A few songs later, Rebecca returned, skillfully carrying their plates. "Here you are, Mr. Fang," she said, placing a steaming steak and eggs before him.
"I was wondering where she was," Fang murmured, his gaze following Rebecca. "You ordered for me?"
"For us," Kev corrected gently, a warm smile on his face.
Finally, Rebecca placed an odd assortment of food in front of Horns: a stack of fluffy pancakes, a vibrant stuffed pepper, and a small plate of glistening oysters. "And for you," she announced with a cheerful smile, "the happy customer special."
Horns's eyes lit up. "You're amazing!" he exclaimed, diving into his unusual meal with gusto.
Kev laughed, shaking his head in amusement. "Thank you, Rebecca," he said, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "You're great as always."
Rebecca smiled, her tail swishing playfully. "I'll be back if I see your drinks are empty," she promised, before heading back towards the bustling bar.
They settled into a comfortable silence, the sounds of the music and the happy murmur of the crowd filling the air as they ate their meals.
After eating, Kev leaned into Fang, a playful glint in his eyes. "So, what's on the agenda tonight, big guy?"
Horns, his gaze already fixed on the dance floor, swaying slightly in his seat, declared, "I'm gonna dance!" He stood up with surprising enthusiasm, promptly tripping over the edge of the VIP rope, but quickly regained his balance, offering a sheepish grin back at Fang and Kev before turning and heading, with a slight wobble, towards the throng of dancers.
Fang watched Horns disappear into the crowd, a wry smile playing on his lips. He turned back to Kev, his gaze softening. "Well," he murmured, his voice a low rumble, "I think that gives us an idea of what Horns's agenda is. As for ours..." He leaned in closer, his arm snaking around Kev's shoulders, his amber eyes sparkling with a familiar warmth.
Kev looked up at Fang, his warm smile softening the wolf's somewhat rugged features. The lingering buzz from the weed oil loosened his inhibitions. "Do you want to go for a walk?" he blurted out, then quickly took a sip of his drink, a wave of embarrassment washing over him at the thought that Fang might interpret his invitation as something... dog-like.
However, Fang's expression remained warm, a hint of curiosity in his amber eyes. "Where would you like to walk, my dear?" he asked, his voice a low rumble. "Around the grounds? I've heard you enjoy the pool."
Kev shook his head, a playful glint in his eyes. "Let's go somewhere else," he suggested. "I can walk the grounds anytime."
Fang nodded, a smile returning to his lips. "That sounds nice," he agreed. "It's been a while since I've gone out to stretch my legs." He looked up, his gaze scanning the bustling barroom. "Where is Rex, anyway? He should have been back by now..." A low growl rumbled in his chest. "Let's go, Kev. We'll find Perry."
As they left the VIP section, Fang's low growl directed an order at Skippy. "You watch my assistant here while we walk."
Skippy's gaze flickered towards Kev, a subtle protectiveness hardening his features. "Yes, boss," he replied, his posture immediately becoming more alert.
Fang draped a possessive arm over Kev's shoulders, his large hand resting reassuringly near Kev's neck. Together, they began to navigate the throng towards the front entrance, Skippy trailing a few steps behind. Kev felt a strange sense of ease amidst the press of bodies. The usual anxiety that prickled his skin as he moved through the unfamiliar crowd seemed dampened, the lingering haze from the weed oil and the undeniable force of Fang's presence creating a protective bubble around him. It was like being a salmon swimming upstream, yet shielded from the turbulent currents by the overwhelming charisma of the powerful wolfman beside him. The vibrant energy of the club, usually a source of mild unease, now felt like a backdrop to the comforting weight of Fang's arm.
They passed through the heavy doors into the twilight, the last vestiges of sunset painting the sky in hues of deep purple and fiery orange. Torches, mounted on ornate iron stands, lined the entrances and walkways leading from the bustling parking lot. A steady stream of cars, their headlights cutting through the dim light, could be seen pulling in, a few particularly sleek and futuristic-looking vehicles queued near the front door, their wealthy occupants eager to begin their evening at Club Fang. Valets, their movements a well-rehearsed ballet of efficiency, scurried back and forth, whisking the expensive cars away to their designated spots.
