by Layla Frost
And build.
And build.
Keeping my pace slow, I didn’t give in as my body urged me to go faster, the silicone rabbit ears stroking my clit as my hips rocked. Unlike the first two efficient orgasms, the third tore through me. Mindless and breathless, my body tightened and pulsed as I came apart.
I thought of Nate the whole time.
Chapter Eleven
Praying Mantis Scrotum and Ant Semen
Denny
BEAUTIFUL CHIMES JINGLED as I opened the door to Novel Idea.
When I’d sent Juno a text the night before, she’d wanted us to come right over.
I’d taken that to mean she was excited.
And that her date had been a flop.
Although the prospect of getting answers, not to mention getting my hands—and taste buds—on more cotton candy, had been tempting, I’d declined the late-night invite. At the time, Nate had still been exploring and thanks to three orgasms, my body had been more jellyfish than human.
“Does she not know we’re coming?” Nate whispered. “The morning yappy people said it’s mandatory to call ahead. They were going on about proper etiquette, yet they kept interrupting each other.”
“That sounds about right. And she knows we’re coming.” I tilted my head toward the bookstore opening. “I’m going to grab a drink.”
Ordering a hot coffee on the chilly day, I also got Juno her sugar monstrosity. Usually, the smell of used books would be enough to have me combing through the shelves, but I was too focused on studying Beth. I wondered if she and Lea shared the whole… dead thing. Since I would never have guessed Lea was dead in the first place, I had no clue what I was looking for.
Drinks in hand, I returned to Novel Idea just as the door to Juno’s magicks room opened.
“Finally!” Her eyes zeroed in on the drink and its bountiful amounts of whipped cream, and she grinned. “See? I like you. Is he here?”
Stepping past the threshold, her smile fell. Her already large eyes grew, the vibrant green seeming brighter before they rolled back to show only whites.
A small thump echoed as her tiny body hit the ground.
“Juno!” I cried, racing toward her when her limp body suddenly rose, floating in the air. “Nate?”
“I’ve got her,” he said, moving toward the bookstore. We were nearly to the front of the store when Beth and Lea blocked the way.
“What did you do?” Lea accused, her eyes narrowing as the room grew cold.
“Nothing,” I said through my shivers, holding my hands that shook from the temperature drop. “She came out of the room and collapsed.”
“He did something.”
“No—”
“And now he’s trying to steal her away. He wants to drain her.”
“I do not,” Nate protested. “I’m not Eric Northman, nor do I sparkle.”
“Not of her blood,” Lea hissed, moving closer. “Drain her of her powers.”
“I don’t want those, either. I’m taking her to the couch. Unless you’d rather I left her on the hard floor.”
Lea gave a small growl, but she and Beth grudgingly moved out of the way.
Nate set Juno down then I felt him standing close to my side. His tone held the same hostility as Lea’s when he shot back, “I did nothing wrong. And I’m surprised you’d make such assumptions seeing as you’re d—”
“Prematurely expired,” I interrupted. With as cold as the room was—literally and metaphorically—I didn’t want the situation to worsen.
At my phrasing, the temperature rose slightly, and Lea beamed at me. “If you say he’s innocent, then I believe you.”
“He was nowhere near her. She just stepped out and passed out.”
Beth moved behind the counter to grab a bag of coffee beans before returning. Meeting my eyes, she shrugged. “It works when she’s hungover or after a gaming all-nighter.” Like a caffeine lover’s smelling salts, she held the bag under Juno’s nose, but nothing happened. “Can I have the coffee I made her?”
Is she going to dump it on her face?
When I handed her the drink, she pressed her thumb to the top of the straw, keeping the liquid in with air pressure. She lifted it from the cup and put the other end in Juno’s mouth before removing her thumb.
We all held our breath as Juno’s lips moved slightly. “Hey, get back here with that,” she murmured, her words slow and slurred. “And summon the man with my grapes. I’m hungry.”
“Yeah, she’s fine,” Lea said, though she still wrung her hands.
Juno opened one eye, peering at us. “And you were there. And you and you and you.” Her eyes moved beside me. “But not you.” Sitting up gingerly, she rubbed her head. “You’re magicks knocked me on my ass. Literally, apparently. Who are you?”
“I don’t know,” Nate answered honestly.
“Well, we’re definitely going to figure that out.” She eyed him cautiously, her expression curious yet threatening.
I knew Nate had to be well over six feet tall. If he were visible, her barely five-foot frame would look laughable going toe-to-toe with him.
Yet I didn’t doubt she would do it.
And she might have won, too.
He must’ve picked up on her edge of animosity, because Nate sounded troubled when he asked, “What is it, witch? What do you see?”
“Based on what just happened, it’s clear you have the ability to squash me.”
“I’d never do such a thing.”
Her eyes flicked to me then back to the empty space. “When I solve this mystery, you better feel the same way. I’m not busting my ass to return your memories, only for you to be evil.”
“Am I evil?” A thread of fear laced his earnest question, and I wished I could touch him to soothe his worries.
I wasn’t the only one to pick up on it.
