Epilogue
ROWAN
Six months later.
Bite Night was already underway by the time Rowan and Lane arrived on the fifth floor. Rowan hadn’t meant to be fashionably late, but they were his parties, so he forgave himself.
“I’m glad I decided to hire help for the shop,” Lane was saying as they headed along the hall. “Being open a couple days a week isn’t enough.”
Lane had rented a small storefront near Nico’s apothecary shop, where he’d been selling portable spells for the last few months. Lane’s apartment was nearby, and Rowan enjoyed spending time there. He hadn’t realized how much he needed a little distance from work.
His coven was his life. His proudest achievement. But when things were settled, when no one was attacking or causing trouble, it was refreshing to get out, broaden his horizons, and experience the casual side of the magic world.
Lane’s pleasure at his shop’s success radiated through their bond. Their connection was strongest when they were near, most potent when they were intimate, but even at a distance, Rowan sensed Lane’s presence within his soul.
He’d never dreamed he’d have a partner he trusted, one he loved so deeply and was loved by in return. Someone who accepted his need for reassurance and praise beyond play, and strove to understand how it played into him as a whole. And here Lane was, being all those things and more.
“Have you decided who to hire?” Rowan asked.
Lane paused outside the entrance to Bite Night. “Nico recommended a young witch, a relative of one of his neighbors. She’ll be a great fit, and wants to learn to create portable spells herself.”
“An apprentice.”
Lane laughed. “Guess so. But I’ll leave all that for Monday. I’m ready to unwind.” He smirked, and Rowan’s blood heated. Lust burned along their connection, fire igniting from both ends.
Lane held the door for him. “After you, mate.”
He stepped inside and was greeted by familiar low lighting and the murmur of voices.
A heavy black and gold curtain blocked the main room, creating an entryway where Hunter lounged at his usual post. “I was beginning to wonder if you two would show.”
“We’re not that late,” Lane said.
Hunter shrugged. “There’s a big group tonight. Think you’re the last to arrive.”
He oversaw bite nights, a master of ceremonies of sorts. Everyone in attendance was vetted by the coven, but Hunter had taken over inducting new participants once they were approved, going over rules, and providing a neutral presence for everyone’s comfort and safety.
Rowan and Lane disappeared into the curtained-off changing room, leaving Hunter to his official role.
“I can’t believe I let Onyx talk me into this,” Rowan said as they shed their clothes.
“Really? I think you were dying for him to talk you into it.” Lane was right, and his teasing smile said he was well aware. “Why haven’t you ever danced at Bite Night before?”
“It didn’t feel like the place. Bite Night isn’t all about me.”
“Maybe not, but the number of people here tonight is telling. Everyone wants to watch you perform while they get off.”
Rowan pulled on his favorite black knee-high platform heels. “So you’re saying you’ll be getting off while you watch me?”
Lane’s lust was a bright beacon shining through their bond. He lifted Rowan’s chin so their eyes met. “No, I’ll be hard and waiting. I want you to climb off that pole and come straight to me, wrap your sweet lips right around my cock, and show everyone who you were dancing for.”
Rowan fizzed with excitement. “Yes, Lane.”
“Good boy.” Lane cupped Rowan’s bulge, caressing him through the black thong he wore. Lane wore nothing but a jockstrap and would soon be naked, if past nights were any indication.
Rowan wasn’t sure they’d make it to the main room at this rate.
Lane grinned slyly, reading Rowan’s feelings like a book. He pulled away and grabbed Rowan’s hand instead. “Let’s go. Everyone’s been so patient.”
“They’ll manage a little longer. Let me blow you, please?”
Lane’s chuckle was wicked-sweet. “And deprive them of the show’s finale? I don’t think so. Besides, we’ll both have more fun if we don’t get ahead of ourselves.”
“You’re right.”
“Good boy.” Lane tucked a lock of Rowan’s hair behind his ear. “Damn, I love how tall you are in these shoes.”
Rowan loved it too. He loved how Lane’s presence towered over him even when his body didn’t, making Rowan feel dainty and precious. “I aim to please.”
“And you do it so well.”
Lane led him into the main room. At its center, a pole and small stage had replaced the usual benches and swings, which had been shifted to the side, closer to the wall of toys and other supplies. Places to lounge littered the rest of the space, and curtained-off nooks lined the periphery.
Vampires, humans, and witches filled the room, some talking, some kissing, a few groups biting and getting each other off.
To the right, Nico sat shirtless on a long bench seat, his jean-clad legs spread wide, with Onyx perched at his feet, his eyes closed.
The demon was nearly naked, his shorts barely there.
He wore a thick collar, his head cocked to the side as Nico massaged his scalp.
Rowan’s sharp ears caught the faintest hint of a purr.
Lane took a seat beside Nico and positioned Rowan on his lap, hands roaming over Rowan’s bare thighs. “You guys been here long?”
“Nah.” Nico tugged Onyx’s hair, and he opened his eyes. “This one’s been impatient, though.”
Onyx pouted, directing a fiery glare from his mate to Rowan. “Nico won’t let me have any fun.”
“Don’t lie.” Nico tugged his hair harder. “You wanted to wait and see how hard you’d be watching Rowan’s performance. I couldn’t let you get worked up before it started.”
The tips of Onyx’s fangs showed. “Yes, well, I want lots of things.” His gaze slid to Lane, then to Rowan.
Lane’s grip tightened on Rowan’s waist. “You’ll get to see plenty of us, don’t you worry.” He loved showing Rowan off, claiming him in front of hungry eyes. They both did. The possessive edge an audience gave Lane’s lust sent Rowan flying.
He couldn’t wait to feel it as he showed off his most elaborate moves, the mating bond wrapping around Rowan as he wrapped around the pole.
Music pulsed low, the light scattered and dim.
A moody glow cast on the stage, and Rowan itched to climb up there.
While he usually basked in the full attention of his audience, he liked the idea of tonight’s onlookers being diverted, appraising eyes half distracted by their partners.
By their pleasure. Rowan an erotic display for people to enjoy as they chased release.
All except Lane, who would be watching avidly, waiting for Rowan to come over and pleasure him without delay, so needy and turned on by his lover’s attention that he had to have Lane’s cock immediately, not later, not when they got home. And Lane would be as eager to give it to him.
Rowan had danced for Lane plenty, but mixing this so blatantly with sex was new. Thrilling.
Rowan never asked for immortal life—even if the version of him from before had, that man was no longer part of him—and having been given immortality without ever knowing anything else, he’d never cherished it.
Once he’d escaped the horrors of his formative years, he’d found purpose in doing good, using the gift he’d been given to make the world better, but he’d never looked forward to the future. It had been an inevitability.
He’d never considered how bleak that was until Lane came along and shone a bright light on what life could be.
Sitting on Lane’s lap, Rowan was excited for what was to come.
To explore new things. See new days. To have more than purpose.
To have love and companionship. With Lane at his side, it was easier to open up, not only to his lover but to his friends.
Lane turned Rowan’s immortal life into the stuff of dreams.
“I love you too,” Lane whispered in his ear.
“Felt all that, did you?”
“You’re so warm and gooey inside.” Lane kissed along his jaw. “What are you thinking about?”
“Just the future.”
“Not just. There’s nothing just about you and me. Not when our bond feels like it was made for us. Not when I chose you, and you chose me, and we get to have forever. Now, go put on a show for me, and I’ll give you everything you deserve.”
Rowan stood, and Lane gave him the most tender, loving look, then smacked his ass.
“As you wish, Lane. From now until forever.”
The End.