by Maggie Walsh
“What is this plan that you have for all of us, Micah? Something for the coming battle?” Ryland asked as they walked to one of the tables at the front of the stage.
Micah smiled as he pulled a chair out and sat. “It was Taylor’s idea actually.” Another chorus of grumbles started.
“Why would you agree to one of Taylor’s harebrained ideas?” Slade huffed as he plopped down into a chair at the next table with Maddy, Josh, Milo, and Oliver.
“Because I actually think it’s a great idea and something we all need right now,” Micah answered.
“I have to agree with Slade on this one, Micah,” Ryland said. “We have more important things to think about right now than to watch a show.”
“I disagree. It is precisely because of what we are about to face and the atmosphere that has fallen over all of us, that we need this more than ever,” Micah argued.
The stage lights came on, then the club lights, flashing, swirling lights of all different colors, and music began to softly hum from the sound system.
“Would it be okay if I got behind the bar and started making drinks, Micah? It’s been a while since I tended bar, but I think I can still do it,” Dale offered.
“Of course you can, Dale, but no one is here to work. We’re all here to celebrate,” Micah replied.
“Celebrate what, getting our asses handed to us as we get our heads removed from our shoulders?” Ryland grumbled.
“It’s that kind of mind-set that is why we are here and need this desperately. Do you know that in Irish thinking, which is Taylor’s heritage, that when one of them faces their end, they celebrate? And when someone dies, instead of mourning, they have a party in celebration of that person’s life? Later, when they are alone, and everyone is gone, then they do their mourning,” Micah said.
Phenex sat beside Ryland and placed a hand on his knee as he said, “That sounds like a great thing to me. We could all use our spirits lifted, even if for one night.”
“And I think Nicco and Thaddeus could use some coaxing as well,” Dante added from his seat between Micah and Dare.
“They still haven’t worked things out?” Phen asked.
Dante sighed heavily. “No, and I think they may be running out of time. Well, all of us. Remember what Aurora said? We must all stand together, with our mates, and fight as one. If those two can’t work this out and realize they belong together, then will it affect the rest of us as we stand to face Hades?”
“Well, then it is a good thing we have so many on our side. My Legion, Ry’s fae, Storm’s felines, Dare’s dragons, and your vampires, as well as Micah’s pack and all the soldiers at the training facility,” Phen replied.
Micah and Dante exchanged a look. “What was that look for?” Ryland asked.
“It was nothing. Something that doesn’t need to be discussed tonight anyway. Let’s just see what Taylor has in store for us and try to relax and have some fun,” Micah answered.
Micah then turned to Dale and smiled. “I don’t mind if you want to go make some drinks, Dale, but remember, you’re here to have fun with your mates, too, so you are not on bar duty.”
Dale smiled as he nodded. “Of course. Thanks, Micah. Scotch for you, Dare, and what would you like tonight, Dante, whiskey or wine?”
“I’ll come along and give you a hand, Bello,” he replied as he stood and wrapped an arm around Dale’s waist. “And if you’re pouring, then I think I will have one of those delicious Long Island Ice Teas you make.”
“This doesn’t mean you two can get out of whatever the hell this is tonight that we’re doing,” Dare yelled out after his mates as they walked away, and both Dale and Dante began to laugh.
“I knew they were going to find a way out of whatever this is,” Dare grumbled and crossed his arms over his chest.
Micah laughed at him. “Oh, don’t get so worried, Dare. It’s not like we’re making you stand in front of a firing squad,” Micah said, and then mumbled, “It’ll just feel that way.” He turned his head to hide his smile.
* * * *
“I don’t think this will work, Jesse, but thanks anyway,” Thaddeus said.
Taylor leaned against the wall and said, “Well, I don’t think it can hurt. How about you and Jesse go out there and sing a couple of songs first? Break the ice a little for everyone. And at the same time, maybe get a message across to a certain someone. You did say you would love to sing with Jesse someday, and with this battle looming over our heads, this may be your only chance. Also, because of that, this may be your last chance to get your mate to forgive you and take you back.”
“I agree with Taylor. What else do you have to lose, Dax?” Jesse replied.
