TWO

One week earlier…

The little red convertible, top down raced haphazardly across the expressway. The driver, a woman in her twenties, her long dark hair tied back in a kerchief, was playing with the satellite radio when she nearly sideswiped the minivan in the accompanying lane. The driver of the vehicle honked in annoyance at her.

“Oh, yeah?” Molly turned in her seat to flip the driver off. Her scarlet lips, painted the same red hue of her scarf, were upturned in a snarl. “Well, right back atcha baby!”

Teresa was sitting calmly in the passenger seat beside her. “You do realize you nearly hit him.” She was slim and dark-skinned, her hair a series of short springy ringlets. She had dark almond-shaped eyes that were expertly lined with mascara and full lips which unlike Molly’s scarlet ones, held only a hint of colour.

“Don’t you start.” She was already in a particularly foul mood and had no qualms about letting it be known. Because Teresa was a friend, she felt it only fair to give her a warning. “It’s bad enough I’m already playing chauffeur to Jess, but now I have to pick up Damon as well?”

“Yeah. I heard that. I guess his baby’s in the shop. He’s having it serviced, or detailed or some such nonsense.” She gave Molly a knowing glance. “You know, men.”

She did know, but it didn’t improve her mood. “Well, he should have called a service. God knows he can afford one.”

“You know he likes to keep things low-key.” Teresa nudged Molly playfully. “Besides we were already heading there.”

“Whatever.” Molly mumbled, but she managed a smile. Teresa had that effect on her. She was a close friend, and although she’d never admit it, she found herself a bit enamoured by her. Teresa was older than her, and with age came sophistication. Not only was she beautiful, smart and sexy; she was also fierce, yet soft-spoken and, basically… everything that Molly was not.

“That’s our exit.” Teresa warned, shaking Molly from her reverie before she missed their lane change and caused another near collision.

She swerved to the off-ramp taking it much too quickly and screeched to a stop at the red light below. Two stoplights and a side-street later they were parked out front of a modern apartment building, waiting.

After only a few minutes, she found herself drumming her scarlet nails against the steering wheel. “Where is she? Why can’t she ever be on time?”

Teresa, who’d been checking her make-up in the mirror, glanced past her own reflection. “Relax. Here she comes now.”

Molly turned as a petite blond climbed into the back seat. She wore her hair in a chin-length bob, the sides of which she had tucked behind her ears. She had green eyes which seemed to sparkle as she greeted them, and a slim framed body. In essence she was a polar opposite of herself.

“What took so long?”

“You can’t rush perfection.” Jess said with a playful smile.

Molly snorted. “Like you’d know anything about that.” She couldn’t help herself. Jess always brought out the beast in her.

Teresa flashed her a dirty look before immediately coming to Jess’s defence. “Well, I happen to think you look quite cute tonight.”

“Thanks.” Jess beamed. She did look nice, although Molly would never admit to that. Jess was wearing what looked like a white tennis-style skirt, a beaded cami and matching half-jacket. The outfit was sporty and fun and showed off her athletic physique.

She remained silent as she drove back towards the expressway and the on-ramp. A few miles later, she exited again to an older part of the city known as Kings Core.

The core was Kingsford’s original downtown before the development of the waterfront decades later. The buildings here were of beautiful Victorian architecture and housed the original city blocks. The streets were tree-lined, narrow and beautifully cobble-stoned and the residents who lived in this exclusive part of town did their best to preserve the city’s historical landscape. Apartments and brownstones were rarely leased and instead kept within families for generations. When an apartment or home did become available, it came at a hefty price. Only the very well-to-do could acquire a residence in Kings Core.

Molly pulled up in front of a six-story Victorian apartment complex on the corner of Becket Street and Primrose Lane. It had rained earlier, and the cobblestone street was wet, and puddle ridden. The light from her blinker reflected off the puddles as she waited patiently for Damon to arrive.

“Maybe we should pull around to the lane-way?” Teresa suggested after a few minutes had passed. The alley which ran behind the building at 42 Primrose Lane was accessible from Becket Street and seemed to be Damon’s preferred entrance.

Molly shook her head, as she pulled out her cell phone to call him. “He said he would meet us out front.”

“And so, I did,” Damon leaned in and gave Molly a quick peck on the cheek before climbing into the backseat beside Jess. “Evening, ladies.”

Molly had entirely missed his approach. “Hey! How’d you—I mean, where did you—?”

“Just admit it,” Damon said smugly. “I have mad ninja skills.”

Molly frowned in the mirror at him, as he leaned back into the upholstery, threw his feet up on the seat in front of him and casually slipped his arm around Jess, who blushed as he pulled her in close.

Molly felt an instant pang of jealousy as Jess snuggled into him. Jess had it bad for Damon, and it was easy to understand why. He was the traditional tall dark and handsome; six-foot-tall, with a lean, athletic build. His hair was dark and cropped short, his eyes hidden behind dark lashes were an ever-so-sexy green. He was quiet and confident and when he gazed at you with those sharp green eyes, one felt like he was looking not at you, but into you; where even the most private of thoughts, most intimate of desires were his for the viewing.

Molly caught Jess’s eye in the mirror and glared at her. She watched as the warm smile slip from her face and an uncomfortable air take hold of her. So abrupt was her change in body language that Damon who had been speaking quietly in her ear, suddenly looked up and almost caught her disapproving gaze. Molly quickly averted her eyes as she abruptly threw the car into gear and headed up the street at a faster than necessary speed.

