As Fang and Kev settled into the plush backseat of the car, a comfortable silence enveloped them. The city lights blurred past the windows, a mesmerizing dance of color and movement that reflected the vibrant energy of Dala'Bon's nightlife.
Fang, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery, turned to Kev with a hungry look in his eyes. "All this business talk has got me famished," he grumbled, his stomach growling audibly. "Perry, swing by the old diner on Elm Street. I'm craving their chili-cheese fries."
Perry, his sharp eyes focused on the road ahead, hesitated for a moment. "Boss," he said, his voice a soft hoot, "that diner's been closed for a couple of years now."
Fang's brow furrowed in frustration, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "Closed?" he echoed, his voice rising slightly. "But... its always been there..."
"What else is there for a quick bite?" Fang asked, his disappointment evident in his voice.
Talon, who had been silently listening to the conversation from the front seat, spoke up. "What kind of food do you like, Mr. Fang?" he inquired, his voice a low rasp.
Fang pondered for a moment, his gaze drifting out the window. "Something fried," he finally replied. "We don't have deep fryers at the club. Reepia says it's a coward's way to prepare food."
Kev chuckled, picturing the head chef's disdain for anything that wasn't meticulously flame grilled and expertly seasoned.
"There's a burger place on the ground floor of my apartment building that I like," Talon offered tentatively.
Fang raised an eyebrow, a skeptical glint in his eyes. "It better be good," he warned, his tone playful but firm.
Talon shrugged, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I can't make any promises, boss," he replied. "But it's worth a try."
Fang laughed, a deep, rumbling sound that filled the car. "Alright, let's give it a shot," he said, his spirits lifting. "I've got no better ideas."
As the car approached the bustling city center, Talon leaned forward and gave Perry precise directions to the burger place. The owl man skillfully navigated the busy streets, finally pulling up to the curb in front of a brightly lit diner. The tantalizing aroma of grilled meat and fried potatoes wafted through the open window, making Kev's stomach rumble.
Fang reached into his pocket and pulled out a crisp bill. He handed it to Talon, his voice a low rumble. "Burger, fries, and a shake," he instructed. "Extra bacon. And use the rest to get something for your sister upstairs. She'll have a busy day tomorrow with the move and should eat something."
Talon's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of gratitude crossing his face. "Thank you, Mr. Fang," he said, his voice a soft rasp. "I'll be back in thirty minutes."
He exited the car and strode across the street towards the diner, his movements swift and purposeful.
Kev, touched by Fang's generosity, smiled warmly at the wolfman. "That was nice of you," he said, his voice filled with admiration.
Fang's gaze softened as he looked at Kev. "He deserves it," he replied simply. "He's got an important job and I want to make sure he can focus when he's working."
Without taking his eyes off Kev, Fang spoke to Perry. "You heard Talon, thirty minutes" he said, his voice a gentle command. "Take a break. Grab yourself something to eat while we wait."
Perry nodded gratefully and stepped out of the car, disappearing into the crowd.
Fang turned back to Kev, his smile widening. He leaned in, his hand cupping Kev's cheek, and captured his lips in a tender kiss. The world outside the car faded away, replaced by the warmth of Fang's touch and the intoxicating scent of his cologne.
The kiss deepened, a primal hunger igniting between them. Kev's hands roamed Fang's broad back, the soft fur a stark contrast to the crisp fabric of his suit. Fang, lost in the moment, pressed Kev deeper into the plush leather seat, his muscular chest a comforting weight against Kev's slender frame.
"My little lucky charm," Fang growled, his voice a husky whisper against Kev's lips. "I'm so happy you've come to me." He trailed kisses down Kev's neck, his tongue leaving a trail of fire in its wake.
Kev's breath hitched, his body responding to Fang's touch with a yearning he'd never known before. He wrapped his arms around Fang's neck, his hands barely meeting in the middle of the wolfman's broad back. "I want you too, Fang," he confessed, his voice a breathless plea. "Why not come to my room tonight?"
Fang pulled back, his amber eyes ablaze with desire. He captured Kev's lips in one last, lingering kiss. "We'll see what the night brings," he murmured, a promise in his voice.
Time seemed to dissolve as they lost themselves in each other's embrace. Thirty minutes passed in what felt like a heartbeat, the world outside the car a distant, forgotten dream.
A sharp rap on the window startled them back to reality. Perry, the owl man driver, peered in, a knowing smile on his face. "Talon's back, boss," he announced, his voice a soft hoot. "Ready to go?"
