Pride to Pack

by Aimie Jennison

Waking up, I realise we made it through the night without any bother. The night was a blur of customers. Then again, we were both on autopilot so a tornado could have hit without either of us paying a blind bit of notice.

  I head into the kitchen in need of a coffee fix. I need to function when I get up in the morning. Knowing Misty needs coffee more than I do, I'm not surprised to find her already there with two full cups. What does surprise me is the shit eating grin she has on her face.

  “Good Morning,” she says over-enthusiastically. She’s definitely up to something.

  “Okay. What is it?” I ask, reaching for the cup she offers me.

  “You're having tonight off,” she practically sings as she leans against the breakfast bar.

  I take a sip of coffee before reacting. "Should I ask why?”

  “Don’t bite my head off, but I’ve set you up on a blind date. I know you like Theo, but he's being an idiot by avoiding you. Anyone can see the chemistry between the two of you. Your wolves are dying to jump each other. He still hasn't shown you where you can run safely.” She has a point. I might like him but he has been avoiding me, apparently before I started working at Misty's he was in there on a daily basis.

  "Who is it?”

  “One of my friends from the bar last night. He started asking about you so I suggested a blind date. He's going to take you to the cinema.” She looks extremely hopeful.

  I can't help but complain. “So it’s not a blind date. He knows what I look like. It’s just a half blind date. GREAT!" I hate the idea of blind dates. Why would two people who know nothing about each other want to meet up and spend a torturous couple of hours together? Living with a werelion pride meant there weren’t many dating opportunities for me. I guess I dated Jared but our early dates consisted of training to fight so I could stay alive. It wasn't the usual get to know each other thing. I can feel her disappointment press against me when she thinks I'm going to say no.

  I find myself agreeing to the half blind date before I really even consider it. Misty has been so good to me since I arrived in Mount Roxby, the least I can do is go on a measly half blind date. “How will I know it’s him? When and where am I meeting him?”

  “You’ll go?" she asks suspiciously.

  I nod my reply.

  She pushes of the side and pulls me into a huge bear hug."Thank you. Thank you.”

  She calms down enough to release me but she’s still bouncing on the spot. “He’s called Emmanuel. He’s pretty hard to miss at six-foot-five and built like a wall. He'd make a great rugby player. He's South African. Dark skinned and believe it or not, bright blue eyes. He'll be waiting for you at six fifteen just in front of the ticket booth at the cinema opposite the bar. You can have a few drinks for Dutch courage before going across.”

  “Okay, I’m doing this for you,” I say, giving her another hug just to try and hold her still. Her bouncing about is starting to make me feel queasy, or is that the nerves?

  “Thanks. You won’t regret it. He’s a really nice guy,” she assures me.

  I believe her. I just can't help thinking about Theo and how I should be dating him and not this other guy. What am I thinking? Theo isn't interested. My wolf needs to get the idea of him out of her horny mind.

  I don’t do much for the rest of the day. I hunt for something to wear in my very limited selection of clothes. Misty offered for me to try some of her clothes, but she’s a foot taller than me so it’s all way too long. I finally decide on my little black dress that never fails me, and some black heels with silver sequins.

  I email Benji to fill him in on the last couple of days. He replies immediately demanding a play by play of my date as soon as I get back tonight.

  When we arrive at work, it feels strange being all dressed up and showing so much flesh. The uniform I normally wear is black cropped trousers and a tight black t-shirt that has a purple Misty’s logo embroidered on the breast and a cocktail list printed on the back.

  The customers start coming in. I have to practically sit on my hands to stop myself from getting up and serving them. Every time I move, Misty glares at me and reminds me, “Night off!”

  “What do you want to drink? It’s on the house. It might chill you out. You are so fidgety it's driving me crazy,” says Misty.

  “A Johnnie Black Sazerac, please,” I say with a laugh.

  “Okay, coming right up,” she shouts over her shoulder as she bounces off to mix it up.

  “Make that two, Misty,” says my favourite rumbly voice.

  I turn to see Theo taking a seat on the stool next to me.

  “Okay, Theo, two it is.” she shouts from the mixing counter, pouring the ingredients into a shaker.

  Trust him to turn up when I’ve made plans with someone else.

  I flash him my sexiest smile. “Hi, I didn't see you come in.” Or feel him. Gee, I must be distracted not to have noticed him.

  He returns my sexy smile tenfold. “Hi yourself. You're looking ravishing tonight.”

  I can feel my face blushing. I hate compliments. “Thanks.”

  “Aren’t you supposed to be on the other side of the bar?” he asks, even though he can tell by the way I'm dressed I'm not meant to be on the other side of the bar tonight.

  Misty comes over and places our drinks in front of us.

  Theo slips off his stool and grabs his wallet out of his pocket. He’s ready to hand some money over when she puts her hands up.

  “On the house as a thank you for the other night.”