Perry, the owl man, stood at a polished wooden podium not far from the door, his head resting on his folded arm, his gaze lazily observing the arriving vehicles. Suddenly, his hand shot out, seemingly at random, into the air. A pair of keys, glinting in the torchlight, landed neatly in his waiting palm. He glanced at them briefly before bending down to place them on the podium.
"Perry," Fang called out, his voice a low rumble. "Go get the car."
Perry straightened up instantly, his bored expression vanishing at the sound of Fang's command. He turned, his sharp eyes locking onto his employer. "Any preference tonight, sir?"
"Driver's choice," Fang replied, his tone impatient. "Just make it snappy. I'm going out for a walk."
Perry nodded, his movements now swift and decisive. He turned and yelled, "Hey, Tessa, come take point!" An opossum woman, her fur sleek and her eyes sharp, hurried over to the podium. "I'll be back eventually," Perry said to her with a knowing grin.
Tessa laughed, a soft, hissing sound. "Have fun, Perry."
Perry nodded again, then with surprising agility for his size, he crouched low and leaped into the air, his powerful wings unfolding and carrying him in a swift, silent flight over the top of the mansion, a direct shortcut to the rear garage. A few of the arriving guests stopped in their tracks, pointing and murmuring in astonishment at the sight of the flying valet.
Fang growled, his patience clearly wearing thin. "The excitement is inside, not up there," he stated, his voice a low rumble that brooked no argument. "Move along." The few beastfolk who had paused to watch Perry quickly averted their gazes and hurried inside, eager to avoid the wolfman's displeasure.
"Kev, leaning on Fang, said, "Why is flying illegal?"
Fang looked down at Kev, a wry smile on his lips. "Jealousy."
Kev looked up, a knowing glint in his eyes. "You know, I kinda figured it would be something like that."
Fang grinned and looked back up. "If I had wings, I would fly."
Kev nodded. "Me too."
After only a minute, Perry arrived in one of Fang's classic cars, its black paint gleaming under the torchlight. Perry skillfully weaved between the other valets and parked in front of the entrance. Kev followed Fang into the back seat. Before Fang shut the door, Skippy approached and asked, "Uhh, boss?"
Fang growled, a low rumble. "Sit up front," he instructed, closing the door.
Kev leaned into Fang, watching as Skippy joined Perry in the front. They exchanged a quick nod. Perry pulled out into the parking lot, cutting off a few impatient drivers and pedestrians alike. Kev watched as the club disappeared from view, the exit now empty while the entrance road remained bumper to bumper with arriving guests. Perry only slowed as the security checkpoint came into view.
A panther woman stood in the road, holding a glowing baton, signaling for them to stop. Perry rolled down his window. The panther woman approached and leaned down, her eyes meeting Skippy's in the rearview mirror. She glanced into the back and said, "Mr. Fang, there is something you might want to see."
Fang growled, his patience wearing thin. "It can wait. I'm busy at the moment."
The panther woman winced. "Rex is talking with someone you wanted to see."
Fang's eyes narrowed. "How badly do I want to see this person?"
The panther woman hesitated. "Rex is asking very, uh, detailed questions."
Fang looked down at Kev, a conflicted expression on his face. "My apologies, Kev," he murmured, "but I'll be right back."
Kev, still nestled into Fang's warm side, mumbled sleepily, "I can come with you."
Fang rubbed Kev's back reassuringly. "No, you wait here. This shouldn't take too long." He exited the car, the panther woman following him towards the small security checkpoint building.
Kev looked through the window and asked, "So, where do you put everyone's phones once they go through the metal detectors?"
Skippy glanced back, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Phones? We don't take 'em."
Kev leaned over, surprised. "But how do you keep people from using them inside?"
"They don't work," Skippy replied matter-of-factly.
Kev waited for an explanation, but Skippy offered none. Perry, however, glanced back from the driver's seat. "When you enter the grounds, a screen pops up on your phone that says 'Club Fang.' You can't do anything with it until you leave the grounds."
