Page 14

BEAU

F lutter and Fangs is loud even with my headphones on. There’s a stage with poles and lights bounce around everywhere. Sparkle appears so happy behind the bar, chatting with people. He’s always chatty and always nice. The dark-haired person next to him looks so familiar.

I tug Poe’s hand, and he leans down to me. “They look like that lady that told me about Hex.” They have black wavy shoulder length hair and brown eyes.

“That’s Gabe, her son. He’s a nephilim since his dad was human and his mom is an angel.”

“I’m supposed to meet him!” We’re at the bar and Gabe turns to us.

“You’re supposed to meet me?” He looks up at Poe with a questioning look.

Poe chuckles. “This is Beau. Your mother is supposed to give me a heads up when she tells someone about Hex. That’s why you had a welcome party when you arrived and I had no idea Beau’s been here for three months. Gabrielle is slacking.”

Poe presses me forward from the small of my back. I love the feel of his warm palm against my bare skin. I want him to touch me everywhere.

“Wait, did your mom name you after herself?” I hop onto one of the empty barstools.

Gabe laughs, and I swear there’s a halo around his head. “Sure did. I go by Gabe, but my name’s Gabriel, too. And when it comes to my mother, no one can control her. I’ve only met her a few times in my life.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” My shoulders slump.

“Don’t be. Hex is the best place on Earth. I can be who I’m meant to be, and it’s safe here.”

“I love it, too.”

Sparkle finishes his last round of drinks and turns our way. “Two Sex On The Beaches coming right up.”

Poe squeezes my shoulder. “Have you had alcohol before?”

I shake my head. “Never had an ID before. Um, I still don’t.” I squirm in my chair. There’s a lot I’ve never done aside from drinking alcohol. Never driven, but why would I? Never been kissed. Never went to school. Never?—

Gabe waves a dismissive hand. “A few months ago, the witches put a spell on this place. You can’t enter unless you’re at least twenty-one. Some of the underage academy and university students kept trying to get in, so that nipped that problem.”

“Smart,” I say.

Sparkle’s back with two glasses. “I didn’t make them too strong, I don’t think, but let me know.”

The glasses have little pink paper umbrellas and curly straws. “This is so cute!” I grab the one closest to me and suck hard on the straw before the drink hits my tongue. My eyes widen as the sweet flavor flows in my mouth. I hum as I drink. “So good,” I say around the straw.

“And that’s why I’m the master of the drink.”

Gabe rolls his eyes. “One day we’ll need to have a drink battle to see.”

“Oh, you are on!” Sparkle smacks the counter and the two laugh. He drops his chin into his hands and stares at me. “You came on a good night. The whole gang’s here. Lark is gonna perform a little later. He’s always fun with his illusions and glowy wings.”

“He’s the Fae?” I ask.

“Yep,” Gabe says. “But you should have come tomorrow for Sparkle’s vision.”

“Maybe we can come back.” I spin in the chair to face Poe.

“I’m agreeable to that.” He takes a sip of his drink and his eyes shut. “Beau’s right, this is delicious.”

“Don’t drink too fast,” Sparkle says to me. “You two should go find a seat before all the good ones get taken. The blue table tops have the best views, or the VIP couches. Looks like Frankie’s claimed one of the couches.”

“Frankie?”

“Pike and Lark’s beloved Hellhound.” Gabe nods to the couch on the far wall where a Doberman with blue flames sits as if they own the place. “She’s harmless and loves pets.”

“Can we?” I lean back and look up at Poe, who nods.

“Of course.”

Sparkle shoves a couple of water bottles at us. “Don’t get dehydrated.” When I take the bottles, Poe grabs my drink from the counter and leads the way to the couch.

Frankie sits at attention, watching our every move.

“Hi, I’m Beau.” I hold out my hand. Dogs in the human realm generally don’t bother me, so I’m hoping it’s the same with a Hellhound.

She sniffs my hand, then noses it and adjusts so we can sit. She lays her big head across my lap and I giggle. “I think I’ve been accepted.”

“Looks like.” Poe pets her head and slides in next to me. I soak in his heat and want to snuggle closer, but keep to myself.

The lights brighten before someone talks on a speaker. “Get settled in for a wild time because we have an amazing show for you tonight.” Music blares louder, making my head rattle. With the pressure of the storm raging outside, the music makes the uncomfortable sensation worse. Too loud. Way way too loud for me.