*

Kingsford had a Queens College, located in a district of the city known as the Queens Court. Vibrant and picturesque, with its turn-of -the-century architecture, and quaint parkland, the court was a popular and well-established area of the city. It housed many amenities alongside the College, including: a library, an arena, a public pool and a rec-centre, and such amenities were as popular with the students as they were with the citizens.

Historically the area had once been penitentiary farmland, but after the prison was relocated in the early 1800’s, the college had later been established, using much of the original buildings in its construction. The surrounding land was redeveloped, and now housed beautiful stately homes, many of which had been adapted and divided into apartments or boarding rooms to accommodate the many students that attended the college.

First years however were more inclined to stay on campus, and the institution encouraged them to do so. The college itself housed several dormitories; including male, female and even co-ed buildings. Additional residents had been established for families, where student couples could live together and still attend classes with full use of the on-campus daycare.

In Downie Hall, one such co-ed dorm, Allison Greer was sitting at her desk, laptop open. She was having trouble concentrating, as she slowly re-read the paragraph she had previously typed, for what seemed like the thirtieth time, when her cell phone vibrated loudly on the desktop beside her. Even with the ringer off, it was still loud enough to make her jump. She glanced at the caller I.D. before tapping DECLINE and turning back to her essay when a sudden knock at the door, left her squirming uneasily in her chair. She would be hard pressed to ignore the knock as easily as she had avoided the call and was not at all surprised to hear the familiar voice that called out to her afterwards.

“Come on, Allie. I know you’re in there. You can’t hide in your dorm room forever.” When there was no immediate response, the female voice continued. “It’s been two weeks now. Eventually you will bump into Ethan. It’s inevitable. You can’t let one bad relationship ruin the rest of your year.”

Allison jumped from her chair, dark hair swinging as she crossed the small room. She turned the lock and opened the door, not without some annoyance.

“Who says I’m hiding? And must you broadcast my shit to the entire floor?” She glared at the petite blond standing there. She was slim and attractive, with shoulder length hair and clear blue eyes.

“So, you are here.” Without waiting for an invitation, Faith Harris crossed the threshold and dropped down on her roommate’s bed. Faith frowned as she looked Allie up and down.

Immediately Allison felt self-conscious of her frumpy attire. She’d spent the day studying and had done nothing more than put her hair up in a ponytail and throw on yoga pants, and an oversized sweatshirt that once belonged to Ethan.

“Get changed.” Faith ordered. “We are going out for the night.”

Faith looked dressed to go clubbing, in a modern flapper dress in hues of metallic blue, silver and black. It had delicate spaghetti straps, a beaded bodice and a flirty fringed skirt. She had paired the dress with a pair of strappy beaded heals. Allie admired the outfit, with a hint of jealousy. There was no way that she could ever pull off a look like that. Faith had her own unique sense of style, and always managed to look amazing. Tonight’s look was no different; the blue of the dress complimented the colour of her eyes.

“I can’t.” She replied, returning to her desk. “I have to study. I have a paper due.”

“So, finish it tomorrow or Sunday, because tonight we are going out. I’m not taking no for an answer.”

Allie sighed. When Faith got that tone in her voice, there was really no point in arguing. Faith was stubborn and headstrong and would have her way no matter what Allie said. She felt herself caving. “Fine, we’ll go out. Just as long as it’s not the campus bar.”

“Great.” Faith jumped from the bed and immediately began picking her way through Allie’s small closet. She began tossing articles of clothing upon the bed. “I know just the place. There’s this club in the old part of town, I’ve been dying to take you there. It has this dark, underground following, so I doubt anyone from school will be there.”

Allie was staring at the pile of clothes on the bed. There appeared to be several options available to her. “So, what should I wear?” She asked picking up a black baby-doll dress with spaghetti straps and flirty off the shoulder sleeves. Paired with knee-high boots she thought it might be acceptable.

Faith smiled at her. “That’s the great thing. There—pretty much anything goes.”

*

The Pitt was an old factory turned nightclub. The building itself was made of red brick, with large arch-shaped windows running along both sides. It sat near the corner of River Road and Bridge Street a few yards in from the street. The main doors of the building; double wide and with heavy brass handles, was set into the corner of the building. To the right, a dark lane-way ran down to the back of the building, where deliveries were made. A heavy chain strung between two metal poles limited access: keeping the driveway for private use only.

Customer parking for the Pitt was to the opposite side of the factory in an old semi-paved lot. The lot itself was backed against the river, where a large cement wall, dilapidated in places and as old as the factory itself, stood to divide the drop to the bank from the parking lot and any potential night club participants.

“Wow.” Allie said and none too convincingly, as their cab pulled up in front of the nightclub. “I know you said underground, but I was hardly expecting dungeon.”

Faith rolled her eyes, as she opened the door and hopped out before reaching back in to drag the hesitant Allie out with her. “I know this isn’t the powder-puff stuff you’re used to, but I promise you, we won’t be running into anyone from school here.”

“You can say that again,” Allie admonished as she glanced at the would-be party goers that were lined up in front of the club awaiting entry. Small groups of cookie-cutter cliques stood making up most of the Pitt’s potential clientele; all of whom seemed to be as curious about Allie as she was about them. She spied everything from classic punk and emo, to grunge, Goth and even the impossibly cute geek chic. Then there were the really strange ones—the ones that looked a whole lot like Faith and herself. What seemed to be missing however was the jock and cheerleader type which typically made up the club scene at the campus bar.

“I may have to thank you for this yet.” Allie said as an excited smile broke out across her face. Perhaps an Ethan-free evening was exactly what she needed after all.

