by J. L. Ostle
I feel like I’m dreaming all this.
I am going to be in a music video.
The first person I notice when we pull up is a tall brunette with long legs. She sways her hips as she walks toward our limo and smiles brightly when she sees the guys. The way she is looking at them, how she licks her lips, I know she wants them. She opens the limo door, and her voice is like velvet.
We all climb out and she hugs each of the guys and gives me a once over before smiling at them. I look at her, looking so put together, and feel a little jealous.
She leads us through to the building, and it’s even bigger up close. I see at least a hundred people working away with cameras and equipment. I notice one side is set up to look like a nightclub with and a few rooms that look like bedrooms and one that looks like a park.
They explain that they are going to want the video to look like I’ve been with them all.
Great, I’m going to look like a whore.
“Welcome,” a man who looks like he’s in his late thirties greets us as he walks toward us. “You must be our rising star, I’m Derek” He takes my hand and kisses is. I can tell he’s human.
He then gives me a hug, puts his arm around my shoulder, and starts to lead me around the building, telling me what he has planned and what he expects to happen today. I look behind me and notice the guys are glaring at the Derek’s arm, I shrug my shoulders so Derek’s arm falls off my shoulder.. The brunette is linked onto Rush, talking to him; it’s like she is pressing her cleavage against his arm.
He looks at me and something passes in his eyes, and I watch as he distances himself from her. I turn back around, smiling to myself.
I bet she didn’t like that.
But I feel this huge comfort wrap around me.
“This is where the magic happens.” Derek waves around all the cameras. “The dressing rooms are over on the far side.” He points at some trailers. “Your make-up artist and stylist are ready. We’re starting at the club first. You, Ivory, will sit at a table looking longingly at the band, look like you want them, that you need them. I want you to hold their stares when they stare at you. See, easy peasy.” He starts telling the guys that all they have to do is play the song and look my way and at the fans. I nod and head to the dressing room.
“Right, guys go get ready too.” I look behind me, and I see all the guys are walking, but their eyes are on me, well more on my ass; I can’t help but giggle to myself.
Chapter Sixteen
Ivory
I come out of the trailers wearing a very tight black dress. It is quite short, but it fits me perfectly. The shoes, I swear must be designer; they feel like heaven on my feet. They are black suede and come to my ankles, making my legs look even longer than they actually are. My hair has been given more volume.
“Ivory, you look amazing. Could hardly recognize you.” Derek walks toward me with his jacket now off, smiling at me as he checks me out. “This is definitely a good choice. Now come with me; they’re waiting for you.” He guides me to the club set, and I see people sitting at tables, a few women on the dance floor, and a few near the made-up stage.
“Okay, you sit here, you just look up, look at them as if you want to bed them.” I feel my face turn bright red.
“You okay?” Slate asks behind me. I nod. I gape at him when I turn around and face him. I look at each of the guys, my mouth hanging open. I won’t have a problem looking like I want them. They all have open shirts on and leather pants.
They just scream sex.
“Yeah, just nervous.” I clear my throat.
“You’re going to be great. Just remember, we are right here.”
Someone calls out a few instructions, and the lights go down. The place has different colored lights flashing around. People who were just mingling before either start dancing or talking excitedly. I look around and feel like I’m in a different universe. I hear my name being called, telling me that I need to take my seat.
I hear the intro of the song, and the band takes the stage and starts to play. I watch them play in awe. I haven’t heard them play this song. I listen to Rush sing the words, holding the microphone, his eyes closed. I see the haunted look on his face.
I bite my lip when I remember him hovering above me, offering my neck to him. He could have taken a bite, but he didn’t. A solo part comes, and Slate plays his guitar, his fingers dancing along the strings; he makes it look effortless. Caspian looks like he is at peace, his eyes closed, playing. I then look at Zeke, and it’s like he has magic fingers, the drumsticks flying around the drum instrument.
I look at each of them, remembering all their mouths on me, touching me, feeling me. I bite my lip, crossing my legs.
Rush looks at me, still singing, but his eyes focus on me; he sings to me. I feel my body heat up. I keep my eyes solely on him, then he faces ahead of him. Caspian turns my way, and he looks at me like I am the answer to all his questions.
Slate looks up, and he gives me a warm smile, comforting me from all the way on stage. When I turn to Zeke, he is staring at me then gives me a wink, and I giggle.
“Cut. That was brilliant. So hot. Ok, we are going to take that again. We want a few different angles. Let’s start from the top!” someone shouts, and I assume it’s the producer.
Later, I am taken back to the changing rooms, and this time I’m wearing the shirt Rush was wearing, or one similar to it, and my hair is messed up a little. I leave wearing nothing but my underwear and shirt. I am on one of the bedroom sets and told to sit on top of the bed. Hugging my legs to myself. I have to watch Rush sing to me.
When they say action, a shirtless Rush starts to sing. He is near the window, looking out, before he looks at me. His words hit my very core. I hug my legs, resting my head on my knees, watching him. He walks to the foot of the bed, watching me. I look at him, drawn to each word that leaves his mouth.
He starts to crawl on the bed, coming closer to me. When he is right in front of me, he kneels, taking my hand helping me to my knees. He rests his hands on my waist, still singing.
