The Claimed Promise

Clubbing

As I pulled up to the house, I instantly thought about driving away and keeping busy till she went out with her friends. The thought was tempting but, I knew it would cause all sorts of problems for me later. So, instead, I trudged up to the door and put on a smile. Before I could get my key into handle, the door swung open and there stood Mandi. She was about my same height, with dark brown hair, brown eyes and thin frame. Mandi had well-manicured fingernails, toenails, eyebrows; everything.

“Where the hell have you been, Kora?!” Her eyes furiously burned into my own.

“I told you yesterday I was going out this morning to try and get a new set that was being released.” I pushed past her into the house and headed towards the kitchen.

“Well where’s the set then? I bet you just went out so you can hangout with that loser Lindsey.” She sneered at me.

“They were already sold out. Lindsey is my best friend; I wish you wouldn’t talk about her that way.” I sighed and tried to lighten the mood. “Are you excited for tonight? What are you guys going to be doing?” Turning, I faked a smile and interest.

A smile spread across her face and the subject had successfully been switched to her. “We are thinking about heading over to Janette’s house. Husband is super rich, and they just bought a huge place. There’s a hot tub and a fire pit and a bar!” My mind wandered back her face. I wish I knew her name. The constant babble of Mandi skewed my memory but I knew there was something special about that woman. I could feel it.

“What are you going to do tonight, Kora?”

“Huh? Oh, I’m going to hang out with Lindsey. We’ll probably go grab a drink and just chill somewhere.” I zoned back in on Mandi.

“I still don’t see what you like about her. She’s absolutely obnoxious and she doesn’t treat me right.” She huffed.

“Mandi, she’ll come around eventually. Lindsey is just protective over me, she’s like a sister. After what happened before, there have been some hard feelings. It will get better.” I knew I was lying but I reassured her anyways.

“Fine but don’t expect me to take care of your drunk ass in the morning. I’ll be staying the night at Janette’s house.” The defeat in her tone was evident.

“No worries, I didn’t expect you to.” I gave her a small smile and began counting down the minutes till I was free for the night.

The time drug by listening to Mandi go on about her plans for the evening. When it was finally time for to leave, I could barely hide my enthusiasm. “Have fun tonight babe and make sure to be safe!” I gave Mandi a hug and a peck on the lips.

“You try not to have too much fun and don’t let that loser Lindsey keep you out too late. You don’t need to be drinking like she does.” She looked at me seriously and then turned to head to leave. Janette had gone all out and gotten a limo to pick up all the girls in. Mandi rushed outside and without even a wave goodbye, hopped in and they were gone. How did I end up with someone so self-centered?

Lindsey had impeccable timing. The clock struck 7pm, 15 minutes after the limo had pulled away and she was pulling up in an uber. I smiled ear to ear in excitement. Time to get my mind off of everything. “You have amazing timing! Mandi just left for the night and I am ready to go!” I was dressed fairly casually in nice fitted jeans, a tank top with a blue flannel over the top with the sleeves rolled up.

Lindsey looked me over and laughed as she stepped out of the car. “You look nice Kora, but we are going to the club. Are you sure you don’t want to look a little skanky?” Her smile spread across her face as she twirled around for me to see her very skimpy outfit. She was dressed in a very short tight black skirt and a tight tank top.

Shaking my head, I just laughed. “I’m good. You look slutty enough for both of us.” We both laughed and jumped into the uber.

We pulled up to a popular club named Rhythm located in the heart of New York New York and went straight to the front of the line; the bouncer at the front was one of Lindsey’s hookups. So, with a little grinding, we were in.

My heart raced as we walked in, it had been a while since I had been out to a place like this and I was pretty excited. Mandi never let me go out because of jealously and her weird issue with controlling me. I had never cheated on her or even considered it, but she treated me like I had and would. Lindsey shot straight towards the bar and I followed her; I was ready for a shot of whiskey and a beer. When we stepped up to the bar, Lindsey was already ordering for the both of us. She knew me well and had ordered me a double shot of whiskey and a beer but not before ordering herself a double shot of tequila and a s*x on the beach.

“A toast to us!” I announced loudly. “The best friends that there ever could be and the sexiest but sluttiest woman I’ve ever known!” I laughed and pushed my glass in front of me. Lindsey met my glass with hers, causing them to clang loudly.

“Cheers!”

We threw back our shots and picked up our drinks. Soon, we were on the dance floor, partying our asses off and not thinking about anything but the music.

Lindsey instantly attracted the attention of onlookers and was soon being grinded on by a very attractive man. He was at least 6’2 with piercing grey eyes and short black hair. His body was very muscular, and he moved with intent when he approached Lindsey. She didn’t play hard to get in the least and instantly began grinding against him in return. I rolled my eyes and continued dancing on my own. Soon, I had attracted my own male. Not only was he very muscular, but he was also very attractive. He stood at about 6’2 as well but his hair was light brown and he had bright green eyes. Without hesitation, I followed suit with Lindsey and grinded against him. Though I preferred to be with women, I also enjoyed what men had to offer and I wanted a dance partner. His hesitation became evident when I started grinding against him and soon, he was backing himself into the crowd. I sighed loudly with disappointment and headed towards the bar. As soon as I walked up, they bartender had recognized me from earlier and slid a double shot of whiskey towards me which I threw back immediately.

