by Kaye Draper
Grey let out a stuttering sigh as he got himself fully seated, stretching Mat so much it burned, filling him up in a way he’d never felt. “Fuck,” Grey whispered, closing his eyes and tilting his head back. “Gods, Mat, you feel so damned good.”
Steff stroked a hand over Grey’s back and to his ass. “You good, Mat?”
Mat shuddered and lifted his hips in reply, urging Grey to move. Steff coaxed Grey on, touching and caressing, dropping soft kisses on any bit of skin he could reach, stretching out beside Mat to draw him into a deep kiss as Grey found his rhythm.
When he couldn’t take it anymore, Mat halted things and rolled over onto his knees. Soon, Grey was gripping his hips and slamming into him from behind, losing his inhibitions as he buried himself in Mat while Mat sucked Steff’s cock, his entire body lit up with pleasure. Their motions became erratic, desperate and rough. Pleasure radiated from every nerve ending, joling through Mat’s body like electricity.
Grey draped himself over Mat’s back as he thrust in hard one last time, reaching around awkwardly to grip Mat’s cock and stroke him hard and fast, sending him crashing over the edge, coming so hard he whited out.
Mat came back to himself as Grey pulled out, then watched in blissed-out awe as the amazing guy shoved him aside and pushed Steffen down to lie beside him. Grey crawled between Steff’s legs and took over where Mat had left off, sucking cock like he was made for it, those searing green eyes glowing as he looked up at Steff and whispered, “Come for me.”
Steff made a strangled sound and thrust his hips upward, burying his hands in Grey’s wild curls as he spilled almost on command.
Mat shivered as something moved in the air around them, like a tingling caress over his skin and a tug at his center. Then Grey crawled up to wriggle himself in between the two taller guys, tugging a blanket with him, flopping half on top of Steff and half atop Mat.
They were sweaty, sticky, and disgusting. And Mat had never been happier in his life. He chuckled when Grey suddenly became heavier and softer, smooth breasts and thick thighs, all curves and valleys. His life was so fucking weird these days. And he wouldn’t trade it for anything. He draped an arm over Grey and let his heavy eyelids slide closed to the sounds of Steff’s light snore.
Chapter 28
When Grey’s feet hit the dock in the small Delaware town where they were starting their tour, she could have kissed the ground. Nearly five years, they’d all been trapped on Etna island. Five. Years. Mat did fall to his knees, clasping his hands and looking up at the sunny sky overhead as if he was praying. “Thank every god and every power that has ever fucking existed ,” he said dramatically. “We’ve reached the new world!”
Grey snorted. Steff rolled his eyes and moved around the drama queen. Ethan nudged Mat with his knee, nearly toppling him over onto the dirty walkway. Luca gave Grey a look as she came up beside her, her own duffel bag thrown over her shoulder. “Are you sure you want to date that?”
Grey shoved her shoulder. “He’s not always that much of an idiot.”
Luca arched an eyebrow and glanced around at the band. “They’re all idiots. All the time.”
Grey just shrugged. She couldn’t argue with that, but it wasn’t like she was much better than the rest of the guys. Luca smiled and walked around Mat as he stood and dusted off his knees before picking up his tidy rolling suitcase. “What?” he said, as if everything he’d just done was perfectly normal. “It’s a miracle.”
Grey grinned at him. “Good to know I’m not the embarrassing one in the band anymore.”
Mat lifted his nose a notch. “Ha.”
They all piled into the car that was waiting to take them to their hotel. The rest of their gear had already been shipped over for their first venue. Lucifer had decided to make the trip to the mainland an event, renting the old ferry and taking the scenic route, complete with snacks and drinks. Grey might laugh at Mat, but she felt a bit giddy herself. They all did. She could see the bounce in every step, the gleam in every eye.
The only person who wasn’t happy about this trip was safely tucked away in the stone that hung from Grey’s neck. She could feel Levi’s lifeforce gently pulsing against her skin, warm and comforting, even if he’d been downright bitchy about it this morning. She had a feeling he felt left out, since he couldn’t celebrate on the ride over like everyone else. Which was just a weird thought. Why would he even care?