The menace in Juno’s expression was replaced by a small smile. “There’s evil in everyone. It’s what you do with it that’ll answer your question.” Getting up, she tilted her head toward her backroom. “Ready?”
I was surprised when Nate hesitated for a moment before saying, “Yes.”
Juno smirked cockily. “Then let’s work some magicks.”
_______________
“Halloween.”
Though it was about the tenth time that word had come up, I still asked, “What the hell?”
Juno shrugged, gesturing to the impressive assortment of crystals, herbs, and coffee beans she had spread in front of her. “I calls it like I sees it.”
I knew coffee was magic.
“Is that not tomorrow with the extorted candy?” Nate asked, startling me with how close he was to my ear. Other than answering the rare question, he’d remained silent as she’d worked.
“Yes.” Juno began cleaning, her expression tight. She’d worked for hours, meticulous and focused, and it’d been mesmerizing even if the end result had been anticlimactic and confusing as hell. “And something is happening, but I don’t know what because nothing else is coming to me.”
I wasn’t sure why, but I got the feeling she was hiding something.
“What else did you see?” I asked suspiciously.
“Nothing,” she answered, meeting my eyes. “That’s what’s bothering me. I can’t get a read on his past or his future. I’m always a bit shaky on future—the wannabes and phonies clog the airwaves—but the past is my jam, my jelly, and my peanut butter. I’d make a fantastic PI if it weren’t so depressing. But all I’m getting is a neon and flashing,” she did a little jazz hands, “‘Halloween!’”
Poor Nate.
If I feel such crushing disappointment, I can’t even imagine what he’s going through.
I expected him to question her, or even demand she try again, but his words were soft and sincere when he said, “Thank you, witch, for all you’ve done. Your power is strong and extraordinary.”
Irrational jealousy spiked but quickly settled because his tone wasn’t flirty or intimate the wa
y it was with me. He’d stated a fact, and it was one I agreed with.
Juno grinned and looked at me. “No wonder you like having him around—compliments and flattery go a long way.” She tapped her nails on the table. “I like puzzles, but only ones I can solve. I’m going to keep working at this, and I’ll be in touch if I can think of anything else. Keep me updated about what tomorrow brings. But remember to answer texts, so I don’t have to make another phone call.”
“I wouldn’t put you through such torture,” I deadpanned.
“You kid, but seriously, that’s how it feels.” Grabbing a few things from the shelf, she looked at me. “I’m going to try one more thing that’ll work best with no aura interference. Do you mind waiting in the stores?”
Since the jars she held were labeled ‘praying mantis scrotum’ and ‘ant semen,’ I was happy to make my escape.
“You can wait right outside or go stock up on cotton candy,” Juno said, shooting me a smile. “I told you it was good enough to eat in a day.”
“How did you…”
She smirked, her shoulders going back in a proud stance. “One of these days, you’ll believe me when I say I’m the best.” She shrugged. “Plus, you wear your thoughts on your face. It’s like an update reel scrolling across your forehead.”
“Oh,” I murmured, fighting the urge to cover my head.
What else does she know?
“I’m not brain diving, digging for info—I respect you too much. I’m only picking up what you’re broadcasting. When you grabbed the games on your last visit, you were thinking about Lula’s game night.”
“But you could,” I pointed to my head, wiggling my finger around, “read more, if you wanted?”
“I could,” she stated plainly, as though it weren’t an amazing and mystical feat.
Like when I didn’t know where Nate was, I felt vulnerable and exposed. I didn’t like the idea I could be manipulated.
“Could, but wouldn’t,” Juno added with emphasis. “I wish I could offer you more of a guarantee, but it’s all about trust.”
Just like Nate.
I nodded, opening the door. My eyes landed on the jars, and I offered a weak smile. “Um, good luck with all… that.”
Stepping past the barrier, I bought coffee and a book before heading over to restock cotton candy. I got some for Lula, too, because Juno was right.
It was good enough to eat in a day.
Nate
“What is your last idea?” I asked, eyeing the witch suspiciously. In all the hours she’d worked, there hadn’t been a hint of deceit.
Not until she’d sent Denny out.
Juno shook her head, returning the jars to their place. “I don’t have one, but I figured nothing gets people to leave faster than bug testicles and semen.” She faced me and crossed her arms. “There’s a connection between us.”
“There is.” It wasn’t a romantic or sexual one. The thought of her—or anyone other than Denny—had no effect on me.
If anything, it made my gut churn painfully.
Her eyes narrowed in annoyance, but neither her gaze nor the emotion were aimed at me. “I don’t know what it is, and I don’t like mysteries.”
“Welcome to my last few centuries.”
She gave a small laugh before her expression turned clinical. Although she got close, her eyes never landed directly on mine.
Only Denny could do that without fail.
“While it’s safe to say I’ve never encountered any as strong as yours,” the witch stated, “I have been around great amounts of power, especially when it’s gathered from multiple sources. And never, not once, have I had the kind of reaction I did today. No fainting. No lightheadedness. Not even a mild case of weak knees.” Her head tipped to the side. “Well, once, but that was because of a warlock in Chicago, and it wasn’t his magicks I was impressed with.”