The wait in line was much shorter than expected. She passed her time between chatting with Faith and exchanging glances with a sexy blue-haired boy with several piercings, whom she thought might be moderately interested in her as well. She was just working up the nerve to speak with him, when the boy standing ahead of him, suddenly leaned back and kissed him square on the lips. Allie giggled nervously, as Faith poked fun at her, realizing she had narrowly escaped a potentially embarrassing situation. The boy with the blue hair glanced back at her blushing face and graciously winked at her.

“I told you anything goes here,” Faith whispered as the line moved forward, and the doorman finally ushered she, Faith and the boys ahead of them into the nightclub.

Beyond the outer doors was a small vestibule and a second set of heavy ornate doors. Above the entryway, in an elaborate and elegant script was a small poem of sorts. It read:

Blood and Moon, Fire and Light; Abandon thy grievances on this night. Leave thy ire at the door; As neutral reigns, upon this floor.

Allie paused a moment to reflect on the strange little verse. From the corner of her eye, she caught Faith watching her knowingly.

“What does it mean?” She asked as Faith continued to stare.

“What does what mean?”

Allie rolled her eyes. She hated it when Faith played these head games of hers. Perhaps Faith thought she was being mysterious, but in reality, it was really just annoying. “The poem of course.”

“You can see it?” Faith asked quietly.

“Of course, I can see it.” Allie answered annoyed as she looked back up at the lettering above the door. It was hard to miss as it seemed to be glowing eerily with a strange bluish light. She wondered what they had stenciled it with—some sort of iridescent paint no doubt.

Faith opened one of the heavy wood doors and held it, ushering her inside. “Not everyone can see it,” she whispered as Allie passed by. “I knew I was right about you. You are special.”

Allie wanted to question Faith further, but as she crossed the threshold, a strange tingling sensation coursed through her body. It was not entirely pleasant, nor was it definitively unpleasant but it caused Allie to gasp aloud just the same. If she had to describe it to someone, she might say it felt like a jolt of electricity had just passed through her but without any corresponding feelings of pain.

“What was that?” she gasped as Faith took her place by her side.

“That just further proves it, if you felt the ward.”

“The ward? I don’t understand.”

“It’s a spell. A protective barrier. It negates the power of all magical beings—puts everybody who comes here on common ground, so to speak.”

“Oh. I see.” Allie replied. She didn’t. Not really. But wasn’t ready to enter into another one of Faith’s strange conversations. In truth, Allie was never quite sure how to take her friend when these moments arose. Sometimes she said such fantastical things that she thought Faith must surely be joking, only to catch her eyes and realize that she was being entirely serious. And now here they were again with this talk of “magical beings” and poems that only they could see.

Faith was staring at her quizzically with unmasked doubt in her eyes. “You don’t see—not yet.” she said. “But soon you will. Of that, I’m sure.” She smiled suddenly and reached out to grab Allie’s hand. “C’mon. Let’s get a drink and hit the dance floor.”

Inside, the Pitt proved to not disappoint. It was part industrial nightmare with a slight hint of steampunk. Its high unfinished ceiling displayed decade’s old plumbing amidst metal girders and beams. Oversized fans made of copper, wood and brass with imitation gas lighting, extended down from the ceiling on long poles. Turning lazily, they helped to gently circulate air throughout the massive room. To the left of the room, a long bar ran along the far wall. It was made of dark polished wood accented with rich brass fixtures. High bar stools, again in wood with faux leather seats and finished with decorative brass tacks, lined the front of the bar. On the opposite side of the room, along the high arched windows; large U-shaped booths in the same dark wood and faux leather finish, lined the walls. More imitation gas lamps hung against the walls at intervals giving off a comforting yellow light.

“What’s over there?” Allie immediately inquired, pointing towards the back of the room where there was what looked like a wide-open hole in the center of the floor. She moved immediately towards it as Faith, their hands still linked, followed. It was indeed a large rectangular cut-out surrounded by a heavy iron railing which offered an overhead view of the dance floor below.

Faith smiled. “That’s the Pitt.”

Allie seemed transfixed as she gazed down at the partygoers below. “How do we get down there?” It was darker below and it certainly had her curiosity piqued.

“There’s stairs in the back.” Faith pointed to the wall on the other side of the open floor. “But let’s get a drink first.”

Allie found herself being led back towards the far end of the bar where they squeezed into a small opening Faith had spotted amongst the crowd of thirsty patrons. Unintentionally she bumped into the young man seated on the bar-stool next to them. He glanced at her carefully as she leaned over the empty stool beside his. He was handsome, fair-haired and blue-eyed, perhaps only a couple years older than she was. He was dressed casually in blue-jeans and a short sleeve buttoned shirt, which he wore open over a fitted tank top. Around his neck on a woven leather cord, he wore what looked like a dark metal shark tooth. A pair of thin, similarly woven bracelets encircled his right wrist.

“This seat’s reserved,” he cautioned the girls.

“No worries,” Faith pointed out. “We’re just here for drinks.”

“I’m Nathan,” he said above the din and extended his hand as Allie continued to stare.

He had a cute, carefree, surfer-boy look, which she found quite attractive. “I’m Allie,” she said as she graciously took his hand. “And this is Faith.”

He nodded towards Faith as Allie relinquished his digits. They returned forthwith to the near-empty bottle of beer in which he had been nursing. “First time to the Pitt?” he asked as he began playing with his bottle, tipping it on the edge of its bottom and rolling it slowly in circles as he spoke.

“That obvious is it?” She asked with a smile.

“Nah, it’s just that this is my usual haunt, so you get to know the regulars.” He glanced around the bar for a moment as if looking for something.