As Grey slid into the rented car, she paused to look over her shoulder, feeling watched. The sensation had started the moment she left the townhouse, and it hadn’t let up the entire trip over. It was an uneasy reminder that she had other, more dangerous things to worry about than hurt feelings or one little tour with a rock band. Shivering, she slid in next to Luca and listened to Ethan’s excited chatter the whole ride to their hotel.
The place George had booked for them was over-the-top. She had warned them that the rest of their lodgings wouldn’t be as extravagant, but for their first arrival on the mainland, they got to live it up. Their first order of business was to go out to eat somewhere they hadn’t been a thousand times. The upscale Italian place they chose was over-priced, and the waitress recognized them, but the food was delicious, and they managed to avoid a scene by surreptitiously handing the waitress a signed photo and a ticket voucher and swearing her to secrecy.
Grey wrapped her fingers around the kleidí as she laughed and talked with the others. Levi said it was almost like sleeping when he was in the stone, that it wasn’t uncomfortable. He’d miss much of what was going on, but he said he got thoughts and impressions here and there, sometimes an occasional snatch of dialogue. She hoped he was being truthful. It still worried her that he might be suffering in there, feeling trapped or in pain.
A warm pulse from the stone made her whole hand tingle in a weird, pleasant way and she huffed to herself, a wry smile playing across her face. “Okay,” she whispered to the being who couldn’t be seen with them. “I get it. I’ll stop worrying.”
Luca slanted a perceptive blue look her way. “Levi?”
Grey nodded. “I just feel bad for him, being shoved in a stone while we eat pizza and talk about band stuff. But apparently he’s fine.”
Luca smiled softly. “He did spend centuries in a prison created by the Gods. I’m sure this is a walk in the park compared to that.”
Grey sighed. “That’s just it, though. He shouldn’t have to be remined of that. Ever.”
Luca arched a dark brow. “He isn’t human, Grey. Don’t forget that. I’m sure you’re worrying for nothing.”
For some reason, her words just made Grey angry. Sure, Levi wasn’t a human. But he was still a person. Of some sort. She had seen and felt enough from him to know he had feelings, and that they could get bruised just like everyone else’s.
Ethan pulled Grey out of her brooding, sliding an arm around her shoulders and pulling her in for a brief side-hug. He dipped his head to brush a soft kiss across her cheek before whispering in her ear. “I’m sure he’s okay, Grey, but maybe you guys should quiet down with the ‘not human’ talk in the middle of the restaurant.”
Grey sighed and snaked an arm around his waist, loving the feel of his solid warmth through the thin t-shirt he wore. He was right. Grey still had a feeling someone was watching her. And the whole point was to prevent people from finding out that Levi could now travel. “Sorry.”
She turned her head and stole a soft, pesto-flavored kiss from the drummer, earning a low whistle from Mat on the other side of the table. Ethan pulled back and rolled his eyes at his bandmate, but his cheeks were a little pink. There was nothing Mat loved more than irritating Ethan.
“Ignore him,” Grey told the drummer, brushing her fingers through the longer bleached-white strands of hair on the top of Ethan’s head. “He’s just jealous.”
Ethan grinned, a weird, compelling combination of boyish charm and heat. “Oh, I know.”
Luca trailed a slender finger along the side of Grey’s jaw to get her to tu
rn her head toward the guitarist. “He’s not the only one.”
Grey huffed a laugh but let herself be drawn into a kiss, reveling in the differences and similarities between Luca and Ethan, both so sweet at times, but capable of so much more. The siren in her was already listing all the possibilities of being with them both at the same time, fueled by her recent foray into threesomes.
A husky laugh got her attention, drawing her gaze across the table to where Steff and Mat were whispering something, heads drawn together and nearly identical looks of mischief on their handsome faces. Grey narrowed her eyes at them. “What?”
Matheus smiled, slow and sultry, eyes half-lidded and full of promise. “It’s a secret.”
Steff’s color was high as he leaned in and whispered something in Mat’s ear that made the bassist’s grin deepen, going all wicked-as-sin. “Yeah,” Mat replied aloud. “I remember.”