I squeeze my eyes shut and take a drink of the sweet treat. Frankie’s weight in my lap and Poe pressed into my side are the only reasons I’m not panicking, but I’m not sure how long I can keep that static of terror from rising higher to the surface.

Poe wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me closer. “What’s wrong, sweetheart? You tensed up as soon as—” He stops to look around. “The music? Or the lighting?”

“The music’s so loud,” I whisper. My hand trembles as I pet Frankie.

“What’s your color?”

I nibble on my straw, contemplating. I’m not to the point of shifting and I know if I can just breathe through it, I’ll be fine. “Yellow, I think?”

“Do you wanna go someplace more quiet?”

I shake my head. “I’d like to see the show.”

“If you change your mind.”

“I’ll say red.”

He smooths his hand along my back. “Perfect.” He relaxes a little, leaning back and spreading his legs. I wish I could be so carefree and comfortable.

Frankie nudges me with her nose to start petting her again, and I snort. “You’re such a good girl. Thank you.”

“Put your hands together for Kristy, our lovely local succubus!” Someone from a speaker says. “She’s ready to shake up the night.”

The lights flash all around the stage and a woman with dark brown skin sashays from behind a glittery curtain. Her long, braided hair goes down her back. She’s in a pair of glittering white booty shorts and a top to match. Small wings pop from her back and I gasp at the sound. She smiles at the crowd and dances to the music before swinging from the center pole.

I forget to be afraid for who knows how long. Four performers have all danced on stage. There’s been a few catcalls and I just don’t understand because I’m mesmerized by the feats the dancers perform. Dazzled by their glittery costumes.

“Tonight, we have a special treat. Lark’s giving us a rare show of wings and illusions. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!”

A guy as pale as I am comes from behind the curtain. His bubblegum pink hair flows all around him. It’s so pretty I want to play with it. He waves as people cheer him on.

He sits on the edge of the stage and waves his hands around. I lean closer. Slowly, flowers bloom all around him until he’s seated among a garden of flowers I’ve never seen before.

“Fae wild flowers,” Poe whispers.

“They’re so pretty.”

Lark continues to weave his Fae magic, making the flowers grow until he stands beneath their giant heads. He walks through the stems. His wings start to glow and I suck in a breath as he flies in intricate patterns in the garden. My back itches, wings wanting free. I’ve never seen such artistry before in my life. Lark is so graceful in his flight. Tears spring to my eyes at the emotions he displays.

“Beau?” Poe whispers my name.

“Green. So beautiful.”

Soon Lark’s show is over, and the flowers disappear to the sound of applause.

“Alrighty, folks, shows over, but the night’s still young!” the invisible speaker says just before loud music blares again.

I scrunch my eyes closed and concentrate on staying in this happy, floaty place where giant flowers bloom.

When I open my eyes again, Sparkle’s swaying his hips as he comes our way. I grin so wide.

“I promised you a lap dance.” Sparkle turns around and shakes his bottom as he bends over, making me laugh when he looks back and winks. He does have a nice ass, but as cute as Sparkle is, he’s not my type.

Beside me Poe growls, making Sparkle and I both turn pink. Heat drops over my head and my dick perks to life.

“Awe, is Poe jealous?” Sparkle’s tail grazes across Poe’s chin.

“No!”

Sparkle continues to shake his booty in my face and raises his hands to add some more hip action to his moves. He’s so graceful, I wish I could dance like him.

“Yellow,” Poe grits out.

I blink over to him and Sparkle sucks in a breath as he turns to face us. He stands stark still, other than his trembling tail.

“Wait, you really are jealous.”

“I’m not,” Poe grits out, but he’s gripping the arm of the couch so hard if he doesn’t watch it, he’ll rip the fabric.

Sparkle side-eyes him. “Sure. I’m just gonna.” He thumbs behind him and sprints back to the bar.

“Are you okay?” I whisper, knowing he’ll still hear me despite the loud music.

“Yes. I’m okay.” He swipes hair from his face and looks away from me. “I’m better than this. I’m not jealous of Sparkle. Sorry for ruining your fun.”

“You didn’t ruin it. I’m still having fun.” The most naughtiest thought comes to my head. I nibble my bottom lip. Then climb into his lap.