Kev's heart skipped a beat as he took Fang's hand, a warmth spreading through him at the wolfman's touch. He followed Fang out of the VIP booth, their intertwined fingers a silent declaration of their growing connection.
As they made their way through the bar room, Kev turned to see some of the staff quickly rearranging the furniture, transforming the VIP section back into its usual configuration of plush booths. The club was still relatively quiet, the lull before the storm of opening.
"They should have enough time to get everything back to normal before the customers start arriving," Fang remarked, his voice a low rumble above the muted sounds of preparation.
He led Kev up the grand staircase, their footsteps muted on the carpets of the mansion's upper floors. They reached Kev's apartment, and Fang took the keys from Kev's hand, unlocking the door.
"After you," he said, gesturing for Kev to enter.
Kev stepped into his apartment, a sense of anticipation tingling in his veins. He retrieved the bag of herbs from the kitchen cabinet, its pungent aroma filling the air as he unsealed it. Fang, meanwhile, had made himself comfortable on the couch, his gaze drawn to the stack of books on the coffee table.
Kev joined him, carefully rolling a joint with practiced hands. He lit it, taking a deep inhale, and savored the smooth, earthy flavor. The herb was indeed potent, a gentle wave of relaxation washing over him almost instantly.
Fang watched him with a soft smile. "You look relaxed," he observed, his voice a low rumble.
Kev nodded, his eyelids drooping slightly. "It's good stuff," he mumbled, offering the joint to Fang.
Fang declined with a shake of his head. "Not right now," he said. "I need to stay sharp for a bit longer." He leaned in, capturing Kev's lips in a tender kiss. "But later," he whispered, his voice husky with promise, "later we can indulge."
He stood up, stretching his arms above his head and shook the human's scent out of his nose. "Let's take a little walk around the mansion before dinner," he suggested, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. "I want to show you where the entertainment is tonight."
Kev, eager to explore more of the sprawling building, quickly finished the joint and followed Fang out the door. "It's massive," he remarked as they walked down the hallway. "I haven't even seen half of it yet… Until earlier today, I didn't even know there was a basement."
Fang laughed, a deep, resonant sound that echoed through the quiet corridors. "Even I forget about some of the rooms sometimes," he admitted. "This place has a way of keeping its secrets."
Fang's pace quickened, a hint of excitement in his voice. "The entertainment tonight should be particularly good," he said, his tail wagging slightly behind him. "I think you'll enjoy it."
He led Kev down the stairs and past the now-bustling bar, its customers already starting to fill the space with their laughter and chatter. The anticipation for the night's festivities was palpable, the air thrumming with a vibrant energy. A few stray tuning notes coming from the stage told kev that the music was just about to start too.
They continued down a dimly lit corridor, their footsteps echoing on the polished stone floor. Fang pushed open a heavy wooden door, revealing a room unlike any Kev had seen before.
It was a large, open space, its high ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers that cast a warm, flickering light on the scene below. It was nearly empty and the walls were barren other than a small pass-through window, connecting to the room next door, that was covered over with wooden shutters. The most striking feature, however, was a massive circular area in the center of the room, cut out from the floor, revealing a glimpse of the basement level. A sturdy cast-iron fence surrounded the pit, preventing any accidental falls from above.
Kev's curiosity was piqued. "What is this room?" he asked, his gaze sweeping across the unusual space.
"This," Fang declared with a dramatic flourish, "is where tonight's entertainment will take place. We're in for a real treat."
A mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes. "Trust me, Kev," he whispered, leaning closer, "you're going to love it."
After teasing the human's curiosity Fang ushered Kev out of the room, his arm draped possessively over his shoulders. They made their way back to the bar, the sounds of laughter and music growing louder with each step.
The VIP section had been restored to its usual configuration of plush booths, a testament to the efficiency of the club's staff. Skippy and Twitch, their postures rigid with attention, nodded respectfully as Fang and Kev approached. They lifted the velvet rope, allowing them to pass.
Two drinks, a Bloody Mary for Fang and a Cape Cod for Kev, already awaited them on the table. Rebecca, her feline grace accentuated by the dim lighting, appeared moments later.