“Nate. What can I get you?” The bartender, a well-muscled black man with a shaved head and neat close-cropped beard, called out to him from behind the bar. His voice held the hint of an accent that Allie couldn’t immediately place, but definitely added a depth of sexiness to his already deep and sensual voice.

“Ladies first, I guess.” Nathan said politely as he indicated towards the girls. “Ryan, this is Allie and Faith.”

The large man immediately extended his hand to each of the girls, his face breaking open in a gracious smile. “Welcome to the Pitt. Now what’s your poison?” Ryan took the girl’s order before turning back to Nate. “Another beer?”

Nate quietly held up two fingers, to which Ryan nodded before turning to mix their drinks.

“Thanks for that,” Allie said as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “It was so crowded I didn’t think we’d ever get to order.” She smiled brightly. He’s cute. Damn cute in fact. She wanted to keep his attention, but he was once more glancing preoccupied around the room. “So, you must live around here then?” she asked, and he finally returned his gaze to her.

“Huh?”

“I mean, if this is your usual haunt.”

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“Ah, no. Not really. I just know the owner.”

Ryan returned with the drinks then; double vodka with cranberry juice for the ladies and a pair of beers which he sat down in front of Nate.

Faith, who had been talking the ear off someone she knew, quickly threw down some cash to cover both their drinks, before grabbing hold of Allie’s arm as she attempted to drag her away.

Allie hesitated and called out in a last-ditch effort to Nathan.

“Do you wanna come dance?” she asked hopefully.

Nathan gave her an apologetic smile. “I don’t dance.” But perhaps seeing the look of disappointment on her face, added quickly, “But he does.”

“Does what?”

A deep voice inquired from directly behind her, and Allie turned to see a dark-haired man standing over her. He was tall, at least 6’4’’ she guessed, with a muscular build that was larger than Nathans. His skin was pale, and his eyes though blue like Nate’s, were of a slightly deeper hue. His hair too was tousled and unkempt, cropped shorter in the back but long enough in front that if not swept aside, would fall easily into his eyes. Most impressive however, was his smile which was easy going and proved to light up his entire face.

“Dance” Nate said as he handed him one of the bottles of beer.

“That I do.” He replied as he took up the beer. He was grinning at Allie cockily, and his right cheek she realized, was dimpled as well. “Do you want to? Dance, that is?”

Allie felt her cheeks growing hot under his gaze. He too was handsome, but unlike Nathan, he seemed to realize the effect he had on the opposite sex.

“Aren’t you going to introduce yourself first?” Nathan inquired from the sidelines. He had turned away from the both of them and was now busying himself by peeling the label off his bottle of beer.

Allie glanced at him curiously, as his dark-haired companion turned towards Nathan and leaned gently over him. “Why don’t you do the honours, Nate? Since you’re so inclined to play the gentleman this evening.”

Nate who’d been slouched over the bar, straightened up. Undaunted by his companion’s attempts at teasing him, he turned to introduce the two with a sweeping gesture of his hand. “Nick, this beautiful young thing is Allie. And Allie, this trollish unmannered brute, I’m sorry to say, is my friend Nick.”

“Trollish? That’s a little harsh, don’tcha think?” Nick said as he lovingly wrapped a strong arm around Nate’s neck, catching him in a headlock as he gently tousled his friend’s hair.

“I think it suits you perfectly.” An unfamiliar voice called out.

Nick quickly relinquished his hold on Nate, as both men turned towards the dark-haired woman who was now standing behind them. She was a dangerous beauty, with a voluptuous figure and long dark tresses that fell halfway down her back.

“Evening, Molly.” Nick said, the carefree expression leaving his face. “Who let you out of your cage?”

Molly smirked at him unpleasantly, her scarlet lips an almost snarl. “I suppose I could ask the same of you?” She turned her disapproving gaze to Allie. “Who’s this?”

Allie politely offered her hand, only to have it abruptly snatched up by Nick.

“We were just leaving.” He turned quickly, pulling a startled Allie along with him. She barely had time to grab hold of her drink before she found herself being led towards the back of the bar. Faith she realized, had departed some time earlier.

Nick led her across the crowded room through a series of tall circular tables at which people sat drinking on similarly high-backed chairs, until they reached the worn metal stairs which descended into the Pitt. Carefully he placed a hand around her shoulders as they descended together. Half-way down, there was a landing, where the stairs abruptly turned and continued downward in the same direction from which they had come. A second set of stairs, Allie realized rose in a similar fashion on the opposite side. When they finally reached bottom, they came out at the side of a small raised stage.

Here in the Pitt, the lighting was darker than the bar overhead with most of its illumination coming from the cut-out in the floor above. She clung carefully to Nick as he made his way through the crowd of patrons. Her eyes had still not properly adjusted to the light, and she was glad to have Nick leading her, as he seemed to have no problem maneuvering through the darkened room.

He led her to the wall, where a foot-wide ledge ran along its entire length, stopping only when it reached a small shot-bar near the corner. A large, heavily muscled black man stood neatly dressed, arms crossed as he carefully surveyed the room. The bouncer acknowledged Nick curtly as they approached, and quickly offered his hand in greeting. Nick set his drink down upon the ledge, before taking up the hand that was offered and leaning in to have quick words with him.

While they conversed, Allie scanned the lower level of the bar—her eyes having adjusted to the dim. On the stage, a D.J. was set up, a young Asian girl with a punk flair, who hardly looked old enough to be there. She was wearing a pair of cargo pants and a fitted tank top, her short dark hair held back with a series of colourful barrettes. Behind the D.J., and set into the wall behind the stage, a large industrial size fan turned lazily. Its enormous size added to the bar’s steampunk vibe, while its functionality proved to keep the patrons on the dance floor comfortably cool.