I can’t look away. He takes a fistful of my shirt, his song hitting the chorus. I wrap my arms around his neck, and he pulls me into him, resting his forehead against mine, still singing the words with his eyes closed.
When the producer yells cut, I want to scream no; I want him to keep going, but when they say they want a couple more takes, I don’t complain.
I enjoy Rush singing to me.
The next take is with me and Slate. This time, I wear the shirt he was wearing on stage. I lean against the wall and he is on the opposite side to me, watching me. His arms are crossed. My shirt is open, but my hand is holding it together.
He starts to walk slowly toward me, and I glide along the wall, walking away from him, his eyes never leaving mine. When I have nowhere to go, he is in front of me. His hand reaches for mine, pulling it away from my shirt, the shirt opening a little, exposing my white lace bra and panties.
His hand moves to my neck, turning my head away, his mouth on my exposed skin, I close my eyes; soon they are calling cut, and I almost groan in disappointment.
I look at Slate, and he is looking at me, his eyes dark. We are told to go back to where we were, and I walk back, my breathing a little shaky. By the time this is over, I am going to be wound up so tight.
When it’s time for me and Zeke, I am wearing his shirt, and he is sitting on the bed. I walk through the door, spotting him. His eyes on me, I walk slowly toward him. I crawl on the bed, straddling him. He opens my shirt, showing off blue lace bra and panties. He tucks my hair behind my shoulders, his nose sliding along my neck, my jaw, until his lips hover over mine.
He doesn’t kiss me, but if I pushed in a little, my lips would be on his, but I know I’m not allowed. He tugs on my hair, my head falling back. His lips are close to mine, his hand gliding down my jaw to my stomach, then they call cut, and we do that a few more times.
I change into my next outfit and my heart
is beating so fast; my pussy is all achy. I know once we are alone, I am going to go sex mad on their asses.
I am guided to the next set where Caspian is sitting near a fake window made to look like it’s raining. He smiles when he spots me, his eyes trailing over my body. I am told my directions. I pretend I am sleeping, and when I wake, I look over at Caspian who is deep in thought.
I get out of bed and slowly walk toward him, sitting opposite of him. He is still looking out the window. I take hold of his hand, entwining our fingers. He looks at our joined hands. I stand up, pulling him with me to the middle of the room. I take his hands, placing them on my hips, and my arms wrap around his neck.
We sway slowly, my eyes on his. I feel his hand push my shirt aside, his fingers trailing up my skin, until his hand cups my cheek. I am leaning in for a kiss when, once again, they call cut; I feel like stomping my foot like a child.
Once they are happy with those scenes, it is time for the final part at the park. I am dressed in a long white silk gown with long sleeves. I am tied to fake trees, my arms spread wide, a huge fan blowing so it looks like it’s the wind. When the music starts to play, Rush comes on first, shirtless, his hands gliding around my middle then to my back.
Slate then walks toward us, his hands gliding along my neck. Zeke walks over. He stands behind me, pulling my hair back, his mouth near my ear. Caspian then arrives, and he trails his fingers up my thighs.
I feel their hands touching me everywhere except the places I want them to. They all tease my neck with their teeth. My head falls back; I feel two behind me, two in front of me, their mouths on my neck and collarbone. And then, for the final take, the director calls cut.
The guys help untie me. I step back, my hand pressing against my heart. We are looking at each other; my eyes don’t need to turn black for them to know how I feel and what I want.
I go back to the changing area and get back into my normal clothes. When I come out, the guys are waiting for me. We don’t say a word. Slate takes hold of my hand, and we start walking. Zeke speaks to a few people, thanking them, and when we get into the limo, the atmosphere is fully charged.
All their eyes are on me. I feel my body heating up to the point I want to strip out of my restrictive clothes. The guys can’t get out of the limo fast enough; we are practically running to the tour bus. Rush opens the door, and we are about to get on, when we hear a man’s voice behind us, calling out to Rush.
I turn to see a very beautiful man with shaggy blond hair and blue eyes. He smiles at the guys, but it doesn’t look friendly. “Long time,” he says with a British accent.
“Rick, what are you doing here?” Rush asks. Walking in front of me, I notice the guys are subtly moving me behind them, obviously not wanting him to see me. But I know he knows I am here.
“No hello? No how have you been?” he chuckles. “That’s not really good manners especially with a lady present.” I don’t move, I just stay hidden.
“What are you doing here Rick?” Slate asks.
“I have heard a few complaints, and you know we have to follow protocols. From the things I have been told, I have to see it for myself.”
“What complaints?” Zeke takes hold of my hand behind him, squeezing my fingers.
“It looks like two ladies feel very upset by how you have treated them…” He pauses, and I jump when I see him beside me. “Well, more by her.” He looks down at me, smiling. “She is very pretty; I can see the appeal.” His eyes trail down my body, turning my blood cold.
The guys once again pull me behind them. “They were in the wrong.” Slate stands tall. “They were hurting our fans; she is here to protect them. We are still following the rules, and we don’t get involved.”
