Chapter 21
Chapter Twenty-One
Joseph didn’t like drawing attention to himself. He’d always been as invisible as possible when living on the streets, not wanting the people who’d killed his parents to find him.
And later, when he’d had to interact with more humans at Nyx’s Kingdom, it had been to avoid their prejudices because of his skin color.
Humans were less tolerant, and Joseph was used to that. However, whenever Laurie heard something disparaging about Joseph, he didn’t hold back and usually beat the person senseless.
Which had been bad for business.
Over the years, Joseph had learned to be on the fringes and eject the worst offenders more discreetly. He got upset, of course. But to risk his freedom, his business, and anything else over a human’s small mind wasn’t worth it.
Besides, given the web of contacts and favors Joseph had amassed over the decades, he could make their lives miserable from the shadows.
Still, he felt uncomfortable doing anything that made him stand out.
So tonight, when Laurie had insisted they both paint designs on their faces and wear crowns for the festival, he’d fought it at first. However, as Laurie currently adjusted Joseph’s crown and then stood back to admire his handiwork, Joseph merely arched an eyebrow. “Well?”
Laurie had opted for a silver crown and blue face paint. The design was intricate around his eyes—he’d used a mirror and done it himself—and stopped at his mid-cheek. It made his eyes stand out, and for a split second, Joseph wondered how Laurie would look with paint on his chest, too.
However, before his fantasy went too far, Laurie spoke again. “You look regal, handsome, and I wish that paint was edible so I could lick it off.”
“Well, then, devise an edible one and we’ll try it next time.”
Laurie’s eyes turned heated a second before he shook his head. “Remind me later. Maybe you can lick it off me as I lick it off Meadow, and she eats it off you.”
Images of the three of them tangled in bed, tasting and touching and fucking, flashed into his mind. “Behave, Laurie. The last thing we need is to walk around with erections amongst the fae witches and have them think we’re there to take whoever we want.”
The lightness in Laurie’s eyes died. “Like my father did.”
“You would never do that, though. I hope you know that.”
“I do. Still, it’ll always be there between the vampires and fae witches.”
Laurie’s father hadn’t shied away from using rape and torture in the war he’d started against the fae witches, back when Laurie had been a toddler.
Joseph walked over and took Laurie’s shoulders, not wanting to smear the paint on his face.
“Between us, Leo, Nora, and even the half vampire Stone Riley, we’re trying to change that.
We all have fae witch fated ones, and with time, that should become more common.
I think one day we might even have open borders between all the territories in the East End. ”
“I might’ve scoffed at that before, but I’m a little more hopeful these days given all that Leo is doing to forge a closer alliance. Let’s hope that future comes to pass.”
Joseph kissed him gently before replying, “Tonight will help with that goal, I think. Speaking of which, if we don’t leave now, we’ll be late picking up Meadow. And I don’t know about you, but I want to watch her walk down the staircase and admire her.”
“Too bad it’ll be in front of an audience,” Laurie grumbled. “I’d rather see her in private and give her a proper hello.”
“As much as I’d love to ravish her, too, we all need tonight, I think, to relax and try to enjoy the evening. Plus, we can spoil her in public, learn more about what she likes, and then use that knowledge to further win her outside of the bedroom.”
Laurie laughed. “Always the strategist, aren’t you?”
“If it gets me what I want, then of course.”
He winked, and Laurie chuckled again before saying, “Between your heart beating again, being able to have sex again, and whatever magic Meadow has used on you—figuratively—some of the old Joseph has returned. I missed him, you know.” He gently gripped the back of Joseph’s neck. “I hope he stays around.”
“It was mainly to protect myself, as you well know. But now? I don’t have to protect my heart from you, or anyone else.
” Laurie leaned in to kiss him, but Joseph shook his head.
“We’ll be late. And if we ever want Meadow to pick us as her forever, we need to treat her with the respect she deserves. ”
“Normally I’m a gentleman, too. But having your handsome self in my life again, truly in my life, has addled my brains a bit. However, you’re right—Meadow needs us more right now. And I can’t wait to see what she’s wearing for her costume.”
