Page 2 of Kisses at the Crossroads

I’ve never gotten naked on stage before. Drake’s never made me. Even in the Fae realm I’d never be forced to be naked in front of a room of people unless it was my choice and a contract was drawn up on the event’s expectations and requirements.

“Stop toying with us, Trick,” Drake says. “Show us the light.”

Trembling, I turn to show the crowd my back where my wings lay limp. The music starts again, something soft and gentle. I can’t allow myself to fall into the trap of fear and I tune out of my own thoughts, searching for a conversation behind me to latch onto. There’s always always a private conversation that shouldn’t be held in a venue such as this.

“…summoned a crossroads demon.”

And there it is. Hope. Real hope.

I lift one set of my double dragonfly wings, letting them flitter and wave at the guests. The patrons calm down as soon as they realize they get to see my wings. I look behind me and blow a kiss before taking the pole in hand again. I sway as I take in the conversation. I don’t recognize the voices of the speakers, so I have to wonder if they’re new around here.

“He was a small one. I thought he’d be big as a house, but the demon was barely bigger than the Hellcat he brought with him.” The person snorts.

“What’d you bargain for?” The other one asks.

“I wanted a first edition of Haggley’s Dark Spell Book. No one’s seen one in decades and I know there are at least five in existence.”

“What’d you give up for it?”

“My sense of taste.” The person’s words sound bitter.

“But Bet’s cooking?!”

“I know. I know. But I got the book. It’ll be worth it.”

The lights dim until the only thing I can see is the pole in front of me and the floor lights. That’s my sign. My wings shake in time with the beat of my heart. I squeeze my eyes shut and will my light to fill the veins of my wings. Something hits me in the leg and falls into my boot. It’s hard and cold and I can’t pay attention to the uncomfortable sensation.

“Trick,” Drake says my name as a warning. If I don’t get glowing, I’ll get whipped. That always produces my light.

I shake my hands out and bounce on my toes again. Another deep breath and I try once again. This time the tale tell warmth of magic flows down my shoulders and into my back before spreading through my wings. A cry of relief escapes my lips before I can stop it. I don’t know where the strength comes from, but it takes everything in me not to fall to my knees in gratitude.

I continue on with my set as usual until the lights come on little by little again and the last of my music stops. Spinning toward the crowd, I take my bow. The patrons throw money from all the realms on stage and I have to keep from sliding on it. Ava rushes out to help me clear the dollars and start the cleanup for the night. She squeezes my arm as we pass each other.

“You had more spark in you than I realized,” she whispers. “I’m so glad.” So am I. I don’t relish a beating when it’s Drake’s fault I don’t have enough sunlight to begin with.

I make my way to the dressing area and sit at my designated vanity. Ava had my mirror personalized years ago. Frosted into the mirror, TRICK stares back at me. Trick. Not my name. And I won’t ever claim to be Trick. He’s not the real me. No. The real me, Lark, has hope to get back home again and I think I have a way to do it now.

Remembering the strange object that fell into my boot, I yank off the left one to reveal a gold coin.

I suck in a breath as I examine the faces. One raven and the other a dragon. This isn’t just any gold coin, it’s a legend. Probably the reason my light came today. It’s a Fae luck coin. I look around, making sure there’s no one here with me. I’m clear, so I strip and put on my usual bland baggy jeans and too tight t-shirt Drake dresses me in. I shove the coin in my pocket just as Drake stomps into the room.

“What the fuck was that, Trick?” He grabs a handful of my hair and makes me face him.

I hold the hair at my scalp to keep the pressure off. “I was mixing things up. Trying to give you a better show.”

“It looked more like you were stalling.” He releases me as he pushes me away.

“I was building anticipation.”

“Your glow was dull tonight. Make sure you’re brighter tomorrow.” He ushers me to follow him like every night.

“To do that, I need sunlight.” And not just twenty minutes. I need a rejuvenating few hours.

“I don’t have time to set you out in the sun tomorrow.”

“Then I can’t guarantee a showier performance.” I cross my arms over my chest and cock out a hip, daring him to defy my need.

“I’m sure you’ll figure out something. Come on.”

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