Page 90 of Inevitably Yves

Two years later

“Wow, this place is really hopping tonight,” Kyson says as he bounces with excitement next to Thorn. “It seems like the festival gets bigger every year.”

“I think it does, pretty boy,” Thorn says, kissing his mate’s cheek, as in love as ever. “Look at them all celebrating what we are. It’s beautiful.”

“I gotta admit,” Syn says. “Opening up the club to a broader audience was smart. I was skeptical.”

“You’re always skeptical,” Midnight says, bumping his arm against Syn’s.

Bowie and Tru both laugh at the interaction between them.

“Someone has to be,” Syn says before stealing a kiss from his mate.

Raphael and Haven sit close to us, but seem lost in their own little world as they sip the new special cocktail and trade steamy kisses. Eros’s mate, Justice, is dancing with some mortals while Eros lingers close by, ever watchful.

“Never thought we’d so willingly let mortals in here,” Thorn says. “But it’s going pretty well, isn’t it?”

“It is,” I answer. “Apparently, unlike in times past, mortals are fascinated by vampire culture and wish to be involved in it.”

Thorn snorts a laugh. “If only they knew this ain’t cosplay.”

I chuckle. “What they don’t know won’t hurt them. Probably.”

“The new drink mixture seems to be working on them,” Kyson says. “They’re oblivious.”

I smile, lifting my own glass to my lips. The liquid is warm, thick, and rich. The ingredients are superb, and while difficult to obtain, worth it. It’s a special blend, available only to me, the council members, Hale and Tiago, my coven, and my love. Drinking the blood of the original vampire is too strong for most. It’s only possible since Vivienne and Viper figured out how to remove the illness that tainted it.

Since we defeated Hadrian, life in New Onyx has changed. We found Marcus’s body days later, and the council had to be replenished after Hadrian nearly decimated it. The younger—relatively, anyway—vampires have made changes I don’t think us old guard would have considered.

Like lifting the veil over Lair.

Adventurous mortals can find us now, and while we don’t overtly advertise, word gets around. Vivienne, with her incredible ways, found a way to make sure only those who are open and accepting of the supernatural will feel the lure of Lair. I’ve managed to adjust. A smart vampire will always adapt in order to thrive.

“Oh my god, that was so fun,” Vivienne says with laughter in her voice as she returns to our table, Viper right beside her. The two women are flushed with sexual energy and happiness. It looks good on them.

“So fun,” Viper agrees, gazing at Viv with lust. It’s none of my business, so I can only wonder whether they’ve ever crossed the line from friendship to lovers, since their desire for each other is palpable. Maybe tonight. The Blood Festival does have a magical effect on people.

Vivienne’s eyes flit up, resting on me for a moment before she winks. Since she’s been ingesting my blood regularly, we’re more connected than ever. Willow bounces over, dropping off two drinks for the women—their favorites, the pink demon.

“Thanks, Willow,” Viv says, kissing the demon’s cheek.

“Have fun, girls,” Willow says, his tone flirty enough to make it clear those drinks are spiked with incubus lust. Should I warn them?

Nah, it’s about time they had some fun.

I chuckle, nodding as Thorn’s thoughts reach me. Since the events of two years ago, my bond with my brothers is stronger than ever, and it feels… Well, it’s fucking amazing to know how loved and supported I am.

Speaking of love… I look up as Damiano returns to the table, a sexy, mischievous smirk on his face. He slides into the booth next to me, brushing his lips against my cheek.

“Miss me?” he asks.

“Always. What were you doing?”

“Trust me?”

I laugh softly as my chest swells with intense love for this man. My mate. “Of course.”

“Good. Let’s dance a bit.”

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