Kev dried his hands and stepped out of the bathroom, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of Fang. The wolfman looked as dashing as ever, his pristine white suit a stark contrast to his usual dark attire. It accentuated his broad shoulders and powerful build, making him seem even more imposing and alluring.
Fang's gaze locked with Kev's, a warmth spreading through his amber eyes. He strode across the room, his movements graceful and deliberate, and pulled Kev into a passionate embrace. Kev leaned into Fang's touch, his senses filled with the wolfman's intoxicating scent.
Fang's lips moved against Kev's with a hunger that sent shivers down his spine. The wolfman's kiss was demanding, yet tender, his tongue exploring Kev's mouth with a gentle insistence that left him breathless. Fang leaned forward, his strong arms enveloping Kev, lifting him slightly off the ground. Kev clung to Fang, his heart pounding in his chest, a mix of excitement and a thrilling sense of surrender.
"You really are my good luck charm," Fang murmured against Kev's lips, his voice a husky growl. He nuzzled Kev's neck, his hot breath sending shivers down his spine.
"Let's go eat," he said, his voice a low rumble. "I'm bringing you out to get something nice tonight, my little assistant."
Kev, still breathless from the kiss, could only nod in response. He felt himself being lifted higher, his body dangling in Fang's powerful arms. The wolfman leaned him back, their eyes locked, a playful smirk on Fang's face as he savored Kev's surprised expression.
"Ready for another adventure?" Fang asked, his voice a seductive purr.
"Yes," Kev managed to squeak out, his voice a breathless whisper. Fang's playful dominance, the raw power in his embrace, sent a thrill through him that he couldn't deny.
Fang slowly lowered Kev back to his feet, his tail wagging excitedly. He was practically vibrating with a newfound energy, his usual composure replaced by a boyish eagerness that Kev found both endearing and intoxicating.
Fang leaned in, his lips hovering close to Kev's, a silent promise of more to come. But then, with a visible effort, he pulled back, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Food first," he said, his voice a low rumble. "Let's go."
He took Kev's hand and led him out of the apartment, their fingers intertwined. As they walked down the hallway, Kev glanced back at Talon, who stood silently by the door, his sharp eyes following their every move. Kev wondered if the eagleman disapproved of his relationship with Fang, if he saw it as a distraction or a weakness. But Talon's expression remained impassive, thoughts hidden behind his stoic mask.
Talon closed the apartment door behind them and fell into step, his presence a silent but reassuring reminder of Fang's commitment to Kev's safety. As they descended the stairs, Kev couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation, a thrill of excitement for the night ahead.
The club was still in its pre-opening hush, the usual cacophony of music and laughter replaced by the soft murmur of staff preparing for the evening rush. Fang and Kev slid into their familiar spot in the VIP booth, Talon taking up his position as silent guardian behind them.
Rebecca, her feline grace accentuated by the dim lighting, approached their table with a welcoming smile. "Good evening, gentlemen," she purred, her voice a soft melody. "What can I get you tonight?"
Fang didn't hesitate. "Steak and eggs," he ordered, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through the booth.
Kev, remembering Horns' earlier mention of the chef's specialty, perked up. "I heard there's lobster bisque tonight," he said, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Rebecca's smile widened. "Excellent choice, Kev," she replied. "I'll put your orders in right away." As he turned to leave, Dale, the ever-present bartender, took her place near the VIP booth, a mischievous grin on his face.
"Going out again tonight, Fang?" Dale inquired, raising an eyebrow. "Should I call Vlad in here to give you a checkup? Make sure you're not overexerting yourself?"
Fang chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that echoed through the booth. "I'm perfectly fine, Dale," he retorted, a playful glint in his eyes. "Just enjoying a night out with my assistant."
Dale, with his usual flair, placed their drinks on the table - a vibrant Bloody Mary for Fang and a refreshing Cape Cod for Kev. He then pulled up a chair and joined them, his presence adding a comforting familiarity to the otherwise tense atmosphere.
"So," Dale began, his voice hiding his curiosity, "is this in celebration of sealing the deal last night?"
Fang took a long sip of his drink, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips. "More like putting the bow on top," he replied, a hint of pride in his voice.
Dale turned to Kev, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Mind if I bum a smoke, kid?" he asked, his voice a gravelly whisper.
Kev, happy to oblige, slid his silver cigarette case across the table. Dale selected a cigarette, its slender form dwarfed by his large, calloused hand.