Thaddeus took a deep breath, released it slowly, and then smiled. “You’re both right. What the hell. On one condition. Stop calling me Dax. I hate that damn name. Just call me Thad.”
“Deal,” Taylor and Jesse said together.
“So, what do you want to sing?”
* * * *
Nicco stood facing the bar as everyone found seats behind him. Dale and Dante moved behind the bar, and Dale grabbed a rag, throwing it over his shoulder, causing Nicco to smile. Even after all this time that Dale hadn’t been working here, he still fell back into old habits.
“What can I get you, Nic?” Dale asked.
He raised a brow and smirked. “Are you supposed to be working tonight?”
Dale returned the smirk as he leaned one elbow on the bar. “No, but I’m sure it’s better than whatever Taylor has planned for us. Now that thought is scary, isn’t it?”
Nicco stood up straight. “Taylor planned this evening’s events? Shit,” he grumbled. What the hell did they get themselves into? Wasn’t it bad enough they were about to face Minos and Hades in a fight till the death, but now they had to go through whatever was going on tonight?
“Oh, don’t look so worried, Nic. I’m sure it’ll be okay,” Dante said as he laughed.
“Yeah, says the man who took off behind the bar with his mate to hide from whatever it is,” Nicco complained. Dante just laughed harder and walked away.
“Beer it is,” Dale announced happily as he tapped a knuckle on the bar, then turned away laughing.
Nicco growled as he shook his head. He loved Taylor to pieces and would die for the man, but the thought of him coming up with something for them to do was downright scary.
The house lights lowered, and the room got quiet. Suddenly the only thing that could be heard was the clicking of heels against the wooden floor. Dale placed a beer in front of him as Dale and Dante stopped to look at the stage. Nicco grabbed his beer and turned. The spotlight clicked on, and Taylor was standing center stage, wearing a shimmering purple crop top that just covered his chest, a pair of tight black boy shorts, fishnet stockings, and six-inch-high purple heels. His hair was spiked high with its hot pink tips glowing in the light and matching the hot pink eyeshadow and lips. He smirked at the crowd and raised his hand, grasping the mic before him. Catcalls rang out and the room filled with whistles, and then everyone started to laugh when Gabriel growled. Taylor smiled at his mate and winked as he blew him a kiss. Gabriel smiled brightly and sat back as he licked his lips.
“Hello, bitches. Before we start tonight’s actual activities, we have something very special for you. So, sit back and enjoy the musical duo of Jesse and Thad,” Taylor announced as he threw his arm out to the right motioning to the side of the stage.
Nicco’s eyes went wide, then closed, as he sighed and dropped his chin to his chest. He really needed to leave.
Nicco spun around, placed the bottle on the bar, and then went to leave, but Dante’s hand on his shoulder stopped him. Nicco met Dante’s gaze. “Why don’t you stay?”
It wasn’t a question. It was more like an order that he couldn’t refuse. Nicco sighed and turned to face toward the stage and leaned against the bar, crossing his arms over his chest.
Jesse and Thad stepped out, and Thad had a guitar strapped to his back
and each of them carried a stool and walked toward center stage, as Shelby ran on and placed a second mic next to the first. Then he and Taylor moved off the stage to go sit with their mates.
Jesse and Thad put the stools down, then sat and adjusted the mics, each giving the audience a smile before looking at one another and nodding. Jesse looked to the right of the stage and nodded, then faced forward again as Thad pulled the guitar around to his front. Nicco’s cock went instantly hard, and he had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from storming out.
Thad began to play as Jesse sang the first verse of “Life After You” by Daughtry. Thad joined him on the chorus, and the two took turns singing. They were really good together. Their voices complemented one another nicely. As much as Nicco wanted to leave, he couldn’t find it in himself to walk away. When Thad began singing the second verse, it sounded as if he were singing right to Nicco. When they reached the chorus again, Thad’s gaze met his, and Nicco couldn’t look away. They remained that way for the remainder of the song. Jesse pulled back a little and let Thad take the rest of the song, only joining him in the chorus.
