It's Raining Men

by Crystal Jordan

  “Happy birthday, wolf breath. I love you.”

  A watery chuckle was the only response I could manage. Thankfully, the lights went up on the stage, and the slow, hypnotic beat of a drum drowned out anything I might have said.

  Chapter Three

  An unassuming man with short-cropped brown curls walked on to the stage and slouched down on the stool. He adjusted the microphone and looked over at the saxophone player. A small smile played over his lips as his gaze swept the crowd. The most intense emerald green eyes met mine, and I straightened a little. When he opened his mouth, the low, smoky note was the most beautiful thing I’d ever heard. It brought me completely upright, and I leaned forward in my chair, enraptured.

  The saxophone and drums swelled to compliment that stunning voice. They wove together, toying with each other in a sweet melody. It grabbed me, sank deep into my soul and soothed the part of me that ached. I closed my eyes, knowing that this man, this stranger, understood my pain the way no one else ever had before. The loneliness that defined my childhood, the shattering anguish of losing my family, the endless agony of having a mate I couldn’t claim. But he also understood my joy, the love I had for my friends, the family I made rather than the one I was born to, my career as a chef. It was there in that voice, in the lyrics, in the smooth, deep tone that caressed my sensitive ears. For the first time in forever, the wolf within me quieted, content to rest.

  “I’ve never heard a siren sing before. It’s everything they said and more. Captivating.” Cyn’s voice reached my ears as one song ended and another began, and I opened my eyes to find tears sliding down my cheeks. I swiped them away, glad the lights were dim.

  I coughed and took a swig of my scotch. Captivating, yes. That was the perfect word for it. Dragging in a deep breath, I propped my chin in my palm as I scanned the crowd. The cacophony that was typical of Eclipse was gone. Every single person stared at the stage, at Stephen Parthon, enthralled. His voice was the only sound to be heard.

  The song wound to a close, and the siren spoke for the first time. “Good evening, everyone. We have a…special request tonight. There’s someone celebrating a birthday in the crowd.”

  Oh God. Please don’t let him be talking about me. Please let someone else here be having a birthday.

  Yeah, I’m so not that lucky.

  “Candy, why don’t you stand up so we can wish you a happy birthday?”

  I pinched my eyes closed for a moment, praying for death. Or at least a gaping hole to open up in the floor and swallow me. I hissed under my breath, “What part of I don’t want to make a big deal of my birthday was too difficult for you all to understand?”

  “Blame me if you you’re going to get mad. But get up and get it over with.” Michael swatted my ass hard when I stood, and the crowd hooted. He raised his voice to be heard above them. “That’s one to grow on, birthday girl!”

  That got another cheer from the crowd, and Stephen chuckled into the microphone as he stepped off the stage and approached our table. A hot flushed washed up my cheeks, then rushed out fast enough to make my face tingle. As a chef, I was always behind the scenes. I didn’t like to be the center of attention, especially for this. Stephen sang a smooth jazz rendition of Happy Birthday to You. His gaze caught mine, and I was irresistibly drawn in to those emerald depths. I swayed towards him, forgetting all about the crowd. Sirens…wow. I’d never reacted to one this way, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to listen to him forever.

  His gaze never left mine as he backed toward the stage, sitting on the edge. I took that as my cue to take my seat, and I leaned back, letting my hands fall to my lap. He segued from my birthday ballad to a song about love and wild, maddening lust. A smile that was ten kinds of wicked flashed across his face. It made an answering grin curl the corner of my lips as a surprising heat built inside me. I hadn’t reacted to anyone except Michael with cold indifference since the day I met him. But I couldn’t deny Stephen’s words of longing and fiery passion made my toes curl in my pointy heels. My nipples peaked hard, and the way his smile turned flirtatious made it clear he loved what his voice could do to a woman. I drew in a shuddering breath, my heart picking up speed until I could hear the pulse of it in my ears.

