. His heartbeat called out, bringing her in for a safe landing on the stern deck of a large, white boat. Shane was standing at the bow sipping a glass of wine and watching the moonlight dance on the water. Candace started to walk forward and was about to call his name when the sound of her heels caused him to flip around. He let out a scream and nearly fell over the side.

“Shane! It’s me.” She ran forward, waving her hands.

He clutched his chest and laughed. “You blocked out the light behind you. I just saw a shadowy figure.”

“You really know how to make a girl feel welcome,” she said, creeping forward. “I’m shadowy.”

He lowered his voice a few octaves and said, “I wasn’t scared.”

“Of course not. Falling overboard is probably a greeting in some cultures.”

Shane paused and looked at her. “Something told me if I came to the boat tonight you would find me.”

“And something told me you’d be here, under the full moon.”

“I didn’t know you could actually fly, though. I was expecting a text from the shore.”

“I’m full of surprises.”

“You most certainly are.”

Candace walked over to the side and leaned against the railing. “I’m going to get right to the point. Have you thought about what we discussed?”

“You mean that little ol’ problem about potentially sharing a mate with a warlock-demon? Does he technically count as one being or two?”

“Jury is still out on that.”

“Figures, although I guess we’re all a mix of light and dark selves, aren’t we?”

“I would agree with you.” Candace held out her hand, motioning for him to come closer. “Should I take it as a good sign you haven’t tried to go overboard again? I don’t want to get my hopes up.”

“I’m just afraid there’s some crazy aquatic creature leaving under Lake Mead that you haven’t told me about yet.”

“Maybe,” she said, looking mischievous.

He smiled, reaching up to brush a curl from her cheek. “Are you hungry?”

“I wouldn’t turn away a drink.” She leaned back against the railing, expecting him to go fix a glass and warm it up, but he remained.

“I should warn you,” he said, unbuttoning his shirt. “You may not be able to control yourself.”

Her fangs snapped to attention when his neck was exposed. “Are you sure? You’ve thought about this?”

“Long and hard, just as you suggested.”

Candace reached forward with one hand, rubbing the bulge growing in his pants. “And this is long and hard, just the way I like it.”

He bent down, giving her easier access to his neck. She gently sunk her fangs into his flesh, allowing her tongue to lick his skin before the blood began entering her mouth. Shane moaned, pulling her tighter against him as she continued to suckle. His blood was sweeter fresh from his veins. The courageous umami was more complex and distinctive, growing in flavor with every pulse.

Candace ran her tongue along her fangs and lips, enjoying every drop. “You’re more delicious than I remembered.” She licked his wound, instantly stopping the bleeding.

“I would hope so. I’d hate to think the bagged version was better.” He brought her over to a bench with cushions, pressing her onto her back and kneeling in front of her knees. “I’m sure you’re just as delicious.”

Shane kissed the top of her knees, dragging his hands along her thighs to lift her dress. She bit her lip and held her breath, waiting to feel the touch of his warm lips. He nibbled the silky skin of her inner thighs, stopping only long enough to yank her silk panties off. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered, admiring the moist, pink flesh before him.

He buried his face between her legs, sending trembles through her entire body. “So sweet.” Shane licked his lips and returned to explore. Her thighs clamped shut around his head as she shook with surprise at the depth of his tongue.

“Are you sure that’s not me you’re tasting?” Neither of them noticed the heavy swirl of air that had circled the boat before materializing into a figure.

“Alejandro! Get the fuck out of here!” She pulled down her dress and jumped up.

“Like I haven’t seen it all before. I’m sure you know you’re getting sloppy seconds, right?” Shane moved to tackle him but passed right through and slammed against the opposite wall of the boat. He wagged his finger and clucked his tongue. “Candy, tell the human he’s only going to get himself hurt.”

“What are you doing here?” She ran to Shane and helped him to his feet. He tried to make another run, but she blocked his path, shaking her head to discourage him.

“Somebody wouldn’t come out of her chamber, so what do you expect me to do? When I have a Candy craving, I really have a Candy craving. I could have just entered your chamber anyway, but then you would have gotten mad and there’s that whole respecting each other’s space thing, so I thought this would be better. Isn’t this better?”

