"Talon mentioned that he wants to introduce his sister to you tonight," Kev remarked casually, watching Fang's reaction.
Fang's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. "Why do I care to meet some girl?" he grumbled, his voice a low rumble. "I have enough to deal with already."
Kev's smile faltered, a pang of disappointment stinging his heart. He'd hoped Fang would be more receptive to meeting Talon's sister, especially considering the eagleman's loyalty and dedication to the club.
"She's living here now, Fang," Kev persisted, his voice soft but firm. "You'll have to meet her sooner or later."
Fang sighed, a resigned expression on his face. "I suppose you're right," he conceded, his tone grudging.
He finished his drink in one swift gulp and waved Talon over, his demeanor shifting back to that of the confident, commanding club owner.
Talon's feathers ruffled slightly, a mix of apprehension and gratitude flickering in his eyes. "My sister... she's a bit overwhelmed at the moment, sir," he explained, his voice a hesitant rasp. "The move has been tiring for her, and she's not quite adjusted to the... environment yet."
Fang waved a dismissive hand, his tone firm but not unkind. "Nonsense, Talon," he insisted. "Bring her down. She can have a meal with us, get a taste of the club's atmosphere. It might help her feel more at ease."
Talon hesitated, then nodded slowly. "That's very generous of you, Mr. Fang," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. He glanced around the bustling barroom, his sharp eyes assessing the crowd. "I'll bring her down," he assured Fang, a determined glint in his eyes. "I'll be back quickly."
With Talon momentarily absent, Fang seized the opportunity to draw Kev closer. He leaned in, his warm breath tickling Kev's ear, and pressed a lingering kiss against the side of his neck.
"My little assistant," he murmured, his voice a husky purr, "you look absolutely stunning tonight."
Kev's cheeks flushed, a shy smile playing on his lips. He turned his head, his gaze meeting Fang's with a mix of affection and playful defiance.
Fang's eyes followed Kev's line of sight, landing on a pair of beastmen gracefully twirling on the dance floor. "I can't help but imagine us dancing like that, now and then," he whispered, his voice laced with a longing that sent shivers down Kev's spine.
The music continued to weave its spell, the dancers' movements a mesmerizing spectacle of grace and passion. Kev and Fang remained lost in their own world, their gazes occasionally meeting in silent communication, a shared understanding blossoming amidst the club's vibrant energy.
Suddenly, Talon reappeared, pushing a wheelchair through the crowd with surprising ease. Kev's eyes widened in surprise. The wheelchair, a sleek contraption of silver and chrome, looked incredibly high-tech and modern, a stark contrast to the club's medieval aesthetic.
Sabrina, seated in the chair, was dressed in a flowing blue dress that accentuated her delicate features. Despite her earlier grumbling, she looked surprisingly elegant and composed, her expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
Talon skillfully maneuvered the wheelchair around the tables, finally reaching the VIP booth. He carefully positioned the chair beside Kev and Fang, his gaze fixed on his sister.
"Sabrina," he said, his voice a gentle rasp, "this is Mr. Fang, the owner of the club."
Sabrina looked up at Fang, her blue eyes meeting his amber ones with a hint of defiance.
"He's handsome," Sabrina remarked, her voice a raspy caw, "but I thought he'd be... bigger."
Talon's feathers ruffled in embarrassment. "I apologize, boss," he stammered, quickly reaching for the wheelchair's handles, ready to whisk his sister away.
Fang, however, burst into laughter, his deep rumble echoing through the booth. "Kev," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement, "you were right. She is a riot."
Talon looked up, a hint of panic in his eyes. "She's rude, Mr. Fang," he protested. "I'll take her back upstairs."
"Come on, brother," Sabrina whined, her voice a playful plea. "Let me eat! I'm starving."
Fang waved a dismissive hand. "Let her stay, Talon," he said, his tone gentle but firm. "I did say she could have a meal."
Talon slumped back, a defeated sigh escaping his lips. "Sabrina, please don't embarrass me," he pleaded. "If we get kicked out, I don't know what we'll do."
