Cursed with Life and Death

V

I pull out of the parking lot and speed away far too quickly. This car really moves!

“Look Jade, I know that you’re hurting and everything... but I still maintain that your life is f*cking exciting!” Av grins at me.

I roll my eyes and mess with the car dash a bit to pull up the directions to the club.

“What’s Vixen?” Av asks

“You’ll see.” I reply.

I can’t believe Vi is going to be opening a club.. This is going to be epic.

We pull into what used to be Vixen in an insanely short amount of time thanks to me driving like a madman. I shut my eyes, preparing myself for the memories.

“So I take it you were here with Travis?” Av says directly, obviously watching me.

I nod.

“I bet you weren’t wearing that,” she looks down at my frumpy clothes with some disgust on her face.

I sigh, remembering that black angel wing dress. My eyes automatically glance at the spot in the parking lot where I was standing when Travis first saw it. They dart over to where we all regrouped after the fire and I’m reminded of the chaos of the whole night.

Luckily before I get too emotional Vi appears, prompting us to get out.

“Welcome to my club!” she grins with a crazy look in her eye, clearly excited.

“You.. own a club?!?” Avalon gasps in disbelief.

“I do now!”

“What are you going to call it?” I ask, smiling back at her excitement.

“I’m thinking since it was Vixen before I’d keep the V.” She replies, still grinning “Maybe Viper?”

She walks us over to the main doors and opens them for us. The eerie absence of people compared to last time I was here throws me off my step. It’s so quiet.

“What about just the letter V?” I think out loud. “It’s a nice tribute to you and just one letter would make it harder to Google.. That way, only people who knew what Vixen was would set the precedent for who comes here. At first anyway.”

“Plus ‘lets go to V’ sounds pretty s****l which, bonus!” Av adds looking around in awe.

Vi disappears for a beat and reappears with 3 rocks glasses half full with an amber liquid.

“A little Blue Label to celebrate V?” She grins.

I take a glass and smile back as we clink them together. I can feel how wild this place is going to be already.

It looks like an unnaturally clean version of a warehouse turned into a club in here, cages and all. “How about some music?” I ask, staring at the giant speakers. It’s deafeningly quiet in here compared to the last time I was standing on this dance floor.

Vi vanishes and I walk over towards the staircase. I touch the banister and take a breath, not yet ready to go up to the booths yet.

I turn and snoop into a room next to the stairs, finding what looks like a staff room. I walk in and notice there are some uniforms - the red dresses - hanging in the closet. I go over and smell them.

No smoke damage. They must be new?

I pull one out and look at my clothes again, sighing and putting my drink down. I quickly change into the dress, keeping my sneakers on and looking at myself in the mirror.

My boobs are spilling out and my @ss is almost on display. Yep.. that’s how I remember the uniforms here. I roll my eyes, grab my scotch and take a big swig.

I feel like Jade Williams is more of a slutty-dress wearing kind of girl. It’s cool that I have an alias identity now. I get to be a new person.. sort of anyway.

I hear a song start up and I make my way out, downing more of the scotch, and grabbing my bag to pull out my phone.

“There she is!!” Vi calls out seeing I’ve changed.

I shake my head with a chuckle and pull out my phone, calling Steve.

“Hi Jade, what can I do for you?” He answers on the second ring.

“Can you get 2 medium pizzas and a salad delivered to Vi’s club? Is that the kind of thing I can ask your help with?”

He laughs, “yes absolutely. How about a pepperoni and a vegetarian?”

“Sounds perfect! Thank you!”

“No problem. I’ll text you the confirmation.”

I hang up and realization hits me about how much freedom it gives me to be able to easily arrange whatever I need for myself without any questions asked.

Vi hands a shot glass to me and my stomach turns. That’s a lot of alcohol in a very short amount of time. “Let’s go upstairs. I want to talk you through what I’m thinking.” She has a wicked grin on.

I take a breath and down it, turning towards the stairs. We make our way up and I immediately stare at the booths across the large open space. They look the same - plushy black leather couches surrounding large tables.. The only thing missing is the candles.. and of course all the amped up people snorting fairy dust and making out.

Vi and Av walk over to the ledge that looks down on the dancefloor.

“So I’d keep it mostly the same down there, except I’d like to put a small stage over there for the option to have live music or some sort of show.”

“Would you keep the cages?” I ask joining them looking down, trying desperately not to think about the last time I was leaning here.

“I think so. Maybe take every other one out for just a platform for people to dance on or in case I want to bring in some acrobats.” I nod picturing it - definitely would be theatrical.

“Most of the work I want to do is up here. I’m thinking this area will be a members only s*x club. I’d put rooms all along where we’re standing here with different scenes set up. Member’s would sign up for their interest and we can pair them up, or they can just rent a room.” She motions to the area she’s planning on blocking off for the rooms.

“Would you keep the booths?” I say trying to picture it.

“Yeah, the doors and wall facing the booths would be glass with the option of frosting it so other members who are sitting at the booths can’t see any details. Or they could leave it clear if, like you, they enjoy putting on a show.” She grins at me.

