The afternoon slipped away in a blissful haze of dreams and hazy thoughts. When Kev finally awoke, the sun was already beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the room. He stretched, his muscles pleasantly relaxed, and glanced at his watch. It was almost five o'clock.
Time to get ready for another night at the club, he thought, a smile playing on his lips.
Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after his nap, he headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. He carefully styled his hair with the gel, achieving a sleek, professional look that he hoped would impress Fang. He then selected a tailored suit from his wardrobe, its dark blue fabric a perfect complement to his pale complexion and bright blue eyes.
As he waited for Horns to arrive, Kev decided to prepare a simple breakfast for the mooseman. He cracked a few eggs into a pan, the sizzle of the bacon filling the apartment with a mouthwatering aroma. He toasted a couple of bagels, remembering Horns's fondness for them.
Just as the coffee finished brewing, a knock echoed through the apartment. Kev opened the door to find Horns, his usual cheerful demeanor a welcome break from the loneliness of the past hours.
"Evening, Kev," Horns greeted him, stepping inside and placing several bags on the counter. "Supplies," he announced with a grin. "Got you the good stuff." He tossed a roll of toilet paper towards Kev, who caught it with a chuckle.
"Speaking of good stuff," Horns continued, his eyes twinkling with mischief, "where's that oil Ralph gave you?"
"I'll grab it," Kev replied, disappearing into the bedroom. He retrieved the water pipe and the bag of weed oil from his safe, carefully placing them on the counter beside Horns.
Horns wasted no time, expertly loading the pipe and taking a deep, satisfying hit. He exhaled a cloud of fragrant smoke, a contented sigh escaping his lips. "Ah, that is the good stuff," he mumbled, reaching for the plate Kev had prepared.
Kev smiled, enjoying the camaraderie. He poured himself a cup of coffee and joined Horns at the table, the gentle melodies from the player piano creating a soothing backdrop to their breakfast.
"How was your day, Kev?" Horns inquired between bites of his bagel.
"Went by quickly," Kev replied with a shrug. "Swam a bit, had lunch with Talon and Sabrina, took a nap..."
Horns grinned. "Must be nice," he remarked, a hint of envy in his voice. "All I got was dreams about a mountain of paperwork and a bunch of grumpy employees." He finished his food and gulped down the last of his coffee. "Mind if I have another cup?" he asked, holding out his empty mug.
Kev nodded and refilled Horns' cup. "Fang wants to go out again tonight," the mooseman mentioned casually. "Didn't say why, though."
Horns took another hit from the pipe, a thoughtful expression on his face. "The boss is gonna swing by soon," he said, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "I think he said something about bringing Dale along too."
"Dale?" Kev echoed, surprised. "Why Dale?"
Horns shrugged. "Beats me," he replied. "But I gotta get out of here. Another night of the new schedule awaits." He stood up, stretching his massive frame. "Want a hit before I go?" he offered, gesturing towards the water pipe.
Kev hesitated for a moment, that oil was really strong and he didn't want to fall asleep again or say anything too crazy. "Just a small one."
He took a careful puff, savoring the smooth, potent vapor. Horns then reclaimed the pipe and took a final, lung-expanding hit before carefully picking up the illicit supplies.
"Thanks for the coffee, little guy," Horns said with a grateful dopey grin, his eyes already glazed. "See you tonight."
He left the apartment, leaving Kev alone with his thoughts and the lingering scent of marijuana smoke. Kev finished his coffee, feeling a pleasant buzz settle over him.
Talon arrived only minutes after Horns left, his presence filling the apartment with a quiet intensity. He surveyed the room with a critical eye, noting the open windows and the lingering scent of marijuana smoke.
"You should lock your door," he advised, his voice a low rasp. "It's not safe to leave it open."
Kev, surprised by Talon's sudden concern, chuckled. "Don't worry, Talon," he reassured him. "Horns was just in here, the security team must already be down at the entrance."
Talon nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. He looked refreshed and alert, his black suit looked freshly ironed, his feathers neatly preened. He made his way to the kitchen, poured himself a cup of coffee, and settled onto the couch with a contented sigh.
"How was the store?" Kev asked, taking a seat opposite Talon.
