Kyran
Trey and I got to Howler’s an hour before opening to help prep in the kitchen and set up the bar. The moment I gave the go ahead, my bouncers opened the doors to a flood of people with an endless stream pouring in that even now, half an hour later, hasn’t subsided. Busy drying some glasses, I chat with a few customers as I overhear some lewd obscenities float around the lounge. Glancing up to find the source of the salacious comments, I notice a pair of attractive, tall slender women enter the lounge and take in the crowd around them haughtily.
Witches, Valdr grumbles lowly.
All are welcome here, I intend to keep this place a neutral zone for all walks of life, I remind him, returning my attention back to the glasses. I place them on a rack beneath the bar, hang the towel and peer at my brother seated in front of me. “Shouldn’t you be tending the bar in the club?” I mutter, resting my palms against the bartop.
Grinning, he holds up his cup of ice water, shaking the cubes. “I’m finishing my break. I’ve been working such long hours, you know, slaving away for my master,” he drawls languidly.
“It’s nine-thirty,” I say flatly. “Get your ass over there! It’s swamped in here, I can only imagine what the club is like,” I grumble at him with a suppressed smirk.
Throwing his water back like a shot, Trey turns in his stool to leave. I take his glass and wash it, reaching for the towel to dry the water spots. Hearing his low whistle, I glance up, following his line of gaze to the entrance. My chest constricts as my eyes fall on Selene gently letting the door shut behind her as she looks around with wonder at my bar. She is absolutely breathtaking. I can’t help it as my gaze traces the flow of her hair cascading over her beautiful face, down along the length of her black dress hugging her amazing curves and my jaw goes slack. I press into my palms on the bartop to steady myself, her appearance completely throwing me off guard. I don’t bother attempting to stifle the low, rumbling growl rolling through my chest as I watch her look around.
“Damn, aren’t they all a sight for sore eyes,” Treyvar murmurs, turning back to me with a sly smile pulling at his mouth. “Tonight’s gonna be a good night,” he insinuates, raising his brows.
Planting my hand on the side of his head, I shove him off of the stool without taking my gaze from Selene. “Get back to work, asshole,” I mutter half heartedly as my mouth pulls up into a smirk.
Trey’s laughter follows him through the bar and he disappears behind the curtains leading into the club room. Leaning on the bartop, I watch Selene as her gaze roams the main room, taking her time absorbing the details of my bar. Her beauty is ethereal, like a beam of light in the dim lounge. Completely unaware that more than a few eyes follow her as she slowly walks in from the entrance, she admires the decorations and turns to look at each wall as she passes. Selene’s gaze drifts over the bartop, her bright eyes looking past the patrons and passing over me briefly until they dart back, locking onto mine. A slow grin spreads on my face from her attention as she notices me watching her. Even from back here I can see the flush of her pale skin and it only makes my grin grow wider.
Out of all the men in here, she stares at me, I wonder in disbelief. Feeling bold, I straighten and gesture for her to come sit at the stool in front of me, raising my brow when she hesitates. I watch her purse her full lips and turn toward Asteria, saying something in her ear. A rogue wolf plops down in the vacant stool, blocking my view. I glare at him and snarl, causing him to leap off the seat as if his ass was on fire and he hurries toward the end of the bar.
As I look up, I find Selene walking toward me and I can’t stop myself from watching the way her hips sway distractingly. Dragging my eyes up to hers, I catch the coy smile and quirk of her brow she gives me as she changes her stride, lengthening her steps and exaggerating the way her body flows seductively. Clenching my jaw, I fold my arms across my chest, raising a brow in return.
Two can play at that game, I muse with a smirk when her eyes drift downward.
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SELENE
I try—and fail miserably—to not stare at Kyran’s body as I approach the bar. It doesn’t help that he’s wearing a tight black t-shirt defining his thick muscles, especially his bare arms. Biting the corner of my lip, I drop my gaze to the bartop as I take the seat in front of him. I watch as he slides his arms across the dark marble of the bar, leaning on his elbows. Peeking up, I find his face close to mine and his amber eyes burn into me.
“What’ll it be, beautiful?” he asks, smirking.
You, I answer on a breath in my mind automatically.
Blushing, my breath catches and I clear my throat. “Would you make me two daiquiris served up and a gimlet on the rocks, please?” I order for the girls, tucking some hair behind my ear. “I, um, also have kind of an odd request, for myself.” I speak a little softer and scrunch my nose.
Kyran smiles with a nod and pulls out three cocktail glasses, clinking them on the bar. “What do you mean?” he asks me, raising his brow.
