ConJCosby

Eden sat in the chair opposite his desk. Her outward composure was placid. Inside, her instincts were screaming. She knew why she was up here, but she couldn't guess his next move.

Eric leaned back, spinning a pen lazily between his fingers. "You caused quite a scene in my bar tonight," he noted. He stopped spinning the pen and leaned forward. "I could fire you. Or, I could drain you right here for disrupting the peace." His expression was unreadable. "But it's hard to justify that when you brought in more tips in one shift than Roxie and Rio combined.

"He grabbed my ankle and tried to pull me off the platform," Eden said, her voice tight but calm. She offered no apology. "I protected myself."

"The humans we cater to are pathetic creatures," Eric remarked. "They come here begging to feel proximity to danger. Tonight, you gave them exactly what they paid for. Beginning tomorrow night, you take my private stage. I like my performers to have an edge. Do not disappoint me."

✦☽✦☾✦

Lucine arrived home, changed, and collapsed onto her bed. She let her eyes close as the quiet stillness of her apartment washed over her.

It didn't stay quiet for long. Suddenly, she was in her old bedroom in Avignon. She turned her head on the pillow, and Gautier was lying right beside her, asleep.

He looked entirely serene. The moonlight caught the sharp slope of his jawline and soft, dark brown curls against the pillow. Even with his broad shoulders relaxed, he carried a quiet strength. She watched the slow, steady rise and fall of his chest, taking comfort in his presence.

The peace was shattered. Heavy footsteps thundered down the hallway. The outer wards collapsed, causing the illusory shield to flicker.

Gautier’s eyes opened, his steady gaze sharpening with panic. He sat up, his large hand gripping her shoulder. "They're in the hallway," he whispered, his voice tight. "Corbant and the Royal Guards. You have to use your light. You could kill them all and we can escape."

She stared at him, paralyzed. "I can't," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I don't know if I can control it."

"Lucine, please," he begged, his brown eyes desperate. "There is no time."

She hesitated, and that single second cost them everything.

The bedroom door splintered to pieces. Her brother, Corbant, stepped through the ruins, his gaze cold and unyielding. Before they could react, a guard lunged, clamping a heavy iron shackle around her left ankle. The raw iron burned into her skin, stifling her magic and binding her in place.

Powerless, she could only watch the horror unfold. Two guards seized Gautier, dragging him to his knees on the floor. He fought hard against their grip, but he was outmatched.

Her brother stepped closer, looking down at her with a merciless gaze. "Mother demands your return," he stated. "Your little rebellion is over. This commoner has no place in our lineage."

"Por amor, laissiez le vivre!" Lucine begged, but the words dissolved as he raised the heavy blade.

In a swift strike, he brought the metal down, executing Gautier right in front of her. Dark blood gushed outward, pooling into the grooves between the floorboards.

She woke breathless. Her heart hammered. She reached down, clutching her ankle. There was no iron shackle. There were no Fae guards. There was no Gautier. Her fingers found only the scorched filigree of her scar, still buzzing with a phantom heat. She drew a shaky breath and wiped her cheek. In the dark, her wet skin sparkled with a faint, silver glow before fading into nothing.

✦☽✦☾✦

Nothing remained of the quiet dark by the time her shift began. Heavy bass thundered through the club, swallowing her thoughts whole.

Pam wrapped up the pre-shift lineup, and Eden headed out into the main lounge. Stepping out in a tiny burgundy slip, she left her feet bare against the concrete. Rio sat at the main counter with a basket of fries. Behind the bar, Booker quietly prepped the taps.

Rio looked down from his stool, his eyes tracing to her bare toes before a grin broke across his face. He slid his fries over. "Honey, I love the wild goddess vibe. But this floor hasn't been mopped since the Clinton administration. You’re gonna catch something even vampire blood can’t cure."

