Chapter 21
Chapter
Twenty-One
Griff: Magic 8-Coin, are you awake?
Coin: My sources say no.
Griff: Aww, don’t be like that. I just want to ask you something.
Coin: Sigh. Fine.
Griff: So, um, will we be able to get the evidence we need to put Shae’s evil family members behind bars?
Coin: Cannot predict now. Tough break, dude.
Griff: Well, will Shae and I get our very own HEA at least?
Coin: Ask again later. When you’re feeling lucky.
Griff: Argh!
—Private conversation between Griffin and his coin
Griffin
For the next two weeks, Shae spends most of his days reading through the books Grandma Coral sent with him to learn more about his magical powers. And we spend most of our nights learning each other’s bodies in intimate detail.
Shae still isn’t ready for anal intercourse yet, but we’ve been experimenting with some toys and plugs, getting him used to the sensation. I’m not sure how much he’s enjoying it; he seems to take far more pleasure in using similar items on me.
Progress on our investigation is slow, much to everyone’s frustration. The rest of the team has been hard at work tracking down every lead they’ve found. It’s not easy though. Shae’s stepmother is no fool, and she’s hidden her tracks with a level of precision that only a comic-book supervillain could match. She’s thorough, I’ll give her that.
Anemone has been out of the house a lot, meeting with members of the siren community currently living in the Los Angeles area and seeing what she can learn from them.
The waiting is getting to her and my mate—and I don’t blame them. I completely understand why they both want to be able to take action immediately to help Tempest, but Dallas was right. If we spook Margaret and her associates, they could get away from us. That’d make it even harder for us to try to track them down a second time. We’ve got to play it cool and careful.
I’m confident we’ll nab them before too much longer.
In the meantime, Shae clearly needs an opportunity to let off some steam. And what better way to do that than practicing his magic?
I consult with Haku and the rest of MEOW Squad—minus Harper, who’s out meeting with an informant, and Anemone, who went with him—and everyone agrees to get on board with my plan. So, after dinner, I stand up from my seat at the table and clear my throat. “Ahem. If I could have everyone’s attention. Tonight, I have a special activity planned for all of us. Let’s head to the entertainment room!”
Shae gives me a confused look.
We’d briefly shown the space to him early on when he came to live at the compound, but we haven’t been down there since.
“Are we watching a movie?” he asks. “I’m not really in the mood?—”
I interrupt him. “Tut, tut, my sweet bae. I’ve got something fun planned. Just trust me.”
He rolls his eyes but gives me an amused smile. “All right, Wolf Boy. This better be good.”
I rub my hands together in glee. “Oh, it will be.”
When we arrive in the basement entertainment room, the huge movie screen is down and I have my system all set up.
I spread my arms wide. “Welcome to the MEOW Squad Karaoke Extravaganza!”
Shae’s mouth hangs open as he stares at me. “The fuck?”
I beam at him. “This is the perfect way for you to practice your sirensong, babe! And have fun while doing it.”
Shae darts glances at the rest of the team. “Are you sure everyone wants to be guinea pigs for this little experiment? I don’t know what my voice will do to them.”
Ruby gives him two thumbs up. “Don’t worry. We’ve all agreed. You’re part of the team and our little family now. We’ve got your back.”
“Well, fuck. Now I can’t say no,” Shae grumbles, but his accompanying smile reveals his real happiness at her words.
Aiming to keep the fun atmosphere alive and get my mate in the mood—in more ways than one—I volunteer to get things started and do my go-to rendition of Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf.”
And when I say I ham it up, boy do I ham it up ! There’s crooning, there’s dancing, and there’s sexy looks galore, all directed at my mate. I’m singing and dancing my ass off and working my best assets—namely my fabulous ears and tail. I’m serving sexy surfer Wolfkin realness!
The glorious grin on Shae’s face and the lust-fueled fire burning in his eyes while he watches me is the best reward for my masterful karaoke performance.
Before long, we’re all laughing while everyone goes around and does a personal favorite. Cal picks “Rock the Casbah” by The Clash—because he’s so badass and punk rock—as usual. Ruby and Emma come up with a cute, flirty duet of a Tegan and Sara song, hearts in their eyes the whole time, while Dallas belts out a solid rendition of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
The whole time, Haku bobs and sways to the music from his familiar perch on Shae’s shoulder.
Finally, we pass the mic to Shae, who looks nervous but cues up “I’m a Survivor” by Destiny’s Child. I’m not even remotely exaggerating when I say his performance gives us all chills. His voice is just as beautiful as he is, and I find myself almost mesmerized by it as I sway to the music. Shae’s voice tugs at our heartstrings, and I swear I can feel how much this song means to him and how he relates to it.
