Fang's arm draped over Kev's shoulders, pulling him close as they navigated the thinning crowd back towards the bar. "A good fight always gets my blood pumping," Fang remarked, a satisfied grin playing on his lips.
Kev, still a bit shaken by the violence he'd witnessed, offered a hesitant smile. "I haven't seen many fights," he admitted, "but that… definitely caught my attention. Barry's really strong."
Fang's grin widened, a hint of pride in his voice. "He didn't disappoint. Not tonight," he said, his tone laced with a touch of satisfaction. "But he still needs to be held accountable for his earlier lapse in judgment. Rex will put him on perimeter duty for a while, and that will be that."
Kev's brow furrowed. "I thought the fight was a way for him to apologize, to avoid punishment," he said, his voice soft.
Fang's gaze softened as he looked at Kev. "You're very kind-hearted, Kev," he observed, a warmth in his eyes. "But actions have consequences. Barry made a mistake, and he needs to learn from it."
As they approached the VIP table, Fang nodded at Skippy, who stood guard with his usual stoic expression. The kangaroo bouncer, sensing Fang's approval, relaxed slightly, a subtle shift in his posture that Kev couldn't help but notice.
"Wait here," Fang instructed, squeezing Kev's shoulder gently. "I need to talk to Dale for a second." He then strode purposefully towards the bar, his presence parting the crowd like a shark gliding through a school of fish.
Kev watched as Fang reached the bar, leaning in close to Dale and engaging in a hushed conversation. The bartender nodded intently, his expression serious.
Kev took a drag from his cigarette and sat at the booth, his gaze drifting across the bustling club. He noticed Rex approaching Skippy, the imposing kangaroo bouncer guarding the VIP section. Talon, the victorious eagleman, trailed behind Rex, his sharp eyes scanning, his head turning quickly as he tried to take in and process all the sights.
"Let us in," Rex demanded, his voice a low growl.
Skippy, his posture unwavering, held his ground. "No," he replied firmly, his voice a deep rumble.
Rex, clearly unaccustomed to being denied, attempted to push past Skippy. The kangaroo, however, stood his ground, his powerful arms easily blocking Rex's advance. For a tense moment, Kev thought another fight was about to erupt. But then, Rex's expression shifted, a sly grin spreading across his face.
"Good job, Skippy," he said, clapping a hand on the kangaroo's shoulder. "No one gets in, not even me. The boss would be proud."
Kev realized this must be a new security measure, implemented in response to the incident with the city enforcers. Fang was clearly taking no chances, ensuring the safety and privacy of his VIP guests. Or rather, he was taking no chances with Kev's safety.
A few minutes later, Fang returned, walking past Skippy and followed by Rex and Talon. The three of them settled into the booth, their presence radiating an aura of power and authority.
"Apologies for the delay, Kev," Fang said, his voice low. "Just had to get Dale's opinion on something."
Fang extended a hand towards Talon, his demeanor a mix of cordiality and calculated dominance. "Welcome, Talon," he said, his voice a deep rumble that resonated through the booth. "I am Fang, the owner of this establishment." He gestured towards Kev, a warm smile gracing his lips. "And this is Kev, my new personal assistant."
"You've already met Rex, I believe," Fang continued, nodding towards the tiger-man who sat beside him, a predatory grin on his face.
Talon's sharp eyes darted between the faces at the table, taking in every detail. He bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement. "Hello, Mr. Fang," he said, his voice a surprisingly soft rasp. "It is a pleasure. I will not lie; I've heard rumors about you."
Fang chuckled."Sometimes," he replied, "rumors are understated."
Just then, Dale approached their table. "Can I get you gentlemen anything?" he inquired, his voice a cheerful baritone that cut through the ambient noise of the club.
"Whiskey, neat," Fang ordered, his tone casual yet commanding.
Kev, still a bit overwhelmed by the intensity of the situation, opted for something familiar. "Another Cape Cod, please," he said, offering a polite smile to the bartender.
Talon hesitated for a moment, his gaze flitting between the various bottles on display behind the bar. "I'll have the whiskey too," he finally decided, his voice a raspy whisper.
Dale nodded, his memory already committing their orders to his mental catalog. "Coming right up," he said with a wink, disappearing back into the throng of patrons clamoring for his attention.
"Hey! You hay-brain… What about me…," Rex scowled but Dale was already gone.
As they waited for their drinks, Fang turned to Talon with a genuine smile. "You put on a wonderful demonstration earlier, Talon," he complimented, his voice carrying a note of respect. "Ox didn't stand a chance."
Talon nodded, a flicker of something in his eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Fang," he replied, his voice a soft rasp. "I understand that the fights are for ... entertainment."
Fang reached into his pocket and pulled out a thick wad of bills. He tossed it casually onto the table in front of Talon. "The prize pool for the fight didn't quite match the performance," he explained, his tone nonchalant. "Consider this a bonus."
