"Mouth is alive with juices like wine"

Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran

"SO, I'VE SEEN you around the boardwalk a few times now and I couldn't help but notice you. What do you say? Wanna come back to my place, baby?"

Sevyn stared blankly at the jerk in front of her, clearly surprised by his blatant advances. What was this guy's name again? Jake? Nate? Something forgettable.

She'd just sought some boardwalk excitement after a week cooped up inside when this creep accosted her. His eyes kept darting at the crowd, clearly having waited to see if she was alone tonight – he'd obviously seen her around with the boys. Stuck and uncomfortable, a loud burst of laughter bubbled out of her.

Big mistake. The guy fumed.

Before he could unleash his tirade, another round of laughter erupted behind her. She didn't need to look to know it was the boys witnessing this glorious disaster. Her face, she was sure, was fiery red.

"Dude, I don't think she's interested. Maybe try elsewhere next time," Paul drawled, sauntering up and casually slinging an arm over her shoulder.

Sevyn, still too flustered to respond, leaned into Paul, who squeezed her shoulder in what she recognized as an affectionate reward. Once the fuming guy retreated, the rest of the vampires formed a circle around her.

"You know you're incredibly awkward, right?" Marko teased, nibbling on the thumb of his fingerless glove.

"It's cute," Paul chimed in, planting a sloppy kiss on her cheek.

"Yeah, cute isn't the word I'd use," Sevyn grumbled, still flushed. "That kind of aggressive come-on just makes me uncomfortable. I'm not great at handling unwanted attempts to get in my pants."

It wasn't that she didn't flirt, but usually only when she was drunk. Sober, her attempts were more likely to land with a thud than getting laid. Even now, she was only just able to flirt back without turning beet-red, and she wasn't exactly nailing it if the looks she got were anything to go by.

"Paul flirts with you all the time," Dwayne pointed out with a smirk.

"That's different," she mumbled, wishing she could disappear. It was different. Paul was... well, Paul was Paul. She wanted him, unlike that other guy, who seemed to have already faded from her memory.

A wave of mocking and self-satisfied laughter washed over them. They reveled in her discomfort. It would seem even her unspoken thoughts weren't safe from them.

Sevyn growled, disentangling herself from Paul and stomping off. The sound only fueled their amusement. She wanted to escape their teasing; yelling would only make it worse.

Before long, the group fell into formation around her, sending an unwelcome – or so she pretended – shiver down her spine. She wondered how they felt about her now with everything exposed. Honestly, she was surprised they didn't have more questions. Not that she had many answers, but still.

"We've got plans for you tonight, babe," Paul said, taking her hand and intertwining their fingers as he led her deeper into the boardwalk.

"That sounds ominous, and I'm not sure I want to be part of them. Did you forget I know what you all are?"

"Not at all. In fact, it makes you more rad. We don't have to pretend anymore," Marko chimed in, appearing beside her and wrapping his arm around her waist.

"Hate to break it to you, but your acting skills were subpar, Marko. The first time we were alone, you tried to scare me with cockroaches," Sevyn said with a flat look.

Marko didn't deny it and just winked at her. He still found it funny and would probably do it again. He was already scheming ways to mess with her, knowing she could handle it. Sevyn was more fun than he anticipated.

Their playful banter continued until they reached the bikes, her earlier nervousness replaced by a fluttering excitement. A ride with the Lost Boys!

"Where are we going?" Sevyn blurted out, unable to contain her enthusiasm.

This drew another chuckle from the boys, this time good-natured.

"You wanted to see the cave, kitten. Tonight seems like the perfect night," David said, walking past her to get on his bike.

"You all ate, right? I wouldn't want to become a midnight snack," Sevyn couldn't help but ask. Self-preservation, even amidst excitement, was somehow on her mind.

David rolled his eyes. "Yeah, we're good. Just shut up and get on the bike before I change my mind."

Sevyn grinned, zipping her lips in a mock gesture. All the boys were mounted, waiting for the pink-haired thief to choose her ride.

"Oh, ride with me, babe!" Paul predictably volunteered first; a goofy grin plastered on his face. But it was the silent intensity in Dwayne's gaze that drew Sevyn towards his bike.

Paul, of course, whined like a petulant child when she bypassed him, earning a cackle and shove from Marko.

Dwayne smirked as Sevyn climbed on behind him, her arms wrapping securely around his torso. Unconsciously, her fingers brushed against the bare skin of his stomach, the taut muscles rippling beneath.

He remained silent, a low rumble emanating from his chest that seemed to vibrate with a secret pleasure he didn't try to hide. The sound was quickly drowned out by the roar of the engine as he peeled off, the others following suit.

"Don't hold back, Dwayne," Sevyn challenged, her voice laced with excitement. "Give me the real Lost Boys experience!"

"Consider it done, pretty girl," he replied with a dark chuckle, tearing down the boardwalk and onto the beach. He didn't disappoint, weaving through bonfires like a demon on a joyride.

The night erupted with whoops and hollers as all four bikes raced around each other and dodged party goers. Sevyn thrived in the chaos, her adrenaline pumping. Living on the edge was her vice, and the boys only amplified the thrill.

Finally, they skidded to a halt on a bluff overlooking the cliffs. Sevyn launched herself off the back of Dwayne's bike crowing with joy, arms outstretched in a celebratory spin.

"That was amazing!" she shrieked, her voice barely above the wind whipping around them. The boys chuckled at her enthusiasm, clearly pleased she wasn't as fragile as they initially thought.

"Come along, kitten," David called out, extending a gloved hand towards her.

Without hesitation, Sevyn practically skipped over and interlaced her fingers with his. He led her down a rickety staircase carved into the cliff face, her head swiveling to take in the unique surroundings.

Reaching the cave, Sevyn unleashed her teleporting ability, surprising the boys as she vanished and reappeared randomly around the cavern with excited commentary on each new sight. Her mind raced, a whirlwind of impressions and emotion finding voice in a steady stream of consciousness. She was consumed by a vibrant exuberance.

She couldn't believe she was really here! This place was so cool, even better in person. Despite the slight chill and lack of modern amenities—even for this decade—it was perfect. Sevyn couldn't help but bounce around the room and check out everything to explore.

"This is incredible! This place is a total vibe," she finally declared, blinking in front of the couch before collapsing onto it with a content sigh. Her eyes continued to dart around, soaking it all in. Other than electricity and plumbing, she couldn't think of a thing she would change in this place.

Once the initial shock of her rapidly teleporting wore off, the boys settled in. They wondered how long it would be before that became normal. Paul rummaged for his rock box, David took his place on his throne-like wheelchair, and Dwayne stationed himself near the fountain, a silent observer. Marko took the spot beside Sevyn on the couch.

The air crackled with anticipation. "So," Sevyn drawled, breaking the comfortable silence, "you lured me down here. Now what?"