He is a survivor and so damn strong.
When he’s done, we’re all silent for a few moments, too stunned to speak.
“That was outstanding, Master Shae!” Haku cries before hopping down on a coffee table and belching out a little stream of fire in his excitement.
Thankfully, it doesn’t touch anything flammable.
I manage to break free of my stupor. “That was amazing .”
My mate is so talented and smart and strong. Witnessing his singing abilities like this, I’m full to bursting with pride and love.
Shae bites his lip at my compliment, looking uncertain. “Did you all receive the emotions I was trying to convey?”
“I felt inspired and empowered. Like I could conquer any challenge. Your sirensong is so freaking cool,” Ruby gushes.
“Well, I don’t know that it’s much of a superpower,” Shae says with a sigh.
I grab him and pull him into my arms. “Your voice is beautiful. I could listen to it all day. And the fact that your songs can heighten people’s emotions is beyond awesome. You can use your sirensong to uplift others.”
“Of course you’d find the positive side,” Shae says, his lips twitching.
“Griff’s right though,” Cal pipes up. “Between the two of you, our team can better help folks we rescue who are in need of emotional support.”
“How about we lighten the mood and do a fun group number?” I suggest.
Shae agrees and selects Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Before long, we’re all laughing and attempting to sing the classic but rather challenging song. Even Haku croons along with us, which is about as awesome as one might imagine. Singing mini-dragon for the win!
Shae’s happiness comes through loud and clear during the number—and, of course, he’s the only one among us who can do the falsetto bits. He’s so good he’d probably make Freddie Mercury weep. When it’s over, we’re all bouncing around merrily like we’re full of effervescent champagne bubbles.
Riding on our karaoke sirensong high, we troop back upstairs and head outside to the patio. The evening air is cool and the breeze coming in from the ocean is salty and comforting. We sit around the patio table and Dallas busts out a few bottles of wine.
“Now, Shae,” Dallas says, “Griffin talked to us all beforehand, so we know a bit about your other power.”
“The Voice of Truth,” I confirm, my tail thumping happily.
Shae shifts awkwardly in his seat, an uncomfortable look on his face, and Haku nuzzles his ear in reassurance. “Yeah, I haven’t really tried to use that one yet.”
“We know, and we’ve all agreed to let you try it out on us.”
Shae gapes at Dallas. “What?”
Dallas’s round bear ears wiggle a little. “If you have the ability to compel others to speak the truth, even when they don’t want to, it could be invaluable in our investigations. Helping you learn how to use and hone such an important and powerful power is the least we can do.” He reaches over and gives my mate a hearty slap on the back. “We trust you. After all, you’re part of the family now, and a full-fledged member of MEOW Squad.”
“You’ve got this, Shae,” Emma says, her voice full of encouragement.
“You can do it, Master Shae!” Haku crows.
Shae opts for some liquid courage and takes a swig from his wineglass. “I’m honored that you all trust me so much and are willing to let me test out my powers on you, but I don’t know what it will do. It could make you reveal things you don’t want to share with others.” He frowns and shakes his head. “I’d hate to invade your privacy and betray your trust, even if it happened unintentionally.”
Ruby leans over and takes hold of his hand, patting it gently. “We told you, we’re a family here. We trust one another with our lives and many of our secrets. I’m sure there are some things we’d all rather not share, but you can start simple and not probe too deep.” Her eyes brighten. “In fact, I have a great idea!”
Cal makes a pained noise. “Get ready. I recognize that look in Ruby’s eye.”
She sticks her tongue out at him and then beams at Shae. “Why don’t you try and use the Voice of Truth to have us tell you funny stories about each other that we’ve never shared with you before?”
I immediately jump at this idea. “Ooh! Do that one.” I’m practically bouncing out of my chair with excitement.
Shae gives me a fond but mildly exasperated look. “Settle down, Wolf Boy.” He looks around the table. “You’re all really okay with this? You promise you won’t hate me afterward?”
Cal leans back in his chair and stretches out his legs, the picture of ease and confidence. His tattoo-like sigils are on display with the T-shirt he’s wearing, and the lettering on the front of it reads, Piss off or I’ll shove your wand where the sun don’t shine.
It’s so Cal.
“Give us your best shot, Shae,” Cal says, a challenging glint in his eyes. “We’re ready to handle whatever you have in store for us.”
Haku gives a mini roar of approval and we all laugh.
