“You have the Taverns favourite which is Phoenix feathers. Or a popular one Thieves nectar”
“Which one would you recommend?”
“Thieves nectar as it is very sweet, but it isn’t as potent as Phoenix feathers … Unless you’re planning on getting wasted?” he cocks his head as he looks at me.
“I’ll try Thieves nectar please” I say sweetly.
“Sure thing”
“Why don’t you girls grab a table and I'll bring the drinks over?”
“Thanks, handsome” Alice says
“You sure Max?”
“Positive” He replies.
“Come on, I spy a nice big booth” Alice says dragging me to the seats she’s seen.
We sat in the booth Alice had first seen as it was in the corner but gave us a view of the small outside garden. Seeing the flowers reminded me of the time I spent with Dante yesterday and how we would laugh and joke around.
“Hey no heavy throughs” Alice whines.
“I wasn’t. I was thinking about my date with Dante”
“OMG! He actually took you on a date! Like a real date?”
“Yes, he did. We went to Kew gardens and spent the day there”
“Spill!”
“No. This evening is for us and Max to enjoy ourselves” I nudge her to stop asking questions.
“Fine but as my duty as best friend I expect to know everything before the week is out” She warns me. I bit my lip as I think of some things I don’t wish to share like his sweet words and how much fun we had.
“Here are our drinks” Max says settling a tray on our table before handing them out.
“Lets do a toast” I say in a strong voice
“What are we toasting to … you’re not pregnant, are you?”
“Fuck no!” I shout out a little bit too loud but so far, were the only customers.
“Then what?”
“To everlasting friendship and craziness” I say
“I’m down for that” Max is quick to say.
I look at Alice waiting for her to say something “Fuck yes! Lets do it”
Happy to have meet Alice as she always crazy but is always there when you need her. And Max, who tried to take me home when I wasn’t feeling well. I may not hang out with him much, but I still considered him a great friend for helping me learn and grow. “To crazy friends that will last a lifetime!”
“Whether it be in fits of giggles or fits of madness” Alice just had to add as she gives me a wide toothy grin.
“We will stand by each other even if it means death” Max’s words take me by surprise as it occurs to me, what his risking by spending time with me.
Taking a mouthful of Thieves nectar, I’m hint by two things. The first being how sweet the drink is as it tastes of caramel where hints of coffee, orange and cream can be tasted. But it’s the after taste of whiskey that really gives it a kick. The second thing I notice is my mystery stalker dressed in a black trench coast standing across the road.
I can’t take my eyes of him as he waves at me before disappearing once more as a bus passes him. I haven’t seen him since the night he followed me on the train, but I know its him. There’s no mistaken the creepy vibe I get nor the way he smiled and wave like we were friends. I mean who does that? He should have just held up a sign saying I know who you are and followed me around.
My throughs are interrupted by my crazy friend who starts shouting “Shots!” like its her new favourite word.
“Max. how strong is that drink?”
“Strong enough to turn any witch insane” Is his reply. I shoot him a worried look as Alice starts to climb on the table and start tap dancing. Not that she can’t but more like a child trying to walk for the first time.
“Should I be concerned?”
“Nope. This is normal just wait until the sugar really kicks in and she starts bouncing off the walls”
“Why the hell would you let her order a drink that makes her go like this?” I screeched out like it’s his fault.
Max sends me a soft look before replying “I’ve learnt to let a woman have what she wants or make my life hell. I choose the easy opinion … what’s your excuse?”
“Easy … I didn’t know what funky effects it would have on her” I didn’t even have to think about my answer.
I’m hit in the head by Alice’s t-shirt which she removed before she makes her way back over to the bar. I don’t have the heart to stop her as she really looks like she’s enjoying herself. Plus, karma is a bitch.
“We should put a stop to this” Max warns
“Na, let her have her fun … if she does get out of control then we will leave”
“Let this be on your head when it goes tits up” He says before downing his drink in one.
I laugh as Alice starts pouring her own shots before knocking them back. That girl can really drink but I feel sorry for the poor man who looks terrified.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Now You Have It, Now You Don’t
I was glad Alice didn’t have to work tonight as Max had to take her home as she lost control of her magic. It was funny as she made everything float except for the poor customers who got stuck to the ceiling. They looked horrified at Alice when she started to laugh making bottles and glasses explode. Needless to say, we had out stayed our welcome and had to leave. It was perfect timing as I needed to get to work.