“I’m not really all that into that!” I say defensively.

“Sure Jade. What do you call your table show then?” Av sasses.

I take a breath. “An accident?” I offer with a lame smile.

“You accidentally had crazy vampire mind control s*x in front of all your friends?” Av grins, “I knew I liked you. ”

“Hey you guys don’t know what a mate bond feels like. It’s easy to get carried away when it feels that good.” I say really really trying not to think about him.

“Sure.” Vi rolls her eyes. “You know, there’s nothing wrong with being kinky, Jade. You need to stop caring what others think of you so much and just own what you want to do. No shame in experimenting with s*x so long as you’re safe about it. Which incidentally is why I think it’s time for this type of club to exist here. ” Vi looks out imagining with a smile.

I try to visualize the rooms - seeing a bunch of different wild s*x scenes unfolding in front of me while drinking at a booth in between dancing. My face flushes at the idea. “Yeah that seems like what would be happening at your club.”

“Do you need any help getting this arranged? I could ask Steve to connect you with anyone?” I offer, not knowing how she would even begin a project like this but wanting to support my friend.

”Possibly - I could call him directly if you let him know you’re ok with it?” Vi says.

“Of course. I’ll let him know now.” I pull out my phone and shoot him a text letting him know. He immediately replies confirming he’ll reach out to her and that the pizza will be here in 15 mins. I thank him and turn back to the girls, eyeing the booth again and sighing.

“Just no open flames at the booths.. ok?” I say and turn towards the bar. I flit over and frown at the multiple shelves of full bottles in front of me.

“How about just one. In honor of him.” Vi says quietly and sets out a black candle.

I take a breath and nod seeing the flame flickering.

“Can I make you something?” She turns to me, distracting me.

“Maybe something sweeter? Pizza will be here soon but beer sounds too heavy” I say, taking another deep breath and turning away from the candle.

“How about a vodka cranberry?” She says and starts pulling ingredients and glasses down, making it before I even agree.

I nod, already feeling the alcohol in my system. I glance back over to the booth and briefly wonder how different everything would have been if I had never done fairy dust. Or if I had done it at the club instead.

Would he still be here?

Vi hands me and Av a reddish pink drink each and clinks a glass to mine. I take a gulp. MUCH easier to drink than a glass of Scotch - I’ll have to remember this.

“I’m going to go back downstairs.” I say downing half my drink in another gulp, happy that the buzz is making being here slightly easier.

I make my way over to the stairs and completely bail, sliding down all of them on my @ss, luckily not injuring myself.

Smooth.

I roll my eyes as the girls cackle at me.

I go over and climb into one of the cages, wanting to see what it’s like in there. I close myself in and hear the door clink, realizing I locked it and don’t know how to unlock it..

Guess I live here now? I giggle.

I drink and dance in my cage for a few songs while the girls start getting rowdy flitting and zooming around and all over things. They start getting more and more touchy and I realize I might actually end up getting a show tonight. That’d be a nice change from putting one on at least? I cringe.

Thankfully the pizza shows up so Vi releases me so I can sign for it. I leave a giant tip and make up a new signature for Jade Williams - something scribbley and not super legible so I can do it easily when drinking.

Av and I dig into the food, pleasantly surprised it’s still warm. Av feeds Vi with her magic who gives a little shimmy in appreciation. I laugh. This is definitely more fun than I thought I’d be having.

We drink countless more vodka cranberries until everything seems overly funny. I climb onto the bar and dance to whatever club beats Vi has on - but I notice the two ladies start grinding together and making out in a more intense way.

I should probably go..

Wait.. am I supposed to drive? No way that’s a good idea!

“Guysss I’m out - I’ll come get the car later k?” I slur-shout over to them. I reach down and grab my drink and the mostly-full grey goose bottle to bring with me.

Vi groans at me or at Av I’m not sure.. but I take it as my cue to go.

I shut my eyes and take a few extra long deep breaths, concentrating very hard on centering myself for this. I picture the school and count back, willing myself there.

The familiar clap of thunder goes off and I crash down, falling on my @ss but saving my drink from spilling and breaking.

I burst out laughing, I still can’t believe I can f*cking teleport. What a life!

“Jade.. is that you??” I hear Katie’s voice call out from somewhere behind me.

I look down and around and register where I am.

OH MY GOD! I’m sitting on top of the table in the courtyard! Whooops definitely didn’t mean to show up here!

I hear Jackson burst out laughing as people rush out and find me sitting here, in a tiny dress carrying a drink and a bottle of vodka.

“Ooo, is it time for round 2 of the Jade table-show??” Jackson calls out.

I groan and slide my legs off, downing my drink before I hop off.

I miss my landing and fall, dropping the bottle of vodka, luckily not breaking it. It clinks and rolls away. I laugh.

Of course I f*cking fell. I can teleport.. but standing? Nope!

“Not today! Buuut I brought some vodka if you want!” I say slurring a little, stumbling after the bottle to pick it up. I try to cover my butt as I bend down, but instead I fall over again. I burst out laughing.

