Midnight Magic, page 130
Brandi pulled out the hair from the brush and, finding the wastebasket, she tossed it, not wanting to leave a mess behind. She set the brush down, then stared at her reflection in the mirror. She almost didn’t recognize herself. She turned from side to side and realized that dress wasn’t that big. It was doable. Then there were the shoes.
Thank goodness Tawne took pity on her and brought her black ballet flats. She slipped them on and they fit perfectly.
I guess we wear the same size.
She opened the door and her belly immediately growled at the smell of food. She followed the scent and found her way into the kitchen. She stood in the doorway and watched Tawne as she cooked bacon, turning each piece.
“I don’t even know how long it’s been since I had bacon.”
Tawne turned around and smiled. “You look beautiful. How do you feel?”
“Okay. I’m so not beautiful. I’m simply clean. And clean feels amazing!”
Tawne grinned. “Well, I’m arguing the fact of your beauty, because you’re stunning. You haven’t seen yourself in a while, I imagine.”
Brandi lowered her gaze to the marble floor and shook her head.
“Don’t be embarrassed. You’re here with us now.”
Brandi looked up and met her friend’s gaze. “Who is us?”
“I’ll let you find out for yourself here, shortly.” Turning back to the bacon, she pulled the remaining pieces off, then wiped her hands with a dishtowel. “There’s bread, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, mayo, and mustard, whatever you need. Make as much or as little as you like. I’ll be right back.”
Tawne let out a squeal of delight and Brandi shook her head and chuckled. She padded into the kitchen and stared at the bacon. Picking up a piece, she brought it to her mouth and bit down. The taste exploded in her mouth, unbelievable flavors of salt, umami, and a sweetness. She chewed on it, closed her eyes, and savored the taste. When she finished that piece, she ate another, than another.
Right, sandwich.
Swiftly, she put together a bacon sandwich with all the supplies Tawne had left her. She opened wide and took a large bite and found it difficult to chew but didn’t care. She planned to eat until she felt as if she’d burst.
“Brandi, these are my men.”
Brandi turned with her mouth full and almost choked. Four of the most beautiful, sexiest men she’d ever laid her eyes on stared back at her.
* * *
Brandi was able to chew the bite and finally swallowed it. She cleared her throat and asked, “Did I hear you right? These are your men?”
“Yes, you heard me right. This is Christofano, Evan, Will, and Chayton. Guys, this is my friend from school, Brandi Holmes.”
“Nice to meet you,” said the first one, Christofano. He was tall, built, and very hot.
“Welcome,” the one named Evan said with a grin. He was equally attractive.
How did Tawne do this?
“‘Sup?” came from the one named Will. He arched a brow and Brandi figured he was the bad boy of the bunch. He had a dangerous persona about him.
Again, how did Tawne do this?
The last one stepped forward and brushed his long, dark locks from his beautiful face. “I’m Doctor Chayton Blair. Welcome to our home.”
Wow, Tawne had seriously hit the jackpot.
“Thank you,” she said to the men. She grinned at Tawne. “Four men?”
Tawne nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
“They’re all yours and you’re theirs?”
“She’s ours,” Will answered. “We care for her and in turn, she gives us what we need.”
Brandi’s brows rose. One or two men at once she could see happening, but four?
“Well, it’s a little more than that,” Tawne added.
“How did you end up in this life, Tawne? Please, tell me.” She laughed a maniacal laugh and ran her fingers across her scalp, relishing the cleanliness of it. “I literally have nothing to lose.”
Tawne stepped forward and took Brandi’s hands in hers. “What if I told you that you could have this life, too?”
CHAPTER 3
“Umm, what?” Brandi questioned. She stared at Tawne for a moment, then shifted her gaze to each of her friend's men. One by one, each nodded to confirm that what she heard was correct. She scratched her head for a moment, then crossed her arms over her chest. “Please don’t tell me I have to repent. I’ve repented my whole life and look where that got me.”