Work last night seemed to drag on as not many people were in tonight. That could have been down to Dante not being their or it may have something to do with people were getting used to the fact he was staying longer then he normally did. Either way it was quite as Ty had let me go earlier than normal as I wasn’t needed. It was nice that Ty wasn’t treating me any differently however, Jay wouldn’t meet my eyes let alone share the same space as me. It was very awkward as whenever he came near me, he would make up an excuse to disappear to get away. I was glad to have finished earlier as I didn’t think I could put up with Jays weird behaviour anymore.
“Night Belle” Dex said as I walked by.
“Make sure you wait for Alex sweetheart” Joey said.
Any other night then I would have waited for Alex, so I told them “I’m catching the train tonight as his busy working, but don’t worry I will be fine” I waved my goodbye as Joey frowned and Dex looked unhappy about it. “Take care and try not to eat anyone” I said to try and lighten their moods.
Tonight, the temperature seemed to have remained warm which was great as I didn’t have to worry about freezing to death. It was a nice change as the days started to get longer and the nights shorter as summer was fast approaching. I wondered what the club would be like in the heat of the summer when tourists and schools finished. Would it be busier, or would the place quit down as everyone went traveling? I didn’t know about everyone else, but I did know Alex was mostly likely to travel, if his business doesn’t hold him back.
Turns out that one of Alex’s managers had royally fucked up the accounts and books, leaving Alex to sort through this year's cost and expenses. Somehow, they had put everything onto the wrong spread sheet and wasn’t cashing up correctly making it near impossible to sort it out. Alex was furious when he told me what had happened, and I didn’t blame him as Alex had worked hard to get that place started. At least it is able to get sorted but the guy lost his job, guess that’s what happens when people get lazy at their jobs.
I had just pinged my oyster through the gate as my train was announced. Taking off I ran to reach it before it departed as I didn’t want to hang around as the second session of The Order had come out today. Meaning I could binge watch all ten episodes as Alex wouldn’t be home again.
The journey home was a quite one as I left the train station but the feeling from earlier came back. I knew he was back again unless he was a mind reader and changed his clothes, I couldn’t spot him. Instead the sound of my phone ringing had me putting my back against the wall as I picked up.
“Hello?”
“Belle! Did you not get my messages?” Dante asked which had me checking the caller ID as I’m sure I programmed his number.
“No. I just came out of the station … Why?”
“Wait they’re for me. See you in a second” Dante said before hanging up.
How bizarre he never calls me. Doing as he said I waited for him as I checked the incoming messages sent. I had some from Ty telling me Dante would take me home, Alice texted to make sure I was alright. Even Alex had tried to call me, so I sent him a text asking if everything was alright. However, it was the texts from Dante that didn’t make sense as there was a whole conversation from a few nights ago. I don’t have any recollection of, let alone understand what the texts said as they were in another language. I was so engrossed with trying to use google translator that I didn’t notice Dante approaching me.
“AHHHHH” I screamed out as he touched my face freaking me. His actions had made me jump as I went to use my phone as a weapon with fast reflexes, he had caught my wrist and pulled me into him.
He chuckles softly “Next time try and pay attention to where you are”
“How about telling someone your approaching before scaring them half to death” I snapped out as I tried to control my erotic heart rate.
“I am not the one at fault since you were glued to your phone”
“If you say so, but Dante?
“Yes, Belle”
I chewed my lip as I through on how I was going to word my question. I needed to word it so I didn’t have to tell him the truth but at the same time know whether he will tell the truth or not. “Do you ever normally text me on my phone at all?”
A funny look crossed his face before replying “No Belle as most nights you spend with me. So, what would be the point of texting?”
His words say one thing, but his eyes and stiff body tell another story. “Why are you really here?”
“Can I not walk you home or is that a crime?”
“Any other time then your words may have melted my heart, but I call bullshit Dante. Cut the crap and tell me the truth”
“Always so quick to assume everything”
“You may be able to fool everyone else with your lies but I can see right through them. Just like I know your lying about the texts and why you’re here. Same as when you lied about your heritage”
Dante lets out a cruel laugh before the light disappears from his eyes. “You think you have it all figured out Belle” He mocks. “Just wait until everything becomes clear and your memories return once more”
“So, you knew she had taken and yet you don’t have the decency to say anything” I said as a statement.
He looks shocked before hiding his emotions “You don’t know shit”
“Clearly” I said as I began walking home but instead of walking alone the bridge and heading straight for home. I decided to walk alone the Thames as I didn’t want to be in a foul mood.
“Home is that way” He points out.
“Well done, would you like a gold metal Mr obvious?” I said with as much sarcasm as I could dripping of each word”
“Watch it Belle” He snaps
“Or what Dante?!” Who does he think he is?