Sabrina rolled her eyes, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. "You're such a worrywart, brother," she retorted. "Just work some overtime or something. I'm sure Mr. Moneybags here can afford it." She gestured towards Fang with a dramatic flourish.
Talon shook his head, a fond smile tugging at his lips despite his sister's antics. He rose from his seat and returned to his post by the velvet rope, leaving Kev and Sabrina alone with Fang.
"Well, Mr. Human," Sabrina began, her voice a playful chirp, "it seems like you were telling the truth about your job requirements. Just hanging out and keeping the boss company, huh?" She leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Not a bad gig, if you ask me."
Fang's grin widened, his arm tightening around Kev's shoulders. "Not a bad gig at all," he agreed, his voice a low rumble filled with contentment.
Kev leaned into Fang's warmth, a sense of belonging washing over him. He caught Sabrina's eye, and she raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her face.
"Wait, for real?" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and amusement. "Oh. My. God. Mr. Fang is into..." She trailed off, her eyes widening in realization. "This is actually crazy!"
She leaned forward, her excitement palpable. "Fang was hot before," she whispered, "but like, now he's even more of a forbidden fruit. The powerful, brooding boss falling for his fragile and whimpy male assistant? There's no way!"
Fang chuckled, his laughter booming through the booth. "Girl, my assistant is quite the capable man," he retorted, his voice filled with pride. "This club runs on merit. Do you think I would keep a slacker by my side?"
"You could afford to," Sabrina countered with a sly grin. "But… you're definitely too good for that." She propped her elbows on the table, her gaze fixed on Fang. "So, tell me," she asked, her voice a playful caw, "do you work out?"
Fang's laughter echoed through the VIP booth, a deep, resonant sound that drew curious glances from nearby patrons. "Work out?" he echoed, a playful glint in his eyes. "I run a nightclub, Sabrina. That's a workout in itself."
Just then, Luna approached their table, her feline grace a welcome distraction from the conversation. "Can I get you something?" she inquired, her voice a soft purr.
"I'm starving," Sabrina declared, her eyes scanning the menu. "I'll have the grilled tuna and a strawberry daiquiri."
Luna nodded and hurried off to place the order.
"I didn't think Talon was telling the truth about getting hired," Sabrina confessed, turning back to Fang. "I mean, who wouldn't want to work here? Free food, free drinks, and now, apparently, days off." She paused, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Everything would be perfect if you just paid your electric bill and got the lights back on in here."
Fang chuckled, his amusement evident. "My electric bill is actually quite high, Sabrina," he replied, his tone light.
"For what?" she scoffed. "The metal detectors at the entrance?"
"We have an IT department that runs jamming signals and other digital security measures," Fang explained, a hint of pride in his voice. "We need to make sure no one is looking into the club from afar."
Sabrina's eyes widened in excitement. "Hold on," she interrupted, leaning forward eagerly. "That means there are computers somewhere! Tell me, where is this IT building?"
Fang's smile turned cryptic. "That's a secret, Sabrina," he replied, his voice a low rumble.
Kev's mind raced. He remembered the mysterious crow woman, Kaiote, the IT manager he had briefly met during his first night at the club. She had mentioned overseeing the club's security systems, and her office was said to be quieter, away from the main building. Could that be where the IT department was located?
"I guess I'll just have to find it myself then," the eaglewoman declared, a playful challenge in her voice.
Fang chuckled, shaking his head. "Good luck with that," he retorted. "Just don't yell and cry when someone catches you and wheels you back to the mansion."
Sabrina burst into laughter, her voice echoing through the VIP section. "Not only will I yell and cry," she declared dramatically, "but I'll also throw myself on the ground and have a full-blown tantrum."
Fang's laughter joined hers. It was a rare sight to see him so relaxed and carefree, his usual guarded demeanor replaced by a genuine amusement.
Just then, Luna arrived with Sabrina's order, a plate piled high with grilled fish and a colorful array of vegetables, accompanied by a frosty strawberry daiquiri.
