Twirling his water glass on the counter, Caelius tried to push away the disappointment still riding his emotions when he’d failed to see Rhia through the windows of the diner earlier. Despite an inner voice screaming at him to leave well enough alone, he couldn’t stop himself from making that familiar trip. A quick check of the parking lot revealed her car was missing. Either it had broken down again or she’d changed shifts. He’d prayed it was a shift change or a simple day off as he battled images of the ménage brothers absconding with the love of his life.
Whatever the cause for her absence, he was having Rhia withdrawals, and it was kicking his ass. Trying to keep from driving past her house had been a feat of herculean effort. He would have stopped if that faded piece of shit had been in her driveway. What then? Fall at her feet and beg for forgiveness for walking away? Reveal his race and then tell her he was willing to live out a normal human lifespan just so he could have the pleasure of her in his life? Could he actually live with the constant need to merge, yet know it was futile? He jumped at Petrus’s deep voice.
“You want some more water?”
“Uh…no. I’m good. Thanks. Hey, Petrus?”
“Yes.”
“I think I’m fucked.”
Chapter 11
Leaning forward, Petrus planted his elbow on the bar, his chin in his palm, and narrowed his warm, golden eyes.
“Talk to me, amici.”
Releasing his held breath, Caelius tapped the back of his head gently on the wall as he tried to figure out where to start. Decision made, he leaned in.
“My necklace bit last night, yet it was minimal. Felt like it was going to blow my nipple off, but that was it. This is why I asked to leave a little early last night. I wanted to take her somewhere quiet so we could talk.”
Petrus’s eyes widened. “This should be good news. Why are you frowning?”
“I don’t like the female.”
“Ah.”
“She is nothing like I envisioned for a mate. I couldn’t tolerate her for more than five minutes. It was horrible.”
Petrus’s eyebrows drew together, and he studied the countertop for a few beats. Caelius was glad he’d chosen this male to share his concerns. He always thought carefully before he spoke, and never interrupted when someone had something to share.
“Perhaps the circumstances of our club caused her personality to veer from its normal demeanor. Surely, none of these females act the same outside these walls as they do inside. You must consider the amount of alcohol consumed as well. One more attempt at introduction may be warranted.” Caelius shook his head and grimaced.
“It was more than that, amici. Her voice irritated me, the way she walked made me look away in disgust, and when she attacked me in the coffee shop parking lot I knew that I could go no further.”
“She attacked you?”
Nodding, Caelius lowered his voice.
“We hadn’t spoken more than a few words between us, and she dropped to her knees and attempted to take me into her mouth. She didn’t even say my name correctly. It made me wonder as to how many others she’s done this way. I could never see her as a mother to my children.”
“I would have to agree.”
“What would you do?”
“It’s easy, my friend. Forget her.”
Petrus reached out and palmed the necklace Caelius was beginning to hate with great passion.
“It’s still cold. She’s not your mate, Caelius. The Occasio surge happens differently for every male. Perhaps the strikes to your nipple were a warning to run.”
Caelius burst out laughing and gripped Petrus’s forearm.
“Ah, gods, Petrus. I’m so glad I spoke with you. You’ve no idea the crazy thoughts flying through my brain. Your message is well received and understood.”
“Good. Now get backstage. Lexus is finishing a private dance, but will be up next.”
“Ah, yes. Catch you later. Thanks, amici.”
“Anytime.”
Realizing there was a wall of bodies standing between him and the dressing room door, Caelius looked around for Tycho. He chuckled when he spotted him by the second stage. Three girls had climbed on top and were dancing around one of the new males. He stood stiff as a statue and clutched his balls while Tycho tried to pull them down.
