Page 124 of Alastair

He smirked.“Then, like a good boy, I expect you to find a better use for that mouth.”

My stomach fluttered, and my cock twitched. Damn him.

“Ah,” Clara said, drawing my attention back to her. “We’ll also need the essence of an ancient one. Ancient one? Hmm. Could be referring to any kind of immortal, to be honest.”

“Vampires,” Sirena said. “Not a low-level leech either. Ancient vampires have extraordinary power. Hallucinogenic properties, ability to grant immortality and heal the fatally wounded. Some legends claim vampires evolved from the offspring of fallen angels and demons, so the ancient ones whose bloodline is less muddied are said to have both celestial and demonic power running through their veins, making them desirable and highly sought after among spell castors who require great strength.”

Clara smiled at her. “It turns me on that you know that.”

“Well, I’ve hunted them long enough,” Sirena said. “Among other monsters.”

“Still hot.”

A smirk upturned the edge of the female warrior’s lips.

“If the final ingredient is the essence of an ancient vampire, I suppose we’re in luck.” I turned to Lazarus. “We need to go to Krave.”

***

The nightclub for the damned sat on the outskirts of Echo Bay, situated among abandoned warehouses and a dense forest. It was a safe place for all supernatural beings to gather, regardless of species; a haven for those in need of an escape, a party for those with pent-up energy—and racing libidos—or merely a place for us to go without needing to hide ourselves.

Freedom. That’s what Krave offered. It was the vision Konnar had when he created the club.

“Party time!” Castor bounced through the parking lot, jabbing at the air with his fists.

“Idiot.” Kyo shook his head with a smile. “But he’s my idiot.”

I planned to meet with Konnar, so Michael had teleported us to the club using his ring. My brothers would be there if I needed them, but I’d told them to enjoy themselves. They had brought their mates.

Four days were all we had left, if I was correct about the black moon. Which, considering the rarity of it and the effect it had on magic, I knew Lucifer would use it for a spell—like he’d attempted to do in Hoia Baciu before we stopped him.

While mankind rang in the new year, we’d be fighting for our lives beneath a winter sky. And then, as one year welcomed the next, our souls would leave our bodies, and Lucifer would draw his final breath.

“Oh, the memories,” Bellamy said as we neared the club entrance.

“Do you miss it?” Phoenix frowned at the pavement. “All the…fun… you had here.”

Bellamy grabbed his hand. “Not even a little. I never thought I’d find someone who accepted me. Who loved me. This place helped soothe my loneliness and gave Lust his fix, but that emptiness never fully went away.” He stopped and faced his mate, touching the demon’s collar. “Until I met you.”

“You sap.” Phoenix swatted at Bellamy with his tail before continuing toward the front door. He was smiling though. “Now, come buy your gorgeous husband a drink before I start chucking fireballs at the place.”

Bellamy stared after him, his heart aching so much I felt it through our connection. I didn’t need to read his mind to know his thoughts; he dreaded the moment he had to tell Phoenix about the soul transfer. With so little time left, it needed to be soon.

Daman and Warrin entered the club behind him, followed by Gray, who clung to Mason’s back.

Nick, the bouncer, tipped his head to them. Spotting Michael and Lazarus, the werewolf balked and muttered as we passed, “A goddamn archangel. That’s something I don’t see every day.”

Once we were inside, Lazarus shifted a gaze throughout the club. Half-naked bodies swayed on the dance floor, music boomed through the speakers, and sweet scents perforated the air, a mixture of drinks, perfume, and the pheromones of those engaged in sex—some against walls, on the couch in the corner, and one couple fucked in the cage above the dance floor.

“Repulsive.” He looked at Michael. “I apologize that you have to come to a place like this.”

“No apology is necessary,” Michael responded, also taking in the atmosphere. Though, he did so with interest rather than disgust. “Demons are welcomed here too?”

Konnar appeared beside us. “All are welcome here. Demons, reapers, shifters.” His purple-eyed gaze roamed over Michael’s body. “Angels.”

“You must be Konnar. I’m Michael. Thank you for agreeing to meet with us.”

“The pleasure is all mine, I assure you.” Konnar gave him another once-over before turning to me. “About time you came to visit me. This level of neglect of our friendship has wounded me deeply.”