And that...holy shit, Grey felt her entire body go up in flames with the strength of her blush. She hadn’t told anyone about what had happened between the three of them, so hopefully no one except Mat and Steff knew that she was picturing every last dirty thing that they’d done together—in both forms—in graphic detail.
“Oh, Gods,” Luca said in mock concern as she studied Grey’s blushing face and wide eyes. “What did you do to her?”
Mat’s mouth curled up on one side, the smirk saying more than words, his eyes never leaving Grey’s. Steff tossed his braid back over his shoulder and picked up his drink, shrugging as he took a sip. “What didn’t we do?”
Grey choked. Luca and Ethan were staring at Steff in shock. Whelp, guess that cat was out of the bag.
Grey downed the rest of her wine. “So, about that concert tomorrow.”
Everyone started laughing, and Grey’s heart swelled. Sure, she was the butt of their teasing, but she was still amazed that it was just...this easy.
“How about we go back to the hotel?” Mat said calmly.
There were a lot of shared glances and shrugs, but Grey knew everyone at the table was just really happy that Mat wasn’t embarrassed to say what they were all thinking. Lucifer needed some time out of the public eye at the moment.
When they got back to the hotel, Grey’s heart was pounding with a mixed-up slurry of nerves and anticipation. They each had their own rooms in a large, connected suite, but Grey knew without a doubt they’d all be sleeping in her room tonight. Or maybe the living room area. She glanced at her lovers. There were kind of a lot of them to fit into one bed, weren’t there? She was reminded again how inexperienced she was with this sort of thing. But who was, really? A pair of big hands landed on her hips from behind, and a voice spoke in her ear, making her shudder at the sensation of his breath on her skin. “Relax, Grey. It’s just us.” Right, Mat was used to this sort of thing, apparently.
Grey leaned back against him as they waited for the elevator to stop. He was right. It was just Lucifer. There wasn’t anyone else in the world she felt more comfortable with. The elevator dinged and Mat brushed a soft kiss to the juncture of Grey’s neck and shoulder before he released her. Suddenly, Grey was less nervous and more dying to get to their room so she could remind herself how fucking lucky she was.
She stepped off the elevator and froze. Magic. She could feel magic, something she didn’t recognize. Luca threw out an arm, halting the rest of them from moving forward as she no-doubt sensed what Grey had. Grey’s hand rose to grip the kleidí. Should she call for Levi?
“I think it’s in our room,” Luca whispered. “I think it’s a god.”
Grey’s guts clenched. A god. There was only one reason a god would show up. She let go of the kleidí, sending strong “stay in there” thoughts to Levi. It was probably better if no one else knew he could be transported this way. Grey shuddered to think what would happen if anyone ever found a way to steal the stone and get past that whole “must be freely given” thing.
“Come on,” Grey said, her voice tight but resigned. “Let’s get this over with.”
She led the way to their suite, she and Luca taking up the front, protecting their human bandmates. A glowing blue ball of energy appeared in Luca’s hand, and Grey felt her own power curling restlessly inside her, waiting to be unleased. She wasn’t alone. One puny god was no match for them, or for Levi lying in wait inside the pendant. She hoped.
Sliding her keycard through the slot by the door, Grey shoved the heavy door open and strode inside. She had learned early on that it didn’t do to show any sort of weakness to the non-humans she’d met.
She blinked in surprise at the sight that greeted her. An absolutely gorgeous woman was perched on their couch, sipping wine and picking at a fruit platter she’d apparently ordered from room service. “Ah, there you are,” she said with a smile that was all angels and heavenly choirs, blinding in its beauty. “I’ve been waiting for you to return.”
Grey crossed her arms over her chest and refused to be impressed or blinded by the beauty before her. “Get out of my room.”
The woman’s golden brows rose, and she gave Grey a surprised look. “Is that all? No greeting or respect.” Her gray eyes narrowed as she stood. “Truly, you are your mother’s child.”
Luca hadn’t put away her magic, and her voice was hard and cold. “Athena. What do you want?”
Grey let some of her power trickle into her voice, compelling and enchanting...she hoped. “Say what you want to say, then leave. I’m pretty sure we’re not interested. I want nothing to do with the gods.”