Tawne smiled and let out a soft laugh. “Oh, no, there’s no repenting. That’s between you and your deity. No, this is something much bigger than asking for forgiveness for a life you never asked for and didn’t deserve.”
Still skeptical, Brandi rubbed her hands together. “You’re giving me a millions dollars?”
“Hardly,” Will scoffed.
She frowned and stuck her tongue out at him.
“Very childish,” he told her, then turned to Tawne. “How much more of her do we have to deal with. I’m bored. You know? Never mind. I’m going to go outside and, oh, I don’t know… kill some weeds?”
“But you never garden,” Tawne said.
“Well, it has to be better than this.” Will pressed his lips to her forehead and left the kitchen. The other three men shook their heads and Chayton rolled his eyes.
“Don’t mind him,” Chayton offered. “He’s an asshat.”
“No, he’s not,” Tawne challenged. “He’s your brother. You love him.”
“I do, but he’s still an asshat,” Chayton said and turned toward Brandi. “Allow Tawne to explain what she was trying to offer before Mister I’m-too-good-for-this happened.”
Brandi smiled. She liked this doctor. She wondered what he practiced in medicine. She was in awe that Tawne not only managed to land a doctor, but she also landed three other sexy-as-sin men as well. One of them being an asshole, but whatever. He wasn’t hers, thank goodness. She didn’t tolerate rudeness or anyone being unkind just because they thought they could.
“All right,” Brandi started and leaned on the counter, arms crossed over her chest once more. “Let me have this amazing thing you’re offering.”
Tawne smiled once more and took a few steps forward. “I think you should have a seat before I spill the beans.”
“Where did this reference ever come from?” Christofano asked Evan, who just shrugged in reply.
Brandi giggled to herself as she crossed the kitchen and took a seat at the table. Some would call this a breakfast nook, but like Christofano said, where did the name come from? That would be something to look into later.
“So,” Tawne started and took a seat next to her, her men taking point on either side and behind her. They were definitely protective of their woman.
Yeah, Brandi would definitely love a setup like this. Beautiful home, gorgeous men, wanting for nothing… It was something Brandi only dreamed of. Nothing this amazing had ever landed in her lap. Anything and everything she’d had had been because she worked for it, or in dire circumstances, stole it. She hated to steal, but when left with no money, she had to find a way to get cash, snatch food, water, anything just to survive.
“Here’s the thing,” Tawne said and laces her fingers together on the table before her. “Have you heard of the Covenant of New Orleans before?”
Brandi shook her head. “Not until now.”
“Okay, that’s a start.” Tawne pressed her lips together and looked at Chayton. “You know what to do if this doesn’t work out.”
He nodded.
“What does that mean? “You know what to do if this doesn’t work out.” Now I’m a little scared of what you’re about to get me into.”
Tawne smirked and shook her head. “It’s nothing to worry about, I promise. No harm will come to you here. You have our word.” The three men nodded in unison. “What I have to offer is… a life like the one I’m living… with vampires.”
Brandi laughed a deep belly laugh. “Wow, you almost had me there for a moment. Vampires do not exist. Nor do shifters, ghosts, sprites, witches or any other para-creature out there.”
When Tawne didn’t respond to her accusations, Brandi frowned and furrowed her brows. “Wait, you’re being serious?”
“Yes,” Tawne answered.
Brandi lifted a brow. “Nah, I still don’t believe you so you’re going to have to prove it.”
“Evan, if you’d be so kind to show our house guest I’m telling the truth.”
“House guest?” Brandi repeated.
“Well?” Tawne asked. “You’re our guest, are you not?”
She thought back to the conversation they had when Tawne said she could stay as long as she liked. But now she was a house guest. Maybe it was the same thing but it also felt like a slap to the face.
Then, she looked at Evan as he took the arm Tawne offered to him. Since she wore a sleeveless dress, there was no sleeve to worry about. The man then opened his mouth and Brandi gasped.
“Fangs! He has fucking fangs!”
