Page 6 of Thorn Evermore
“Say the word,” Yves says, his voice deeper now, and raspy.
“Yes,” I whisper.
Smiling, Yves steps forward, baring his teeth even more as he grips my throat. His fangs sink into my flesh, and I gasp atthe sting, but slowly, a wave of warmth washes away any discomfort.
“You won’t regret this,” Alessio whispers. “Life with Yves is amazing.”
“Thank you for making him happy,” Eros says.
As my body weakens, I tangle my hand in Yves’s thick hair, imagining what adventures await me. I’m a man with no home or family—or at least I was, until I was rescued.
My eyes close and sounds fade, but I feel no fear. I believe this mysterious group of men, and somehow, I know that when I open my eyes again, life as I knew it will be renewed. I couldn’t ask for a more exciting adventure than that.
Chapter One
THORN (NATHANIEL)
Current Day
“I’m bored.”
Eros, who for the past twenty minutes has been twisting his fingers in his mate’s hair while they read a book together, finally turns his attention to me.
“Hades,” he whispers. “That sounds like trouble. Let’s go out.”
“You’re busy.” I pout. “You’re always busy,” I add, mumbling under my breath. Pulling myself off the couch, I twist my neck back and forth. “I’m going out.”
“We’ll go too,” Justice offers.
“I’m fine. Promise.”
Since my little meltdown two months ago, everyone has been nearly smothering me with togetherness. I don’t hate it, but I want it to be authentic, not just because they pity me. I hate pity.
“Besides, the club I’m going to is no place for lovers.”
“What does that mean?” Justice asks.
“It means he’s going to his favorite hookup place,” Eros says. “Are you sure that’s what you seek tonight?”
“A little blood, a little sex. What else could I need?” Smiling, I snatch my leather coat from the back of the couch and shrug it on. “See ya.”
Outside, I duck into the night, choosing to walk to burn off some excess energy. I’m not going to the skeevy part of town for once, though I do enjoy the selection of choices there. Guess I’m not in the mood for trouble. It would be nice to have something drama-free fall into my lap.
I shake my head to push away those foreign thoughts. I don’t know what’s causing them. I’ve always enjoyed a challenge—the more difficult to tame, the better. Many mortals fall into my bed easily enough, but there’s nothing like stalking my prey. The louder, more tough talking they are, the more I want them.
At least I used to. Something’s shifted the last few months, and I have no clue why or how. I’m bored with the same routine night after night. I want something different. Someone that makes me feel something new and exciting. That’s the energy driving me to choose the posher side of town for my evening of debauchery.
As I approach the city center, the rhythmic sound of muted music reaches my ears, a mix of voices blending in. Vibrant energy spreads through me, washing away my bummer thoughts and replacing them with anticipation.
I walk up to Minx, a popular nightclub next to the equally popular BDSM club, Chaos. Memories of many nights spent inside Chaos years ago flit through my mind, drawing a smile to my face, but alas, BDSM is a bit too safe and vanilla for a guy like me.
There’s a line of people, but I walk straight up to the bouncer at the door, smiling confidently and sending a strong wave of compulsion over him. His eyes glaze over but he nods, obediently unhooking the rope for me.
“Thank you.” I snap my fingers, cutting off my influence as I step inside.
The club is already packed with beautiful people, some standing like models posing, others strutting around like mating animals, and still others grinding on the dance floor to the thrumming music. Ah yes. This is the perfect vibe for my mood.
Making my way to the bar, I gaze around the club, looking for a suitable target. I mean, partner.