"Then what are the metal detectors for?" Kev inquired, still puzzled.
"Oh,," Skippy said with a shrug. "Old school cameras, tape recorders. I remember one time Rex confiscated a paint set and a canvas."
Perry laughed, a soft hoot. "Glad you boys are keeping us safe."
"We find needles every once in a while, blades once in a blue moon," Skippy added. "Most of the customers know better."
"I appreciate what you do," Kev said sincerely. "Can't be easy trying to tell if someone is a threat or just a bit too drunk sometimes."
Perry chuckled. "Well, being a valet is technically more dangerous, much higher chance of injury. Some people drive like animals."
Skippy looked over at Perry and quipped, "Yeah, you." Perry and Skippy shared a laugh.
A sharp rap on the window interrupted their conversation. It was Rex, standing outside Skippy's seat, his expression impatient. Rex beckoned Skippy with a curt finger.
Skippy quickly exited the car. They exchanged a few muffled words before the kangaroo headed towards the security checkpoint building, and Rex opened the car door, sliding into the front seat next to Perry. Rex adjusted the seat, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "What," he grunted, his tone impatient.
Perry kept his eyes forward. "Didn't think I'd ever be driving you around, Rex."
"Yeah, me either," Rex replied, a hint of annoyance in his voice. The car fell silent, the only sound the low hum of the engine.
After a minute, Kev broke the silence. "So, who's Fang talking to?"
"A troublemaker," Rex stated flatly, his jaw tight. He glanced back at Kev. "Speaking of trouble, where's the moose?"
"Horns is at the club still," Kev replied. "Enjoying his day off, I hope."
"Good," Rex muttered. "One less liability I have to worry about."
"I don't know why Fang insists that I need a bodyguard," Kev said, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "He's more than capable of protecting me."
Rex scoffed, rolling his eyes. "You're so clueless it's cute, human."
"Enlighten me," Kev challenged, raising an eyebrow.
Rex glanced out the window. "You already look quite light."
Fang entered the car, breathing slightly heavily, his expression a mix of determination and lingering anger. He looked at Kev and pulled him close, his arm wrapping around the human's shoulders.
"Everything alright, big guy?" Kev asked, concern lacing his voice.
"Yes," Fang replied, his jaw tight. "It will be."
Perry glanced at Rex, who was still looking forward, a muscle twitching in his jaw, and put the car in drive. As they rolled down the road, Perry glanced at Fang in the rearview mirror. "Where to, sir?"
"Anywhere you want to go," Fang replied, his arm tightening around Kev.
Kev thought for a moment. "I don't know the city other than where you've taken me," he admitted. "Why don't we go to the park? It's basically your property, right, Fang?"
"The park it is," Fang agreed, his voice softening. He looked up at Perry. "Sorry, Perry, not much excitement tonight, but if you wanted to do a lap on the perimeter road, that would be okay."
Perry glanced over at Rex, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "How do you feel about headlights off?"
Rex looked over at Perry, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Are you nuts?"
Perry chuckled and pulled onto the perimeter road, the tires crunching on the dirt and gravel.
Perry stopped the car abruptly and flicked the headlight switch off, plunging them into near total darkness. "Give me a minute," Perry murmured, a strange intensity in his voice.
Kev looked up at Fang, his brow furrowed in confusion. "What's going on?"
"I'm not sure," Fang replied, "but it feels... exciting."
"Really," Rex scoffed from the front seat, a hint of unease in his tone.
Perry rubbed his eyes, his pupils now large and luminous in the faint moonlight filtering through the trees. "If you're scared, you can get out, Rex."
Rex glanced back at Fang, his golden eyes narrowed. "You really trust this bird?"
Fang growled, an edge in his voice. "Yes."
"Welp," Perry said, a manic grin spreading across his face, "times up." He slammed his foot on the accelerator, the car lurching forward and speeding down the winding perimeter road, swallowed by the darkness.
Kev gripped the armrest, his knuckles white as the car barreled down the dark perimeter road. The trees lining either side were mere blurs in his peripheral vision, the oppressive darkness ahead offering no warning to the sudden twists and turns Perry was executing with unnerving precision. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, a knot of fear tightening in his stomach.