“Rough night?” The bartender looked at me. She was a fairly average looking woman and seemed genuine in her concern for her patrons. Her demeanor brought on a sense of security and soon I was ranting to her. “Yeah, the night has been rough. My long-time girlfriend treats me like s**t and then I come here to get some freedom and relief from my home life just to find that I can’t even keep the attention of a stranger.” I sigh and tap the empty shot glass in front of me. Soon, she is filling it and smiling at me sympathetically.

“If she treats you so poorly, why do you stay if you don’t mind me asking?” She raises a curious eyebrow at me, and I throw back the shot she had just poured for me.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I think it’s because I want to make it work so desperately. I’ve invested a lot of time in her and I feel like without me she will struggle; So, I guess I feel guilty as well.” My eyes shoot straight to the bar counter and I consider my position. Why am I so disappointed in not having someone interested in me? Is it because Mandi doesn’t act interested? A loud sigh escapes me as I evaluate why I stay with the woman that makes me so miserable. The shot glass in front of me fills with whiskey and my gaze meets the bartenders.

“Here’s one on me.” She lifts a second glass towards me, and I raise the one she has poured. We toast and I throw it back. Once I finish, I head back towards the dance floor where Lindsey is. There’s no way I’m going to let all of this bother me tonight. This is my only night to really enjoy myself and there’s no way I’m not going to. As soon as I hit the floor and approach Lindsey, she starts dancing with me. She grinds carelessly on me and laughs loudly. I join her laughter and grind back. We both know the grinding means nothing, but it attracts the stares of many, and we continue on anyways. Before long, a familiar scent hits me. That scent… It has to be her. Instantly, I stop playing with Lindsey and begin my look for her. She has to be here if the smell is here.

I wandered forward through the crowd; drunk and alone. My vision spins as I desperately search for the source of the smell. There is no way she can’t be here if the smell is here. Frantically, I scan those watching the dance floor. The club is two floors. The first had the dance floor and the bar as well as tables surrounding the perimeter of the dance floor; the bar tucked to the left. To the right, the stairs to the second floor can be found. The second floor perfectly shapes the dance floor and is lined with tables. Soon, I’m trudging up to the second floor, the smell continuing to get stronger as I do. My search intensifies as I reach the top and the scent becomes overwhelming in my current state. Why is a scent so powerful to me and why the hell does it seem like I can feel it? Every part of my body tenses at the thought. Nothing has ever made me feel this way, not even s*x. The warmth I feel is so strong it’s almost like I’m standing in a sauna. I close my eyes and breathe deeply while the warmth floods my body. Nothing has ever made me feel this way and I intend to figure out why the sent of this woman does this to me. My eyes frantically scan the crowd until they meet a pair of very dark blue eyes. It’s her. Nothing I do can tear my eyes from hers; in some way she posses my full conscious at that moment and I unintentionally begin my walk towards her. Before long, I’m standing directly in front of her, drunk from the whiskey and drunk from her scent.

“You’re something else grinding on all of those people down there.” Her voice comes out flat and I can’t help but feel as if she is mad at me.

Heat fills my cheeks as I blush at the thought of her up here watching me on the dance floor. “Lindsey is my best friend, the dancing means nothing.” There’s no reason I should be explaining myself to her, yet here I am doing so.

“What about the man?” She raises her eyebrow and now I’m certain she is mad at me.

“Look, what does this matter to you? I don’t even know you, nor you me. What I do in my private life is my business.” I huff and turn to leave.

Before I get more then a step from her, I feel a hand slide around my waist, and I’m pulled against her body. Every part of my face instantly turned red and the tips of my ears burned in embarrassment. The contact from her skin sent chills and tingles through my body.

“What the hell are you doing?” I gasped and tried to wiggle free. The grasp around my waist tightened.

“Stop. I just want to hold you for a moment. I can smell it and feel it too.” Our eyes met instantly. “You’re mine. You’re my mate.” She growled and nuzzled her face against my neck. What does she mean hers and her mate?

“Please, you have to let go of me, I have a girlfriend.” A soft moan escaped me from the feeling of our bodies being so close. Once again, our eyes meet, and I could tell she was angry.

She grits her teeth and growls. “I don’t care, you’re mine. Any human relationship doesn’t compare to this. Don’t you feel the connection? Plus, weren’t you just down there telling the bartender how horrible she treats you?” A triumphant grin replaces the angry look on her face.

“I… yes. I did say that but that doesn’t mean I’m going to cheat on her.” I push myself away from her and the loss of contact brings on a pained look. “I’m sorry. I don’t even know you either. How can you call me yours?” I shake my head and sigh. “There has to be some mistake.” My head slumps down as my own words set in. How could someone so beautiful really think I’m worth their time?