Talon's eyes widened slightly as he glanced between the money and Fang. He hesitated for a moment, then reached out and scooped up the bills, a grateful smile spreading across his face. "You're too kind, sir," he said, tucking the money away in his pocket.
Fang leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Tell me, Talon," he inquired, his gaze intense, "do you have a boss?"
Talon's gaze flickered towards Rex, a silent communication passing between them. Before he could respond, Dale arrived with their drinks, expertly balancing the tray on one hand. After serving everyone else he placed a tall glass of milk in front of Rex, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
The tiger-man roared in protest. "What the hell is this, Dale?!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing through the booth.
Dale chuckled, his laughter a deep rumble. "Don't drink it too fast," he warned, a playful smirk on his face. "Might give you a tummy ache."
Rex hissed and said, "I'll give you a stomach ache that Vlad will have to sew back up."
However Dale did not seem to be affected by the imposing tiger, he was already turned and walking back to the bar, his whinnying laugh loud and confident.
Kev and Fang burst into laughter too, the tension in the room momentarily dissipating. Talon, initially surprised by the outburst, joined in with a soft chuckle, his sharp features relaxing slightly. Rex grumbled, grabbing the milk and downing it in a single sip.
Kev, emboldened by the lighthearted atmosphere, turned to Talon. "You were quite, uh, enthusiastic during the fight," he remarked, his voice a mix of admiration and apprehension.
Talon's gaze met his, steel in his eyes. "When you're smaller, you need to be decisive," he replied, his voice a raspy whisper. "You should know this already."
Fang nodded in agreement. "He's right, Kev," he said, his voice a low rumble. "They won't pick a fight with you again if you show them the consequences."
Fang's tone shifted, becoming more assertive. "Talon," he said, leaning forward slightly, "someone as talented as you has no reason to be fighting for measly prize money. Tell me, who do you work for?"
There was an edge to Fang's voice, a hint of the commanding alpha he was known to be. The casual atmosphere of the conversation evaporated, replaced by a palpable tension.
Talon's feathers ruffled slightly, a sign of his growing unease. "I'm not talented," he retorted, looking down. "The ox was simply sloppy. Anyone could have won that fight."
Fang's growl deepened, his patience wearing thin. "Show some respect to the boss of this establishment, bird," he warned, his eyes flashing with a dangerous glint.
Talon's gaze hardened. "I'm not employable," he stated, his voice surprisingly firm. "I cannot commit every day. I need to… to care for my sick sister."
Fang, his anger momentarily tempered by Talon's revelation, leaned forward, his tone softening. "Why not send her to a hospital?" he suggested. "Someone with your skills could easily earn enough money to have her put up in a five-star resort."
Talon's gaze dropped back to the table, his feathers drooping slightly. "Thank you for the drink, Mr. Fang," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I must be going."
Before he could rise from his seat, Rex's hand shot out, grabbing Talon's arm in a vice-like grip. "The boss isn't done talking to you yet, Talon," he growled, his voice a low rumble.
Talon glared at Rex, his eyes blazing with defiance. With a swift movement, he wrenched his arm free, his feathers bristling in agitation.
"Relax, Rex," Fang commanded, his voice firm but calm. He turned back to Talon, his expression softening. "I understand your situation, Talon," he said, his tone sincere. "And I admire your dedication to your sister. But you don't have to fight in my pit to make ends meet. There are other ways to earn money, more... honorable ways."
He paused, a thoughtful look on his face. "I have a proposition for you, Talon," he continued. "Join my staff. I'll pay you a generous salary, enough to cover your sister's medical expenses and provide a comfortable life for both of you. And in return, I will get your talent."
Talon's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of hope replacing the defiance in his gaze. "You'd... hire me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Fang nodded, his look serious. He said. "Your talent is undeniable. It would be a waste to see it squandered in the fighting pit."
He extended a hand towards the eagleman. "What do you say, Talon?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "Will you join the Club Fang family?"
Talon's eyes grew red, the emotion hiding behind his stoic facade peeking though. "Thank you, Mr. Fang," he said, voice hitching. "But... I can't."
Fang leaned forward, his brow furrowed in concern. "Make me understand, Talon," he urged, his voice gentle but firm. "Why can't you work for me? I'm offering you a way out, a chance to provide for your sister and yourself without risking yourself for spectacle."
Kev watched the exchange with a mix of sympathy and admiration. Despite Talon's fearsome introduction in the fighting pit, he was clearly a man of honor, torn between his loyalty to his sister and the tempting offer Fang had presented.
"My sister... her injuries," Talon stammered, his voice choked with emotion. "She's... she's depressed. I'm the only one who can care for her. I can't leave her alone, not in her condition."