The goddess before her shivered, then gave Grey a calculating smile. “Oh, that power in you is wonderful, young one. But it’s hardly fitting for the master of the Leviathan.” She held out a hand. “Give me the kleidí, child, before you are devoured by a power you cannot hope to wield.”
Grey let out a short laugh. “Is that all? Maybe you can save your other godly friends some time and energy and relay a message for me. The answer is no. I am not giving any of you the kleidí. It’s mine. End of story.”
The goddess puffed up, her hard expression suddenly reminding Grey that despite her looks, one of Athena’s roles was to do with war. “Let me relay a message to you, siren spawn. If you choose to take the side of the rest of your race, to plot against the gods , you will lose. We will destroy you all.”
Grey arched a brow, going for confidence she didn’t really feel. “Oh, really? See, I was under the impression that the gods are fading.” She smiled sadly. “It must suck, to know you really aren’t such hot shit anymore. I get it. I feel for you. So, I’m going to ask one more time—leave or we’re going to throw you out. And you know damned well I have the power to do it.” The kleidí pulsed, sending its dark purple aura out along Grey’s skin, bolstering her magic and sending a loud, clear warning to the goddess before them.
Athena narrowed her eyes at Grey, tossed her head in a haughty gesture, then just shimmered and was gone.
Grey didn’t relax until it actually felt like the magic in the room was gone. Then she sucked in a breath as the kleidí overheated and Levi burst out of his hiding place. “Insolent cow!” he hissed. “What do they know of your abilities or your worth.” His perfect lips peeled back to reveal his overly sharp teeth. “Fuck her.”
The modern, human outburst was so weird coming from the ancient being. Grey couldn’t help herself. She burst out laughing.
Levi spun to face her, all flashing galaxy eyes and shimmering, silvery-blue hair. “You find their threats amusing, master?” He arched a brow, his voice dry. “I agree, they are laughable. But I grow tired of these stupid games.”
Grey held up her hands, trying to catch her breath. “Just...can you swear some more? That made my day.”
He rolled his eyes and turned to Luca. “Clearly you’ve allowed her to become inebriated. Do you know how to craft wards and protections, water sprite?”
Luca gave a half-hearted shrug. “A little, but not well. Not strong enough to keep out a god, I don’t think.”
Levi r
olled up the sleeves of his loose, flowing shirt and begun twisting his long hair into a knot at the nape of his neck. “Go then,” he said, waving a dismissive hand at Grey and the others. “Continue with your orgy. I will ward the suite to prevent further intrusion.”
Grey blinked at the weirdo. “We aren’t... orgy ? Seriously?”
Black, star-spangled eyes met hers, the leviathan’s expression saying he didn’t understand what the problem was here, but he would like to get on with his work. “Yes? You were about to feed from your harem, correct? It’s a good idea to stay at full power with everything that’s going on.”
Grey shook her head. “Only practical, is that it?”
Levi shrugged. “I’d offer to share my energy with you, but I need to focus on the protections, master.”
And that...Grey spun on a heel and high-tailed it to her room before she could think about the fact that Levi had, maybe, just offered to “fill her up.” Gods. What was her life coming to that she liked the idea?
Chapter 29
Levi watched as Grace and her harem hurried away, suppressing his smile until they were out of sight. He shouldn’t tease the poor girl, but it was just so easy. And she really was beautiful with her cheeks all flushed and her lips parted in shock.
He tamped down the jealousy that wanted to rise up inside him. It was far too human an emotion for the likes of him. And besides, he’d have his fun eventually. Best to let the others get his sweet master past some of her human insecurities first.
Pushing up the sleeves of his loose shirt, Levi started chanting, whispering words in a language long dead and forgotten—maybe only spoken by his kind—as he dipped down into the deep well of his power to work a few minor wards for protection. He doubted the gods would try to speak with Grace again, at least in this place, but one never knew with those morons.
The imbeciles didn’t seem to know the meaning of the words common sense. They thought themselves above such considerations. Which was probably why they were dying out. How he had ever let the gods get the best of him, he would never know. It had happened to the female of his kind long before he succumbed. But she had been different than Levi, softer, more trusting. Easier to kill. The gods had used her death as a spectacle to convince the weak human mortals of their superiority and power, of the need for protection and worship.