A flicker of amusement crossed Talon's face. "I had to chase Sabrina down a few times," he admitted, a chuckle escaping his lips. "She's quite quick in that new chair."
"Hope she wore herself out, at least," Kev joked.
Talon grinned. "I haven't seen her wear a bathing suit in years," he remarked. "Or want to spend time outside, for that matter. She's a pain, I know, but she seems... less self-conscious here."
"She's still a third wheel, though," Kev teased, a playful glint in his eyes.
Talon frowned, clearly still not understanding the reference.
Kev laughed. "Shes fun, just a bit... spirited."
"That she is," Talon agreed with a sigh. He took a sip of his coffee, a thoughtful expression on his face. "So," he began, "it sounds like we might be going out into the city again tonight. I saw Mr. Horns talking with Mr. Dale not too long ago."
"Any info on what we're doing?" Kev asked, his curiosity piqued.
Talon shook his head. "Another Fang secret," he replied with a shrug. "They just told me to be ready to leave."
"Well, I think it's nice to see the city," Kev countered with a smile. "It's so vibrant and full of life."
Talon's brow furrowed slightly. "The city is filthy," he retorted, his voice a low rasp. "The mansion is much nicer."
Kev laughed, surprised by Talon's bluntness. "You do know what happens down in the club, right?" he teased.
"The club has Madam Cindy and Mr. Max," Talon replied with a shrug. "The city has poverty and crime. I'll take the club any day."
"Everything I've seen so far has been pretty nice," Kev countered. "The restaurant, the jewelry store..."
Talon nodded. "Mr. Fang has good taste," he said.
Kev grinned playfully. "Thanks," he replied, leaning back on the couch.
Talon laughed, a rare sound that echoed through the apartment. "You know what I mean," he clarified. "He's not going to bring you just anywhere. He wants to impress you."
"I'd be happy with a walk in the park," Kev said, a contented sigh escaping his lips.
"I've heard the park is nice," Talon agreed, his gaze returning to the book in his hands.
Kev stood up and stretched, his muscles still pleasantly loose from his swim earlier that day. He walked over to the mirror, checking his reflection. His hair was neatly styled, his suit impeccably tailored. He felt a surge of confidence, a sense of belonging in this world of luxury and power.
Just then, a knock echoed through the apartment. Talon, his reflexes sharp as ever, was on his feet in an instant. He straightened his suit jacket and smoothed his feathers before approaching the door.
"Good evening, Mr. Dale," Talon greeted, his voice respectful.
Kev turned around, surprised to see Dale standing on the threshold. The bartender was dressed in a dark green suede suit, a stark contrast to his usual bartending uniform. He looked surprisingly dapper, his normally jovial expression replaced by a more serious, almost contemplative one.
"Come in, Dale," Kev invited, a warm smile on his face. "What brings you here?"
"Just waiting for Fang with you lot," Dale replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "He wasn't quite ready yet. My first day off, and I'm back here already…" He chuckled, shaking his head.
Dale settled onto the couch, his large equine body nearly filling the space. Despite his playful complaints, Kev could sense he was quickly relaxing.
"Coffee or water, Dale?" Kev offered, gesturing towards the kitchen.
"Coffee, please," Dale said with a grateful smile. "Maybe this day off thing isn't so bad after all. Getting served instead of serving… it's quite nice."
Kev poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Dale, along with a sugar bowl. Dale stirred in a generous spoonful of sugar, then turned to Kev with a hopeful look.
"Mind if I bum a smoke?" he asked, his voice a gravelly whisper.
Kev grinned and slid his cigarette case across the table. Dale selected one, its slender form dwarfed by his large, calloused hand.
As Dale lit his cigarette, his gaze swept across the apartment. "This place is looking good, Kev," he remarked, nodding approvingly. "The last time I saw it was years ago..."
Talon, who had been quietly reading on the armchair, looked up briefly, his sharp eyes taking in the scene before returning to his book.
"Thanks, Dale," Kev replied, a sense of pride warming his chest. "Cindy and her crew did most of the work, but I've added a few things."
Dale gestured with his cigarette, the smoke making rings in the air. "That player piano is a good touch too," he remarked, nodding towards the instrument in the corner. "Must be nice to have some music that isn't so... dramatic all the time."