Finally, Shae takes a deep breath and lets it out. “I’ve only read about this in the books my grandmother gave me, so I don’t know if it’ll work. Basically, I just need to focus my magic and my intent before I speak. You’ll have to tell me how strong the compulsion is and if you need me to stop. I don’t want to make any of you uncomfortable.”
Everyone agrees and Shae takes a steadying breath.
“You got this, babe. I believe in you,” I tell him.
“Wolf Boy’s right,” Haku chimes in, giving me a gleeful grin.
When did he decide to start calling me that too?
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Shae says. “I think Ruby’s right. Let’s start with something simple that you all might not necessarily try to resist answering. We’ll move up from there, depending on how it goes.”
Everyone nods in agreement.
“Let’s start with me,” I volunteer.
Shae turns to me with a mischievous smirk. “Get ready.”
I nod and wait, my tail thumping eagerly against the back of my chair.
Shae’s face becomes a mask of concentration. Then his eyes seem to glow for an instant as he issues his command. “Tell me something funny about Dallas that I don’t know.”
The man in question chuckles. “Oh, boy.”
Everyone else is playfully ribbing our captain, but I’m focused on the sensation of another person’s magic working its way inside me. My tongue starts to tingle and my mouth moves before I can even try to stop myself.
“Dallas has a massive stuffed animal collection!” I blurt out. “His room is covered in them. Mostly cats.”
Dallas’s cheeks begin to turn a dark shade of pink.
But I can’t stop talking. “He has a favorite among the collection and even washes it every so often on a gentle cycle, then tumble dries it on low.”
Dallas starts making a weird choking noise and covers his face with one hand.
But still, I can’t stop myself from spilling all the beans.
“One day, Dallas left his precious stuffie in the dryer and I happened to discover it when I was doing my own laundry. It’s this adorable stuffed Persian cat toy wearing a top hat and a monocle. And its name tag says his name is Sir Meowington.”
I finally stop speaking and cover my mouth with my hand while I stare wide-eyed at Dallas. “Sorry, Cap. I couldn’t stop myself.”
Cal scoffs. “Don’t worry, Griff. The captain’s stuffie collection is hardly a secret.” He jerks a thumb toward Dallas with a grin. “Although, Sir Meowington is one I’ve never seen before.”
Dallas chugs down a whole glass of wine before pouring himself another one.
Shae gives him an uneasy look. “Sorry, was that something you really didn’t want anyone to know?
Dallas shifts awkwardly in his seat and then chuckles. “No, it’s just a little embarrassing. I know most full-grown men don’t have stuffed animal collections, and certainly not most men that look like me. I’ve had some partners who didn’t like it in the past.”
I can’t bear—no pun intended—his sad look and immediately leap to his defense. “Those guys were just jerks, Cap. You’re free to like what you like. And I think your stuffed animals are cute and so is your love of them. Someday, you’re going to find someone who thinks you and your collection are super cool.”
Dallas reaches over and pets my head. “Thanks, Griff.” His voice comes out hoarse but full of affection.
When I glance back at Shae, he mouths the words “I love you” at me and I wriggle with delight.
I don’t know what I said to make him so happy, but I’m pleased that I did.
Dallas clears his throat. “Ahem. Moving on. I think we need a quid pro quo round-robin here.” He arches an eyebrow at me and I just beam back at him.
“Do your worst! I’m not embarrassed about much.”
“Truer words have never been spoken,” Ruby chimes in, already a little tipsy now that she’s on her second glass of wine. Emma’s taking good care of her though, subtly giving her water and watching over her every move. When I waggle my eyebrows at her, she winks back at me.
I know Ruby’s got it bad for the cute little Potion Master. I just hope Emma feels the same way. What I’m seeing now is a good sign, at least.
Shae turns to Dallas and this time we all feel his magic build like a storm that gives off an electrical charge. “Tell me a funny secret story about Griffin that I don’t know.”
I grin to myself. My mate wants to learn more about me and I couldn’t be happier.
Dallas straightens and his mouth opens as the story begins to tumble out of him. “So, early on, when Griffin first moved in with us, he’d get up before dawn most mornings to go surfing. He was like clockwork. Most of us were still in bed, apart from Harper, so we were kind of oblivious to things.”
I start to chuckle, knowing exactly where this is going.
“Well, one night Griffin stayed up late partying so he didn’t get up the next day until nearly noon. He went down to surf just like usual, but we heard a commotion outside not long after.” Dallas starts to laugh while still trying to tell the story. “There was this boat full of little old ladies having a party of some kind. Even at noon, it was clear the alcohol had been flowing freely for a while. They spotted Griffin and made a beeline for him in the water.” He wipes at tears and gasps.