Cutting a path through the throng of females unwilling to stay in their seats, Caelius nodded, smiled, swerved, and dodged until he finally reached the backstage door and squeezed inside. He missed Ludo. That big bastard could carve a wide path when needed. Heat Seekers didn’t feel the same since the more seasoned warriors had been called home. Because of that, Ludo was stuck guarding the other businesses until things turned normal again. Hell, nothing would ever feel right until the emperor was found. Kallon and Maxim had boarded the Prometheus, and Cato had gone home to assist the Trejani. Even the wondrous news of Cato’s mating couldn’t assuage the sadness clinging to every Insedi like a spider web. Everything felt unaligned and tilted off its axis.
Lost in his thoughts, Caelius shuddered when he felt something glide across his hair and continue down his back. Twisting around, he knew he’d lost the blood in his face when Ashley’s unfocused eyes tried to glare a hole through his skull. She leaned heavily against the wall, and Caelius could see that she was having a hard time standing up. She held a large glass filled with something that appeared to be iced tea and used it to punctuate her thoughts. Ah, shit. She’s drunk.
“Ha, I caught you, Caleb. I was hoping you’d come over to talk to me, but no, you just kept walking on by like I didn’t exist. What the hell is your problem?”
“My name is Caelius. You shouldn’t be back here, Ashley.” She rolled her eyes.
“Whatever. I want to know why you ditched me last night. You asked me. Remember?” The glass swung out in a wide arc and hovered in front of the door. Her index finger lifted as if she was pointing through the wood. He thought for sure she was going to drop the drink this time.
“I could have any of those other guys out there. All I have to do is snap my fingers. What do you think about that?”
“I think it’s a fantastic idea. Good luck with that. Go now.”
Caelius glanced up the stairwell and hoped one of the other warriors would make an appearance. He had no clue how this conversation would end. He knew how to deal with belligerent males, but drunken females were a different story. Should he call out for assistance so they could get her out of the club quickly, or just pick her up and take care of the situation himself?
“Don’t turn away from me. Look at me, you ass!”
Glancing back, Caelius wasn’t prepared for the face full of cold, sticky, alcohol. He sucked in a breath and blinked incredulously through the stream of liquid matting his eyelashes. She shoved him on the chest, giggled, and wobbled on her heels as she pushed her way through the door.
“Hah! You fucked with the wrong girl, Caleb.”
Caelius leaned back against the wall and looked down to watch the liquid slowly drip from his chest and hair onto the floor. Clarity must have been a gift from the biting cold of the drink, because everything made sense to him now. He shouldn’t be here. Just as Petrus had stated, the necklace’s message was clear. Run. With that single thought, his anger finally rose and enclosed his heart within an iron grip.
Stomping up the stairs, Caelius shoved aside any warrior standing in his way and headed to his locker. Flinging it open, he stuffed everything he owned into his duffel bag. Shoving his legs into his jeans, he cursed from having to pause long enough to get his boots on. Foregoing a shirt, he slung the bag over his shoulder, swung around, and ran right into Chiron. Nikos stood shoulder to shoulder with him. They both carried the same incredulous look on their faces. Chiron grabbed him by the arm.
“What the hell, Caelius?”
“Get out of my way.”
“No. Not until you tell us what’s going on. Why are you wet?”
Any attempt at skirting their big bodies was met with
resistance.
“Get the hell out of my way.”
Nikos popped him on the chest with his fist. “You’re up next with Lexus. He’s going to be pissed.”
Dropping the bag, Caelius snatched a construction hat off the common shelf and strode over to one of the new warriors hovering off to the side. He carried an expression that screamed he’d rather be anyplace besides blocked in the corner.
“What’s your name?”
“Eris.”
Shoving the hat against the guy’s gut, Caelius pointed back to the shelf. “There’s a pile of white T-shirts up there, Eris. Put one on. You’re already wearing jeans and boots so you’re good to go. No wait, pop the button loose first. Walk out when Lexus does. Stand to his right, hook your thumbs into your front pockets, pull down until the waistband is close to your groin, and dip your head down so the audience can’t see your face. When the floor lights flash twice, rip the shirt down the middle. Flex your biceps, and then throw the thing at the females. Leave when Lexus starts to undo the Velcro on the side of his jeans. Simple. Got it?