Fang, reluctantly pulling away from Kev, let out a low growl of frustration. He straightened his suit, his cheeks still flushed from the passionate encounter. Talon, a thin smile on his beak, handed a bag of takeout food through the window.
Fang sniffed the bag appreciatively, his tail wagging slightly. "Ah, just what I needed," he said, his voice a low rumble.
Perry started the car, smoothly merging back into the city's bustling traffic. Kev, his heart just starting to slow, held Fang's milkshake as the wolfman eagerly devoured his burger and fries. He couldn't help but marvel at Fang's impeccable table manners, despite his wolfish appetite. Not a single crumb or drop of sauce marred his pristine white suit.
"How do you do that?" Kev asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I'm always getting food all over myself."
Fang chuckled, his amber eyes twinkling. "Years of practice, my dear," he replied, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "And a healthy dose of self-preservation. Wouldn't want Merybell to see me in a stained suit."
Fang finished the burger and fries in record time, his appetite seemingly insatiable. Kev, still nursing his own milkshake, handed it over to Fang, who eagerly accepted it.
The wolfman took a long, greedy gulp, the cold liquid hitting the back of his throat. A pained expression crossed his face, his eyes clenching shut in surprise.
"Brain freeze!" Kev exclaimed, bursting into laughter.
Fang groaned, clutching his head. "Damn it, Kev," he grumbled, his voice a muffled growl. He reluctantly handed the milkshake back to Kev.
Kev took a sip, savoring the sweet, creamy flavor. "If you'd slow down a bit you wouldn't have to worry about it," he teased, a playful smile on his face.
They continued their journey back to the club, the city lights blurring past the windows.
"How was the food, Mr. Fang?" Talon inquired from the front seat, his voice a respectful rasp.
"Greasy," Fang replied, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. "It was great."
They soon arrived at the familiar security checkpoint. Rex, his muscular frame silhouetted against the brightly lit guardhouse, stepped forward to greet them.
As the car rolled to a stop, Fang and Kev stepped out, Talon and Perry following close behind. The security team, their movements efficient and practiced, immediately began their inspection of the vehicle. Rex, his predatory gaze sweeping over them, couldn't resist a playful jab at Kev.
"Nice cufflinks," he purred, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I thought Fang would have gotten you a nice collar instead."
Fang chuckled, his arm tightening around Kev's shoulders. "Rex, behave," he warned, his tone light but firm.
Rex shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "Just an observation, boss," he replied, his gaze lingering on Kev. He then turned to Fang, his demeanor shifting to one of professionalism. "No incidents to report. Everything's been quiet."
"Good," Fang said, a satisfied nod. "Keep up the good work, Rex."
He ushered Kev back into the car, Talon taking his place in the front seat. As Perry drove them up the winding driveway, Fang leaned closer to Kev, his voice a low rumble. "Don't mind Rex," he whispered. "He's just jealous."
Kev chuckled, a warmth spreading through him at Fang's protective gesture. "I can handle him," he replied, a confident smile on his face.
As they stepped back into the bustling club, the energy palpable even at this late hour, Fang steered Kev towards the familiar comfort of the VIP table. The air throbbed with the rhythmic pulse of music, and the dance floor shimmered with a kaleidoscope of colors and movement.
"Another drink before bed?" Fang inquired, his voice a low rumble amidst the surrounding noise.
Kev nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "And maybe some dessert," he added, his stomach growling softly.
Fang chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "Just don't tell Reepia I indulged in someone else's cooking," he whispered conspiratorially.
"She already knows we went to Ralph's," Kev reminded him with a grin.
Fang shrugged, a mischievous smirk on his face. "That's different," he retorted. "Ralph's food is an experience, not just sustenance. It's more like art than food."
Kev, feeling a bit more adventurous, decided to branch out from his usual Cape Cod. "I'll have a whiskey sour, please," he told Rebecca, who had materialized at their table with her usual feline grace. "And a slice of blueberry pie."
Fang, ever predictable, ordered his customary double whiskey on the rocks. As Rebecca disappeared into the crowd, Kev turned to Fang, a hopeful glint in his eyes. After finishing off his drink and slice of pie he felt full and content. He was about to ask if Fang would walk him back to his room when a familiar figure approached their table.
Lanon, his reptilian movements as fluid and confident as ever, sauntered towards them, a sly smile playing on his lips. Talon, however, stepped forward, blocking Lanon's path.