"Amadeus's music certainly demands one's attention," Kev agreed.
"You've got that right," Dale said with a wry smile. "He does love the spotlight, that bird." He took a sip of his coffee
Dale, his gaze shifting to Talon, raised an eyebrow. "So, Talon," he began, his voice a curious rumble, "how are you fitting in? Next to Kev, you're the talk of the town."
Talon's frown deepened, his feathers ruffling slightly. "I may have had a few... mishaps," he admitted, "Everyone has been very kind to my sister and me."
Dale laughed, a deep neighing sound. "Accidents happen," he said, his tone understanding. "But people are really talking about you getting an apartment here. It was a surprise with Kev, until people picked up on his... relationship with the boss. But you're the second new hire that's living. It's got everyone buzzing."
Talon remained silent, his gaze fixed on the floor, his wings twitching slightly. The weight of the club's attention, the whispers and curious glances, seemed to be taking a toll on him.
Dale, oblivious to Talon's discomfort, continued his musings. "It's unprecedented, really," he remarked, swirling the last dregs of his coffee. "Fang's never been much of one to allow others up here on the second floor. It's got everyone speculating."
He finished his coffee and stood up, stretching his long legs. "Bathrooms still in the back?" he asked. "I'll be right back."
Kev pointed towards the small hallway. "Down there, on the left," he replied.
Dale nodded and disappeared into the bathroom. A moment later, a knock echoed through the apartment. Talon, his reflexes sharp as ever, jumped to his feet and opened the door.
"Good evening, Mr. Fang," he greeted, his voice a respectful rasp.
Fang stepped into the apartment, his presence filling the small space with a commanding energy. He was dressed in a tailored black suit, his silver watch gleaming in the dim light. His harsh gaze softened as it landed on Kev, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"Evening, Kev," he said, his voice a low rumble.
Kev rose from the couch and greeted Fang with a kiss, his lips lingering on the wolfman's cheek. "Want a cup of coffee before we head out?" he offered.
Fang nodded, his smile widening. "That sounds lovely," he replied, settling onto the couch.
Kev poured a cup of coffee for Fang, remembering his preference for it black. He handed the mug to the wolfman, their fingers brushing briefly, a subtle spark of electricity passing between them.
Fang, looking around the apartment, asked, "Where's that old horse? He should have been here already."
A voice boomed from the bathroom, "The wolf's the late one!" Dale called out, amusement lacing his tone.
Fang grinned, shaking his head. "Dale..." he muttered fondly, taking a sip of his coffee. "We're going out again tonight, Kev," he announced, his voice a low rumble. "Got to deal with a few things, and then we're meeting Ralph again for dinner."
Kev nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Sounds good," he replied. "Where are we going first?"
Fang finished his coffee, handing the empty mug to Kev, who promptly rinsed it and placed it in the sink.
"Talon," Fang said, turning to the eagleman, "would you mind having Perry bring the car around?"
"Of course, Mr. Fang," Talon replied, rising from the couch and heading towards the door.
Kev nestled close to Fang on the couch, enjoying the warmth and comfort of his presence. Fang leaned in, his eyes filled with a predatory hunger, and captured Kev's lips in a passionate kiss. The world around them seemed to fade away, replaced by the intoxicating sensation of Fang's touch and the undeniable connection that sparked between them.
Emboldened by the intimacy of the moment, Fang gently pushed Kev down onto the couch, his large frame hovering over the human. Kev's arms instinctively wrapped around Fang's neck, his fingers tangling in the wolfman's thick fur.
Fang's kisses deepened, his tongue exploring Kev's mouth with a primal urgency. A low growl rumbled in his chest as he whispered against Kev's lips, "You're all mine, Kev."
He trailed kisses down Kev's neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin, eliciting a shiver of delight from the human. "Oh, Fang," Kev moaned, his voice a breathless whisper.
Suddenly, a loud snort echoed from the kitchen, shattering the intimate moment. "Get off him, you old dog!" Dale's voice boomed, laced with amusement. "Perry's waiting!"
Fang growled, reluctantly pulling away from Kev. He glared at the Dale, his eyes flashing with a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. Then, his gaze softened as he looked down at Kev.