"Enjoy," Luna said with a smile, placing the dishes on the table.
Sabrina's eyes lit up at the sight of the food. "Finally!" she exclaimed, grabbing her fork and digging in with gusto.
Kev watched in amusement as Sabrina devoured her meal with the same voracious appetite as Fang. It seemed the wolfman wasn't the only one in the club with a healthy appreciation for food.
He was glad to see the two of them getting along, their playful banter and shared laughter a welcome contrast to the tension of the past few days. It seemed Sabrina's vibrant personality and sharp wit had managed to break through Fang's usual reserve, bringing out a lighter, more playful side of the wolfman.
Sabrina finished her meal in record time, pushing the empty plate away with a satisfied sigh. "Thank the cook for me, will you, Kev?" she asked. "That was delicious. I don't know how they do it without electricity… I tried to make myself lunch earlier, and I couldn't even toast bread right."
"Do you usually do a lot of cooking?" he asked Sabrina.
"Do you think my brother could cook anything?" she retorted with a playful scoff. "He'd probably boil water trying to make ice."
Kev laughed, picturing the scene.
Sabrina finished her daiquiri with a satisfied sigh. "Thank the bartender for me too," she said, her voice a soft purr. "That was delicious."
Fang, who had been quietly observing their interaction, leaned forward. "So, Sabrina," he began, his voice a gentle rumble, "are your accommodations adequate? Is there anything you need?"
Sabrina's expression turned thoughtful. "The apartment itself is lovely," she admitted. "But there's a small step down to the balcony, which is a bit difficult to navigate with my chair. And the peephole on the door is useless for me." She paused, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "But whoever lowered the kitchen counters and remodeled the bathroom... kiss them for me. It's perfect."
Fang nodded, a pleased expression on his face. "I'll let Cindy know about the changes that need to be made," he assured her.
Sabrina's gaze shifted to Kev, a hint of envy in her eyes. "I'm so jealous of you, human," she said, her voice a playful whine.
Fang's gaze shifted to Sabrina's wheelchair, a frown creasing his brow. "There's one more thing," he said, his voice a low rumble. "That chair... it's an eyesore."
Sabrina glanced down at her wheelchair, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "I agree," she admitted, "but unfortunately, the legs don't work."
Fang waved a dismissive hand. "No, no, not that," he clarified. "It's too... too... chrome. It clashes..."
"I'll have another one ordered, something that matches the atmosphere a bit better. You can keep that shiny thing in your room as a spare."
Sabrina's face lit up with excitement. "That's awesome!" she exclaimed. "Make sure it has a cup holder!"
Fang snorted. "That's doubtful," he replied, a playful smirk on his face.
"I look forward to seeing it," Sabrina said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Fang then beckoned Talon over with a wave of his hand. The eagleman approached the table, his posture rigid and alert.
"I hope my darling sister has been polite company," Talon said, his voice a low rasp.
Sabrina grinned mischievously. "Brother, did you know Fang here is a dirty dog? Cuddling with his assistant and all."
Talon's eyes widened in surprise, his gaze darting between Fang and Kev. "Sister," he pleaded, his voice a strained whisper, "please tell me it's time for me to bring you back upstairs."
"Yes, Talon," Fang said. "She's had her meal, and I'm sure she's eager to share all the juicy details with you." He turned to Sabrina, his smile softening. "I look forward to our next conversation, Sabrina."
"You're gonna have to send Kev away next time so I can get the real details," Sabrina retorted, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Kev blushed, his cheeks warming under Sabrina's teasing gaze.
Talon, sensing the need for a swift exit, quickly intervened. "Say goodnight, Sabrina," he urged, gently guiding her wheelchair away from the table.
"Goodnight, hot wolf daddy!" Sabrina called out, her voice echoing through the barroom. "And skinny human dude!"
With a final wave, Talon wheeled his sister out of the VIP section, leaving Kev and Fang alone once more.
Kev's laughter filled the booth, a light, carefree sound that echoed Fang's own amusement. "She's crazy," he said, shaking his head in disbelief.