“It was a Hang Eleven kind of situation,” I explain to Shae.
He blinks uncomprehendingly at me.
Cal leers at him. “That’s surfer code for riding the waves naked.”
Shae snorts. “Ha! I do remember you mentioning the naked surfing.” He glances toward my lap. “Isn’t that dangerous though?”
I wink at him. “I’ve mastered the art.”
“Let’s just say those drunken elderly ladies got an eyeful and were honking their boat horn and tossing the ship’s life vests at Griffin,” Dallas continues. “They were keen to ‘rescue’ him and give him ‘mouth-to-mouth’ on their ship. We could hear everything they wanted to do thanks to the bullhorn they had with them.”
I smile fondly. “They were delightful. We let them dock their boat in our private marina and they came up to the house. They spent the whole afternoon hanging out with us and eating Dallas’s home-cooked food while they sobered up.”
“Turns out they were all old college friends who’d been having an annual meetup for the last fifty years,” Dallas adds.
“They must have been wild in their younger days because they were still full of mojo in their seventies,” I say.
Cal cackles. “I’ll say! One of them was a photographer and wanted Griff to pose naked for her.”
“Ah, Sandra. She was lovely. And so talented. I’ll have to show you some of her stuff, Shae.” I beam at him. “She later mailed me one of her photo books.”
“She wasn’t the only one who had the hots for Griff after his naked surfing performance,” Cal interjects. “There was also Betty, who warned you that if she’d been even twenty years younger, she would have devoured you.” He breaks down laughing, pounding the table with his fist.
“I had to politely inform her that while I was deeply flattered, I was also super gay and into dick.”
“And she said she was too!” Cal adds, still wheezing with laughter.
“We really bonded over that,” I muse in recollection. “She spent the next two hours telling me the fascinating story of her life—and all the men she’d, according to her, ‘made whoopie with’ over the decades.” I whistle. “No lie, I was impressed.”
We all chuckle over this until Ruby suggests, “Maybe we should try moving on to something more difficult?”
“I’m not sure.” Shae’s whole body tenses. “I don’t want to force anyone to divulge something they don’t feel comfortable sharing.”
I raise my hand. “No problem. I volunteer myself as tribute.”
Shae’s brow furrows as he studies me.
I lean over and whisper in his ear. “I know you’re nervous about using the Voice of Truth to force something private. As your mate, I want to do this for you. I’m prepared to share all of myself with you and I’m confident in your powers.”
I draw back and he studies me intently. “You’re sure?”
“One hundred percent.”
He takes a deep breath. “Okay, then. And thank you.”
I pick up his hand and kiss the back of it. “Anything for my mate.”
I mean it too. For Shae, I’m willing to do anything to help him hold on to his newfound happiness.
He closes his eyes, concentrating for a long moment. When he opens them, they’re faintly glowing again. I feel the hair on the back of my neck rise and goose bumps form on my skin as his magic washes over me with the force of a ten-foot wave. “What’s something you’re afraid of that you haven’t wanted to tell me?”
I jolt at the command and the words start to tumble from my lips before I can even try to stop them. “I’m worried that I might not be enough to keep you safe. That your family could get to you and hurt you again, and I won’t be able to protect you.”
Shae stares at me in horror.
I wince a little. “Yeah, I haven’t really wanted to tell you that, but I needed to. I’m kind of glad your powers forced me to be honest.”
“How can you not feel… violated?” he whispers.
“Having my mate compel me to be honest actually feels rather liberating.” I smile. “I feel a lot better now that I’ve told you.”
To my surprise, he gets up and plunks himself in my lap, wrapping his arms around my neck and hugging me tight. “Thank you for telling me that, even if I forced you. And thank you for letting me test my powers on you. I think it’s safe to say they work.”
“It’s totally your superpower,” I agree.
He chuckles but then caresses my cheek with one hand. “But I want you to know that you are enough and that I’m a big boy. I can protect myself.”
I kiss his forehead. “Why don’t we agree to work toward protecting each other?”
It’s his turn to smile. “Sounds good to me.”
At that moment, the patio door slams open and Harper comes racing toward us in that superhuman way vampires can. It always makes me feel a little motion sick when I see it in action.
Anemone trails behind him at a more normal speed, but she’s clearly fired up about something.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Harper announces with a triumphant grin, “but I’ve finally gotten a sample of one of the black-market products Divine Beauty is selling.”