"Fang," Dale said, lighting his cigarette and taking a deep drag, "just don't burn yourself out. There's a lot going on right now, with the new schedule… the mafia deal... And with you gallivanting around the city..." He trailed off, a knowing look in his eyes. "I just don't want you to make a mistake."
Fang's ears flattened against his head, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "Mistake?" he echoed, his voice sharp. "Do you think I'm old and senile now, Dale?"
Dale, unfazed by Fang's intensity, met his gaze with a steady calm. "You can only push your body so far, Fang," he replied, his voice firm but gentle. "You've been running on fumes for years. You really need to slow down before you break down."
Fang bristled, his fur standing on end. "I'm not some fragile old horse, Dale," he retorted, his voice a low growl. "I can handle the pressure."
"I'm not much older than you, Fang," Dale countered with a wry smile.
Kev, touched by Dale's concern for Fang, smiled softly. "It's kind of you to think of him, Dale," he remarked, his voice sincere.
Dale chuckled, a hint of self-deprecation in his eyes. "Without Fang, there is no club, and we'd all be out of a job," he replied, his tone light but carrying a grain of truth. "Besides," he added with a wink, "who else would put up with my shenanigans behind the bar?"
Fang cleared his throat. "Don't worry about me, horse," he said, his voice a low rumble. "The doors just opened. Worry about the thirsty customers."
Dale stubbed out his cigarette, his expression turning serious. "I mean it, Fang," he said, his voice firm. "Don't make me have a talk with Cindy. She worries about you too, you know." With a final nod, he left the booth and returned to his post behind the bar, the crowd already clamoring for his attention.
Fang scowled, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "That horse..." he muttered under his breath, but the anger in his voice was tempered by a hint of undeniable respect.
Kev reached, his hand gently resting on Fang's arm. "He's right, you know," he said softly. "You really should slow down a bit, now that the deal is done."
Fang sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "The deal may be done, Kev," he replied, his voice weary, "but the work is never done. There's always something that needs my attention, some crisis that needs to be averted."
Just then, Rebecca arrived with their food, a steaming plate of steak and eggs for Fang and a colorful soup for Kev. The aroma of perfectly cooked steak and a masterfully prepared bisque filled the air, momentarily distracting them from their conversation.
As Fang eagerly dug in, Kev noticed Rebecca hovering nearby, a shy smile playing on her lips.
"Is everything alright, Rebecca?" Kev inquired, sensing her hesitation.
Her smile widened. "I have tomorrow off!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with a childlike excitement. "It's my first day off in... well, ever." She giggled, her eyes sparkling. "A different waitress will be taking care of you tomorrow. I've already told her your drinks and what you usually eat." She paused, a hint of nervousness creeping into her voice. "She's a bit nervous, but I assured her she'll do great."
Kev's heart warmed at Rebecca's enthusiasm. "Thank you, Rebecca," he said sincerely. "I'm sure she will."
Rebecca, her cheeks flushed with a pleased blush, hurried off to attend to other customers.
Kev turned to Fang, who was engrossed in his meal. "You should tip Rebecca," he suggested, a playful glint in his eyes. "She's a good waitress."
Fang, his mouth full of meat and eggs, grunted in agreement. "She is," he mumbled, swallowing his food. "I'll make sure she's taken care of."
Kev savored the last spoonful of his lobster bisque, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. It was, as Horns had promised, exceptional. The rich, creamy broth, the succulent chunks of lobster, the perfect balance of flavors... Reepia had truly outdone herself. He finished his Cape Cod, the tart sweetness a perfect complement to the hearty soup.
Fang, having devoured his own meal with his usual gusto, glanced at his watch. "We need to get going, Kev," he announced, his voice a low rumble. "Ophelia is keeping the store open late for us." He downed the last of his Bloody Mary, setting the empty glass on the table with a decisive clink.
Kev, taking one last drag from his post-meal joint, nodded. "Just let me finish this, and I'll be ready," he replied, exhaling a cloud of fragrant smoke.
Fang's gaze softened as he watched Kev. "Alright," he said, his voice gentle. "But don't take too long."
He turned and waved at Talon, who was standing guard nearby. "Talon," he instructed, "go find Perry out front. You remember, the owl? Tell him we'll be ready to leave in five minutes."
Talon nodded, his expression impassive. "Yes, Mr. Fang," he replied, his voice a soft rasp. He turned and disappeared into the crowd, his movements swift and efficient.