Fang sat back, his expression thoughtful. He took a sip of his drink, the silence in the booth heavy with unspoken emotions. Kev, too, felt a pang of sadness for Talon's predicament. In a world where work was all or nothing, the burden of caring for a loved one must be immense.
"I understand," Fang finally said, his voice soft. "Family comes first. Always."
A glimmer of an idea sparked in Fang's eyes. He leaned forward, his voice a low rumble that commanded attention. "What if I let you move in here?" he proposed, his gaze unwavering.
Talon's beak dropped, his eyes wide with disbelief. Even Rex, usually unflappable, looked surprised.
"You could live upstairs," Fang continued, his voice gaining momentum. "Your sister would be right there, and you could be close by to care for her. I need someone with your skills here during the daytime, someone to help with security and... other matters."
Talon sputtered, his feathers ruffling in agitation. "Mr. Fang, that's... too generous. I couldn't possibly accept."
Fang swirled his drink, a thoughtful expression on his face. "This would be a full-time arrangement, Talon," he clarified. "A steady income, a safe place to live, and access to the best medical care for your sister. But you must also remember," his voice hardened, "the skills you displayed in the pit... those are what I'm truly after."
Talon instinctively flexed his talons, their sharp points glinting in the dim light.
"Think about it, Talon," Fang urged, his voice a mix of command and invitation. "It's an opportunity you won't find anywhere else."
Fang raised his glass in a toast. "Take a few hours, drinks are on the house," he said with a final nod.
Rex stood up, a predatory grin on his face. He clapped Talon on the shoulder, a gesture that seemed both friendly and slightly menacing. "Come on, birdy," he growled playfully. "Let's see if you can handle your liquor."
They left the booth, Rex's laugh echoing through the dimly lit barroom.
Kev turned to Fang, his eyes filled with admiration. "That was very generous of you, Fang," he said softly. "Offering Talon a job, a place to live... It was really kind."
Fang pulled Kev closer, his arm tightening around his shoulders. "That eagle is a gem, Kev," he replied, his voice a low rumble. "Fierce, incredibly skilled, and surprisingly aware. Even I would have a hard time handling that bird in a fight."
Kev chuckled, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "That's impressive," he admitted. "He's not that much bigger than me."
Fang's grin widened. "Don't let his size fool you, Kev," he warned. "I can tell that bird's been in more fights than you can count. I bet he's a hell of a lot of fun when he loosens up." He paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "And mark my words, he'll be back. That offer was too good to refuse."
Kev glanced at his watch, the silver hands indicating it was nearing midnight. He was about to ask Fang if he'd like to escort him upstairs when he noticed a familiar figure approaching their booth. It was Barry, the bear bouncer, his usually imposing frame slightly hunched, bandages peeking out from beneath his shirt.
Barry exchanged a few hushed words with Twitch and Skippy, who, after a moment of hesitation, stepped aside to let him pass. A tense silence fell over the VIP section as Barry approached the table, his gaze fixed on the floor.
"I'm sorry, boss," he mumbled, his voice barely audible above the din of the club. "Thank you for letting me stay on... in perimeter duty."
Fang remained silent, his expression unreadable. Kev, feeling a surge of empathy for the bear man, spoke up. "I don't blame you for anything, Barry," he said, his voice gentle. "It wasn't your fault."
Fang's head snapped up, his eyes locking with Kev's. "Quiet, Kev," he growled, his voice laced with a warning. He turned his attention back to Barry, his gaze cold and unforgiving.
"Look at me," he commanded, his voice a low rumble that echoed through the booth.
Barry reluctantly raised his head, his eyes meeting Fang's with a mixture of shame and defiance.
"If you ever fuck up like that again," Fang continued, his voice a chilling whisper, "you'll be gone. Do you understand?"
Barry swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing nervously. "Yes, sir," he replied, his voice barely a croak.
Without another word, he turned and quickly left, disappearing into the crowd.
Kev watched Barry's retreating figure, a wave of sympathy washing over him. He turned to Fang, his brow furrowed in concern. "That was a bit harsh, don't you think?" he ventured, his voice soft but firm. "It was a mistake. No, it wasn't even a mistake. He was doing his job, stopping a fight."
Fang's jaw clenched, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "He was the one in charge of the room, Kev," he retorted, his voice a low growl. "It happened on his watch. Should I punish Rex instead, for hiring Barry in the first place?"
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "Barry still has a job," he continued, his tone softening slightly. "His pay wasn't cut. But I… I don't want to see him around, not for a while. It'll just remind me that I… wasn't able to protect you."
His gaze met Kev's, a vulnerability flickering in his amber eyes. "I failed you, Kev," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "And that's something I can't forgive myself for."
Kev, feeling a surge of warmth towards the remorseful wolfman, leaned into Fang and whispered, "It's getting late. Would you like to walk me to my room, big guy?"