"Let's go, then," he said, offering Kev a hand and helping him up from the couch.
Kev, his cheeks flushed and his heart racing, took Fang's hand, a shy smile on his face. "Lead the way," he murmured, his voice a husky whisper.
Fang, his tail wagging excitedly, led Kev out of the apartment and down the stairs, their intertwined fingers a silent testament to their growing bond.
As they reached the waiting car, Perry greeted them with a polite nod. "Good evening, gentlemen," he said, his voice a soft hoot.
Dale, however, surprised them by sliding into the backseat alongside Kev and Fang. Talon, with a slight frown, took his usual place in the front passenger seat.
Perry started the engine, the car purring to life as they headed towards the security checkpoint. Rex, his muscular frame silhouetted against the floodlights, was already waiting for them.
He leaned in close to the window, a mischievous grin on his face. "Going out again, boss? Really?" he purred, his gaze lingering on Kev. "The human must be quite demanding. If he needs exercising this badly, just let me have him for an hour or two." He winked at Kev, his predatory eyes gleaming in the darkness.
Fang growled, his ears flattening against his head. But before he could respond, Dale coughed loudly, drawing Rex's attention.
"I don't think Kev wants to spot you while you lift weights in the mirror, kitty," Dale quipped, a playful smirk on his face.
Rex's ears flattened against his head, mirroring Fang's earlier reaction. "Who let you out of the stable, horse?" he retorted, his voice a low growl.
"Fang needed a real man to help him out tonight, kitty," Dale shot back, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Why don't you get back to work and wait for us to return?"
Rex bristled, his claws flexing involuntarily. "If you're a real man, why don't you come out here and prove it?" he challenged, his voice a menacing rumble.
Dale's hand rested casually on his own lap, a subtle gesture. "Kitty," he said, his voice a calm drawl that carried a surprising weight of authority, "I've got enough 'real man' right here to put you in the hospital. Don't try me."
Rex's eyes narrowed, a low hiss escaping his lips. He glared at Dale, his predatory instincts flaring. But then his gaze shifted to Kev, and a cruel smirk twisted his lips. "The old geldling would probably pass out before the fun even started," he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.
Fang's patience finally snapped. "Enough!" he roared, his voice a thunderous boom that echoed through the car.
Rex's grin faltered, replaced by a mask of forced obedience. "Enjoy your night, boss," he said, his tone clipped. He gave the top of the car a pat before stepping away.
Perry, relieved that the confrontation hadn't escalated further, quickly put the car in gear and sped away from the checkpoint, leaving Rex fuming in their wake.
Kev, feeling a mix of anxiety and exhilaration after the tense encounter with Rex, rolled down the window and lit a cigarette, the cool night air rushing in to mingle with the smoke. Dale, sprawled comfortably in the spacious backseat, gazed out at the city lights, a contemplative expression on his face.
Fang, his voice a low growl, leaned forward and spoke to Perry. "Take us to Bozeman and Bozeman. I need to have a little chat with that slimeball."
Dale sighed. "And I thought you were just being nice, inviting me out to dinner," he remarked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
Fang chuckled, a deep rumble that vibrated through the car's interior. "We are going to dinner, Dale," he assured him. "Just after I have a little... conversation with Bozeman."
Perry, his sharp eyes gleaming in the city lights, expertly maneuvered the car through the bustling streets. The sky-walks between buildings, the extreme clashes of style and architecture, the massive scale, the sights and sounds of the city were a sensory overload. Kev, gripping the armrest tightly, marveled at the owl man's driving skills. He weaved through traffic with a grace and precision that defied the laws of physics, leaving Kev breathless and slightly disoriented.
The car finally screeched to a halt in front of a towering skyscraper, its imposing facade casting a long shadow over the busy street. Signs for banks and stock brokerages lined the sidewalks, a testament to the financial power concentrated within these walls.
Fang stepped out of the car, offering his hand to Kev with a reassuring smile. "Come on, Kev," he said, his voice a low rumble. "Let's go see what Bozeman has to say for himself."
Kev took Fang's hand and followed him into the building, Talon and Dale trailing silently behind them. Perry, meanwhile, remained by the car, his large eyes casually watching passers by as he leaned on the vehicle.