The walls running the length of the basement had large arches recessed into the brick, much like the windows above, giving the illusion of tunnels leading off into darkness. Small tables lined the walls among these recesses.

Allie quickly located Faith on the dance floor, her arms draped loosely around the neck of a young man as they kept time to the music. She waved as she caught Faith’s eye, before she felt Nick trying to take her drink from her hand. She frowned at him questioningly.

“No glass on the dance floor,” he reminded her.

Allie held fast to her drink, taking another quick mouthful before finally relinquishing it to him. He placed it on the shelf beside his beer and under the watchful eyes of the bouncer.

Nick graciously offered Allie his arm. “My lady.”

With a smile, Allie took up his hand and allowed Nick to lead her to the dance floor. When they reached an open spot near the centre, he turned abruptly and yanked her forward against him, slipping his arms around her as he did.

A small squeal of shocked surprise escaped her lips at his sudden gesture, and she found herself giggling nervously as he held her close. A rush of unexpected excitement had tickled through her, and Allie was thankful that it was a slow song playing, so that she could lean into him and hide her blushing face. It felt good to be in his arms. The heat from his body was electric.

*

They were sitting at their usual booth, drinking cocktails and trash talking the other patrons in the bar, a ritual which usually delighted Molly and that razor-sharp tongue of hers. Tonight however, Molly found no joy in their little game—instead, she kept glancing across the bar at Nate with a scowl upon her face.

“You know, this fixation you have with Nathan has really got to stop.” Teresa exchanged a knowing look with Jess, who wisely dropped her eyes and said nothing.

Molly turned her gaze towards Teresa, before taking a sip of her drink, but didn’t answer. There had been a girl. A cute little thing in a flirty little dress and she’d been lingering far too long beside Nathan. Worse still, Nathan had not only allowed her to stay by the barstool which he safeguarded specifically for Nick, but had also engaged her in conversation by his own volition. An anger deep in the pit of her stomach began to burn at the thought that Nate might actually like this bit of fluff.

Nick’s eventual arrival did little to dissuade the harlot, who seemed intent on continuing to engage with them; their twosome effortlessly becoming a threesome. The more the three of them engaged, the worse the burn became, until Molly could no longer contain the jealous beast that rose up to devour her heart. She left the table and marched towards them, undaunted by the disapproving looks on her friends faces, to confront this outsider who was making such a spectacle of herself.

Nick was manhandling Nathan when she arrived at the bar. He had established a bromance with Nate that Molly was truly envious of, so she took her anger out on him whenever the chance presented itself. She interrupted their boyish bonding session, and she and Nick quickly exchanged their customary insults for one another, before she turned her gaze to the new girl—who was even more attractive than Molly initially feared. She was exactly the type the two of them would go for—sweet, innocent and naive. She had beautiful hazel brown eyes, and smooth chestnut hair that was warm and almost aglow under the lamps above the bar. Her dress, while not form-fitting, was delicate and very feminine. It’s off the shoulder sleeves exposed her collarbone and toned shoulders, and her knee-high biker boots gave her outfit the perfect bit of edge. Her make-up was simple; neutral tones complemented her dark eyes, and a shimmer of barely-there gloss highlighted her lips.

Molly felt her jaw clench as she looked at her. “Who’s this?” she demanded, not even attempting to hide her contempt. Instead of getting her answer, Nick stepped forward and took the girl by the hand, shielding her from Molly altogether. In an instant they were gone, but not before he had given her a warning look. She hated the challenge in his gaze, the way he made her feel insignificant and small. She felt almost foolish standing there as he walked off, taking the object of her fury with him as he left.

Having been denied her confrontation with the flirt, she turned instead towards Nathan, but he had already returned to the bar, ignoring her completely. Her anger immediately began to diminish as she looked at him. He looked exceptionally handsome tonight. The clothes he was wearing looked crisp and new, his hair freshly washed. It was light and fluffy, the ends curling up in the back the way he always hated, but she adored. He smelt clean and slightly spicy, a mixture of shampoo, and aftershave. Even now, after how badly he had hurt her, she still found him irresistible.

Sliding up to the bar, she decided to flag down Ryan, as if getting a round of drinks was foremost on her mind, that her sudden arrival had nothing to do with the handsome man to her left. Nate was doing his best to not look at her, and when Ryan finally did arrive, she was relieved to have the distraction. She ordered some cocktails and while she waited, worked up the courage to speak with him.

“You’re looking sharp this evening,” She said to him cordially while deliberately not meeting his eye. Instead she looked straight ahead, at their reflection in the mirror behind the bar.

Nathan sighed. “What do you want, Molly?”

She turned to him with a hopeful smile on her lips. “Well, it looks like Nick has once more been swept off his feet. Since you’ve lost your drinking buddy, why don’t you come join us.”

“Pass,”

“You’d rather sit here all alone?” She decided not to give him a chance to answer. “You know, we were good together once, and maybe, if you could just let go of your anger, if you could find a way to forgive me, we could be again.”

“You want forgiveness?”

His voice was dangerously soft, contemplative even, and Molly misread his tone in her desperation. She wanted nothing more than to be accepted by him once again. “What I want,” she said, slipping a hand down to gently squeeze his thigh, “more than anything, is you. Just you.”

Nate seized the hand that was slowly creeping up his leg. “You must be bat-shit crazy, if you think that would ever happen. The only thing I want from you is to be left alone.”