The song ended and immediately another began to play. Thad broke their eye contact momentarily and looked to Jesse, then turned back to the audience. This second song wasn’t one that he was too familiar with, but he did know it. Jesse began singing “Light On” by David Cook, then Thad sang the second verse, and then they joined in on the chorus again. As the verse got stronger, Thad sang loud with everything he had as he stared into Nicco’s eyes again. Jesse joined him toward the end, both singing with passion.
He couldn’t take anymore. Nicco knew exactly what Thad was doing, but he couldn’t listen. Anger started to rise within him listening to the words of the song. Was that what Thad expected of him? That he would be able to go out there in the world and find himself, and Nicco would just sit back and wait for him when he was ready to come back? Keeping a light in the window for him to find his way home as the old saying went? He needed to get the hell out of here before he ran to Thad, scooped him up in his arms, and held onto him forever. It’s all he wanted, and he could see inside Thad’s eyes that he wanted him as well, but would it last? If they did defeat Hades and Minos, and somehow got the world back on track, would Thad run off and become Dax Dalton again, leaving him behind? His heart wouldn’t survive this time, he knew it wouldn’t.
Nicco looked away and turned toward the door. He couldn’t be here anymore. His hand grabbed the door handle as the song ended and Thad began singing another immediately, Thad’s voice grabbed his attention. The words he sang sounded like a plea, and Nicco was powerless to ignore them. He slowly turned back to face the stage. Thad now stood there alone, and their gazes met again as his mate sang “Take Back” by Adam Lambert. Nicco could see the tears in Thad’s eyes, and his heart clenched. He wanted so badly to go to him, but the pain from the past wouldn’t let him, so he just stood there frozen, listening to every word.
Once the song came to an end, they both stood frozen staring at one another across the room. A flash of a memory of Thad leaving him crossed Nicco’s mind, and he blinked, then spun on his heels, and pushed on the door. He heard a thump behind him, then running feet getting closer. The rest of the club remained silent. A hand touched his shoulder and pulled him back. He spun around to face his mate.
“Nikolai,” Thad said breathlessly. Nicco could hear the emotion in his voice and see the moisture in Thad’s eyes. “Please tell me what I can do to make this right between us again.”
“You can’t,” Nicco answered, then turned and headed out the door.
* * * *
Taylor quickly stepped back onto the stage and grabbed the mic, giving everyone his best diva smile. “Okay, everyone. It’s time to pay the piper. And by that, I mean me. Let’s see what you all got. I know it will be hard to top that, but we’re all still going to try and just have some fun. Tonight no one is safe. Tonight, we are going to live like it’s our last day on this rock, because hell, it just may be, and we’re going to throw all inhibitions to the wind. No, unfortunately I’m not talking about having a good old-fashioned orgy. I’m talking about your musical talents. And you are all going to get your chance. It’s karaoke night, boys, so get your voices ready.”
Taylor looked to the side of the stage and nodded, and music started to fill the room. Taylor started swiveling his hips, then opened his mouth, and began to sing “These Boys” by Adam Lambert. As he sang, he strutted around the stage, his hands waving in all directions, eyes rolling, and giving off a diva attitude. At the second verse, he stepped off the stage and circled the full tables, touching and teasing everyone as he passed them. Everyone began to laugh and cheer as he went on.
“This is fun,” Lucifer said, leaning in to talk to Micah and Jesse, who now sat on Micah’s lap. “I’ve heard of this karaoke before, but I have never seen it. Can anyone get up and sing?”
Jesse gave him a smile. “Yes. Whoever wants to sing can go. There’s a list of songs over there by Sage. You pick what you want, and he’ll put the track on when you’re ready. If you look right there in front of the stage, that monitor there, it has the words of the song on it to help you if you don’t know them all.”
Lucifer’s eyes lit up as a smile crossed his face. He turned to his mates, who sat beside him. “Beautifuls, we need to try this.”
Demi smiled brightly and nodded his approval, but Mitchell’s eyes filled with fear, and he shook his head no.