  “There’s no need for that, but thanks.” Theo places his wallet back in the rear pocket of those tight fitted jeans - the ones that hug his perfect butt just right.

  “It’s Bel’s night off. She’s going on a blind date with a friend of mine — to the cinema across the road.”

  For a split second, his face drops and anger rolls off him in waves. A customer further down the bar calls out for Misty and she dashes off to serve him.

  Theo turns to me, “Do you know his name? I might be able to tell you whether he’s a nice guy or not if I know him.” I get the distinct feeling no matter whether he’s a nice guy or not, Theo isn’t going to be happy about it.

  “Emmanuel,” I say shrugging and taking a large swig of my drink. “I’m only doing it to keep Misty happy. She’s done a lot for me since I arrived. The least I can do is suffer through a date that I don’t want to go on." I don't know why I'm explaining myself. I just feel the need to let him know. Maybe it's an alpha thing.

  His body relaxes slightly and he takes a mouthful of his drink. “I know Emmanuel. He’s not a bad guy, for a witch.”

  “She didn’t tell me he was a witch. Not that that really makes a difference.” I look at my watch and realise I’m already two minutes late. I still have to get across the road and traffic is usually a nightmare at this time. I quickly down what's left of my drink.

  “I’ve got to go, I’m already late. Can you tell Misty I’ve gone and I’ll see her later?” I jump off my chair and head for the door.

  “No problem.”

  When I get outside I notice Theo is behind me. I look at him and frown.

  He must be able to read the question on my face because before I even open my mouth to ask, he answers it. “I’m walking you across the road. It’s dark and dangerous. A woman looking as lovely as you shouldn’t be walking the streets on her own.”

  I glance at the cinema across the road. “I’m only going across the road. I'm a werewolf, I can handle it.”

  He grabs my hand, linking our fingers. “I don’t care. Dominick has already shown his interest. I'm not taking that chance.”

  Every man and his dog are driving past leaving us no chance to get across the road. We walk down to the traffic lights on the next corner to cross safely.

  “What will Emmanuel think when he sees you and me like this?” I lift our joined hands to get my point across.

  “I don’t care what he thinks as long as you’re safe.”

  We get to the m
eeting point five minutes late and as Misty assured me, Emmanuel is un-missable. He’s good looking but doesn’t make my heart skip like a certain someone holding my hand does. Theo's energy is currently running up and down my arm. It's causing my wolf to pace. She wants to greet him, be it just her energy or full wolf form she isn't fussed.

  Emmanuel spots me and waves. I can tell the exact second he notices Theo holding my hand because his emotions have become erratic, and he can't seem to settle them. I have to fight to keep my barrier up.

  “Hi Rosabel, Theodore.” He nods in Theo’s direction as he says his name

  I quickly let go of Theo’s hand and take a step away, “HI!” I say, a little over enthusiastically. This is such an awkward first meeting for a date.

  Theo throws a concerned look at me before turning his attention to Emmanuel. "Good evening, Emmanuel. I was just escorting your date here safely.”

  I turn to stand next to Emmanuel and face Theo. “Thanks for the escort, Theo.” Then without realising what I'm doing, I lean in and kiss him on the cheek.

  “Anything for you, Bel,” he says deliberately loud. He then turns and walks back towards the bar without another word.

  I turn to Emmanuel, who’s still looking at the spot where Theo had been standing. An angry emotion flows off him. Time for distractions I think. The last thing I need is an angry witch putting a hex on one of my only friends.

  “So what are we going to see?” I ask nodding towards the movie list flashing on the LED on the wall.

  He deliberates for a second before answering. “How about a comedy?”

  Time passes quickly during the easy going movie. Before I know it the credits are rolling and the lights are slowly coming on. As I stand and stretch, I feel Emmanuel’s eyes on me so I glance at him mid-stretch, only to find him staring at the hem of my dress as it exposes more of my skin. As I slowly lower my arms to cover myself he snaps out of it.

  “Sorry,” he apologises, realising he’s been caught ogling. I don’t know how to feel about him watching me like that. I’m a woman and, come on, we all feel sexy when we are being admired, but part of me just doesn't feel right about it. He has my wolf’s bristles up, whether it’s because he isn't wolf or because he is a witch I don’t know, but I won’t write him off just yet. She might warm up to him.

  I laugh at his embarrassment as he gets up and leads me to the foyer, with a hand against my lower back. Glancing at my watch I notice it’s still fairly early and the company isn't that bad, so I decide to prolong the blind date that isn’t turning out as bad as I expected.

  “It’s still early. Do you want to grab a coffee in there?” I offer pointing to the little cafe in the corner of the foyer. “I just need to dash to the bathroom first. That coke has gone right through me.”

  Emmanuel quickly agrees. “Sounds good. I’ll get the drinks while you… freshen up.” He struggles to find the appropriate word, but at least he didn’t blurt out a pee reference. “What would you like?”