"Anything else I can get for you gentlemen?" she inquired, her voice a soft purr.
"Rabbit stew," Fang barked, a predatory grin spreading across his face.
Kev winced, a shiver running down his spine. "What kind of fish do you serve?" he asked, his voice a bit hesitant.
Rebecca rattled off a few fish options, her voice a soothing melody in the bustling bar. Kev pondered the choices for a moment, his mind still reeling from Fang's earlier order.
"Reepia makes Fang's and my food, right?" Kev asked, his voice tinged with a hint of apprehension.
"Of course," Rebecca replied, her smile unwavering. "The head chef always prepares the boss's meals personally."
Kev nodded slowly. "Maybe I'll just stick with a salad tonight," he decided, a nervous chuckle escaping his lips. "I feel like she's probably upset about the meeting…"
Rebecca's smile softened. "Don't you worry about it, Kev," she said, her voice reassuring. "I know a lot of those cooks were hoping for a day off but didn't want to say anything in front of her."
Fang's eyebrow arched, his attention suddenly drawn to the waitress. He'd barely registered her presence before, but now he observed her with a newfound scrutiny. "The kitchen is Reepia's domain," he said, his voice a low rumble. "If she hears you talking about her cooks like that, she'll be furious."
Rebecca's eyes widened in alarm. "I'm sorry, Mr. Fang," she stammered, her voice trembling slightly. "I didn't mean any harm."
Kev intervened, placing a reassuring hand on Rebecca's arm. "It's okay, Rebecca," he said gently. "Don't worry about it."
Fang's gaze softened as he looked at Kev, but he turned back to Rebecca with a stern expression. "Just be careful what you say," he warned. "You never know who might be listening."
Rebecca nodded quickly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I'll put your orders in right away," she said, hurrying off to the kitchen.
Fang turned to Kev, a questioning look in his eyes. "What was that about?" he asked, his voice a low rumble.
Kev sighed. "I think she thought you were threatening her," he explained. "She was just trying to help me."
Fang scoffed, a dismissive wave of his hand. "That's ridiculous," he retorted. "I would never threaten my staff."
Kev leaned closer to Fang, a playful glint in his eyes. "You do know you're a big bad wolf, Fang," he teased, his voice a soft murmur against the wolfman's ear.
Fang's grin widened, his sharp teeth flashing in the dim light. "I like the sound of that," he purred.
He took a leisurely sip of his Bloody Mary, his gaze sweeping across the barroom as the first wave of customers began to trickle in. The energy in the club was building, a palpable anticipation hanging in the air.
"Another night begins," Fang remarked, his voice laced with a hint of satisfaction.
The bar rapidly transformed into a bustling hub of activity as the crowd swelled, eager to partake in the night's revelry. Dale, a maestro behind the counter, orchestrated a symphony of clinking glasses and pouring liquids, his hands a blur as he fulfilled a seemingly endless stream of orders. The air buzzed with laughter, conversation, and the anticipation of the evening's entertainment.
Amidst the controlled chaos, Rebecca gracefully navigated the throng, delivering their meals with a practiced ease. Kev's salad, a vibrant medley of fresh greens, crisp vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing, was a refreshing contrast to the heavier fare. He savored each bite, appreciating the subtle flavors and textures.
As he ate, a thought flickered through his mind. He would need to seek out Reepia tomorrow, perhaps offer a sincere apology for his earlier defiance. He knew the head chef's outburst stemmed from a place of genuine concern, even if her methods were a bit... abrasive. He was determined to mend fences, to show her that he valued her opinion and respected her authority. It's not like he had never met passionate women before.
After finishing eating, Kev reached into his silver cigarette case, now a cherished possession, and retrieved one of the joints Horns had rolled for him. "Don't let them snatch me away again," he joked, a nervous chuckle escaping his lips as he lit it.
Fang's laughter boomed through the booth, a deep, resonant sound that momentarily drowned out the surrounding noise. But beneath the amusement, Kev felt Fang's grip on his shoulder tighten, a subtle but unmistakable gesture of protectiveness. The wolfman's playful demeanor masked a fierce determination to keep Kev safe, a resolve that warmed Kev's heart despite the lingering anxiety from the earlier incident.