“Kora, there is no mistake. Soon, you will be mine and I’ll prove it to you.” Before I can object or argue further, she presses her lips against mine. Everything feels like it’s exploding inside of me and I find myself no longer pushing her away; instead my arms wrap around her neck and I deepen the kiss.

“Yeah! Get you some Kora!” The sound of Lindsey’s voice jolts me back to reality and I push myself away from her. I turn to see Lindsey staring at me as the man who she was just dancing with frantically tries to pull her away from the situation; fear is etched into his beautiful features.

“Lindsey this isn’t what it looks like! Please don’t tell Mandi.” My face is flushed after the encounter.

“Why the hell would I tell that b***h anything? I think you need to find someone who treats you better anyways!” Her eyes shift from mine to the woman standing behind me. “You be nice to Kora! She doesn’t need anymore bitches in her life.” Her body sways and its obvious she is very drunk. However, the way she has spoken to this woman seems to have everyone around us on edge. If it weren’t for the thump of the club music, the silence would be deafening. Finally, my mystery woman clears her throat to respond. “I have no intentions of treating Kora poorly. In fact, if she would let me, I would make her my queen and treat her as such.” Her face is very serious as she responds to Lindsey. I feel my face heat up again and my mind races thinking about what she has just said. “Good! Kora deserves to have someone treat her the right way.” A huge smile spreads across Lindsey’s face and she turns to the man standing behind her. “You want to go back to the dance floor with me?” She presses her body against his seductively. Instead of responding, he looks at the woman behind me almost asking for permission. Sure enough, she answers for him. “I think that’s a great idea. The night is still young, and I happen to know the owner here. Tell the bartender that Samara said drinks are on her.” I look to find her eyes on mine waiting to see if I’ll object. My mind is still racing about what she told Lindsey and I have to ask her some questions. “That is very generous of you, Samara. It would be a shame to not enjoy dancing with your friend some more. Especially when drinks are taken care of.” I wink at Lindsey and she gives me a huge smile. “You’re right! Come on Liam, lets get a drink and get back on the dance floor!” Lindsey grabs the man’s hand and begins dragging him away. A look of relief evident on his face.

With the two of them gone, I turn and face Samara. “Why would you say something like that? We’ve only just met, and you barely know me.” This woman could have anyone, she is absolutely stunning, why would she want me? My eyes shoot to the floor to hide my pained expression from my own thoughts. Soft fingers grasp my chin and gently lift until we’re making eye contact.

“Because I want you. You’re mine, my mate. You’re the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.” Her words are sincere, but my mind just can’t comprehend it. I shake my head instantly deciding that there’s no way this is true. “Look, I just learned your name and not even in a traditional way. Everything you’re saying is just good pillow talk. If you’re trying to get me to sleep with you, it’s not going to work. I’m on to you now; people don’t just say those kinds of things to a perfect stranger.” Frustration and sadness are etched into the features of my face after I get done speaking. Again, my eyes find their way to the floor. This time, she doesn’t try to lift my face. Instead, I find myself being pulled into a hug.

“My words were not intended to cast doubt or upset you. I spoke the truth. I know you don’t understand the pull you feel for me but, you will soon enough.” There’s silence between us for a long time and we just stand there stuck together.

Finally, I sigh and pull away. “You’re right, I don’t understand this pull and honestly, I don’t know if I want to. I’m taken Samara and I’m not a cheater. I know how it feels to be cheated on and I won’t do it to another person. I can’t see you again.” Tears flood my eyes and I run from her. There’s no reason I should be this upset, but I am. I hear her shout behind me and plead for me to stay. I can’t. This already crossed the line. Once I’m out front of the club, I frantically look around for my escape. I see someone getting ready to enter a cab and run over.

‘Please, if you let me take this cab, I’ll give you $20.”

The man looks at me for a moment and then gives me a nasty smile. “Make it $50 and it’s yours.” Without hesitation I pull my wallet out and hand him the $50 and jump into the cab. As I close the door and we begin to move forward, I see Samara burst out of the club looking around for me frantically. It’s seems to dawn on her that I’m in the cab and our eyes meet as I’m driven away. Her face looks painful and hurt. I never meant to hurt her.

Once I’m back at my house, I rush in and throw myself onto the bed. My emotions poor out of me and I’m thankful Mandi isn’t here tonight. There’s no way I would want to explain this to her.

When I awake in the morning, it’s silent in the house and the spot next to me is empty. Thankfully, I don’t feel hungover other then a dry mouth from being dehydrated. I get up and shower quickly. Once I’m dressed, I head to the kitchen and make myself a small breakfast and some coffee. My mind continues to think about her and soon, I think about the kiss we shared. The feeling that shot through my body was like lightening striking metal. Never in my life had I experienced something so amazing. Why didn’t I let her at least explain these feelings and this pull? I furiously shake my head and sigh.

“Forget it, Kora. Forget her.” My voice comes out as a whisper.