“I can offer no answers,” I said.
“Which is where I come in. I was already determined to get to the bottom of things, but since I feel some pull, some haziness in my mind’s eye, it’s more than that now. I will figure this shit out.”
I remained silent, knowing she had more to say.
“About Denny,” she began, proving me right. “There is some connection between us that may go back to a previous life. But the one between you and her?” She gave a low whistle. “You feel it, right?”
“With every molecule of my being.”
“That’s what I figured. And, honestly, as anxious as I am to discover the thread that seems to bond us, I’m much more excited to learn about the unbreakable tether that connects you to her. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
It pleased me that the pull was so strong. I hoped Denny felt it, too.
“Things will change tomorrow,” she said without the humor or conceit that always seemed present. “I wish I could tell you how, but I can’t see it.” Her gaze dropped before returning close to my own. “Everyone has evil. Gray like a storm cloud, darkening or lightening depending on their actions. But you…”
At her hesitation, I voiced the truth. “I have black.”
“Yes. It’s not evil in the traditional sense, but it’s the purest black I’ve ever seen.”
“I know. I feel it.”
“The good news is, all that black is encircling the purest white I’ve ever seen.” Her face softened as she tilted her head toward the door. “Especially when she’s close.” The softness left, once again being replaced with a threat. “We may share a bond, but Denny and I have something rarer—I like her. It doesn’t happen often, so when it does, I get extra-protective. If there’s even a slim chance that what tomorrow brings will hurt her, you need to stay away. Put as much distance as you can between you two.”
My jaw clenched and my body went tight at the thought of any distance between Denny and me. Just her on the other side of the door had me ready to rip the blasted thing off its hinges.
But if I thought for even a moment that I could hurt her, I’d do as the witch said. I’d push myself as far as I could go.
The thought stole my breath, but it mattered little. “I’d sooner live the rest of my many days rooted to one spot and unable to communicate again than hurt her.”
“That’s what I thought.” She smiled, pulling books and bottles down. “I’ll be in touch tomorrow.”
“Thank you again for your help.”
“Good luck,” she called out as I was about the exit. “‘Cause nothing will ever be the same again.”
Denny
“Whoa.”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
With Lula busy planning a wedding, and me busy dealing with things that went bump in the night, we hadn’t had time to really talk. It wasn’t as though I could casually mention witches and praying mantis scrotums during our quasi-daily lunch calls.
Unable to wait any longer, I’d made her call me as soon as she was home from work. At my insistence, she’d caught me up on her wedding plans before I’d launched into my update.
And, man, had I launched.
Only interrupting to ask for clarification on certain things, Lula had listened for what had to be close to an hour.
And all she could muster up was a ‘whoa’.
I’ve done it. I’ve finally made her speechless.
“I… I don’t even know where to start,” she admitted. “So, The Voice. Nate… How’d you decide on that?”
“It just came to me.”
“It’s a good name, I’m not judging. He’s there? Like, all the time?”
“Yes. Do you want to talk to him?”
“What? I’d be able to hear him?”
Leaving my room, I went to the top of the stairs. “Nate!”
I suddenly felt him behind me, making me jolt and nearly fall. I steadied myself with the banister just as a gentle touch encircled my waist.
Holy shit.
My skin tingled, pleasure radiating so strong, it nearly knocked me down the steps anyway.
His voice was gruff when he said, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“Were those your hands?”
“Yes. What did you need?”
I shook my head, trying to clear the lust that swirled through me. His touch had been light, and my body already craved more.
“Say hi to Lula,” I whispered, soft and raspy as I held up the phone.
“Hi Lula.” He paused. “Is that all you need?”
No. I also need you to fuck me on these stairs. Then in the hall. Then maybe in my room if we can make it that far.
Feeling like a perv for thinking of taking advantage of someone who was basically stuck with me, I shook my head. “No, that’s it.” I turned and rushed back to my room.
“Whoa,” Lula repeated in my ear. “He’s a him. And what a him.”
“I know.”
“But you can’t see what he looks like?”
“I’ve only seen a smoky figure.”
“Hmm. Might be for the better. If he sounds like that and is a major hottie, it could make tomorrow harder.”
“What do you mean?”
“There’s a good chance he’ll be gone tomorrow.”
My stomach clenched, a hollow pit growing. “What?”
“If he’s been cursed to that land, Denny, maybe the big thing the witch saw was him finally being able to disappear. Move toward the light. Book a permanent vacation to Margaritaville. Whatever it is that happens.”
It was obvious. As in, so obvious, I was an idiot for not seeing it. Most of my thoughts had revolved around his freedom and his memories. I’d briefly daydreamed about him getting his body back, but it seemed too much to hope for.
I hadn’t even considered the very likely possibility he would disappear.
Maybe my emotions were getting the best of me, but down to my heart and soul, I felt it. “It’s death.”
“Or it could be something not so permanent and morbid. The bond that’s holding him there could be broken. With as long as he’s been stuck, he’d likely take off so fast, only a smoke outline of his body would remain.”