  A shiver ran through my body when Michael’s calloused fingertips slid over the back of my hand. I flushed for an entirely different reason, thankful that his actions were hidden by the table so Cyn wouldn’t know. My thighs clenched together as he drew slow patterns on my skin, raising goose bumps up my arms. I should pull my hand away, I knew. But I couldn’t make myself. Not tonight. I needed…something. The restless ache that gnawed at me had built to a fever pitch today, and I just couldn’t force myself to deny my mate’s touch. Just this, just for now. A shudder ran through Michael’s big body as the song continued, and I could smell the way my own desire melded with his. His shoulder brushed against me, and his fingers toyed with mine.

  Stephen’s gaze slid back and forth between Michael and me, the sinful glint in his eyes showing he knew exactly what effect his voice had on us. Heat wound through me, battering at my control. The wolf in me was suddenly awake, alert. I barely managed to bite back a helpless moan. Time stretched out as one song after another played, revving my body up with longing. I could stay like this all night, Michael petting me, Stephen singing to me.

  Cyn’s cell phone lit up and rattled across the tabletop as it vibrated. Michael and I jolted. His hand left my skin, and we both turned to look at his sister. She scooped up the phone and gave us an apologetic look. Pushing a button, she pressed it to her ear. “Hello?”

  Concern sharpened her features, and her hand came down on Andre’s forearm. I faced her fully and both men came to full attention, leaning toward Cyn. “Are you sure? No, no. It’s fine. Andre and I can come home.”

  Andre was already pulling bills from his wallet, more than enough to cover the drinks on the table, and pushing his chair back. “What is happening, cherie?”

  She flicked the phone closed with her chin and looked at me. “Looks like you’re being spared more birthday torture. Desi’s come down with something and is throwing up. My aunt is freaking, so we’re going to head home and clean up the mess.”

  “Is she okay? Maybe I should come with you.” Michael moved as if to rise, and both Andre and Cyn waved him back down. The two vampires had taken in Cyn and Michael’s young human cousin while at the same time helping their druggie aunt get clean. It had been pretty rocky at first, but things had been going well for the last few months. I adored Desi and hoped this little emergency didn’t derail her mom’s progress.

  Cyn tucked her phone into her handbag. “We can handle this. There’s been a stomach bug going around at her school lately, so I’m sure it’s fine.” Bending forward to kiss my cheek, she hugged me good-bye. “Happy birthday, honey. Sorry to leave you two alone. Can you make sure she gets home safe, Michael?”

  “Of course.” His hand bracketed the back of my neck, and he heaved a long-suffering, put-upon sigh. “I’ll drive her home so she can have another three or four whiskeys if she wants.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I’m not drunk, Michael. Just because your sister is a total lightweight doesn’t mean all women are.”

  “Well, now you can drink like the heavyweight champ you are. You have a designated driver.” He grinned down at me, massaging my nape in slow circles. I shivered and jerked my gaze back to Cyn. But the vampires were already hurrying for the door, people stepping out of Andre’s path at just a look from the big man.

  The music from the stage came to a slow close, and Stephen spoke into the mic. “Well, folks, that’s all for the evening. Thank you for coming. Let’s have a hand for my band and for the amazing owners of the best magical bar in town.”

  He led the crowd in raucous applause as his bandmates took a bow and Rachel, Lena and Jerrod waved from behind the bar. Then the siren sketched a quick bow himself and the crowd leaped to their feet and screamed. Michael and I were no exception. We bo
th stood and clapped hard. Stephen flashed a quick smile, gave a jaunty little wiggle of his fingers and jumped off the stage to head straight for our table.

  “Hey, you.” Stephen walked up and wrapped his hand around the back of Michael’s neck, pulling him forward for a kiss.

  I blinked and stared at them. They broke apart and turned to face me. Stephen leaned back against Michael’s broad chest, but gave me that same wicked smile he’d given me from the stage and an obvious once-over. My eyebrows arched in surprise. “Um…”

  “Candy, I’d like you to meet Stephen. Stephen, this is Candy.” Michael grinned at me, not a hint of embarrassment on his face. He was comfortable in his own skin, in his sexuality, and I couldn’t help but think it made him sexier. It just meant he still wasn’t for me. Damn it. “Candy’s my sister’s best friend and the head chef for the werewolf pack leaders.”