“You don’t want to find out”
“Promise. Promise. We have been here before but last time you were a beast” I’m sick of taking two steps forward and four steps backwards with him. “Tell me! is it really me you want? Or is it her? As clearly we are connected somehow”
“It doesn’t matter!” He snapped out with a vicious bite to his words.
“Not to you it doesn’t. But to me it does! I am not some replace as clearly she holds your heart!” as much as it hurt to admit, I knew it was the truth. I couldn’t be some replace for another women. Especially if he still wanted her because what would happen if she returned? Would he discard me in favour of her?
“I have not been waiting all this time for a replace. If I wanted that then I wouldn’t have bothered with you now would I!” He roared out.
“How am I to know?! For once in your life! Be honest with me before I walk away”
“You could not handle the truth for your fragile mind would break and where would that leave me!?”
“I am far from fragile Dante! But how would you know if you never give me the truth. When every word you say is covered in lies!”
Dante snaps pushing me up against the wall where one hand goes to my throat and the other above my head. “Listen very closely” He says in a dark menacing voice. “I am very used to getting my own way and getting what I want. If I tell you that you are not ready and will have to wait, then I expect you to obey me”
“I am not a dog for you to control. If you’re going to kill me then just fucking do it!”
A deep sadness enters his eyes before his hand tightens to the point of pain. It is the first time I have ever started to fear him truly hurting me. “NO Belle, I would never kill you. But there are far more worse things I could do”
“Like what?”
“I could take away everyone you hold dear, gifting you their fucking head as a present before mounting it. Locking you up within my castle where you could never escape, taking away your freedom as you would never see the light of day again” His confessions to what he would do has my mind whirling as I picture him doing just that.
“I told you once Dante what would happen if you ever tried to control me.”
“I would never let you go again” Again? Was I hearing this right or was it a slip up?
“You won’t have a choice as I refuse to be anything less than equal. I refuse that life you offer” I watch as the beast tries to take over as he starts to lose his hold. Black demonic scales can be seen as he fights for control. Cold long claws touch my neck cooling my heated skin.
“Its about fucking time you said no” A rough voice said from behind Dante. Whatever Dante was about to say was cut off as he turned around to face the guy. But I won’t stay hidden any more.
Standing to the side of Dante I take in the hulking great figure before me. Dressed in a pair of grey worn ripped jeans and black leather boots, he had a silver belt buckle that had two pistols as its emblem. A black leather waist coat and a plain white top. He looked like a Rockstar with his clothes style however, his face had hard lines and a wide nose with a strong bone structure. He had an old scar that ran down his left eye starting from his eyebrow all the way to his chin. I could tell it was old by the way it turned white and faded into his skin. He must have seen me staring at it as he smirked “You won’t remember this, but that was curtesy of you”
“Say what?” I blurted out as I was sure I would remember sea green eyes that would change colour depending on the light. Plus, his scar.
“Where have you been hiding her Beast or is it Dante now? I can never keep up with how many names you have accumulated over the years”
“Careful Davy, for you are far from your home and crew” Dante says in a cold tone.
“That maybe so. But can you fight me off and keep her safe?” The man Davy says while keeping his eyes on me.
“How about the pair of you leave me fucking out of this” Then it clicks who he is. “And you!” I point my finger at him. “Stop fucking stalking me around! Don’t think I haven’t spotted you following me every damn time I got on the train or when I go out” All this time Davy had me my stalker.
“His been doing WHAT?!” I roll my eyes at how dramatic Dante is being.
“Not my fault if you can’t keep her safe … Again” Davys words push Dante over the edge as he launches himself at him. I watch as they both tumble into the water before shrugging my shoulders and making my way home. This is not my problem to deal with. Maybe a little but its not like anyone will be straight with me.
“Where do you think your-“ I never let the man finish as I attacked him making him fall into the water. I am so done with this, maybe I should think about moving to another country.
“BITCH!” He screams out. Looking do
wn I see his hat floating away as the guy has long hair and looks a bit like a pirate.
“Hey asshole!” I call back as he splashes around. “I would be focusing on getting out of the water if I was you” I say before walking away once more.
“Scared in case I drag you in?”
“Nope! I would be more worried about the mermaids and kelps that live below. It was nice knowing you” I said over my shoulder unsure if he took my advice or not. Again, not my problem.
I could hear howls of pain and angry growls but for once I couldn’t care what happened. Tonight, was a real eye opener of how much I truly didn’t know about Dante. How he could so easily lie to my face and bluntly tell me it doesn’t matter. It hurt.
Lost Girl (Soul Bound Book 1) Page 25
