Gavin and Erza walked over to their SUV with Aria and Lyla close behind them. "Did I hear you mention going to Club Storm?" A joyful voice called out from behind them.
Gavin groaned as he turned to face his biggest tormentor. Kara stood there with a wide grin on her face and her hands held behind her back as she leaned towards the group. Gavin's jaw dropped at the sight of her.
Gone was the normal shining armor. In its place, she wore a ravishing, red silk gown that flowed freely around her curves. It came with a plunging neckline that made it hard for Gavin to think momentarily. Gavin instinctively stepped forward and placed himself between the girls and Kara.
Kara laughed as she pounced around, invading his personal space. "What's the matter Gavin, Valkyrie got your tongue?" She reached up and closed his open mouth with a gentle finger.
Erza's eyes narrowed dangerously as she witnessed Kara's actions. "What do you want, Valkyrie?" Her tone was cold, yet calculating as she spoke.
"Oh relax red. Just because I'm here doesn't mean I wanna fight." Kara snapped in annoyance before a subtle blush crept over her cheeks. "I heard you guys were going to Club Storm, and I snuck out to join you." She crossed her arms over her chest as she glared at Erza.
Erza's eyes widened. "You… snuck out? You are an ancient warrior; why in seven hells would you need to sneak out?" Erza's tone lost all coldness and was replaced by curiosity as she faced the woman in front of her.
Kara turned sheepish as she grinned at her. "Astrid is against nighttime fun and activities. Well, she's against any kind of fun really."
Aria laughed as she shook her head. "This week is getting more interesting by the day."
Kara turned and flashed her with a radiant smile. "That's the spirit. Do you even know the secret of Club Storm?"
Erza raised an eyebrow. "What secret? It's just a famous, popular night club, isn't it?"
Kara laughed as she faced Erza. "The brand; Club Storm, is so much more than that. They are a sacred sanctuary for all of Demi kind."
Gavin cocked his head in confusion. "A sanctuary for all of the Demi races? How is it possible for that to stay hidden?"
Kara leaned her back against Erza's SUV. "Through a series of spells, glammer skills and laws in place. The ground floor is the only one open to normal humans. The other floors are what cater to the Demi like us."
Erza nodded. "Right. I forgot. With everything going on, the rest of the world doesn't know about all the other races."
Kara clapped her hands together. "Exactly. Since it's a special system set up by Lady Tempestra, everyone usually follows the laws of Sanctuary." Kara's energy was infectious as she explained some basic information about Sanctuary.
Gavin beamed with excitement. This would be the first time meeting the other Demi outside of Koray's dungeon. This could be a lot of fun.
Just don't be your reckless self and you should be fine. Veronica's chiding response made Gavin grin even more.
Oh reckless partner. When have I ever been reckless?
Do you want that list alphabetically or chronologically?
Oh ha ha. Very funny.
Hmph. Was her reply as she faded from his thoughts.
Erza noticed his excitement and sighed. "Well, Let's get going then."
Gavin reached out and squeezed her hand. "This is going to be awesome."
Erza couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm. "Just don't be an idiot, alright?" She walked around to the driver's door. She looked over the roof of her SUV. "You coming Kara?"
Kara nodded, a wide grin on her face as she opened the back door and got in, sitting behind Gavin. "Hell yeah."
Aria and Lyla walked over to their car smirking as Erza got in the driver's seat. Together they pulled out of the campsite and headed back through the woods and towards Tristane.
Gavin sucked his breath in as they pulled up to the massive club and bar. Club Storm almost took up the entire city block it was on. Gavin couldn't tell how many floors the building had due to the low lighting. The building was a slick metal with all kinds of runes carved into the side. A giant neon sign spread out above the set of double doors in the front.
Club Storm.
In front of the door were two large, beefy men dressed in business black as they checked ID's from the patrons on their way in. The sounds of thumping music could be heard even through the thick walls of the building.
Gavin got out and let out a low appreciative whistle. "This place is huge."
Kara snickered at his response. "First time wolf?" She shut the door and stood next to him.
Gavin nodded as Erza walked around the front of the SUV. "Me and the girls have been several times. We just always stayed on the first floor." Erza explained as Aria and Lyla walked over.
"Well, then this should be a fun night. Come on slowpokes." Kara called out as she strolled confidently towards the door.
Gavin shook his head in amusement as Erza took his hand and interlocked their fingers. "Come on, let's go enjoy this night." She pulled him along as they walked towards the bouncers and each of them showed their ID's.
"Hey Kara doll, bringing some new friends with you?" The man on the left with a short buzz cut and blue eyes called out in greeting. He wrapped an arm around her waist and gave her a quick hug.