He chanced a glance to his side and saw Fang, his head thrust out the window, a primal howl tearing from his throat and disappearing into the blackness. The sound, though wild, held a strange note of exhilaration. In front of Kev, Rex was a tense silhouette, leaning intently into the dashboard, his golden eyes seemingly able to pierce the impenetrable darkness, anticipating curves and obstacles that remained invisible to Kev.
Perry, despite the reckless speed, maintained a deceptively relaxed posture. Only the subtle adjustments of his hands on the steering wheel, the almost imperceptible shifts in his weight, betrayed the minute calculations and lightning-fast reflexes that kept the car hurtling through the night with a terrifying yet somehow smooth momentum.
Fang pulled his head back inside the car, his amber eyes meeting Kev's in the dim light. "Remember the last time we were on this road?" he murmured, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
Kev grinned and leaned over, giving Fang a quick peck on the cheek. "Last time I was here was earlier today, actually."
Fang looked down, a puzzled frown creasing his brow. "What do you mean?"
"Remember the other night?" Kev prompted. "Sabrina said she wanted to find the IT department?"
Fang's tail stopped its rhythmic thumping against the leather seat. "But she's in a chair. How did…"
"Talon's van," Kev explained with a shrug.
"Boss, should you be talking about the IT department in front of this valet?" Rex interjected sharply from the front seat, his gaze fixed on the dark road ahead.
"Rex," Fang growled, his patience wearing thin, "I trust Perry to drive while Kev is in the car. What is more sensitive than that?"
Rex glanced over at Perry, who remained focused on the dark road ahead, seemingly oblivious to their hushed conversation. Rex grumbled under his breath. "Bringing all sorts of feathered freaks into the fold. Keeping that toucan here was crazy enough."
"Quiet, Rex," Fang snapped, taking a deep breath and rubbing Kev's arm reassuringly. "The club is a meritocracy. If there was an avian who I thought could do your job better, I would hire them to do it."
Rex grumbled again, but remained silent.
Fang turned back to Kev, his gaze softening. "Now, you were saying?"
"Well," Kev began, a touch of sheepish excitement in his voice despite the previous rebuke, "Talon's van was a bit of a wreck, but it got us around the perimeter road just fine. Sabrina was complaining about the lack of AC, and then I remembered seeing an old well near the road, no weeds around it. Talon and I thought it looked a bit too clean, so we went to check it out."
Fang's arm, still around Kev, tensed slightly. "The well?"
"Yeah," Kev continued. "Concrete tube, lights at the bottom. Talon went down first – just flew, which was cool to see. Then Sabrina, then me with a rope ladder Talon found. It's a whole setup down there! Servers, big computers… Sabrina was in heaven. And then Kaiote showed up."
Fang's concern was palpable. "What did Kaiote do?" he asked, his voice a low, serious rumble.
Kev shifted slightly. "Nothing. She seemed… surprised, maybe a little scared at first, especially when she realized Talon and Sabrina were there. But she was nice about it. We could tell we weren't supposed to be there once she arrived, though, so Talon got Sabrina and we left pretty quickly."
Rex hissed from the front seat, a sound like air escaping a punctured tire. "She didn't hit the alarm. I've been over this with her. Unauthorized access to IT is a direct alert."
Fang's gaze, which had softened slightly listening to Kev, hardened again, though not directed at the human. "Kev, the IT department is off-limits," he stated, his tone firm but not angry towards Kev.
Kev looked down at his hands, which were still intertwined with Fang's. "Sorry," he murmured. "We were just bored during the day and wanted to explore a bit. Talon hadn't met Kaiote yet either, and he wanted to know all the managers."
Fang sighed, a long, weary sound that seemed to carry the weight of his responsibilities. He rubbed Kev's arm gently. "No, it's my oversight. I should have introduced Talon to the managers properly, like I did for you." He looked out at the dark, rushing trees. "Another thing to add to the list."
Kev shifted uncomfortably. "Well, the introductions are done now," he said, trying to sound light, "no need to think about it too much."