"I like her," Fang admitted, a fond smile playing on his lips. "She reminds me of someone I used to know."
Kev leaned closer, a playful glint in his eyes. "So, hot wolf daddy," he purred, his voice a low, seductive murmur, "wanna take me for a walk in the backyard?"
Fang's tail wagged excitedly, his amber eyes sparkling with delight. "Let's go, my skinny human dude," he replied, his voice a low rumble filled with warmth.
Hand in hand, they left the bustling barroom and stepped out into the cool night air. The moon cast a silvery glow on the manicured lawns and the shimmering pool, creating a magical atmosphere that heightened the intimacy of their shared moment.
Kev lit a cigarette, the familiar smoke curling lazily upwards as they strolled through the gardens. He leaned into Fang's strong arm, savoring the feeling of safety and belonging that the wolfman's presence provided. Fang's tail continued its rhythmic wagging, a silent testament to his contentment.
They completed a leisurely circuit of the grounds, their conversation a comfortable mix of shared laughter and quiet observations. As they approached the back door, Kev extinguished his cigarette in a nearby ashtray.
As they re-entered the club, the energy had reached a fever pitch. The dance floor was packed, the music flowing through the air, and the bar was abuzz with lively conversation. Fang and Kev made their way back to the VIP table, their presence drawing curious glances from the surrounding patrons.
"I'm starving," Fang declared, his stomach growling audibly. He signaled to Luna, who promptly appeared with a notepad in hand.
"A cup of meat stew," Fang ordered, his voice a low rumble.
Kev, still feeling pleasantly full from his earlier lunch, opted for a lighter option. "Just a glass of water and a slice of pie for me, please," he requested.
Luna nodded and disappeared into the crowd, her feline grace navigating the throng with ease. It wasn't long before their food was served, the meat stew and pie both looked wonderful. Another hour passed while they ate and watched the dancers.
Fang turned to Kev, a hint of concern in his eyes. "It's already getting late, Kev," he said, his voice a gentle reminder. "Perhaps you should head to bed soon."
Kev, who had been enjoying Fang's company and the vibrant atmosphere of the club, hesitated. "Will you walk me to my room?" he asked, his voice a soft plea.
Fang's lips curled into a warm smile. "Of course, Kev," he replied, his hand reaching out to gently squeeze Kev's.
He turned to Talon, who was still standing guard by the velvet rope. "Talon," he instructed, "wait here. We have one more thing to do when I return."
Talon nodded, his expression impassive.
Fang then led Kev towards the grand staircase, their footsteps echoing in the relative quiet of the hallway.
As they reached Kev's apartment, he unlocked the door and turned to face Fang, a hopeful glint in his eyes. "Come in," he invited, his voice a soft whisper. "Just for a few minutes."
Fang hesitated, his gaze lingering on Kev's face. He wanted nothing more than to accept the invitation, to spend the rest of the night wrapped in Kev's embrace. But the club, his life's work, called to him. He couldn't simply abandon it, not when there were still so many responsibilities demanding his attention.
"I... I can't, Kev," he finally said, his voice filled with regret. "I still have more work to do tonight."
Kev's smile faltered, a stab of disappointment stinging his heart. But before he could say anything, Fang leaned forward and captured his lips in a passionate kiss.
Kev melted into the embrace, his arms wrapping around Fang's neck, his body yearning for more. "I want you, Fang, so badly," he whispered against the wolfman's lips.
Fang held Kev tightly, his heart pounding in his chest. "I want you too, Kev," he murmured, his voice husky with desire. "More than you know."
He reluctantly pulled away, his gaze lingering on Kev's face. "But I have to go," he said, his voice a soft growl. "I'll see you tomorrow... my love."
With a final, lingering kiss, Fang turned and walked away, leaving Kev standing in the doorway, his heart aching with a bittersweet longing. He closed the door behind him, a smile playing on his lips despite the disappointment. Fang's words, "my love," echoed in his mind. Sleep came quickly when he slipped into his freshly changed sheets.