“Could you make me a drink that isn’t alcoholic, but looks like one? I, um, I’ll be driving tonight,” I mumble, not wanting to divulge the true reason behind abstaining.
His eyes squint a moment in thought and nods his head with a lopsided smile. “Sure, I’ve got an idea. Just give me a few moments,” he murmurs as he busies himself, preparing the drinks expertly.
“Hey, I’ve got to run to the restroom real quick, where is it?” I ask, feeling slightly awkward sitting here watching him in silence.
“Just before the pool tables there’s a hallway on the right, take the second door,” he gestures with a free hand, and adds, “around the corner is my office and alleyway exit, the bathroom is hard to miss,” as he flashes a smile.
“Okay, thank you. I’ll be quick, could you keep this open for me?” I ask as I stand, placing a hand on the stool.
“Of course,” Kyran grins, shaking the daiquiris.
Following his guide, I maneuver through the busy bar and stop to wait in a short line. I quickly use the restroom, wash my hands and stand off to the side, checking myself in the mirror. Satisfied, I make my way out through the line of women and skirt around a pair of men stumbling into the hallway. Passing the pool tables, I accidentally bump into someone bending over to shoot. I look over and begin to apologize when I instantly lose my breath.
Spinning away, I rush straight to the bar, shouldering people out of the way as I go. I risk glancing over my shoulder for a moment, feeling uneasy. He didn’t see me, he barely even looked up. Bolvi, here of all places. Why? Fuck! Fuck fuck fuck! My mind reels as I begin to panic, unsteadily gripping the edge of the bartop and staring down hard at the reflection of the lights on the surface. Breathe. Nose, mouth, slowly. Repeat. Just breathe, I tell myself sternly as my hands begin to tremble.
Kyran appears in front of me, his easy smiling shifting rapidly to concern as I shakily take my seat, feeling a bit on edge. He sets the finished gimlet aside, gesturing for a waitress and instructing her to bring them over to my sister’s table. I sneak a look over my shoulder, glancing back toward the pool tables. Where is he? Did he see me? I worry, flitting my gaze around nervously.
“Selene,” Kyran says lowly, pulling my focus back to him, “are you alright? Did something happen?” he gently lays his hand on my shaking one.
Looking up, I notice how his eyebrows pinch and his voice is direct but gentle as his posture tenses, leaning toward me. Relaxing slightly, I mutter, “I unfortunately bumped into my ex, by accident. It caught me off guard. We, um, didn’t exactly leave on good terms,” I say tightly, grimacing.
“I don’t mean to overstep, but the way you look right now is not typically how someone reacts just from running into their ex,” he says slowly, holding my gaze intensely.
Twisting my lips, I glance away to the side, feeling unsure of what to say.
“Selene, do you not feel safe?” he asks seriously, giving my hand a light squeeze.
Kyran’s strong presence is calming and I feel my nerves easing under his gaze. His gentle touch is warm and comforting, making me feel safe and I nod my head. “I do now,” I murmur honestly, peering up into his eyes.
His mouth draws into a flat line and he lowers his head, asking tersely, “Could you point him out to me? Just so I can keep an eye on him for you. I will not let anything happen to you, Selene, understand?”
I nod again, his deep voice comforting me. “Yes, thank you, but I can’t find him anywhere. I might have imagined it, I don’t know.” I shake my head a little and squint my eyes. “Um, if I do see him again, I will let you know right away,” I murmur.
My hand feels warm and tingly beneath his and I turn it over so I can clasp his fingers briefly before letting go. I notice a clear drink forgotten on the bar top in front of him, garnished with mint. “So, what fancy drink will be my go-to tonight?” I ask, gesturing at the glass, hoping to lighten the mood.
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Kyran takes a moment to respond as his eyes sharply roam the room. Glancing down, he picks up the drink, announcing, “May I present the Nojito, all the fun without the headache,” he winks, handing it to me with a tight smile.
I chuckle, placing it down to dig my wallet out of my purse. As I go to give him my card, he puts his hand up with a shake of his head and murmurs, “On the house, it’s my pleasure,” with his husky tone returning.
“Thank you,” I smile, rising to my feet. “I’m sure I’ll be back soon,” I give him a wink of my own and receive a grin in return.
Kyran straightens as I turn to find Asteria, Hazel, and Melody openly gawking at me from the side of the room. Ria just happened to find a booth within direct line of sight to the bar. Rolling my eyes, I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face as I make my way to our table, sitting beside Ria and reaching over her to place my purse down on the seat. She nudges my shoulder and glancing down, I find her holding out a napkin. I raise a confused eyebrow at it.
“For the river of drool pouring out your mouth,” Ria says dryly and grins widely.