”Wow.. How drunk are you?? And what are you wearing?? I feel like I’ve seen that before..” Katie says, eyeing me.

“You should get back inside, it's not warm enough outside for you to be dressed like that.” Xander says sternly.

“So bossssy.” I giggle and make my way up and over to them, handing the vodka and my glass to Jackson who grins at me and takes a shot.

I turn to look at Xander and momentarily freeze. He’s in dark jeans and a black T, showing off his ripped arms. He’s staring at me, clearly a little angry, but looking sexy as hell. The fire in his baby blue eyes has me reacting instantly, my mouth going dry as my heart rate picks up.

“Hey baby,” I mew at him, licking my lips.

Jackson laughs next to me, talking to Katie; “your friend is a complete gongshow. There really is never a dull moment with her.”

“Inside, Jade.” Xander warns, not taking his eyes off me. I immediately walk over to him, desire still coursing through me.

“Inside me? If that’s what you want, alpha. ” I flash him a grin, yeah I could go for another round of that.

I swear I hear a low growl escape his lips but I stumble forward. Luckily, he catches me, his hands finding my waist.

I bring my hands to his chest and feel his toned muscles under them, humming a little in approval. Tilting my face up to his, offering him my lips with a smile.

His eyes glance down to my cleavage for a second before snapping back and connecting with mine.

*Where were you?* His deep voice echoes in my mind making me all tingly.

The club flashes forward as I think about drinking and dancing with the girls.

His eyebrows shoot up as he looks me up and down, recognizing the club uniform, chuckling a little.

I lean into him closer, pushing my body up against him to pull his attention back to me.

“Is everything ok out here?” Lulu asks from the door.

Oh right! Other people. I take a breath and pull back.

“Yep everything’ss a-ok!” I sway a bit and cringe.

Did I just say a-ok? Ughhh..

“Oh I didn’t hear you get in, Jade right?” She looks at my dress, studying it for a moment. “Is that the uniform from Vixen?” She asks, obviously very observant.

“YEEESS That’s where I know it!!” Katie gasps.

“Didn’t that place burn down?” Lulu looks back at me, eyes narrowed.

I take a breath. “Let’s go inside it’s cold” I grab Xander’s hand and start walking in.

“So how is it that you just pop in undetected wearing a burned down club’s uniform?” She asks again, following us.

“Ohh you’ll find a lot of things about Jade surprising I’m sure.” Jackson adds grinning. “Anyone want a drink? I’m sure there’s some juice inside?” He asks, holding up the bottle of grey goose.

“You guys have fun. I think I need to go pass out for a day or 2.” I say yawning. “Are you staying up for a bit?” I ask Xander, pulling his hand hoping to goad him into taking me to bed.

“I’ll come back out after giving you a kiss goodnight.” He says to me, slight edge to his voice.

Perfect. I grin at him.

Katie snorts a little. “She's wasted Xander keep that in mind.”

“Don’t listen to her I still want that kiss,” I grin looking up at him wiggling my eyebrows.

A wave of dizziness washes over me, everything starting to move.

“Guys.. I think I’m going to -“ I try to say but everything goes black.

——

I wake up alone in bed with a splitting headache.

I groan, looking over and seeing a water bottle and an Advil container next to the bed. I reach over and take two, gulping down the entire bottle before laying down and breathing for a bit.

I look around and spot my purse next to the desk.

My stomach turns a little as I get a flashback of leaning over that desk on Christmas. I shut my eyes and shake my head. I have not had enough coffee to be thinking about that.

What are we even still doing at school? It’s almost New Years.. Maybe there’s somewhere else we can go where we can still all be together that’s not here?

I wonder if any of the places I inherited are near enough and big enough. I take a breath. Can I do this? Go to one of his places?

Okok let’s just see if there is one that would work. Then I can figure out if I can handle going there.

I pull out my phone to call Steve. He answers on the first ring.

He’s good.

“Jade, what can I do for you?” He asks.

“Do I have someplace nearby where I could go with a group of 6 friends for New Years? I haven’t read through all the documents yet.” I qualify.

“I’d probably suggest The Penthouse.” He says without missing a beat. “Should I charter the jet for you tonight?”

“Where’s The Penthouse?” I ask, some automatic unease bubbling up when I think about flying.

“New York City.”

I take a breath. I’ve never been to New York and I have always wanted to go.

But can I really take our friends to Travis’ penthouse with no idea what to expect? Bring Xander there?

“I could also set you up with some options of where to go on New Years in the city. What do you think?”

I sigh. “I'll still have to talk to everyone so don’t commit anything yet. Do you normally come on trips?” I ask, unsure how this deal works.

“I’ll put it on standby. I think it would make sense for me to come to show you around for the first time. I used to come along to about half the trips Mr. Williams took.. that I knew about anyway.” He says frankly.

“Ok. Text me the details and I’ll let you know once I’ve connected with the group.”

“Right away.” He hangs up.

I take another breath. Making plans definitely looks different now.

I have to find Xander..