  “Sounds tasty.” The Fae-siren man slid his hand into mine, his fingers warm and strong. “Candy.”

  A mischievous twinkle flashed in his eyes, so common a look among the Fae. A fairy who was a fairy. I wished it was funnier than it was. I mostly just wanted to cry as he leaned into Michael’s embrace.

  Michael’s laser blue gaze bore into me, and I could only hope I had a better poker face than I thought I did. “It’s interesting that you wanted to see Stephen perform since I’ve been…ah, seeing him perform for a few months now.”

  “Interesting. Yeah.” Why didn’t the Earth just open up and swallow me whole now? I’m ready to go now, God. It couldn’t possibly get worse than this.

  And then it did.

  Chapter Four

  Stephen’s hand slid out of mine, his fingertips stroking over my palm. My instincts gave a painful jolt just then, burning away what was left of my alcohol-induced buzz.

  Mate. Stephen. Mate.

  Holy shit on a shingle.

  It couldn’t be. I refused to believe it. There had to be something seriously out of whack with my instincts if they were telling me I was supposed to claim two men as my mate. Two gay men. Who were not just gay, but gay together. A hysterical laugh bubbled up in my throat, tangling with a sob before it could erupt. Oh God, I wanted to die. The ripping, tearing agony I felt when I was near Michael sliced through me—like a double-edged sword, it cut both ways. Stephen, Michael. Michael, Stephen. My instincts flashed like strobe lights in recognition.

  Stepping away from them, I tried to offer a smile. It fell like a bad soufflé. “Well…um. I’ll leave you to your evening. I think I’ve had enough birthday for one year.”

  Get me out of here. That’s all I could think. This was more than I could handle. I was done. So, so very done. Snagging my bag off the back of my chair, I slid the strap over my shoulder and turned around to walk away. I needed to walk away. All I wanted was for Michael to be happy. Hell, for both of my mates to be happy. But I didn’t have to stay around and watch their warm fuzzy moments unfold for them. I got no more than three steps before a hard, masculine hand wrapped around my elbow and pulled me to a stop. Resisting the urge to use my werewolf strength to rip my arm free of his grasp, I shot a glare over my shoulder at Michael.

  He let me go and lifted both hands in supplication. “Sorry, Candy. I can’t let you leave without me. I promised my sister I’d drive you home.”

  “I’m not drunk, Michael, but if it makes you feel better, I can take a cab home.”

  Stephen stepped up behind Michael, pulling a leather jacket on over his black T-shirt. “You think you’re going to get a cab in this neighborhood at this time of night? I doubt it, gorgeous. Just let us take you home. It’s no problem.”

  The amount of charm in his smile was enough to drown me. I had to shake myself and look away, reminding myself that both sides of this man’s nature were meant to ensnare and enchant people. Being a magical creature myself didn’t make me immune to it. A sigh slid out of my lips. I could stand here and argue with them and maybe not be able to get a cab, or I could give in now and endure twenty minutes in Michael’s SUV to escape for good. No contest. “Fine. Let’s go. Thanks.”

  I didn’t look at them, just headed for the door. My stomach churned with each step. The scotch threatened to come back up at any moment. Too bad, it would be a waste of good alcohol. I swallowed hard and stepped out into the warm Southern California night air, pulling in a deep breath. Along with the smog, it brought both men’s scents deep into my lungs. My insides clenched, then softened as though preparing for the kind of possession my inner wolf craved. Two mates nearby had it howling. I rolled my eyes at myself. Down, girl.

  “Where did you park?” I stopped at the curb, and Stephen walked right into me. His arms snapped around me before my high heels made me teeter into the street. My breath caught as his ropey muscles seared into my back. His hands pressed to my ribs, just under my breasts. My nipples went hard and tight, fire pumping through my veins as my heart slammed in my chest. When I felt his impressive erection nudge against my backside, my jaw locked and my fangs slid down. I knew if either man looked at me, they would see my eyes had gone pale blue as the wolf wrestled for control. I shuddered and covered Stephen’s forearms with my palms. “I have my balance.” Liar—I’d never been so off-kilter. “You can let go now.” Or throw me to the ground and fuck me hard. I’m open.

