Yeah, not a date at all.
Which is good! Dating Bane Blackwood is the last thing I want. This is a mission. When Alpha Elias Blackwood gives an order, there is no refusing him, not even for his son or for a wolf from another pack.
The neon glow of a bar sign flickers up ahead.Restless Spirits.Bingo. That’s the spot Dante supposedly frequents. Rumors say liquor isn’t the only kind of ‘spirits’ available.
Bane parks the car and turns to me. “Alright, here’s the plan. Stay back and let me do the work.”
“No, you’ve done enough,” I complain. “This whole thing is your fault.”
“Hey, it takes two to fight and fuck.”
“Oh my god.” It’s messed up that his brain puts fighting and fucking together. Maybe he’s just saying it to startle me, which works. Unfortunately. He’s already hopped out and charged into the bar before I get myself together.
Any spirits besides the liquor bottles on the shelves behind the bar aren’t immediately visible upon entering. Raised voices reach my ears from deeper inside. There’s Bane.
The back room is dimly lit, mostly empty of people with some long tables and dartboards. I weave between the few patrons who are rushing away just as I’m rushing in.
Bane is with a tall man who must be Dante. He’s played up some classic vampire traits with his long black hair, ivory skin, and his sharp smile.
“—total bullshit,” Bane growls. Great. They’ve already gotten off on the wrong foot.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” the vampire replies nonchalantly.
Bane lunges forward, forcing Dante back and nearly cornering him against the wall. The vampire evades him at the last second, twisting away with a mocking laugh.
“Don’t bother pretending,” the wolf snarls. “I smell my cousin on you.”
“Okay, I do know what you’re talking about. But why should I tell you anything?” The vampire puts a table between him and the pursuing wolf. “You Iron wolves are so uptight. You should really learn to relax. Wynn certainly did when he was in my bed.”
“Watch your mouth, bloodsucker.”
“Ah, ah, ah.” Dante wags a finger as Bane begins to move. “Stay over there. If you bore me or irritate me, I’ll simply transform into a bat and fly away.”
Only some vampires possess the ability to transform into bats. Is he one of them, or is this just a bluff?
“I’ve never hunted a bat before, but it sounds fun.” Bane snaps his teeth at Dante.
I stand at the alpha’s side, ready to pull him back if he tries vaulting over the table. “Hey guys, let’s all calm down and—”
They disregard me, still sizing each other up across the table. Bane seethes and Dante looks like he’s having a grand old time.
“Oh, you want me in your mouth, wolfie?” purrs the vampire with a seductive grin.
“You think you’re clever, don’t you?” Bane grits out.
“And you think you’re ferocious.” He winks and whispers loudly, “You’re really just a big puppy.”
“You son of a—”
I grab Bane with both hands and struggle to keep him in place. The staff and clientele here may be staying out of the conflict in the back, but I doubt it will last if we start making a mess.
“Let me go!” He bucks against me and glares at the vampire. “Gonna rip you apart.”
“Yes, you’re such a tough puppy,” he coos with glee.
“Calm down,” I hiss, still struggling to hold the shifter back.
Dante nods. “Sit. Stay. Bad puppy.”