Rex grumbled from the front seat, a low, guttural sound.
Fang's head turned sharply. "Is there something you want to say, Rex?"
Rex twisted in his seat. "Oh, of course not, sir," he sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Just spill your secrets without even telling me."
Fangs eyes narrowed. "What I tell, to whom, is my business."
Rex's head snapped forward, and he yelled, his voice cracking with frustration, "Well, it's my business too! You want me to do my job, well, you got to let me do my fucking job!"
The car was plunged into a thick, heavy silence. Kev could feel Fang beside him tense, every muscle coiled like he was about to pounce. Before Kev could even think of a way to diffuse the explosive atmosphere, Perry spoke, his voice quiet but carrying a distinct edge. "Don't yell in my ear when I'm driving, Rex."
Another few moments of strained silence passed, punctuated only by the sound of the tires on the gravel. Fang finally spoke, his voice dangerously quiet. "Rex, apologize to Perry."
Rex stared stonily ahead. "If his feelings are hurt, he can take it up with Horns."
"My ear hurts," Perry corrected calmly, not taking his eyes off the approaching main club road. "Not my feelings."
Fang's voice rose, though still controlled, each word sharp. "Rex, I told you to apologize to Perry."
The car finished its loop around the perimeter road, returning to the winding asphalt path that led up to the club. Perry flicked the headlights back on, the sudden brightness making Kev blink. Perry paused for a moment, letting his eyes adjust to the light before he started driving again.
Rex scoffed. "Why bother with headlights if you don't need them?"
"Not everyone can see in the dark," Perry replied evenly. "If they don't see me coming, how can they swerve out of my way?"
"I still haven't heard an apology, Rex," Fang said, his voice flat and cold, a promise of retribution hanging in the air.
Rex let out another low growl, a sound of defiance that vibrated through the car.
Kev, feeling the tension escalate, gently rubbed Fang's arm. "The park is close, right?" he said, his voice soft and deliberately cheerful. "I can't wait to see it."
Fang was still glaring at Rex's silhouette in the front seat, his jaw tight. Kev squeezed Fang's leg, a small, insistent pressure. "You should take me to your favorite spot in the park," he murmured, his eyes fixed on Fang's profile.
Slowly, Fang tore his gaze away from Rex. He looked down at Kev, the anger in his eyes receding, replaced by a flicker of something softer. "It's alright," he said, his voice still a bit rough. "My favorite spot is a bit odd… Why don't I bring you to the fountain? There are usually buskers."
Rex coughed pointedly from the front seat. They were pulling up to the side of the road now. The entrance to the club's winding driveway effectively cut the sprawling park in half. This side road, maintained by the club, led into the deeper, less manicured sections of the park. Perry pulled the car to the side and turned off the engine.
Rex took a deep, deliberate breath and got out, walking around to open Fang's door with a stiff formality that was almost comical.
Fang helped Kev out of the car. "Welcome to my grounds, Kev," he said, a sweep of his arm indicating the vast, dark expanse of trees around them. "These used to be hunting acres but," Fang looked up at the bright skyline of Dala'Bon peeking over the treetops, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy, "hunting isn't very popular anymore."
Perry walked around the car, twirling the keys on his finger. "Any timeline, Sir?"
"No," Fang replied. "Just stick around and be ready for us. We are going to the fountain."
Kev stepped closer to Fang, looking up at him earnestly. "Fang, let's go to your favorite spot," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "I don't care if it's odd. I want to see things that are important to you."
Fang looked down at Kev, a small, almost hesitant smile touching his lips. The sincerity in Kev's eyes was disarming. "You'll wish you saw the fountain," he chuckled, a hint of warmth returning to his voice. "But okay."
Kev took a deep breath, the cool night air scented with damp earth and pine. The park unfolded before them, a tapestry of winding paths that disappeared into the shadows of an old-growth forest. Wrought-iron lampposts, their light soft and golden, punctuated the darkness at regular intervals, illuminating the pathways and the occasional bench or trash can nestled amongst the trees. A few beast people strolled along the paths, their forms indistinct in the distance, their quiet conversations a murmur in the stillness of the night.