Page 14 of Bony Bony
Afterwe left the club,Guntherdrove the van south fromNewHampshireback intoMassachusettswithTheKillersplaying over the speakers.Isat in the passenger seat.Theworn seat pressed against my spine, uncomfortable despite a pad to soften the hard cushioning.Theblack van was over a decade old and covered with bumper stickers from the previous band who had owned it as well as ones we’d added.Theinterior reeked of stale coffee, old fast food, and perspiration.ButIwouldn’t let this rust-trap affect my disposition.Itwas only a temporary means of transportation as part of our ascent.Thenext step was moving up to a tour bus.Thena private plane.
Guntherturned his spiky blond head toward me and smirked. “Couldn’tgetGiannato come home with you tonight?”
Iraised my chin, not letting him rankle me. “Ihave greater intentions when it comes toGianna.”
“Oh?Andwhat’s that?”Amusementtinged his tone.
Itapped my fingers on my thigh. “I’mconvinced she has siren blood.”
“Makessense with her scent,” he mused, inhaling as if she was in the van with us.Asa panther shifter, he had a keen sense of smell. “Andthat voice.”
Violet, our drummer and a witch, chimed in with her typical quick wit. “Andthat body.”Inthe rearview mirror,Isaw her toss her vivid purple hair over her shoulders and fan herself. “Hot.”
“So, what does that have to do with your intentions?”Guntherasked.
Mylips slanted into a satisfied smile. “Iwant her to join us.”
Maxspoke up from the backseat. “Whatdo you mean?Jointhe band?”
Iturned over my shoulder and met his dark gaze, one that was as enigmatic as the warlock himself. “Yes.Joinus on tour.Joinus on stage.”Andfor my personal satisfaction, join me in bed.Mymouth salivated asIpictured us together—we’d both be on fire after the performance, which would electrify every moment.AfterIburied myself inside her luscious body,I’dsink my fangs into her neck.Myteeth itched with the compulsion for the sweet, coppery taste of her blood flowing over my tongue.
Violet’sblue eyes glittered with a knowing gleam. “Isshe interested?”
Itightened my jaw. “Yes.”Giannahad beamed like a goddess under the spotlights.Herenthusiasm was evident despite her refusal. “Andno.”
Thechallenge sparked by her rejection ignited my desire.Shewouldn’t be easily conquered, and that made the aspect of dominating her in every aspect all the more intoxicating.
Silas’sgaze narrowed. “What’swith that vague response?”
“It’scomplicated,”Ireplied, keeping the details of her being married to a shifter to myself. “ButI’mcoming up with a plan to clear the obstacles out of my way.”
Guntherchuckled beside me. “Ibet you are.”Witha knowing expression, he added, “Andwhat does your plan entail?Usingyour persuasive appeal as a creature of the night?”
Ipursed my lips since that attempt hadn’t been successful. “She’snot a weak human who can be easily influenced.”
Fromthe back seat,Violetquipped, “Inother words, she turned you down.”
Refusingto affirm what she speculated,Ibrought my fingertips together. “Therewards will be much more satisfying this way.”
“Meaning?”Violetpinned a steady gaze on me from the rearview mirror.
“WeneedGiannato catapult us to fame.Withthat voice and stage presence, she could be a star.Can’tyou picture it?”
Violet’sgaze drifted as she appeared to consider my words. “Perhaps.”
“Noquestion about it,”Ireplied. “I’veseen how people watch her.Theywant her.”
“Soundslikeyouwant her too,”Silaspiped up.
Idid indeed.Theproblem was her affection for that canine fool.I’dhave to win her from him.Thatwas fine.I’denjoy the sweet pursuit that would lead to my victory.I’ddone some research on them both online.Shedeserved more than someone who flipped burgers or steaks or whatever meat carcasses he served to humans.Giannacould see the world with me.Havethe world with me.I’dbe doing her a favor by getting her away from that albatross.
Gunthergrunted. “Ifyou’re right, she could be a game-changer.”
Andif she was lucky,I’dbestow her with a kiss that would immortalize her.Keepher young forever.
Iturned toMax. “Ineed your help.”
CHAPTER6