Eden cracked a smile, the genuine warmth of his voice lifting her dark mood. She stole a fry from his basket, popping it into her mouth with a casual shrug. "C'est la vie," she replied, her voice smooth and unbothered.

Pam interrupted them, dropping a clipboard on the bar counter. "Sign this, rookie," Pam stated. "It's your updated rider. Go get Eric's signature before the doors open."

Eden picked up the board, her eyes drifting toward Eric's office. "Is he in there?"

Pam smirked, checking her nails. "He's in there. Might be havin' a little snack," she added. "Enter at your own risk."

Pam turned and sashayed away. Eden picked up the clipboard, glancing at Rio as his eyebrows raised. She leaned against the bar. "Roxie's in there, isn't she? This could be entertaining."

Rio let out a quiet laugh. "What are you gonna do?"

"Get my signature," Eden said simply.

Rio lowered his voice. "Girl, go get it. But I want a full breakdown the second you get back."

Eden walked across the empty floor, her bare steps light against the concrete. Reaching Eric's office, she knocked rhythmically on the closed door.

When no one answered, she turned the handle and pushed.

As the door opened, Roxie was bent forward across the desk, her fingers gripping the edges. Eric was a blur of movement behind her, pinning her hips. The moment he sensed Eden, he froze mid-stride. His fangs were extended, a trace of dried blood at the corner of his mouth as his gaze flicked to her at the threshold. Roxie panted beneath him, exhausted.

He was completely naked, his tall frame broad-shouldered and lean.

Eden didn't look away. She didn't even flinch. Stepping into the office, she walked straight to the desk and plucked a pen from the holder.

Eric smirked, thoroughly amused by her nerve. "I don't recall requesting a third," he stated. "But I'm flexible."

"Just sign my rider if you want me on your stage tonight," Eden said.

He watched her for a silent beat, tracking her steady pulse. Then he reached across the desk and took the clipboard, quickly scrawling his name on the line.

Before the ink could dry, Eden grabbed the clipboard and tucked the pen back into its place.

"Thanks," she added.

She turned and sauntered out. Eric’s eyes traveled down her legs to her bare feet as she crossed the threshold.

"Eric!?" Roxie snapped from the desk.

The door clicked shut behind her, cutting off the sound. Pam was standing just outside, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed.

Eden handed her the clipboard as she walked past.

"Good girl," she drawled, before turning and walking away.

Eden returned to the bar. Rio watched her approach, a slow grin spreading across his face.

"Bitch, you've got balls of steel," Rio chuckled. "You were only in there for a minute. Did he actually sign it?"

Eden slid onto the stool next to him, stealing a fry. "I didn't plan on staying for the show. He signed it mid stroke."

Rio snorted. "Roxie is definitely gonna try to ruin your night."

"Let her try." Eden shrugged, eating the fry.

✦☽✦☾✦

Thirty minutes later, heavy bass pulsed through the club as it filled to capacity.

Eden moved toward the private stage. Eric was already seated on his throne, observing.

As she reached the bottom step, a hand tapped her arm. She turned to find Roxie leaning close to cut through the music.

"Look, I'd love nothing more than to ruin your shift, but Eric would have my throat," Roxie said.

Eden met her stare. "Good to know."

Roxie let out a reluctant laugh, her tense expression softening slightly. "You're a little crazy, you know that? But I respect it."

Eden nodded. "Thanks."

The bass thudded in her chest, and flashing lights washed over her silk slip as she continued up the steps.

She reached out, wrapping her hand around the brass pole. Pulling herself up, she swung into a slow, mesmerizing spin.

Eric watched her command the space, his face unreadable. His eyes traced the curves of her body as she moved.

There was something about her that was...

"Different, huh?" Pam asked, stepping up beside his chair.

"It's almost disturbing," Eric said above the noise. "Certainly distracting and undeniably profitable."

He turned his head, "I want you to find out everything you can about her."

Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading chapter three of Eden Untamed! Stay tuned to see what Eric learns about our girl "Eden".