"Hold it right there," Talon said, his voice a low rasp. "State your business."
Lanon raised an eyebrow, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. "Talon, is it?" he purred, his voice laced with a condescending tone. "I'm here to speak with Mr. Fang, as I'm sure he's informed you."
Talon didn't back down. "I haven't been informed of any such meeting," he retorted, his wings rustling slightly in agitation.
Kev, sensing a potential conflict brewing, nudged Fang discreetly. The wolfman, who had been observing the exchange with a bemused expression, finally intervened.
"Talon," Fang interjected, his voice a calm but authoritative rumble, "that is Lanon, one of my managers. He's in charge of personal relations."
Talon's posture relaxed slightly, but his gaze remained wary. "My apologies, Mr. Lanon," he said, inclining his head in a respectful bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Lanon's lips curled into a knowing smile as he studied Talon. "Ah, the type who appreciates the chain of command," he purred, his voice a low, seductive rumble. "Much more complicated than a certain feisty kitty I know... I think you'll be an interesting one, Talon."
Lanon then turned his attention to Fang, settling into the booth with a graceful flourish. "So, boss," he began, his voice a smooth purr, "I was expecting you in my office nearly an hour ago, you haven't forgotten about our meeting, have you?"
Fang's gaze shifted to Kev, a hint of remorse in his eyes. "Have Talon escort you to your room, Kev," he instructed. "I need to talk with Lanon."
Kev's heart sank. He'd hoped to spend more time with Fang… the thought of being alone up in his apartment, while not awful, did fill him with loneliness. But he understood the importance of Fang's duties and didn't want to interfere, and didn't want to do anything that might upset Fang.
"I'd rather you walked me up…" Kev said softly, his voice laced with a hint of disappointment.
Lanon chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Please, Fang," he interjected, "don't let me get in the way of an intimate moment."
Fang's growl reverberated through the booth, a warning rumble that silenced Lanon's playful teasing. "Keep your thoughts away from Kev, Lanon," he warned, his voice a low, menacing purr.
He turned to Talon, his expression softening. "Talon, take Kev up to his room, and then come right back," he instructed. "I need to go over a few more things with you before you leave for the night."
Talon nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Yes, Mr. Fang."
Kev, with a final lingering look at Fang, rose from his seat. He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on Fang's cheek. "Don't work too hard," he whispered.
He followed Talon out of the booth, leaving Fang and Lanon to their private conversation.
As they walked up the grand staircase, Kev's curiosity got the better of him. "What do you think they're talking about?" he asked Talon, his voice a hushed whisper.
Talon's brow furrowed in thought. "I'm not sure," he replied, his voice a low rasp. "What does Mr. Lanon do, exactly?"
Kev hesitated for a moment, unsure how much to reveal. "He's... in charge of personal relations," he finally said, repeating the double-entendre that had been told to him by both Horns and Fang.
Talon's frown deepened. "Ah," he said, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Then it's probably better for both of us if we don't know."
They reached Kev's apartment, and he unlocked the door, stepping aside to let Talon in. "Would you like to come in for a bit?" he offered, a friendly smile on his face.
Talon shook his head, his gaze fixed on the hallway beyond. "Mr. Fang said to come right back," he replied, his voice a clipped rasp. "I'll see you tomorrow, Kev."
"See you, Talon," Kev said, a hint of disappointment in his voice. He watched as Talon turned and disappeared down the hallway, his footsteps echoing in the quiet mansion.
Kev, feeling the weight of the day settle upon him, shed his clothes and carefully placed his new cufflinks and watch on the dresser. The silver glimmered softly in the moonlight, a reminder of Fang's affection and the unexpected adventure that had led him to this place.
He slipped beneath the cool sheets, the familiar comfort of his bed a welcome respite from the day's events. His mind buzzed with images and conversations, a kaleidoscope of experiences that both excited and unsettled him. He thought of Fang's warmth, Lanon's cryptic words, Cindy's maternal concern, and Talon's quiet intensity. It was a world of contradictions, a place where danger and desire coexisted, where the boundaries between pleasure and pain were blurred.
But as sleep tugged at his eyelids, Kev's thoughts drifted back to Fang's love. A thrill of anticipation ran through Kev, a spark of hope amidst the uncertainty. He closed his eyes, surrendering to the darkness, and fell into a deep sleep. He dreamt of talon throwing diamond darts at an evil, mustache twirling, Rex.