“This most certainly is not better!” Now Shane was the one restraining her.

“I’m not a bad guy,” he said, reaching out to shake Shane’s hand. “It’s Shane, right? See, Candy told me she wants both of us and I’m just trying to make that come true for her. If we’re going to be one big, happy family, we should at least see if we’re compatible. Wouldn’t you agree? As you were, I’ll just observe. You won’t hear a peep out of me.”

Candace screamed in frustration. “I really like this guy. Can’t you be a complete fucking asshole another time?”

“Oh, I am a complete fucking asshole every other time. Why should the present be any different?”

“Is this what I’m signing up for?” Shane asked, throwing his hands up.

“No.” Candace grabbed his shoulders for reassurance while Alejandro nodded up and down and mouthed yes. She caught him mid nod and sighed loudly, exhaling all the air from her body. “Why do you want me to be unhappy?”

“You’re unhappy?” Alejandro looked genuinely concerned, surprising Candace and Shane.

“Do I look happy? I told you what I wanted. I was enjoying myself and now you’re just trying to shit on the whole thing. Plus, you still need to repay Shane for his car.”

“Again with the car. I never touched his car. Being a warlock-demon doesn’t automatically mean I’m a liar. I take offense to that.”

“You can take offense to whatever you want.” She faced Shane and kissed him on the lips. “Forget everything I said. I’m not dragging you into this.” Candace positioned herself to fly off, getting a few feet off the ground before Alejandro grabbed her by the ankle and brought her back down to the boat.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I came here to meet Shane, but when I saw him with you … I just … well, I didn’t put forth my best self.”

“No, you did not!”

“Shane, I’m sorry. I’ve been away from her for quite some time and I wasn’t expecting her to replace me so quickly.”

“Quickly? It’s been decades, Alejandro. We are not here to feel sorry for you when you’re the one who left!”

“I was banished,” he said, explaining to Shane.

“I heard.”

“And I’m afraid it might happen again.”

“Just say you’re leaving,” Candace said, rolling her eyes. “You’ve already used the banishment card.”

Alejandro grew quiet. He plopped down on the cushioned bench, resting his forearms on his knees. “I’m serious. It will happen again.”

“How can we stop it from happening?” Shane asked.

“Thank you, Shane. He is more concerned about me than you are.”

Candace sat down next to Alejandro, taking one of his hands. “If you’re lying, I’ll figure out a way to banish you myself. Tell me what’s going on.”

“It’s my cousin, Tenebro. The one who banished me before. He’s always hated me because I’m part warlock.”

“You can’t fight him?”

“A pure demon is more powerful than I am. I can’t even feel his essence.”

“Now you know how I feel,” Candace said, raising her hand. “You always get the jump on me. Tonight being a perfect example.”

Shane moved closer, furrowing his brows as he assessed the situation. “If you were banished, how are you out now?”

“He doesn’t make them permanent, so he can chase me through realms and do it again, preferably once I’ve settled in and gotten comfortable somewhere.”

“They say all families are fucked up, but that’s taking it to another level.” Shane pulled up a deck chair, settling in like he was about to hear a story. “How many times have you been banished?”

“Phew, I’ve lost count. It’s been centuries.” He stared at his hands, flipping them over as if the answer was hidden in his palms. “This is the only time I’ve ever returned to the same place.” Alejandro looked at Candace. She could tell every ounce of snark had been drained from his body. “You’re the only one I wanted to come back to. The only one I felt deserved an explanation. I couldn’t stand the thought of you thinking I’d just up and left.”

“Then why have you been such a raging asshole?”

“I thought if I projected that energy, Tenebro would just leave me alone.”

“This is not where I thought this conversation was headed,” Shane said, making the soft sound of an explosion with his mouth. “My mind is officially blown.”

“I’m glad she found you, Shane. It makes me feel better knowing you’ll be here in case it happens again.”

“I was so mad at you.” Candace took Alejandro’s face in her hands and gently kissed his face. “I’m so sorry.”

The kisses turned more passionate as their hands moved along each other’s body, tugging on hair and tearing at buttons. Alejandro removed her dress, slipping it over her head as she dropped to her knees in front of his seat on the bench. Her curvy ass was exposed to the night air and Shane’s hungry eyes.