Molly’s temper flared and she leaned in to confront him, whispering hotly in his ear. “Are you so sure about that Nate? Cause a lifetime of loneliness isn’t something that I’d recommend—and I promise, that if I can’t have you, I sure as hell won’t let anyone else.”

*

Allie was breathless and glowing with sweat. Nathan had been right when he said that Nick liked to dance, and it was at the end of the next song that she leaned in and suggested they sit and have a break. Once more she found herself being led carefully through the throng of dancing couples and back to the ledge where Nick had set their drinks. Glass now in hand, Allie made short work of the vodka-cranberry concoction.

“Very impressive,” Nick smiled as she set her now empty glass back down on the shelf. “Up for another?”

“Are you trying to get me drunk?” She asked playfully and found the idea not at all repulsive.

He flashed a toothy grin. “Only if you want to be.”

Returning upstairs, Allie sought Faith out in the crowd and found her in one of the U-shaped booths on the opposite side of the bar. She was sitting across from the cute guy she had earlier snagged, but immediately reached for Allie as she arrived, sliding over and pulling her into the booth beside her.

“I’m going for drinks. Anybody interested?” Nick had asked after quick introductions had been made.

“Not too shabby,” Faith whispered her approval after Nick departed. “Are you having a good time?”

“Not at all,” Allie said with a smirk, “I’m having a great time.”

“I knew it!” Faith was smug and overly pleased with herself. “Didn’t I say that this was exactly what you needed?”

“Did you now?” Allie asked, her eyebrow raised suspiciously.

“Well, if I didn’t, it was certainly implied. Seriously though, I’m so glad you came out tonight.” She slipped her arm around Allie and gave her a squeeze.

Nick ordered a second round, and eventually a third, as they sat chatting and it wasn’t long before Allie was sporting more than just a little bit of a buzz. Across the table, Faith was settling in cosily with her date Dylan, as the guys continued to chat. It gave Allie ideas of her own. Finishing the rest of her drink, she leaned back, allowing herself to fall more into Nick, than the upholstery behind her. He responded in kind by opening himself up to her, slipping his arm around her and snuggling her in close. She found the back of her head lying comfortably against his chest as she gazed up into his eyes. “Hey, you,” she said as she greedily stole his attention all for herself.

“Hey,” he countered and raised his hand to gently trace her jawline with his finger. He stopped and tapped her gently on the tip of her nose. “I think you may be a little drunk.”

“Oh? And what makes you sink such a think?” She asked, frowning slightly as she slurred her words.

Fortunately, Nick was fluent in drunkspeake. “What makes me think such a thing?” he asked, patiently repeating her question, his brow raised curiously.

She nodded happily as she gazed up into his face. He really was quite handsome, and she thought she might like to kiss him.

“Well, it may have something to do with the copious amounts of alcohol I’ve plied you with.”

Allie giggled at his response. “You think?” Feeling brave, she reached up and grabbed him by his shirt collar; pulling him towards her as she raised herself up, hellbent on getting that kiss. She could feel his breath on her lips when Nick was suddenly pulled away as they were unceremoniously interrupted.

It was the bouncer from downstairs. He had grabbed hold of Nick’s arm and was now leaning in close to whisper urgently in his ear. The next moment Nick was untangling himself from Allie as he quickly got to his feet.

“If you’ll excuse me,” he managed to blurt, before following after the bouncer.

Allie righted herself in the booth, a curious expression upon her face as she turned to watch Nick depart. He seemed to be heading towards the exit.

Allie glanced at Faith who looked just as intrigued by his sudden departure, as she rose to her feet to follow. Once out of the booth, the totality of her drinking immediately caught up with her. Her first few steps were shaky, and she teetered for a second before finding her balance, so much so that Dylan reached out a concerned hand to steady her.

“You good?” Faith inquired and she nodded as she turned to follow Nick through the crowd.

Allie caught sight of him just as he disappeared through the first set of doors. By the time she crossed the vestibule, Nick had already made it outside. She stopped at the heavy doors and peered out at him as her breath fogged up the glass. At the foot of the stairs a group of bouncers stood and amid them was a smaller figure dressed in jeans and a hoodie. Nick immediately joined them, slipped his arm around the smaller figure, and pulled him aside. She watched as he dropped into a squat as he conversed with the baby-faced teen, a black boy with a medium complexion, his hair done up in rows of small tight braids. Nick soon straightened and beckoned to the bouncer from earlier. They spoke briefly before Nick turned and headed back towards the doors as the bouncer waited with the boy.

“Is everything okay? What’s with the kid?” Allie asked concerned as Nick pulled open the doors and walked briskly by her.

Nick flashed a cocky grin, before he reached back and took her by the hand. “Missed me, huh?”

Allie felt the heat rise to her cheeks but had no time to retort; as the next moment they were crossing the inner doors and once more she was experiencing that strange tingling sensation from before. A shocked gasp escaped her lips and Nick glanced back at her curiously. Allie recalled Faith telling her that not everyone could feel the ward. Did that mean that Nick couldn’t feel it? Or was he perhaps surprised that she could? It was a question she supposed she couldn’t really ask, at least not without sounding a bit crazy herself. So instead she focused on trying to get answers to the questions that Nick seemed to be avoiding.

“Hey, wait.” Allie said coming to a sudden and complete stop, forcing Nick to do the same. “Tell me, what’s going on?”

Nick sighed and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. Once more Allie felt the welcoming heat from his body as he continued to lead her through the bar. He was directing her not back to their table, but towards the bar instead.