Everyone cackles and I laugh along earnestly, peeking over at Kyran who looks as if he is laughing as he turns to make some drinks. “Am I that obvious?” I ask, looking around the table.
“Well, not as obvious as him, that’s for sure,” Melody jokes, finishing her daiquiri.
Several minutes pass as we talk about the bar, catching up with each other and laughter flushes my cheeks. I gather the empty glasses, asking, “Another round?” as I stand, reaching for my purse with everyone voicing their agreement.
I hurry over to the bar corner, finding a gap between groups of people. As I place the empty glasses on the bartop, Kyran nudges the bartender aside in front of me.
“You didn’t have to bring those up, you know,” he smirks, gesturing at the glasses.
“I like to help where I can. Would you make another round, please?” I ask, smiling sweetly.
He lifts up a shaker with one hand and places three more cocktail glasses on the bar. “Already on it,” he says slyly, winking.
Holding his gaze, I intentionally shift my attention to his short hair, taking my time looking at him. “You’re really handsome,” I murmur, “not that you weren’t before, just that this style suits you better,” I hastily add, returning my focus to his eyes with a blush.
“You should’ve seen me before my sister fixed it. All credit goes to her,” he laughs a little sheepishly, running a hand through his hair.
Finished with our drinks, he slides them over and Ria appears, leaning past me to place a twenty dollar bill on the bartop. “We snagged a pool table, come play if you get the chance,” she grins at me, picking up the cocktails with ease and leaving me there without a backward glance.
Kyran slides the bill back toward me with a smile. “Keep it, save it for a rainy day.”
Narrowing my eyes, I grab the money and catch the attention of an attractive red-haired waitress, beckoning her over. “Excuse me, would you kindly accept this tip? Service has been great tonight,” I chirp, handing her the twenty.
“Oh, sure! Thank you,” she smiles, her indigo eyes flitting over to Kyran before turning around and placing the money in a bucket on the shelf of liquor bottles.
Pursing my lips, I raise my brows at him in challenge and crack a smile.
He laughs loudly with his eyes crinkling in the corners. I pick up my glass with a grin and push off the bar, turning to head toward the pool tables. Taking my hand, Kyran gently tugs me back around, half laying on the barhop to reach me.
“Listen to the music, the next song is for you,” he murmurs, smiling crookedly and releasing me.
I huff out a breath and nod before I make my way across the lounge. Automatically, I look around for Bolvi, feeling slightly paranoid. After pushing through the crowded lounge, I find Melody alone at the pool table, chalking a cue stick.
“Ria and Hazel went to check out the club and will be back in a bit. Wanna play a round?” she asks, holding out a second stick for me to take.
Our game moves fast, mostly in part because I totally suck at playing billiards. I have fun anyway, laughing at all my mistakes and having a good time. As Melody is lining up for a shot, I hear the music change to a punchy drum beat with a plucky guitar, instantly recognizing the classic hit “Oh, Pretty Woman”. As the song bounces out from the record player and the lyrics float through my ears, my eyes round and I feel my cheeks flush hotly. I stare down at my feet as my heart beats rapidly. I can’t believe this man! I wonder, feeling a bit flustered. I peek up at Melody who is completely oblivious to what is happening as she focuses on finishing the table.
The end of the second verse passes and I steel myself, knowing what’s coming as I sweep my gaze through the bar to find Kyran. Spotting him leaning against the wall by the record player, I meet his eyes just as he mouths the growl part from across the room. If my face was any hotter, I’d combust into a pile of ashes, I groan internally as I roll my lips between my teeth. A full, toothy smile spreads across his face, infecting me and I return the wide grin, slightly shaking my head in disbelief. I hurry with helping Melody clear the table, putting our sticks back on the wall and re-racking the balls neatly.
Suddenly feeling brazen, I intentionally avert my eyes from Kyran, keeping my back to him until the end of the song nears. Slinging my purse over my shoulder, I turn around and catch his gaze. I mimic the second half of the last verse, beginning to cross the floor toward him as the words ‘but wait,’ play with a sly smile. Watching Kyran full out laugh, the way his eyes crinkle with amusement makes me giggle a little bit as a giddy feeling washes over me.
Melody grabs my arm and quickly turns me to the right as Ria and Hazel rush up to us flushed and laughing. They grab my hands, pulling me over toward the club side of the building. Glancing over my shoulder, I scrunch my nose and stick my tongue out playfully, making Kyran smile again as he leans forward, watching as I disappear through the heavy curtains.