Alejandro exhaled as she took his cock in her mouth. He maintained eye contact with Shane, motioning for him to come closer. When he didn’t budge, Alejandro bent forward and slid his hand down her back, grabbing one of her full cheeks and exposing her even more. He stroked her silky skin, encouraging Shane to join in once again.

Candace pulled her mouth from his member and looked over her shoulder at Shane. She smiled, adjusting her knees to bring her hips up to a higher angle. Her soft curves beckoned for him to come closer and join them. This time he didn’t hesitate.

Shane gripped her hips, using his knees to spread hers further apart. His cock twitched as it touched her wetness, aching to press closer to her heat. Every muscle in his body strained with anticipation. Her back arched to welcome him as he pressed forward through the tightness until he was fully surrounded by her warmth.

“So fucking hot,” Shane groaned, trying to match his thrusts to the rhythm of her head bobbing up and down in Alejandro’s lap. Her moans grew louder as Shane gripped her hips harder, increasing the pace and force of his movement until the boat rocked with approval.

Alejandro cradled the back of her head, trying his hardest not to press too hard and releasing his grip at the slightest sound of gagging. It was not his first ménage, but it was his first with Candace and it was obvious to him that Shane was new to sharing.

It was also just as obvious they both enjoyed being watched, engaging in an odd sort of cock fight with their eyes. Each blink and fierce look corresponded with a thrust or moan they had drawn out from Candace. When they became locked in a staring contest, Candace was done for. Not that she was complaining. She enjoyed pleasuring with her mouth as much as she enjoyed being taken hard from behind.

Candace came first, giving them both permission to finish. It was only a matter of who would blink first. Alejandro was the victor. He watched Shane buck wildly, flooding her body with his release and trying not to completely collapse on top of her. Alejandro threw his head back and climaxed in her mouth, growling so loud even Shane’s body shook in response.

“I should have warned you about that yell,” Candace said after swallowing.

“I think he scared all the fish out of the lake.” Shane laughed, squirming as his sensitive tip quivered while he separated himself from her.

“You have to admit we’re a good fit.” Alejandro pulled her close against him before reaching past her and including Shane in the hug.

Shane relaxed in the pile, still trying to catch his breath. “I never could have imagined that happening in my lifetime.”

“You need a lot more lifetimes,” Alejandro said with a wink. “Trust me, one is never enough.”

Candace stood before them naked, trying to figure out the straps on her dress to get it back over her head. “How do we prevent another banishment?”

“We may have just hastened it,” he said, sighing with frustration. “That was too enjoyable for him to let me have it forever.”

“Come on, there has to be something we can do.”

“He’s stronger than I am and way more conniving … and I thought I could be pretty damn conniving.”

“Don’t sell yourself short,” Candace said. “Plenty of witches are afraid of you and you’ll always be stronger than I am.”

“Thanks for the pep talk.”

“Holy water?” Shane suggested.

“Bullshit.”

“Crucifix?”

“Stop watching so many movies.”

“Everyone has a weakness.”

“Salt and iron do have a weakening effect.”

“Why salt and iron?”

“Salt is considered to be a purifier and iron is a conductor of electricity, so you could hypothetically drain his energy.”

“Hypothetically?”

“I’ve never witnessed or tried it. He’s usually around me before I know it.”

Candace sat cross-legged next to him. “How does he banish you?”

“I never remember the exact details, but I know each time has been through fire. He enjoys watching me burn. I’m convinced he keeps me from remembering fully so I never learn the lesson and can’t figure out a means of escape.”

“That’s horrible!” She buried her face against his chest and wrapped her arms around him.

He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head. “At least now we have a plan.”

“What’s the plan?”

“Yeah, did I miss it?” Shane asked, lifting his head up from his position splayed out on the floor.

“If I disappear, you will look after her. That’s the plan.”

Shane propped up on his elbows and frowned. “I’m feeling a little used. I never really planned on being part of the B team.”

“Who said anything about the B team? You’re part of this little family now, as much as I am. I just expect you to become her sole protector if Tenebro succeeds again.”

“You have my word,” Shane said.

“I think you’re forgetting who the vampire is. I’ll be the one keeping an eye on Shane. But Tenebro can’t win. Not this time.”