Fang excused himself, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he squeezed Kev's shoulder once more. "Nature calls," he said with a wink. "Be right back."
Kev watched as Fang made his way through the crowd, his imposing figure drawing glances and whispers from the patrons. He stopped briefly to chat with Twitch and Skippy, the two bouncers guarding the VIP section. Kev felt a twinge of anxiety, wondering if they were discussing the earlier incident with the city enforcers. But he quickly dismissed the thought, reminding himself that Fang had assured him everything was under control.
He took a sip of his Cape Cod, the tart sweetness a welcome distraction from his worries. He noticed Dale glancing over from the bar, a knowing smile playing on his lips. Kev raised his glass in a silent toast, and Dale nodded in acknowledgement, a silent camaraderie passing between them.
Kev turned his attention back to the dance floor, where the energy was reaching a fever pitch. The dancers moved with abandon, their bodies swaying and twirling to the rhythm of the music, their faces flushed with pleasure. Kev couldn't help but be drawn in by the spectacle, the raw sensuality and uninhibited joy infectious. He found himself tapping his foot to the beat, a smile playing on his lips.
A hush fell over the club as Asmodeus and his string ensemble struck up a new tune. The familiar melody of Kev's song, transformed by Asmodeus's masterful arrangement, filled the air. The once melancholic tune now pulsed with a vibrant energy, the strings soaring and dipping, weaving a tapestry of sound that was both hauntingly beautiful and undeniably seductive.
Kev's heart quickened as he recognized the song, a thrill of excitement mixed with a touch of nervous anticipation. Asmodeus had truly captured the essence of the melody, infusing it with his own unique flair, transforming it into something altogether new and captivating.
The dancers on the floor, initially hesitant, soon succumbed to the song's infectious rhythm. Their movements shifted, mirroring the music's intricate patterns and unexpected shifts. The usual languid swaying gave way to a more energetic, almost primal dance, their bodies responding to the music's call with a newfound freedom and abandon.
Kev watched, mesmerized, as the crowd surrendered to the music's spell. He felt a surge of pride, a sense of ownership over the melody that now pulsed through the very heart of the club. It was a powerful reminder of his own creativity, his ability to contribute to this vibrant world, even in a small way.
Fang returned to the booth, his face alight with a satisfied grin. "The first show's about to start," he announced, his voice a low rumble above the music.
Kev, still buzzing from the thrill of hearing his song performed, nodded eagerly. "Let's go," he said, rising from his seat.
Fang chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "Hold on a minute, eager beaver," he teased. "Let me grab a quick drink first." He waved at Dale.
Rebecca, a minute later, appeared at their table with the fresh concoctions. "Enjoy," she said with a warm smile, her gaze lingering on Kev for a moment before she turned and disappeared into the crowd.
"Alright, let's go," Fang said, taking Kev's hand and leading him back to the strange room with the pit.
As they walked, Kev noticed Twitch, the ferret bouncer, discreetly trailing behind them. It seemed Fang wasn't taking any chances with Kev's safety, even within the confines of his own club.
They reached the door to the room with the hole to the basement finding it filled with club goers. The anticipation in the air was palpable, a buzz of excitement rippling through the crowd as they gathered around the iron fence that surrounded the sunken area.
Fang led Kev to a prime viewing spot, a small, open area near the edge of the pit. The crowd pressed in from all sides, their eager bodies radiating a palpable excitement. The air crackled with anticipation, a symphony of whispers and excited murmurs rising above the background music.
Rex, ever vigilant, materialized beside them, his imposing presence a silent deterrent to any potential troublemakers.
"Lets hope it's a good show," Fang remarked to Rex, his voice a low rumble above the din.
Rex smirked, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Might be a quick one," he replied, his tone laced with a hint of amusement. "He knows you're watching."
"That's why we have a second act lined up," Fang said, his voice flat. "I expect nothing less from him."
Kev, intrigued by their cryptic exchange, wondered who they were talking about. But he was content to be surprised, his curiosity piqued by the anticipation hanging heavy in the air. He leaned against the iron railing, his gaze fixed on the empty pit, eager to witness the spectacle that was about to unfold.