Tawne once again smirked. Evan wrapped his lips around the inner part of her forearm and he began to suck on her skin. There was no slurping or sound.
Brandi shot up out of her chair and backed away from the table. “What the fuck?”
“There’s nothing to worry about, Brandi. I promise.” Evan released Tawne’s arm and Brandi noted it had two puncture wounds.
“He seriously bit your arm and drank from you? Holy shit!”
Evan licked Tawne’s arm and the wounds immediately began to heal.
“Yes, he seriously bit into my arm. I’m their sustenance, their way of feeding and staying alive. Without a blood demon, their world would collapse.”
“Blood demon? Wait, you’re a demon?”
Tawne shook her head and glanced up at Chayton. “If you would?”
He nodded and took a step forward.
Brandi backstepped as he drew closer.
“I’m not going to touch you, all right? Just hear me out.” When Brandi didn’t say anything, he continued. “I created a substance to change human DNA to mimic that of a blood demon. She’s synthetic, not a real demon. We’re able to feed on her like we would any other blood demon. In return, Tawne drinks from us as well. It helps keep her young without aging and heals any wounds she might have from daily life, or… otherwise.”
Brandi shifted her gaze to Tawne and found her blushing. She frowned. “How does the transition work?” She turned her attention back to Chayton.
“Easy. There’s an injection that is administered. Your friend here, Tawne, did it successfully and we’re able to feed on her. Nothing about her changed, just her blood, and her mortality.”
“And you’re offering me this lifestyle?” Brandi asked.
Tawne stood from the table and made her way to Chayton. He held his arm out for her and as she moved closer he tucked her into his side. “Yes. This may not be for everyone, but it could be for you. There’s a pairing that would take place and one of the vampires there would extend an offer for your hand. The ultimate decision is up to you in the end. You also do not have to form a relationship with the man… or men,” Tawne grinned. “But if you do, that’s good, too. Because the sex is incredible with all of them, or even one at a time.”
The men chuckled and Tawne blushed once more.
“Right, okay…” Brandi trailed off and began to pace the floor. “So, if I decide to make this transition and become a synthetic blood demon.” Tawne nodded and Brandi continued. “The vampire, or vampires, would then feed on me and I would live with them, correct?” Tawne nodded again. “But there’s no pressure to get involved with them.”
“Correct,” Christofano said as he and Evan closed the distance to their woman. “We all love her, all four of us. She made the transition for us. It was her decision, not ours.”
“And if I’m being honest,” Evan piped in, “she runs this house, not one of us.”
“And she tamed the asshole who left, Will. He adores the air she breathes and would put down his life for her. Any of us would,” Chayton added.
“Right,” Brandi whispered. “Can, I umm, have some time to think on this?”
“Of course,” Tawne answered. “No one expected an answer the moment we told you. And if you jumped at the chance, we would revoke the offer. I… well, we, want to make sure you’re the right choice to live this lifestyle. It changes your entire life. It’s not an easy decision, but if you decline, it’s perfectly fine.”
“And if I accept?”
Tawne grinned. “Then a whole new life will be waiting for you.”
Brandi ran her hand through her raven locks. “I need to sleep on this.”
“Of course,” Tawne told her. “Take your time. Our home is yours while you think this over.”
Brandi had a sudden rush of fear if she didn’t accept the offer. “What happens to me if I decline?”
“One thing at a time, Brandi. No one’s going to kick you out back to the streets. That, I guarantee you.”
She nodded and with a deep breath, started toward the exit of the kitchen. “Thank you for considering me.”
“You’re welcome,” Tawne said with a smile.
Brandi made her way toward the stairs, not giving any mind to what surrounded her in the home. It was beautiful and magnificent, and this could all be hers, only if she changed her blood type. She sighed and placed her hand on the rail when she heard the door in the kitchen open.
“Is she gone?” Will asked.
“Yes, she’s going to bed,” Tawne answered. “And you need to be nicer to my guests. Don’t be such an ass. She did nothing to you.”