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Turning, Caelius snatched the wet towel Chiron threw at him, and growled when he saw his duffel being held hostage by Nikos.
“Give it back.”
“No.”
“Fuck!”
“Tell us where you’re going.”
“Fine! I’m going to Los Angeles. I need a change of gods damn scenery.” Disappointment flashed across Chiron’s face.
“Shit, Caelius. We were going to go together.”
“Well, then get your stuff. You got three minutes.”
Pacing the floor while they scattered to collect their things, Caelius frowned when Eris approached him.
“Uh…will I get to touch the necks of the females?”
Halting in his attempt to walk a hole in the floor, Caelius took a deep breath.
“Yes, Eris. You can touch them all you want. Just remember to leave when I told you.”
The male smiled and stuck the hat on his head. “I hope to find my mate tonight.”
Caelius clapped him on the shoulder and wondered if he’d looked this naive and hopeful when he’d first arrived.
“Good luck, Eris. Just do yourself a favor and stay away from a skinny female with brown hair falling to her waist. She’s wearing a tiny black dress and can’t walk in her shoes. She’s dangerous.” Eris’s teal-colored eyes widened.
“Of course. Thank you for the warning. Uh…why are you covered in liquid?”
“It was my wakeup call.”
“Oh. I do not understand what that implies, but please be safe on your travel to Los Angeles.”
Nodding, he turned and motioned for the two nuts that were holding him up.
“Come on. Time’s up. We still have to swing by the apartment to get the rest of our stuff. I want to be out of Austin before the sun rises.”
Nikos and Chiron in tow, Caelius burst out of the backstage door and made quick work of navigating through the thick crowd. By the time he rounded the side of the bar, he’d determined that Ashley was nowhere in sight, and he was tired of getting his ass slapped. His mood was beyond black by the time he approached the exit. Petrus’s deep voice halted him in his tracks. He knew better than to turn around. He was close to losing it, and Petrus would be an innocent target.
“Why are you leaving, Caelius?”
“I’m tired of this shit.”
“Fair enough. You’re not a prisoner here. It appears that Nikos and Chiron are accompanying you.”
“Yes.”
“Well, then take care, my brothers. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Unwilling to disclose that they weren’t just leaving for the night, Caelius simply nodded. With that, he shoved out into the humid air.
Caelius was thankful that his buddies had enough sense to keep their mouths shut as he beat feet to the back lot. Realizing he still held the wet towel in his hand, he scrubbed at his hair and chest to get the sticky reminder off of him. The little bit of calm he achieved from the effort didn’t last long.
His neck heated and a deep growl released from his throat as soon as he rounded the corner of the building. Ashley was standing behind his car, hands on her hips, and eyes narrowed. She looked different. It finally dawned on him that she’d ditched her heels and was now four inches shorter. At least she wasn’t wobbling. As soon as he was spotted, one long, lacquered nail rose in accusation.
“I’m not done talking to you.”
“Yes you are. Now get out of the way.”
Gently pushing her aside, Caelius popped the trunk, threw his duffel inside, and waited for Nikos and Chiron to do the same. Slamming the lid, he snarled and whirled around after enduring the third hard poke to his kidney.
“Leave me alone, Ashley. You’re pushing my patience to the limit. I want nothing to do with you.” He wasn’t surprised by her immediate transition to the petulant, innocent child routine. Her eyebrows formed into a perfect V, the painted bottom lip protruded, and her fingers twisted together. He was amazed at how fast she could call forth fake tears.
“But you came to me, Caleb. Why did you lead me on?”
Beyond exasperated, Caelius clicked the key fob and gestured to his friends. “Get in.” They dove inside before he could reach the driver’s side door.
“Ashley, you don’t want me. You don’t even know how to say my name correctly. I made a mistake and should have never asked you to have coffee with me. I’m sorry. Please leave me alone. There’s nothing between us. Just go.”
As expected, her features morphed back into a righteously pissed female. One eyebrow rose, her lips puckered, and she promptly spit on his car. “Ass.”