Kara squealed in delight as he lifted her off her feet for a moment and sat her back down gently. "Hey Doug. Yeah, some new folk that need shown around the upper floors." She lowered her voice. "Just between you and me, the sexy boy over there is an Alpha."
Doug lifted his eyebrow in surprise. "Really? Thought they all died out." His words were short and quiet as he turned his gaze over to Gavin who was chatting away with Erza.
Gavin felt a weird sensation run down his spine while he talked away with Erza. He turned to see Kara standing close to one of the bouncers, and the bouncer kept his gaze locked on Gavin's.
"Behave yourself Doug. You don't want to anger Lady Lunaria, do you?" Kara's teasing words had the desired effect-Doug instantly shifted his gaze away from Gavin and acted like the man didn't exist.
"I wasn't aware the Lady was involved." His words were a whisper in acknowledgment.
"Now you do, pumpkin." Kara laughed and patted his cheek affectionately. "Him and the red-head are under protection of milady. Make sure it's known." She whispered in his ear and kissed his cheek before bouncing away and waving at the others.
Doug grunted and nodded. "Understood."
Gavin and the others walked over to Kara. Gavin looked at the bouncer suspiciously. "Is there a problem?"
Erza heard his tone and tensed next to him. She regarded the bouncer quickly while she waited.
Kara laughed and waved her hand between them dismissively. "Nope, not at all. Just catching up with my ex before we walked in. Come on!" She grabbed Erza's hand and pulled her along.
"Come on Gav." Aria said as she walked past. "You're gonna be the last one in."
"Right, I'm coming." Suddenly, this night club doesn't feel like such a good idea. I don't like how he was staring at me. But maybe I don't want to know. Screw it, that's future Gavin's problem. With his shoulder's set he walked past the bouncer and followed the most beautiful woman into the club.
Gavin was hit by a heartbeat of bass, drum, and overly enhanced music as he walked through the doors. Gone was the quiet street life of the city. Gavin felt the deep reverberating shake through his entire being as he walked ahead.
The main entryway was dimly lit as patrons walked in and out of the club for some fresh air. The scent that filled his senses was of sweat, desperation, and magic. I've never been to a club before, I wonder if they all smell like this.
Men and women walked past him as they tried to make their way through the overly crowded hallway. Deep maroon painted the walls and only added to the warm ambiance feeling the club gave off. Every beat of the music, however, seemed to calm his nerves and relax his mind.
Kara led them down the hall and towards the bar at the back of the dance floor. Her hips swayed with every step she took in time to the music and rhythm of the crowd. Aria and Lyla beamed in delight with the energy of the crowd as they followed.
Gavin had a different reaction.
There is something old here. This place feels like it was created and wrapped in magic. I can feel it in my bones. Gavin discussed with Veronica as he followed Erza. His senses were on alert and his body unable to relax.
You should be safe enough here, Master Gavin. The laws of Sanctuary are absolute. Not even Kara would dare to break them. Veronica comforted the worries in Gavin's mind.
Gavin grunted in response as they approached the bar. A beautiful blonde woman finished pulling a rack of cups out of the washer as Kara smiled at her. "Jesse darling, how's it going tonight?"
Jesse looked up at Kara's words and beamed at her. "Kara babe, oh it's been so long. Astrid finally let you loose among us mortals?"
Kara laughed and gave her a cocky grin. "Hardly. You know I snuck out. Centuries old, and she still doesn't know how to have fun."
Jesse shook her head in amusement as she pulled a tablet out. "Maybe she just doesn't like crowds. Anyway, what are we drinking tonight folks?"
Gavin stayed back as the girls all placed their orders.
"Just a beer please, doesn't matter what kind." Erza asked.
Aria stepped forward, pulling Lyla behind her. "We will have something fruity, sweet, and strong enough to drop our panties to the floor."
Gavin blushed at those words and shook his head in mock horror. Jesse took their orders then faced Kara. "You babe?"
Kara thought for a moment. "The Valkyries Elixir." She finally decided.
Jesse laughed and nodded. "You're usual got it." Jesse turned to face Gavin in the back. "You old enough to drink?"
Before Gavin could respond, Kara leaned in to whisper something that he couldn't hear. Jesse's eyes widened before she nodded. "Right, on the house. Whatcha drinking?"
Gavin raised one eyebrow in confusion as he looked at Kara. "What are you saying to them?" His tone was laced with suspicion as he regarded the Valkyrie.
Kara leaned in, invading his personal space. "Don't worry about it. Tonight's your last night of fun for a long while. Maybe I'm sympathetic for what's about to come in the morning. Maybe I have chaotic plans for you wolf. You're just going to have to trust me." She smirked and leaned back with a shrug. "Or not."