A pleasant buzz settled over Kev as he finished his joint, a warm glow spreading through his body. He felt relaxed and content, the earlier anxieties fading into the background. Fang, sensing Kev's newfound tranquility, smiled and extended a hand.
"Ready to go?" he asked, his voice a low rumble.
Kev nodded, taking Fang's arm and allowing himself to be led out of the club. The night air was cool against his skin, a refreshing contrast to the warmth and energy of the barroom.
Perry, the owl man driver, was waiting patiently by the car, its engine purring softly in the moonlight. Fang opened the door for Kev tonight, his gentlemanly gesture a subtle reminder of his affection.
As they settled into the backseat, Talon taking his place in the front beside Perry, Fang pulled Kev close, his arm draping possessively over his shoulders. The familiar scent of sandalwood and citrus filled Kev's senses, a comforting reminder of Fang's presence.
The car glided smoothly down the driveway, the sprawling mansion receding into the darkness behind them. As they approached the security checkpoint, Rex, his muscular frame silhouetted against the brightly lit guardhouse, stepped forward to greet them.
Rex leaned in close to the car window, a mischievous grin on his face. "Going out again, boss?" he purred, his voice a low rumble. "That human must be very demanding." He winked at Kev, his predatory gaze lingering for a moment too long. "If you ever need a hand keeping him occupied..."
Talon, his sharp eyes fixed on Rex, interjected with a cold tone, "Is that all?"
Rex turned his attention to Talon, his grin widening. "You know… I just got to play with a little birdy last night," he taunted, his voice laced with a playful challenge. "I wonder if you'd do any better."
Fang's growl cut through the tense atmosphere, a warning rumble that silenced even Rex's bravado. "Enough, Rex," he snapped, his eyes flashing with a dangerous glint.
But Rex, ever the instigator, pushed his luck. "Come on, boss," he pressed, his voice a low purr. "We should really find out if he can take care of the human. It's a matter of security, after all."
Fang's voice boomed through the car, silencing Rex's taunts. "That's enough, Rex!" he growled, his tone leaving no room for argument. "There are customers and vehicles driving up to the club as we speak. Focus on making sure there are no fuck-ups."
Rex, though momentarily subdued, couldn't resist one last jab. He maintained his grin as he replied, "If there are any problems, I'll be sure Kev can witness how I handle them. The human should see how a real man fights."
With a final, lingering look, Rex straightened up and patted the roof of the car. "Enjoy the night, boss," he said.
Perry, relieved that the confrontation hadn't escalated further, quickly put the car in gear and drove out of the security checkpoint. They merged onto the main road, the city lights twinkling in the distance like a constellation of stars.
The sleek car sliced through the city's neon-lit arteries, its powerful engine humming a song of speed and precision. Talon, ever the dutiful bodyguard, retrieved the card Jasper had given him two nights ago and read the address aloud to Perry. The owl-man nodded, a confident glint in his eyes, and pressed down on the accelerator, propelling them through the bustling streets with exhilarating speed.
Kev's grip tightened on the seat, his knuckles turning white as the cityscape blurred past. He wasn't accustomed to such reckless driving, his rural upbringing having instilled a cautious approach to navigating the roads.
Fang, sensing Kev's unease, chuckled and leaned closer. "Perry's got great eyes for this," he assured him, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through Kev's body. "His reflexes are lightning fast, and he's driven every type of car imaginable as a valet. No need to fret about a little speed."
He threw open the window, letting the wind whip through his fur and a mischievous grin spread across his face. Talon, in contrast, seemed completely at ease, his posture relaxed and his gaze fixed on the road ahead.
Kev, taking a deep breath, forced a smile. "I'm just not used to city driving," he admitted, his voice a bit shaky. "I grew up in a more... rural area."
"It's exciting, isn't it?" Fang countered, his eyes sparkling with a childlike glee. "The rush of adrenaline, the thrill of the chase..."
Perry, overhearing their conversation, couldn't resist a playful smirk. He pressed down on the accelerator once more, the car surging forward with renewed speed. The cityscape became a kaleidoscope of lights and colors, a dizzying blur that left Kev breathless.
In what felt like mere minutes, they arrived at Ophelia's jewelry store. The sleek, modern building stood in stark contrast to the quaint tobacco shop they'd visited last week, its glass facade reflecting the city's vibrant energy.
Kev's eyes widened as he took in the sheer size of the jewelry store. It occupied an entire corner lot, its multi-story facade a dazzling display of glass and chrome. The building pulsed with an energy that mirrored the city's vibrant nightlife, even at this late hour.