Lucifer grabbed each of their hands and pulled them to their feet. He wrapped an arm around Mitchell’s waist and held him close. “Come, my love. Let’s have a little fun. You don’t have to sing if you don’t want to. I’ll do all the singing. You just be my backup man and shake that sexy ass of yours,” Lucifer said and wiggled his brows. Mitchell chuckled as he gave Lucifer a shy smile.
“For me?” Lucifer said and pushed out his bottom lip as he gave Mitchell puppy dog eyes. Mitchell burst out laughing and nodded.
“Okay, for you, but I won’t sing.”
Lucifer gave him a devilish smirk. “Come on.” He headed for the side of the stage, taking his mates with him to where Sage was standing and then lifted the paper.
Taylor’s song came to an end, and he exited the stage as Lexi stepped up to the mic and smiled. “Okay, Sage, hit it,” he said and grabbed the mic.
Music began to play, and Lexi started wiggling his hips, dancing around the stage and singing “How Far We’ve Come” by Matchbox Twenty. Everyone started laughing, a few groaned, and some even threw balled up napkins at him.
“OMG! Asshole,” Taylor yelled out and laughed as he watched from the side of the stage.
As the song reached the chorus, Lexi pulled the mic off the stand and started jumping around the stage and dancing as he sang. Once he was done, Lexi took a bow as he laughed and batted some of the napkins away. Then he jumped from the stage and dropped down in the chair next to Bailey. Bailey gave him a big loving smile, and Lexi started kissing his mate.
Lucifer stepped onto the stage walked up to the mic with his imposing, confident swagger, holding his mate’s hands. Once he reached center stage, Demi and Mitchell held each other’s hands as they moved to Lucifer’s side, both looking like they were trying desperately to hold in their laughter. Lucifer gave everyone a wicked smirk, then opened his mouth and started to sing as the music began. Once the crowd heard the opening line to “Take Me to Church” by Hozier, all eyes opened wide, staring in disbelief, not only that the Lord of Hell could sing fantastically, but also by what he was singing. They all looked around at one another shocked, except for Phenex, Laylen, and the other Legion Warriors who were present. They all started laughing uncontrollably, and soon the whole room joined in as they watched Lucifer strut his stuff. He smiled evilly and wiggled his eyebrows every time he sang the chorus, which made everyone laugh harder.
As the song ended, immediately another began, and Demi and Mitchell moved forward, standing on either side of Luc
ifer as he sang a second song, “Demons” by Imagine Dragons, which again had the room filling with laughter. Demi and Mitchell joined in on the chorus, and the three had a blast dancing, laughing, and singing.
* * * *
As he stepped out of the club, something inside him was pulling him back in. Something was telling him to go back to find his mate and pull Thad into his arms and never let him go. Nicco couldn’t understand what was going on with him. One minute he wanted to run from Thad, the next he couldn’t care less about what was going on with his mate, and then suddenly it was like he couldn’t breathe without the man.
When Thad began singing, he just wanted to bolt. He didn’t want to hear him or see him, but Dante made him stay. Then he was mesmerized by his mate. Stuck in a trance, unable to move as he watched Thad and listened to his beautiful voice, but then suddenly anger filled him and he needed to get away. Now that he was away, he feared if he didn’t go back, he would be making the biggest mistake of his life.
Nicco sighed heavily in frustration as he ran his fingers through his hair and gripped the strands tight. “What is wrong with me?”
He could hear the laughs and hollering in the club, and a smile came to his lips as he thought about the fun his family was having. Even in these dark times and uncertain future, they were all together and laughing. He really loved this group of people, his family, and didn’t want to be alone. He wanted to be in there with them, enjoying what might be their last days.
Their last days? Would this be their last? Would they lose the battle with Hades and Minos? And if they did, and he never told Thad how much he still loved him, would he spend forever in darkness within himself knowing that he only had a few days with his mate and he let his stupid pride get in the way? Did he want to spend the last few days of his life alone like this? Everyone else was inside having fun, loving on their mates, and just being together. But that shouldn’t be the reason he went to Thad and forgave him. He should do it because he truly forgave his mate and wanted him. He deserved love just like everyone else, and so did Thad. But was there really anything to forgive? Thad had been spelled in his own way and made to leave him, so could he still keep holding his mate accountable for leaving?