“It’s nothing you have to worry about. That boy is… like a little brother to me. He just needs my help, that’s all.”

“Oh, like a big-brother, big-sister sort of thing?” Allie asked, thinking of the mentoring program.

“Exactly.”

They reached the bar, and Nick released his grip on her to slip his arm around Nate. He leaned in close to him, speaking low. “Hey. I gotta head. Jaylen’s here.”

“Everything okay? Do you need me to come?”

Nick smiled wide. “Nah, I’m sure it’s nothing—just wanted to let you know.” He squeezed him in a brief hug. “Try to have some fun tonight, kay? I promise, a good time isn’t going to kill you.”

“Says you,” Nate retorted as he let go.

Nick stepped back and turned to Allie. “It was really nice meeting you.” He leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Take care of my boy for me, okay?” he whispered in her ear, before departing.

Allie watched silently as Nick made his way back through the crowd and disappeared through the door. She’d been having such a nice time with him, and now that he was gone, she felt deflated. Across the room, she could see Faith making out with Dylan—and there was no way she was going to interrupt that. Turning back towards the bar, she climbed onto the stool next to Nathan, carefully straightening the skirt of her dress as she did. She supposed he wouldn’t mind her sitting with him now that Nick had departed.

Nate glanced at her, giving her an encouraging smile. “Cheer up.” He reached out and poked her in the side. “There are more fish in the sea, and there are definitely more trolls roaming the Pitt.”

“Yeah, I guess.” She admitted dejectedly, “But I really liked that troll.”

“Yeah,” Nate agreed. “He’s a pretty good guy.”

“Well, the two of you seem close.” She was thinking about how Nick had hugged him goodbye and how comfortable they were with one another. Nick was very touchy-feely; especially the way he had immediately taken her—a complete stranger—by the hand.

“Yeah, we are,” he said quietly. “Neither of us have much family. He’s like a brother.”

Ryan appeared, setting a drink down in front of Allie—another cranberry and vodka. She looked at it curiously.

“Nate, can I get you another beer?”

Nate examined his bottle. “Nah, I’m good.”

Ryan nodded curtly before moving on.

Allie glanced at Nate, “Hey. Did you order this for me?”

“Not me,” he admitted.

Allie quickly flagged Ryan down. “I think there’s been a mistake, I didn’t order this.”

Ryan beamed at her. “Ah. Sorry Allie, forgot to mention—compliments of the gentleman.” He leaned between her and Nate, pointing to an individual behind them.

Allie turned to see a tall dark-haired man standing by the railing surrounding the drop to the dance floor. He was nicely dressed in dark slacks and a tailored shirt. His hair was cropped short, and he was clean-shaven. He raised his own glass to her and nodded as he silently toasted her.

Nate too had looked as Ryan pointed, but quickly returned to his drink, a frown crossing his brow.

“I think he likes you.”

Allie turned to see the dark-haired girl from before—Molly, wasn’t it? She was extremely beautiful, with long dark hair, and deep brown eyes. She was smiling at her warmly, as she sipped at her drink through a tiny straw. Her lips were full and red and voluptuous.

Molly graciously extended her hand to her. “Sorry. I didn’t get the chance earlier, I’m Molly.”

Allie took up her hand. “I’m—”

“Allie. I know. I overheard Ryan. So… are you going to go meet him?” Molly smiled slyly as she glanced towards the man. “Cause if you’re not interested…”

“No. I am.” Allie was genuinely intrigued. “I mean, I should at least go over thank him for the drink.”

Allie hopped down from the stool; drink in hand, intent on meeting her mysterious stranger, when Nate grabbed hold of her wrist.

“Allie, wait.” There was a look of concern in his baby-blues. “I wouldn’t—I mean, that guy is bad news.”

“Oh?” Allie paused, a curious look on her face. “Then will you come dance with me instead?”

Molly stood close by quietly watching the exchange, a malicious look upon her face.

Nate dropped his eyes. “Sorry, no.” He released his grip on her and quickly tipped his beer, finishing what was left. “I’m going to call it a night.”

*

In a dark corner of the bar, in a booth he frequently claimed for himself, Damon sat with Allie; the former with his back towards the wall, the latter across the table facing him. She was a cute girl, clean cut and of college age. She was already a bit tipsy when she’d approached him; her beautiful hazel eyes had that bright glossy look to them, and her cheeks were slightly flushed. She’d been talking almost non-stop in a nervous sort of manner since they’d first sat down. In turn, he’d bought them drinks, which he took much diligence in sipping slowly—it gave him something to do while she aimlessly prattled on.

So far, he had learned that she was a small-town girl—new to Kingsford, and it was clear that she’d lived an ordinary and very sheltered life. She had doting parents and an elder brother who worried about her, especially now that she’d moved away to the big bad city. She’d followed her high school sweetheart to the same college, only to discover two weeks earlier he’d been cheating on her.

Outside the booth to his right, Molly was by the railing dancing seductively with Teresa and Jess. From time to time she would eye him mischievously, and when she realized she had his attention, put on a little show just for him, grinding up against one of the other girls, who reciprocated quite enthusiastically with a gusto all of their own. The girls would then turn to him invitingly, beckoning as they teased.

Turning his attention back to Allie, he found her staring at him expectantly. Had she asked him some question while his mind had been elsewhere? He had no idea why Molly had put him on to her—she was hardly his type. Yet she had been insistent that he buy her a drink; there had to be something more to it, something that he was missing.

“I’m sorry Allie. I completely zoned out there,” he admitted. “What were you saying?”