“My love,” he said and the room fell silent for a long moment. “I would never want to hurt you, or your friends. I am truly sorry.”
“It’s Brandi you need to apologize to.”
“Next time I see her, I will, promise.”
The discussion fell silent and she gasped as shadows started toward the exit. Brandi made her way up the stairs as quick as her feet could carry her. She power-walked down the corridor until she came to her bedroom door.
Footsteps followed hers up the stairs and when she opened her bedroom door, she closed it just enough to be able to peek through the crack. Her brows lifted when Will took the stairs with Tawne in his arms, bridal style, the other men on his tail. Tawne giggled about something and Brandi closed her door before anyone could see her spying.
She leaned against the door and slid down to the floor. Being homeless was something she never wanted again, but she also didn’t want to put herself into a situation that she couldn’t get out of.
Tomorrow, she would have questions. Tomorrow, she would give her answer. Tomorrow was a new day and she prayed she wouldn’t have nightmares of vampires feeding on innocent women.
CHAPTER 4
Brandi stretched in the king-sized bed with extra pillows and a soft mattress. She could live her days out in this room. Hell, the bed! She didn’t want to get up or compromise her comfort, but it was a new day, and she had questions to ask the vampires.
Questions to ask the vampires.
She never thought she’d put those words together, but here she was, doing it. Then again, she never thought she’d go from rags to riches, either… At least, not in this lifetime.
So often, she felt the cards she’d been dealt weren't fair. Not knowing her father because he decided it was more important to leave than take responsibility for the sperm he shared with her mother. Well, she was better off without him. And her mother dying during childbirth… The orphanage taking her in. There were so many babies in the home and it surprised her how many were not adopted.
“It is expensive,” the nuns would tell the children. “Not everyone can afford to buy a baby.”
When this was said to her, Brandi blinked and argued with the nuns. “Children are not bought, they’re adopted.”
“Aren’t they, though?” the nuns replied.
They would often hand out punishments by way of a slap to the hand using a ruler, or a paddle to the bottom if the child was exceptional at misbehaving. Other days, they were amazing caretakers. They would hug everyone and ensure all the children had everything they needed: education, clothes, and food. It didn’t go beyond that, mostly.
Bringing herself back to the present, Brandi sat up in bed. Not because she wanted to get up, but because of her bladder.
“Stupid bladder. Why can’t you wait and let me sleep in?”
She groaned and pressed her feet to the chilled floor. “Cold,” she whispered and looked around the room for the slippers Tawne had gifted her. They were across the bedroom, next to the door to the bathroom.
“Of course,” she whispered to herself. She stood and quickly made it across the floor, then slipped her feet into the warmth of the wool.
“Much better.” Brandi relieved herself, then decided to take a shower.
Did she need to?
Not necessarily, but having not bathed in weeks, maybe months, she wouldn’t take this for granted.
After letting the water run hot, she stripped and kicked off the slippers, then stepped into the shower. Closing the glass enclosure, she stood under the spray as the heat warmed her head. It felt almost as if it would melt her, but she didn’t care.
This was ecstasy.
Running her fingers through her locks, she brought the ends around and frowned at the dead pieces and split ends. “I so need a cut.”
Picking up a razor left in the shower, she decided to shave her legs again. The feeling of her skin on the sheets was next to no other. She relished the feel of it. And having not shaved before yesterday, she wanted to continue the practice of it.
She washed her hair once more and as the suds washed down the drain, she stood, motionless for a moment.
“Mama, if you’re with me, I hope you’re doing okay. Although we never met, I miss having you in my life. It’s been very hard living outside the orphanage.” She sighed and continued her conversation with no one other than herself. “I was going to commit suicide the other day, but my old school friend, Tawne, found me. Maybe it was fate intervening, I’m not sure, but did you know there are vampires in our world? I’ll assume you said no because I certainly didn’t know this.” She sucked in a breath.