“Even so, we saw their memories, saw what went down, and it’s quite fascinating. A shield pushing a vampire by using her mind alone without being in danger? It’s quite rare, and you know what I am like with rare things.” He finishes the sentence behind me, moving at the speed of light, making me jump.
“She is just a shield, nothing more,” Rush says sternly.
“I would like to put that to the test though.” He raises his hand, about to touch my neck, when my body uses its gift and blocks him from touching me. “Well, I knew you could do that, but I want to see what else you can do.” He smiles down at me. “I would like to take her; I want her to go through our council course.”
“No.” Zeke stands taller. “She is not going through your games,” he says matter of factly before he is pushed by an invisible force, his body slamming against the bus.
“Zeke,” I scream, running to him. When I get to him, Rick is standing in front of me blocking me.
“You care for these vampires.” His eyes look coldly at me. “I see they have all been with you; I can smell them on you. So you can let a supernatural being touch you, be with you.” His hands hover around me, not touching me, but it’s like he’s feeling for something.
“I do care for them, and they care for me,” I tell him, looking at him angrily. I’m not going to show him that I am scared of him. I know he can’t touch me.
“Even so, rules are rules; they aren’t allowed to get involved. If you want to keep them safe, you will come with me.” He puts his hands together, smiling triumphantly.
I start to recall the rules. “I am claimed by them,” I tell him. I don’t know how you have to be claimed, but maybe by saying it is enough.
The smile on his face falls. The guys stand behind me as Zeke gets to his feet. I take hold of his hand. “You claimed her?” he asks them.
“Yes,” they all say in unison.
“So you may not take her,” Slate says in almost a growl.
“Well, that’s disappointing, but to make sure I know this is true, you will bring her to our annual council party. There we will see if you are telling the truth,” he says, his eyes staying on me.
“You know we never go to your so-called parties. Besides, we have a tour; we can’t,” Rush tells him, and Rick looks at him angrily.
“Do you think I care about your stupid childish tour? You come to this party or you will have to deal with the consequences.” With that, he is gone.
I look around the parking lot and nothing. He just disappeared. Even though he is gone, I still feel this cold cloak around me. I know he isn’t a good guy. How he used his power to hurt Zeke, I know he must be very powerful.
“I don’t like him,” I say softly, wrapping my arms around myself.
“I could kill Courtney and Nicole. They were hoping you would have to go through the course.” Slate pulls me to him, holding me.
“Good thinking saying you are claimed, but how are we going to prove it?” Caspian asks Slate worriedly, and he shrugs.
“What is the course, and how do you get claimed? If I have to be claimed to stay safe, claim me; do what you have to. I don’t want to go anywhere with him.”
“The course is like challenges that you will have to pass. They will see how your gift works, what can and can’t hurt you. They will throw every supernatural being at you, letting them use their powers on you; they will even let humans try and harm you. There are times they will get your loved ones involved to see if you are able to save them,” Slate says, stroking my hair.
My family? Emz?
“They can’t go after my family or Emz; Emz is like my sister.” I feel tears start to prickle my eyes.
“Hey, we won’t let them get hurt.” Caspian comes to my side.
“What about the claiming part, what do I have to do?” I look at the guys, and they all look at each another.
“It just happens, when a vampire feels strongly toward a human and vice versa, this force connects them, tying them to one another,” Slate answers.
“How do you know when it happens? Maybe it has already happened?” I say hopeful.
“You will know when it happens; you will feel it happen.”
“Does it happen through sex?” I bite my lip, and he chuckles.
“Then what are we going to do? How will they know, will they sense it? When is the party?” I start to babble out the questions.
Slate looks to Caspian then back to me. “In a few hours.”
How am I meant to get claimed in just a few hours?
“There’s a woman, a very old witch that they have kept alive by very strong magics and via blood. She knows when humans have been claimed.” I look at the guys and they all have worried faces, so least I know it’s not just me
“They are going to take me, aren’t they?” A tear falls down my cheek. All because I used my gift to save people.
“We won’t let them.” Rush pulls me to him, his hands cupping my face, his eyes looking into mine. “I won’t let them take you from us. You are ours, remember? Force or no force, we are yours and you are ours.” I nod, and he hugs me.
“Maybe I can use my gift to stop her from using her power on me, or somehow make it show her that I am claimed. My emotions will be at their strongest then, won’t they?”
“It could work. Come on; we better get ready.” Zeke takes my hand, laying a soft kiss on my knuckles. His eyes look sad.
We get on the bus, and on one of the booth tables, I see five white boxes with red ribbons. Slate walks over and opens the first box, and his faces morphs to anger. “They are clothes.” He lifts up a note. “I hope you will find these suitable. Rick.” He crumples up the paper.
“How did he get them here?” I look around the bus, waiting for him to pop out.
“Magic. He would have had them transported here. Like I said, he has many people with certain gifts in his collection.” Slate says and leaves the bus.
I am going to run after him when Zeke blocks me. “Just let him clear his head. He’s a little angry, and he will need some space.”
“Okay,” I whisper.
I walk over the box, lifting the white tissue paper and see a beautiful cream gown with silver sequins at the hem. I take it to the bedroom and place it on the bed before I go take a shower.