Allie glanced over towards Molly and the girls.

Busted. Yeah, she’d definitely seen him staring. Damon tipped back his drink, finishing it in one swoop. “I think I’ll order another. Can I get you anything?”

Allie only shook her head, looking down at the table as she did.

At the bar, Ryan immediately approached him. Without a word he poured Damon a double scotch, neat.

“I may need two of those,” Damon said as he watched Ryan pour.

“That bad, is it?” he asked as he set a shot glass down in front of him. He poured him an ounce from an entirely different bottle. “Here,” He pushed the glass towards him. “Shoot that instead.”

Damon did as he was told, before gesturing that he’d like another.

“What’s the problem? She seems like a perfectly nice girl.”

Damon quickly threw back the shot glass a second time. “That is the problem. She’s a perfectly nice girl. End of story. Finito.” He set the shot glass down with a bang as if to punctuate his statement.

“Want another?”

Damon shooed the bottle away with his hand. “Nah, I supposed I shouldn’t keep the lady waiting.”

“Speaking of making out…” A small smile played about Ryan’s lip.

Damon raised an eyebrow. “Were we?”

“How did you do in the game tonight?”

His face broke out in a wide smile. “Cleaned house.” It was the highlight of his evening. Once a month, the pit hosted a quiet game of cards in a backroom behind the bar. Not only was it a fun night to be had by all, but it also held some diplomatic importance as well. There was a mix of races that would attend; species that wouldn’t normally associate with one another, whether due to distance, or values, or discord. Sitting down across from one another for a friendly game of cards, helped to personalize things. No longer was it simply the elves against the warlocks, it became Frost Whiteshade going all in, and Maise Miximing calling his bluff. Friendships were made and stories were shared.

Reaching into his pocket, Damon pulled out a large wad of bills. “I love playing cards with the faeries—deep pockets.”

“Excellent.” Ryan reached out and relieved him of the handful of cash. He began counting it cheerfully. “This will go nicely against your tab.”

Damon swept a hand through his short dark hair. “Really? You’re leaving me with nothing?”

Ryan seemed to consider things before deftly counting out three bills. He slipped them into Damon’s shirt pocket with a gracious smile. “I suppose I can’t leave you completely dry.” He poured another shot and pushed it towards Damon. “Here,” he said unable to hide his guilty amusement. “It’s on the house.”

*

Allie was feeling sorry for herself. For the second time that night, she’d caught the attention of a very sexy guy and what had she done? She proceeded to bore him to death.

“What the hell’s wrong with you?”

“Excuse me?” Allie looked up to find Molly standing over her with an annoyed look upon her face, hands planted firmly on the table. A second later she was sitting across from her, taking up the seat that Damon had abandoned.

“Oh, please. Take a seat,” She didn’t try to hide the contempt in her voice. There was something about Molly’s face that brought out the worst in her—or perhaps it was the fact that she was the girl in question that Damon had been ogling only moments before.

“You are completely blowing it. A girl like you comes to a place like this for one reason only.”

“Oh? And what’s that, exactly?” Allie asked bitterly.

“To have an adventure,” Molly said knowingly. “You know… a good time. To be something you’re not, even if it’s only for one night.”

“That sounds astonishingly a lot like Halloween.”

Molly looked thoughtful. “Same principal applies, I suppose—except for the costume, of course. C’mon girl, don’t you love a mystery? Damon’s just that. Sure, he’s not the one you started out with, but if you play your cards right, perhaps spice things up a bit, he could be the one that you leave with.”

“Leave with?” Allie repeated, dropping her eyes. Leave with him? As in take a man home from a bar? She’d only ever been with Ethan, and if he ever found out… but wait—why not? Wasn’t Ethan the one who had cheated in the first place? She didn’t need his permission or his approval anymore. Besides, wasn’t this the time in her life for her to be figuring things out, trying different things, meeting new people…wasn’t going off to college exactly that?

“You find him attractive, don’t you?”

Allie looked up to find Molly staring at her. Her eyes were deep and dark, her voice, soothing.

“Of course, I do.” And it was true. Damon was indeed handsome, with hair nearly as dark as Nick’s. In fact, they were both tall, dark-haired and attractive—but that was where their similarities ended. While Nick was bright and cocky and cheerful, Damon was dark, cautious and reserved. Still, she found his quiet demeanour extremely enticing—hence inciting the nervous case of babble-mouth she had found herself caught up in.

When he invited her back to his table, Damon had been content to simply let the silence fall between them. She however, had felt compelled to fill that awkward silence, and she soon found herself chatting endlessly while staring nervously at the table-top, her drink, a button on his shirt—at anything other than his sharp sexy eyes. When she finally did look up, his gaze had…shifted.

“Then let him know. You already know he’s into you. Out of all the girls in the bar—you’re the one he approached. The one he found special. He chose you.” Molly paused as Allie considered her words. “He won’t run out on you the way Nick did, if that’s what you’re worried about.” There was a slight hint of disdain in her voice. “Damon’s a true gentleman.”

“Nick? But he left to help a friend—”

“Allie,” Molly said in a tone as if they’d been friends forever, “concentrate. Forget about Nick. It’s Damon, we’re focusing on. It’s Damon you want.”

Molly’s dark eyes were comforting. She was right, of course. It was Damon that she wanted. Damon who was quiet, sexy, and mysterious. Damon who had chosen her. Perhaps she had just needed to hear the words aloud, to know it to be true.

“What should I do?”

Molly smiled. Standing, she extended her hand towards Allie. Beyond them Damon was returning. “Come, dance with us.”