A warm glow framed the mirror. She plugged in her curling iron and began curling and pinning long, wavy strands of chestnut hair. Once finished, she blended a few drops of a satin foundation over her pale, flawless skin. She leaned a fraction closer to line her green eyes. The distinctive gold rings around her irises were emphasized by the warm light. She was dusting her face with powder when the silence was broken by the sound of laughter. 

"—and he’s standing there trying to look tough in front of Eric," Roxie scoffed, pushing the door open. Her long acrylic nails tapped against the wood. "It was so fucking embarrassing, Rio. I couldn't even look at him." 

Rio snorted, juggling a duffel bag and a pair of boots. "Please tell me Booker kicked his ass out."

"Definitely. He didn't even—"

Roxie stopped short. She stared at the corner vanity, sizing up her new competition. Dropping her bag at an empty station, her eyes fixed on Lucine. "Didn't know we were onboarding tonight."

"Excuse Roxie," Rio said, sliding onto the vanity stool next to Lucine. "She’s a fucking bitch who thinks she owns the place because she dances on Eric's private stage." He rolled his eyes, dropping his duffel bag onto the scuffed counter. "I'm Rio. What do we call you?"

"Eden," she answered, meeting his gaze in the reflection. "Nice to meet you."

Roxie let out a sharp, condescending laugh from across the room. "I dance on that stage because I pull the highest numbers in the room, Rio. Your locker ain't the only thing dusty in here." She unzipped her tote with a harsh tug.

Rio rolled his eyes instantly and leaned closer to Eden. "Don't let her play you," he murmured, his voice dropping to a whisper. "She ain't pullin' big tips because of her routine. Eric and Pam pass her around after hours. A regular Fuck n' Feed."

His eyes drifted down to the shimmering garment she held in her hands. "Damn, that is absolutely gorgeous. Is it chainmail?"

"Rhinestone mesh," Eden said, holding it up. The crystals shimmered under the warm vanity lighting.

She stood up to slip out of her street clothes, stepping into the liquid-like weight of the dress. It draped low across her chest and split high at the hip. From the hem, delicate rhinestone thigh-chains hung in glittering tiers. Behind her, Rio and Roxie started their makeup, settling into their usual routine. Eden reached behind her neck, her fingers blindly tracing the delicate metal. She fumbled, trying to hook the tiny clasp.

Rio set his makeup brush down, catching her movement in the reflection. He rose from his stool with a relaxed chuckle. "Let me help you with that. Those things are a nightmare to get on your own without breakin' a damn nail."

He stepped back with an appreciative whistle. "Perfect. Now get the heels on. Let’s see the full visual."

She sat back down to slip into six-inch heels. As she stood upright, the clear platforms glinted. They had an intimidating arch, but her natural grace kept her completely steady. She turned slightly to check her reflection.

From her vanity, Roxie scoffed under her breath. "Enjoy the bar stage, sweetie. It's a rough crowd."

Reaching up, Eden slid the bobby pins from her hair, letting the long chestnut curls drop down her back. Rio caught her gaze in the mirror and gave her a supportive wink before picking his brush back up. For the next hour, hissing hairspray and casual banter filled the dressing room. Through the walls, a faint, rhythmic thumping vibrated steadily.

At exactly 8:25 PM, the door cracked open. Ginger peeked her head inside, her messy, blonde ponytail askew. She cast a wide-eyed look around the dressing room. "Pam, incoming," she warned. "She's already on a rampage, so don't be late."

Ginger didn't even wait for an answer before disappearing back down the hall. At exactly eight-thirty, they lined up shoulder-to-shoulder near the bar area. Pam glided over. Her heels clicked sharply against the concrete floor.

She stopped first in front of Rio, her icy gaze traveling down his frame. "Nice," Pam murmured, running her finger over his tan skin to trace the edge of his sheer black crop top. "Your ass looks great in those shorts. Let’s hope they inspire some decent tips in VIP tonight. Try doin' more than just standin' there lookin' pretty. Shoulders back."