Soon they were both sitting inside their carriage, discussing what to see and do that evening.
In less than twenty minutes, they stood inside River and Nora’s house, at the bottom of the stairs with the fae witch male.
Leo was also there, and all four of them waited for the females to descend the stairs.
Leo tugged his waistcoat down before checking his pocket watch. “Maybe we should go check on them. Khan wants us there by eight, and it’s already a quarter to.”
River crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head.
“You and your punctuality. A few extra minutes won’t hurt.
It took me long enough to do this.” He waved to the paint on his face—a much simpler pattern in purple—and continued, “So I can only imagine how long it takes when they have to do their hair, too.”
The fae witch male was still growing out his hair after arriving in the past with a shaved head. However, it barely reached his shoulders, and he wore it loose.
Leo rolled his eyes. “I can’t believe I allowed Yesenia to talk me into painting my face too.”
Laurie snorted. “Two lines on each cheek is hardly painting your face.”
Joseph bit back a smile. Leo had two black streaks on either side of his face. He then added, “You could’ve picked a less menacing color.”
Leo grunted. “It’s not red, which is the only color Yesenia forbade me to use.”
River sighed. “Let’s not go around painting fake blood on our faces. These are fae witches, after all, not vampires.”
Laurie jumped in. “Maybe we should have a vampire celebration, and then everyone can use red paint.”
“That would be a bit macabre,” Joseph stated.
Laurie shrugged one shoulder and pointed at himself. “Vampire. We have a reputation to uphold.”
Joseph rolled his eyes, but before he could reply, movement at the top of the stairs garnered his attention.
Yesenia, Nora, and Meadow descended the stairs in a row—their outfits for the night were more flowing, like fae witch dresses of old—but Joseph’s attention was fixated solely on Meadow.
She wore a dark blue dress. The sleeves were wisps of fabric that went to about her elbows, and the bodice hugged her breasts before loosely draping down her lush body, also with a multitude of fabric strips.
Her face paint was gold, as were the decorations woven through her hair.
Since her hair was pulled back, her pointed ears were on full display, made more noticeable by the cuffs of gold around the sides.
The latter were gifts from him and Laurie, and seeing her wearing them sent a rush of satisfaction and desire through him.
She kept her eyes downcast, though, and Joseph wanted to rush up the stairs, lift her chin, and tell her how bloody beautiful she was before kissing her senseless.
Then she finally met his gaze, and her eyes widened. Good. She’d seen how much he wanted her, and hopefully how gorgeous she was to him.
Her eyes moved to Laurie, and her cheeks turned even pinker.
Joseph should look at Laurie’s face to judge his reaction, but he couldn’t tear his eyes from Meadow.
The little wisps of fabric bounced and fluttered, drawing attention to her breasts.
Ones he wouldn’t mind taking out and sucking, until she moaned and begged for more.
Stop it, Joseph. No erections tonight, remember? Scaring the fae witches would be a bad thing.
When the three females finally reached the bottom of the staircase, each of the males went to their respective partner. Joseph managed to speak before Laurie did. “You’re going to be the most beautiful female there tonight, love.”
She replied, “You don’t have to flatter me.”
“It’s not flattery. You’re stunning.”
Laurie jumped in. “He’s right. I want you to eventually sit for a portrait wearing exactly this costume. You’re like something out of a fantasy, pet.”
She glanced between them before finally murmuring, “Thank you. And you both aren’t too shabby yourselves.”
Laurie stood taller. “Do we look like fae witch princes?”
She laughed. “I’m not sure what one looks like, but you’re definitely two sexy princes. Or, maybe kings is the better term since the word prince is too childish for either of you.”
Joseph smiled, took her hand, and kissed the back of it. “Then you are our queen tonight.”
Laurie took her other hand, kissed it, and added, “Whatever you wish, we’ll grant it.”
Judging by the flash of heat in Meadow’s eyes, she hadn’t missed Laurie’s invitation. Joseph was about to whisper something to turn her cheeks fully red when River cleared his throat. Loudly. “If you’re done drooling over my sister, can we go?”
