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A shiver ran through my body when Michael’s calloused fingertips slid over the back of my hand. I flushed for an entirely different reason, thankful that his actions were hidden by the table so Cyn wouldn’t know. My thighs clenched together as he drew slow patterns on my skin, raising goose bumps up my arms. I should pull my hand away, I knew. But I couldn’t make myself. Not tonight. I needed…something. The restless ache that gnawed at me had built to a fever pitch today, and I just couldn’t force myself to deny my mate’s touch. Just this, just for now. A shudder ran through Michael’s big body as the song continued, and I could smell the way my own desire melded with his. His shoulder brushed against me, and his fingers toyed with mine.

Stephen’s gaze slid back and forth between Michael and me, the sinful glint in his eyes showing he knew exactly what effect his voice had on us. Heat wound through me, battering at my control. The wolf in me was suddenly awake, alert. I barely managed to bite back a helpless moan. Time stretched out as one song after another played, revving my body up with longing. I could stay like this all night, Michael petting me, Stephen singing to me.

Cyn’s cell phone lit up and rattled across the tabletop as it vibrated. Michael and I jolted. His hand left my skin, and we both turned to look at his sister. She scooped up the phone and gave us an apologetic look. Pushing a button, she pressed it to her ear. “Hello?”

Concern sharpened her features, and her hand came down on Andre’s forearm. I faced her fully and both men came to full attention, leaning toward Cyn. “Are you sure? No, no. It’s fine. Andre and I can come home.”

Andre was already pulling bills from his wallet, more than enough to cover the drinks on the table, and pushing his chair back. “What is happening, cherie?”

She flicked the phone closed with her chin and looked at me. “Looks like you’re being spared more birthday torture. Desi’s come down with something and is throwing up. My aunt is freaking, so we’re going to head home and clean up the mess.”

“Is she okay? Maybe I should come with you.” Michael moved as if to rise, and both Andre and Cyn waved him back down. The two vampires had taken in Cyn and Michael’s young human cousin while at the same time helping their druggie aunt get clean. It had been pretty rocky at first, but things had been going well for the last few months. I adored Desi and hoped this little emergency didn’t derail her mom’s progress.

Cyn tucked her phone into her handbag. “We can handle this. There’s been a stomach bug going around at her school lately, so I’m sure it’s fine.” Bending forward to kiss my cheek, she hugged me good-bye. “Happy birthday, honey. Sorry to leave you two alone. Can you make sure she gets home safe, Michael?”

“Of course.” His hand bracketed the back of my neck, and he heaved a long-suffering, put-upon sigh. “I’ll drive her home so she can have another three or four whiskeys if she wants.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m not drunk, Michael. Just because your sister is a total lightweight doesn’t mean all women are.”

“Well, now you can drink like the heavyweight champ you are. You have a designated driver.” He grinned down at me, massaging my nape in slow circles. I shivered and jerked my gaze back to Cyn. But the vampires were already hurrying for the door, people stepping out of Andre’s path at just a look from the big man.

The music from the stage came to a slow close, and Stephen spoke into the mic. “Well, folks, that’s all for the evening. Thank you for coming. Let’s have a hand for my band and for the amazing owners of the best magical bar in town.”

He led the crowd in raucous applause as his bandmates took a bow and Rachel, Lena and Jerrod waved from behind the bar. Then the siren sketched a quick bow himself and the crowd leaped to their feet and screamed. Michael and I were no exception. We both stood and clapped hard. Stephen flashed a quick smile, gave a jaunty little wiggle of his fingers and jumped off the stage to head straight for our table.

“Hey, you.” Stephen walked up and wrapped his hand around the back of Michael’s neck, pulling him forward for a kiss.

I blinked and stared at them. They broke apart and turned to face me. Stephen leaned back against Michael’s broad chest, but gave me that same wicked smile he’d given me from the stage and an obvious once-over. My eyebrows arched in surprise. “Um…”

“Candy, I’d like you to meet Stephen. Stephen, this is Candy.” Michael grinned at me, not a hint of embarrassment on his face. He was comfortable in his own skin, in his sexuality, and I couldn’t help but think it made him sexier. It just meant he still wasn’t for me. Damn it. “Candy’s my sister’s best friend and the head chef for the werewolf pack leaders.”

“Sounds tasty.” The Fae-siren man slid his hand into mine, his fingers warm and strong. “Candy.”

A mischievous twinkle flashed in his eyes, so common a look among the Fae. A fairy who was a fairy. I wished it was funnier than it was. I mostly just wanted to cry as he leaned into Michael’s embrace.

Michael’s laser blue gaze bore into me, and I could only hope I had a better poker face than I thought I did. “It’s interesting that you wanted to see Stephen perform since I’ve been…ah, seeing him perform for a few months now.”

“Interesting. Yeah.” Why didn’t the Earth just open up and swallow me whole now? I’m ready to go now, God. It couldn’t possibly get worse than this.

And then it did.

Stephen’s hand slid out of mine, his fingertips stroking over my palm. My instincts gave a painful jolt just then, burning away what was left of my alcohol-induced buzz.

Mate. Stephen. Mate.

Holy shit on a shingle.

It couldn’t be. I refused to believe it. There had to be something seriously out of whack with my instincts if they were telling me I was supposed to claim two men as my mate. Two gay men. Who were not just gay, but gay together.