Pam drifted to the right, her eyes narrowing at Roxie. "Well, look at you," Pam drawled, reaching out to tug a strand of her bleach-blonde extensions. "Your hair actually looks halfway decent tonight. It almost makes up for that trashy pink leopard print corset you decided to wear. Almost. Keep your energy up on Eric's stage. You're only up there until somethin' more interestin' walks through the door."

Finally, Pam pivoted to face the new girl. "Eden," she said, her eyes sweeping down the glittering fabric. "Now this is an outfit. You’re on the bar stage tonight. Let's see if they eat you alive."

✦☽✦☾✦

By midnight, the club was in full swing. The air was heavy with the scent of cigarette smoke, sweat, and overpriced drinks. Red neon cut through the shadows. The light washed over a pulsing crowd of thrill-seeking humans and predators. A dark bassline throbbed through the floor.

Lounging in his elevated throne, Eric watched the floor with a blasé expression. His gaze casually swept the room, his eyes shifting with subtle precision. Beside him, Pam stood statuesque, one arm draped over the top of his throne.

Up on the bar stage, Eden moved with mesmerizing fluidity. The rhinestones on her dress caught the club lights and fractured into a liquid shimmer as she moved. Her balance was entirely effortless. She commanded the room with a weightless poise that felt altogether otherworldly.

Near the platform, a drunk customer pushed past the barrier. His face was flushed. He lunged sloppily and gripped her ankle, trying to pull her towards the floor.

Eden flinched at the sudden contact. Bracing her right foot, she yanked her ankle back to tear free from his fumbling fingers. He stumbled forward, pressing his palm against the stage. Eden instantly drove her stiletto down, pinning his hand firmly.

"Fucking bitch!" he yelled sharply. 

Holding steady pressure, she didn't look down at the man. Her eyes cut straight to Booker behind the bar. A dark blur crossed the floor and he was suddenly there. He hauled the guy off the stage by his collar, dragging him toward the back exit. The door slammed shut.

Eden stepped back into her performance, her body moving effortlessly again. She caught Eric's unreadable gaze from the main stage. Flawless start, Lucine, she thought sarcastically. You'll either be fired or drained.

✦☽✦☾✦

By 3:00 AM, the crowd was gone. The dancers sat at the bar in their regular clothes while Ginger and Booker closed up.

Rio slid a glass of dark red wine across the counter toward her. "A scrappy bitch on night one," he joked lovingly. "I like your style. You didn't take no shit from that asshole."

"Thank you," Eden said, taking a slow sip. The scent of the pressed grapes reminded her of home.

A few feet away, Roxie leaned back against the rail with a snarky smirk. "Well, it was nice knowing you," she chimed in. She was convinced her new competition was getting the boot for assaulting a customer. "First shifts are usually trial runs anyway."

"And how are you so sure Eric's violent ass didn't find that shit attractive?" Rio snapped back, cutting his eyes toward Roxie with a dry chuckle.

Eden ignored her, turning her head as Booker walked up behind the counter to wipe down the taps. She extended a hand toward him, polite and deliberate. "I don't think we've been properly introduced," she said. "I'm Eden. Thank you for your help out there."

Booker paused, his eyes shifting from her hand up to her face. He accepted the gesture with a brief, firm grip. "Booker," he replied. "Seemed like you had him under control. I just took out the trash."

Nearby, Ginger paused her sweeping. She placed a hand on her hip. "You're a badass. I probably would have just screamed," she remarked, shaking her head as she resumed.

Pam strode over from the office.

"Eden."

The room went quiet as she spoke.

"Eric wants to see you in his office. Now."

Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading! I really hope you're enjoying getting to know these characters and exploring the backstage world of Fangtasia. Chapter Three is up next, and the stakes are about to get a lot higher. See you all in Eric's office!