He and Laurie each turned and threaded one of Meadow’s arms through each of theirs. Laurie spoke up. “We had to stomach you fawning over Nora, so you can handle our wooing of Meadow.”
Nora smiled. “I, for one, am happy to see you fawn over Meadow, and she over you two.”
River grumbled, but a look from Nora quieted him.
Leo took out his pocket watch again. “We need to leave. I don’t want to be late for my first public appearance in the fae witch territory. I’ve met Khan in private, but I don’t want the fae witches’ first impression of me to be tardiness.”
Yesenia leaned against him a little. “Yes, okay, Leo. Our carriage is out front, so let’s go.”
They all exited River’s house, and Joseph surveyed the outside, instantly spotting the discreet guards they’d brought along. Only because he knew to look for them could he see them in the shadows.
Once inside the carriage, with Meadow sitting on one bench and Laurie and Joseph on the other, she finally spoke up. “I know you’re both worried, but let’s try to have fun tonight, okay? Being in a large crowd will be hard enough for me as it is.”
Joseph leaned over and took her hand. “I’m sorry, Emmy.
Rationally, I know trigger traps and protection wards are extremely powerful.
And yet, this is my first time publicly out and about in the fae witch territory.
Unlike in my home territory, I don’t know all the nooks and crannies people could use to hide in and attack us. ”
She squeezed his hand in hers. “River took me on a tour of the area before they set up the stalls, stage, and dance floor. It’s an open space, with the stalls mostly sitting in front of the shop fronts and homes.
Since most of the homes are terraced, there isn’t much space between them.
Plus, I can protect us all, if it comes to it.
I’ve used my magic to save myself before, and I can do it again. ”
Seeing her so much more confident made Joseph’s heart warm. “Then I’ll try my best to enjoy the night.”
She beamed at him, and Joseph itched to haul her into his lap.
Laurie spoke up. “I tried telling him the same, and he wouldn’t listen. It’s nice having two against one now. I might win a few more debates this way.”
Meadow shook her head. “Let’s not keep a tally. By all accounts, vampires are far more competitive than fae witches, and I don’t want to be stuck in the middle.”
Laurie took her other hand. “Never, love. I’d never do that. But I will always tease you and occasionally irritate Joseph just because.” He winked at Joseph. “He’s fun to make up with, and I can’t wait until we all get to experience that together.”
And just like that, Joseph laughed. “How you go from making me want to glare at you to wanting to kiss you, I’ll never understand, Laurie.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “Just a talent of mine.” He yanked Meadow’s arm until she sat between them, perched on a leg each. “Now, kiss us, Meadow. We need to get it out of our system before we arrive and need to behave in public.”
Joseph snorted, but as Laurie kissed Meadow, he ran a hand up under her skirts and found her wet and swollen already.
She cried out as he stroked her clit, and she came within a minute.
Laurie released her, and Joseph swallowed her cries as he continued to draw out her orgasm.
After breaking the kiss, he held out his finger to Laurie, who licked it clean.
Meadow’s voice was breathy as she said, “Well, that’s a new record.”
Joseph smiled. “We just need to dress up for you more often, I think.”
She laughed. “You two are rather handsome tonight.”
The carriage slowed, and Meadow squeaked. “Please tell me you have a handkerchief so I can clean up.”
Laurie produced one and batted her hand away as he wiped between her thighs. Afterward, he sighed as he tucked it into a hidden compartment in the carriage. “I’d take it with me, but then I’d be hard all night.”
Meadow lightly swatted him as she got up and sat back down on the opposite side. “Try to behave, Laurie. I know that’s a big ask, but I want to make a good impression on these people.”
Joseph sensed there was more to her words, maybe about the uncertainty of her future, but the carriage stopped and one of the footman-slash-guards knocked on the door.
Right then and there, he decided to talk with Laurie about giving her a memorable night in the not-so-distant future. One where they could prove to her she wasn’t a temporary toy but the female they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with.
But for the moment, Joseph nodded at Laurie and opened the carriage door. It was time to prove to the fae witches that not all vampires were like Laurie’s father, and that they were worthy of being Meadow’s future husbands.