  “The SUV is half a block up and across the street.” Michael’s hand slid down my arm, pulling it away from Stephen to link our fingers. Stephen slipped his hand into my free one and the three of us jogged across the street. Now that I was on this side of the road, I could see Michael’s sleek silver vehicle. He opened the passenger-side door for me, and both men helped me into the supple leather seat.

  Michael loped around to the driver’s side while Stephen slid into the middle of the backseat and leaned between the front seats to grin at both of us. “Well, then. Do you know where we’re going, Michael?”

  “Yeah. I’ve driven Cyn over to Candy’s place a few times.” He winked in the rearview mirror at Stephen, started the car and smoothly pulled out into the late-night traffic. He drove with quiet confidence, maneuvering through the intersections and cutting through side streets on the way to my condo.

  I watched his hands stroke the steering wheel and wished they were stroking me instead. Swallowing, I glanced back at Stephen. “So…how did you two meet?”

  Michael chuckled. “At a gala ball for the mayor. Stephen was singing at the party, and I was there mingling for political reasons.”

  Stephen took up the thread of the story. “And I walked right up to him and said, ‘Do you believe in love at first sight?’ He smiled and said no, so I told him he’d have to get to know me so he could catch up, because I believed.”

  “That’s sweet.” I forced out the words. It was true…I just wished it wasn’t.

  “Okay, Michael, you’re going to have to take me somewhere to get something to eat. I have a serious case of the munchies. I always get this way after a performance.” Stephen’s endless energy made it seem like he was always in motion, even when he sat still. It was the exact opposite of Michael, who had an amazing stillness, an intensity that drew people to him. In their own ways, they both drew people like moths to open flames. I sighed. They certainly drew me in.

  I stared out the passenger window, trying hard not to pay attention to them. Please, let this be over soon. I could strip off the teeny-tiny dress and get into my most comfortable pair of pajamas. Curled up on my big leather sofa with a bowl of my homemade vanilla-bean ice cream sounded like heaven right now. Some Kahlua on top wouldn’t be a bad thing either.

  “What do you think, Candy?” Stephen’s hand slid down my shoulder.

  I jerked, twisting in my seat to look back at him. I also realized we were parked in front of my condo, and the engine was off. Both men stared at me. Wow, way to zone out, Candy. I gathered my purse up from the seat beside my hip and reached for the car door. “What do I think about what?”

  The siren gave a musical laugh. It was a beautiful
sound. “I said…since you’re a chef, you must know the best places around here to eat. I’m starving.”

  “There won’t be anything worth eating at the places that are still open this time of night.” I popped the door open and set one foot on the pavement.

  “Oh.” The disappointment in his voice was pretty heartbreaking. It tugged at my soul…everything about these men did. It was the way it was supposed to be with mates. Too bad nothing else about this situation was how mating was supposed to be. Stephen sighed mournfully. “That’s too bad. Have a nice night, Candy.”

  Damn it. I squeezed my eyes closed and sighed. I turned back to look at them. “The best place around would be Chez Candy then. Would you like to come in for a snack?”

  “We wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.” Michael’s blue gaze searched my face.

  But Stephen was already hopping out of the SUV. “Oh, yes, we would. She’s a chef, I’m headed for a severe case of anorexia, and she’s kind enough to offer to feed me.”

  He gave me big, puppy-dog eyes and a hopeful smile. Michael heaved a long-suffering sigh and rolled his eyes, taking the keys out of the ignition and sliding out to join us on the curb. Pushing a button, he locked the vehicle and gave me a slightly chagrined look. “Sorry about this, Candy. He’s incorrigible.”

  “It’s all part of my charm.” The siren slung an arm around Michael’s shoulders. “You just need to lighten up, handsome.”

  “And you’re just the man to help me with that little job, is that it?” He slanted the shorter man the kind of look that would have set my panties on fire.