The booming bass drowns out my thoughts as we enter the club and moving is difficult as it is tightly packed with gyrating bodies. Multi-colored strobe lights flash in the hazy air, illuminating the shiny poles on the stage to my right which showcases a number of lithe dancers. The club floor is huge with a sea of people stretching on further than my height allows me to see. The girls pull me up to a large, straight stretch of a bar at the back wall, ordering some more drinks from a handsome blonde man with the three of them behaving like teenagers. Why does he look familiar, have I met him before? I wonder, laughing and rolling my eyes at them.
The four of us make our way to the center of the dance floor and I find that walking is impossible, the only way to traverse the crowd is with shakes and shimmying steps. Letting the joy of the evening take over, I dance with my sister and friends to the thumping beat of the house music. As time passes, I can’t help thinking about who is in the next room over. He is so different, very hands off, yet completely unapologetic with his flirting. That was one hell of a move he pulled, and it definitely worked, I smile warmly at the thought.
Steeling myself, I decide to go back and seek him out. I turn toward the draped hallway between the bar and nightclub only to come to an abrupt stop as I slam into a slim, firm chest. Instantly feeling sick, I take one swift glance at Bolvi with his sneer and rusty eyes boring into me and bolt for the doorway, shoving harshly against the throng of gyrating bodies. The mass of people becomes impenetrable, and I hastily change direction toward the raised dais. I scramble, climbing over a sofa between two entwined couples, startling them as I launch myself onto the platform. Trying to avoid contact with blurry bodies, I run as fast as my heels will let me with my heart pounding in my throat. Without looking, I leap off the edge of the stage and dart behind some tall, round side tables, squirming through a group of boisterous women coming out of the passageway and hurry through. My purse tears from my shoulder and I let it go, gasping and trying not to cry.
I shove the curtains to the barroom aside, seeing Kyran crouched by the bar sweeping glass. Dashing across the floor and into the hallway beneath the stairs, I cut the small line and shoulder through the women’s bathroom door. Going to the furthest stall, I crawl under the door and the woman occupying it shrieks. Seeing my distraught face, she hastily opens the door and leaves. Locking the stall, I fall back onto the toilet, pulling my feet up and stifle a sob with the back of my hand, trying desperately to calm my racing heart.
Taking a few moments to get my breathing under control, I wait at least five minutes before going over to the sink and attempting to compose myself. Nothing happened, it’s okay. Text Ria, tell her you’re ready to go home and to meet you outside, I try to reason with myself. Reaching for my purse, I abruptly remember losing it in the passageway. “Fuck,” I groan, putting my hands to my face.
Breathe. In, out, I attempt to calm myself as I clean the smudges from my makeup and adjust my hair but nothing I do takes the fear out of my eyes. With my legs shaking, I cross the bathroom and cautiously open the door, peering out into the hallway. Finding it empty, I sigh and take three steps before a sharp pain burns at the back of my scalp, yanking me off my feet. My hands fly up to my head and I yelp as my back is slammed into the wall. Tears spring in my eyes and pour freely down my face, my scalp burning and back aching. Not thinking, I drop my bodyweight and am repaid with a gut-wrenching knee to my stomach, pinning me to the wall. Openly crying, I fear what Bolvi will do to me. “Stop, please!” I squeak out breathlessly with a sob.
His wild, flat, burnt umber eyes glare at me as he leans in and whispers, “I got you now, you little bitch. I’ve been waiting for you,” he grates out through clenched teeth and his sour breath washes over me, making me gag.
With one hand still fisted in my hair, Bolvi gives my head a harsh shake and reaches up toward my throat with his free hand—
Snap!
An agonized yell tears from Bolvi’s mouth before his weight is thrown off of me and his grip rips out a chunk of my hair as he flies down the hall. I let out a hiss of pain, pressing my hand to the back of my head. Crouched on my knees, I look through my tears down the hall and see Bolvi’s slumped body in the corner. A shadow moves past me and I jump with a cry, startled and afraid.
Kyran slowly kneels down in front of me, his face is twisted in rage and his chest heaves with every breath. Seeing him brings a flood of fresh tears pouring down my cheeks as a feeling of relief washes over me. Without hesitation, I collapse forward into his warm embrace and my tension abates as his strong arms envelop me.
After a moment, he pulls back and his warm fingers gently lift my chin. His amber eyes are bright as he gazes intensely at me. “I am so sorry, Selene. Are you hurt? Are you alright?” he asks, his deep voice sounding rougher than usual.
Sucking in my lip, I start to nod but end up swiveling my head around before shaking it a few times. “No, I’m not alright,” I say on a sob as his palm spreads out, cupping my face and stroking my cheek with his thumb.
I am now, though. With you. You feel safe, I think as I stare into his warm eyes and lean into his hand.