  “A caramel latte would be great, thanks. I’ll be right back.” I dash off in the direction of the little girl’s room before he sees me blush.

  As I head down the corridor leading to the toilets I can feel someone behind me, and there is a malicious emotion coming off them. I need to try and find out who it is and whether the emotion is towards me or someone else. That’s the problem with empathy. I can feel the emotions of strangers towards other people, and it can be so strong as I pass that it feels like it’s aimed at me. Most of the time it isn’t.

  I take a deep breath to see if I can pick up a scent. I smell death - vampire and male. Before I can pick up on anything else, someone grabs my arm and pushes me out the emergency exit near the female toilets.

  Once outside he spins me around to face him, pinning me to the wall. It’s then that I recognise who it is.

  Dominick!

  He tilts his head and leans in to kiss my neck. I brace myself for the bite but it doesn't come. He stops just as his lips brush against my skin.

  “I told you I would taste you soon,” his warm breath whispers against my neck sending shivers over my body. Before I can react or reply to his words, his fangs sink into my throat.

  I push with all my strength, trying to move him off me, but he’s far taller and weighs more than me so it’s like trying to move a brick wall. I can feel myself weakening from the blood loss. It’s pointless! I can feel him pulling at my vein, moaning as he swallows.

  After what feels like forever, but is probably only two minutes, he retracts his fangs, licking my neck with his tongue, sending another unwanted shiver throughout my body.

  “Are you happy now you’ve had a taste?” I ask snidely, still plastered to the wall by his body.

  The amazement is clear on his face. I guess he wasn’t expecting that to come out of my mouth. Maybe he thought I’d fall all over myself for more.

  “You would have enjoyed it more if I wanted you to, but I expect making you enjoy it would have pissed you off more. I actually like you and would like you to respect me, to a degree.”

  “Whether I enjoyed it or not, I still won’t respect you. You lost any respect I had for you the moment you sank your fangs in me and took from me what I wasn’t willing to give,” I honestly inform him.

  He seems to mull over my remark before responding. “I suppose not. To answer your question, I’m extremely happy. You taste even better than I expected. I don’t think I’ve tasted anything as satisfying in my whole two thousand plus years.”

  “Wow.” I could kick myself for letting my surprise at his age show.

  Before he can react to my surprised remark, his phone starts to chime.

  “Yes?” he says answering it.

  He walks back in the door leaving it ajar for me to get back in, never even looking back in my direction. When I shut the door behind me, he’s nowhere to be seen. Charming! He could have at least said goodbye or thanks, after what he just did. After all, I did just give him his feed for the night.

  When I get back to the cafe, Emmanuel waves me over from a table next to the window. The last thing I want now is to carry on with this date so I force a friendly smile as I make my way over to him. He stands and pulls out a chair for me. I sit and try to make small talk. It isn’t his fault that Dominick just fed from me. We talk about the usual first date things jobs, family, and the like. He tells me about his job as a swimming coach and I just can’t help imagining him in his Speedos. The thought makes me wonder if the date might be salvageable after all.

  “I’m really sorry to cut the date short, but I have the early shift at the pool tomorrow.” He sounds genuinely upset to be leaving.

  “That’s fine. I’ve had a great night,” I assure him as we stand and make our way outside.

  We swap numbers and as he leans forward to hand my phone back, he goes for the kiss. I have very quick reflexes and manage to turn so his lips make contact with my cheek. I counter with a quick kiss on his cheek. It’s not that I wouldn’t want to kiss his lips. They look very kissable, but I have had more than enough intimacy for one night.

  “We’ll have to do it again soon. I’ll call you,” he says, walking off into an alley down the side of the cinema.

  I head towards the crossing. The road is still quite busy and I don’t fancy playing chicken. I walk into the bar and find it heaving, which is unusual for a weekday. There must be about twenty customers. We’re lucky if we get ten in at the same time on a weeknight.

  I spot a couple of empty stools so I sit and wait to be served. It only takes Misty thirty seconds to notice me and come running over. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she had the senses of a were.

  “I want all the details. How did it go? Are ya gonna do it again?” She’s as excited as a kid on Christmas morning.

  “Get me a drink first,” I say distractedly, rooting through my purse for the ten dollar note I know is in there.

  She immediately starts making me a Johnnie Black Sazerac. “Was it th
at bad? I thought ya’d like him.” Her emotions tell me how disappointed she is.

  “I like him. He’s real sweet. We swapped numbers so we might do something again. It’s just something that happened when Emmanuel was getting the coffees.” I secretly hope she won’t have time to ask me anymore questions. She’s passing me my drink and taking my money when a regular named Tommy answers my wishes by waving her over to be served. I wave her off promising to fill her in when we get home later.

  I sit and drink in peace, ordering another off Lucy when my glass is empty.

  8. TESTY WOLVES

  Theo