Fang's expression softened, a tender smile gracing his lips. "Of course, Kev," he replied, his voice a low rumble. He rose from the booth, his hand gently guiding Kev through the thinning crowd.
As they reached the second floor apartment, Kev paused, turning to face Fang. "Would you keep me company while I have a smoke before bed?" he asked, a hopeful glint in his eyes.
Fang hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering back towards the stairs leading down to the club. Then, he nodded. "Alright," he agreed, stepping into Kev's apartment.
Kev's smile widened as he closed the door behind them. He poured a glass of water from the pitcher on the counter and offered it to Fang. "Want some?" he asked.
Fang shook his head. "No, thank you," he replied, his gaze sweeping across the neatly arranged room. "You've done a wonderful job with this place, Kev. Cindy informed me that you've taken on the cleaning yourself."
Kev blushed slightly, pleased by the compliment. He lit a cigarette, inhaling deeply as he settled onto the couch.
"You know," Fang said, breaking the comfortable silence, "we should take you out to get some paintings or something. Liven up these walls a bit."
"That would be nice," Kev agreed, exhaling a plume of smoke. "But what I'd really like is a radio, or... what do you call it? A crank phonograph." He snapped his fingers, trying to recall the term. "Do they even have albums here?"
Fang chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that vibrated through the room. "A crank phonograph?" he echoed, a puzzled expression on his face. "I haven't heard of that one before. But I can ask around, see if anyone knows where to find one."
Fang sat down on the couch and moved the ash-tray closer to Kev. "Did you have a good night?"
Kev's smile softened, his eyes meeting Fang's with a warmth that spoke volumes. "There's only one thing that would make it better," he replied, echoing Fang's own words from their encounter in the car just days ago, their first kiss.
Fang's tail wagged excitedly, a blush warming his cheeks. He remembered that moment vividly, the stolen kisses, the unspoken desires, the promise of something more, of something soon. He scooted closer to Kev on the couch, their bodies brushing against each other.
Their lips met in a passionate embrace, the pent-up longing of the past few days igniting into a fiery passion. Kev's hands found their way to Fang's fur, his fingers tangling in the soft strands, while Fang's strong arms pulled Kev closer, their bodies molding together on the couch. The world outside the apartment faded away, replaced by the intoxicating rhythm of their shared breaths and the warmth of their entwined bodies.
Kev, emboldened by the intimacy of the moment, whispered against Fang's lips, "You can stay the night, if you want."
Fang's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with a mix of desire and amusement. "Maybe I won't stay the whole night," he purred, his voice a low rumble, "but I can certainly spend a little time up here."
Kev's heart fluttered with excitement. "Go lay down on the bed, big guy," he said, his voice husky with anticipation. "I just need to use the bathroom real quick."
Fang leaned in for another kiss, his lips lingering on Kev's. "Alright," he murmured, his voice a soft growl. "But don't keep me waiting too long."
They both stood up, their bodies still pressed close together. Fang, his tail wagging excitedly, disappeared into the bedroom, leaving Kev to quickly freshen up in the bathroom.
Kev splashed cold water on his face, his reflection in the mirror a flushed, eager image. He couldn't believe this was happening. He was about to be intimate with Fang, the powerful, enigmatic wolfman who had captured his heart. A mix of nerves and exhilaration coursed through him, making his hands tremble slightly. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the unknown, then stepped out of the bathroom and towards the bedroom, ready to embrace the night and all its possibilities.
As Kev entered the bedroom, a soft smile played on his lips. Fang lay sprawled across the bed, his massive form taking up most of the space. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, punctuated by soft snores that echoed through the quiet room. The sight of the usually stoic wolfman, so vulnerable and unguarded in sleep, filled Kev with a warmth he couldn't quite explain.
He chuckled softly, shaking his head in amusement. The wolfman had clearly been more exhausted than he'd let on. Kev quietly removed his shoes and belt, then carefully climbed into bed beside Fang. The wolfman's fur was surprisingly soft against his skin, a comforting warmth radiating from his body.
Kev snuggled closer, his head resting on Fang's broad chest. He inhaled deeply, the scent of sandalwood and musk a heady mix that filled his senses. A sense of peace settled over him, a feeling of belonging he hadn't experienced in a long time.
Maybe this wasn't what he expected, not the passionate encounter he had been hoping for… but it was nice. He wasn't feeling like a lost lonely human in the wrong world or a weak defenseless creature surrounded by predators. Just like that very first night, Fang put Kev's mind at ease, silencing his doubts and fears.
With a contented sigh, Kev closed his eyes, the warmth of Fang's body a soothing balm to his weary soul. Maybe he didn't want this to be some strange coma dream. Sleep claimed him quickly, his dreams filled with images of moonlight, laughter, and the promise of a future filled with unexpected joy.