Shaking his head in disgust, Caelius wiped the spittle away with the wet cloth and threw it aside. Climbing into the car, he locked the doors and hoped she wasn’t standing at the back again. At this point, he was ready to run her down. Squashing that black thought, he glanced in the rearview and sighed in relief when he saw her stomping across the parking lot. At least it was in the opposite direction of his car. Chiron’s voice filled the tense air.
“What in the hell did you do to get that female up your ass like that? Damn, Caelius.”
Grunting, Caelius navigated the car out of the parking lot. “Nothing. That’s the problem.” Nikos patted his arm in sympathy.
“She was the one that received a reaction from your mating necklace, wasn’t she?”
“Yep. I made a mistake. She’s not my Occasio. Petrus cleared that up for me. Even if she was, I won’t have her. She’s not my type. I don’t care what the necklace tells me.”
Nikos chuckled. “I can see why. She can’t hold her temper.”
Caelius snorted. “That’s not the only reason, but I’ll not get into that. I’m stopping by the apartment first. It won’t take me long to gather my things. Think about what you want to take, and keep in mind that my trunk can only hold so much.”
“How long are we going to be gone? And weren’t we supposed to go to Orlando?”
Caelius glanced over to Nikos. His green eyes were wide from all the excitement. The sight almost shaved a little off his morose mood.
“Around three weeks. I changed my mind on Florida. We’re going to visit Magnificent 7 Male Revue instead. Look in my glove compartment. There’s a list of male revue clubs that we can stop at on our way there. We’ll get a ton of practice and maybe some new act ideas. I’m getting pretty tired of doing the same ones over and over. It’ll give you more opportunity to test for mates, too. I’ve called each club already, and they’re okay with us stopping in. We’ll put the addresses in the navigation system before we leave. I hadn’t planned to visit so soon, so they’ll be surprised to see us.”
Chiron’s voice sounded from the backseat. “This is going to be fun. I’ve always wanted to travel. Will you let me drive your car?”
Snorting, Caelius looked into the rearview and glared at Chiron’s eager blue
eyes.
“Hell no! If you’re going to learn to drive, I’d prefer you do it in a piece of junk instead of mine.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, the image of Rhia’s car flashed in his brain. Gods damn it! In his haste to extract himself from the ridiculous situation with Ashley, he’d forgotten what leaving really meant. He could no longer watch over Rhia. He wouldn’t be able to do a drive-by to see if she was happy and healthy. Ah, gods, the brothers! She was at their mercy. His gut clenched at the thought. Nikos snapped him quickly out of his dark thoughts.
“Slow down, Caelius! We’re almost at the apartment entrance. Shit! That was close.”
“Sorry.” Pulling into a slot, Caelius took a deep breath and got out before the two started teasing him about his own skills behind the wheel. Their doors had barely closed before the distinctive sound of squealing tires commanded their attention. Blinded by the bright glare of oncoming headlights, Caelius heard the roar of an engine closing in and braced himself for impact.
Chapter 12
Throwing himself back against the side of the Jaguar, Caelius watched in horror as Ashley’s Mustang barely missed the back bumper and flew right past him. He could see the side mirror pass within inches of his thighs.
Everything went into slow motion as he watched the vehicle impact with the curb. A tire blew and slung a strip of mangled rubber high into the air. Undaunted, the vehicle catapulted onto the grass and plowed over three small saplings before finally coming to a halt in the middle of the courtyard. There was a trail of red, plastic objects scattered in the deep ruts she’d left in her wake. His mind fought to understand. Are those pieces of her car? Chiron’s curse sounded like it was moving through mud.
Heart thundering against his breastplate, Caelius watched in stunned disbelief as Ashley leapt from the car and stalked over to them. She pointed back to the vehicle, and he watched her mouth moving, but couldn’t comprehend the words. Eventually, the roaring in his ears stopped and he caught on quickly.
Fueled by Lust: Caelius (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 10
