Her Dark Protector

Chapter 7

Velvet sat in the car shaking. Even with the heat on and wearing Julian's jumper, she still felt so cold. The fear and adrenaline were starting to fade, but the images wouldn’t stop rushing through her mind. First one wolf and then a second. These things weren’t possible. But she couldn’t stop the images.

‘It’s all real.’ She barely whispered, but he heard it.

‘Yes, it's all real.’ She looked up, forgetting he was in the car with her. He was no longer wearing his usual dark suit. Instead, he was in sweatpants and a t-shirt. Her eyes widened, remembering his changing in front of her, and she moved as close to the car door as possible.

He reached out to her, ‘I won’t hurt you.’ She just stared at him for a time.

‘Why did he do that?’

‘He was trying to claim you as his. Perhaps having you dance for me wouldn’t have helped. We may not have touched, but in such a small space, some of my scent would still have been on you. He lashed out, and I am sorry for that.’ She saw guilt on his face, but also anger. The anger scared her somewhat.

‘But we have a contract, why would he need more?’

‘I’m not sure, he is married, there is no way he can have more. He will never leave his wife. Her father would kill him if he did, especially for a human.’ She felt as though it was a put down to be referred to as human.

‘Is she a wolf as well?’

‘Yes. They are a part of my pack.’

‘Your pack, how does that work?’ Her fear must have gone now that she was focused on something else.

‘Ah, that’s not something I can really talk about to outsiders.’

‘Sorry, I didn’t realise.’ He smiled.

‘Its okay. But there is much I can’t tell you, even though you have been exposed to our world. Through no fault of your own. Any anger you feel is directed at Thomas, please don’t think otherwise.’

‘I figured; I am pretty angry too. I have to speak to Carl about breaking my contract with Thomas though, but there is no way I can be around him again.’

‘Don’t worry, Carl is a werewolf. He has been notified of the situation. You have already been released from the contract.’

‘He is, wait, how many other werewolves are in the club? No, don’t answer, I mean you probably can’t anyway right.’

‘Yes. For now, I need to get you back inside. I will have a car sent to take you home.’

‘Thank you. But you don’t have to do that. I can’t see him trying something again tonight.’

‘I will not be testing that theory. Carl will have someone with you at all times until you are safely locked in your place this evening. You will also have a couple of days off.’

‘What, I don’t think so. Just because you came to my aid tonight, does not give you the ability to suddenly dictate my life. I need to work; I need the money, especially now I don’t have a contract.’ She was pissed and practically ripped the jumper off and threw it at Julian before exiting the car and striding to the door to the club.

She should have realised how quick he was before he grabbed her arm. She tried to pull away, but he was a lot stronger than her.

‘I promise I am not trying to dictate. It’s just that I know wolves, he will try again.’ She gasped and the fear returned.

‘No.’

‘Sorry, I don’t want to make you afraid for your life, but until I get a hold of Thomas and have him punished, I can’t guarantee what he will do.’

Carl came out the back of the building and watched the scene in front of him.

‘Oh, my goddess, Velvet, are you okay?’ He was genuinely concerned and moved closer; except she stepped back. ‘Ah, he told you then.’ Carl stared up at Julian. Julian gave a look back that would be very unsettling to most people.

‘I had a choice. Thomas made it very clear what we are. I have only told her what she needs to know, no more.’

‘Of course, sir, I am sorry.’ Velvet looked between the two and saw the deference Carl gave to Julian, and it was not the first time She had heard Julian referred to as, sir. She thought it was clear he was high up in things.

‘Has the contract been terminated?’

‘Yes sir, it has been terminated, and he has been notified as well.’

‘Good. Then I would like to enter a contract.’

She stepped away from both then.

‘No. I told you I don’t need anyone looking after me and, if this is some pity thing, I want nothing to do with it.’ Julian huffed and rolled his eyes.

‘Trust me, there is no pity here. I have wanted you since the first time I entered that club and watched you dance.’

‘Oh, okay.’ She blushed.

‘Of course, sir, I will have the paperwork put together and send it through.’ Julian nodded. ‘Velvet, you should come inside and get your things. I will make sure she gets home safely.’

‘Hmm, no, I will wait here and take her home myself.’ Velvet went to protest, but the look he gave her stopped her. It was obvious he wouldn’t change his mind, and she realised it was easier just to give in. Plus, she desperately just wanted to get home and take a shower.

Velvet walked back into the club. The heat and noise hit her as soon as she was through. The familiarity brought her back to reality. Suddenly, she never wanted to leave. Would she even be safe in her own apartment now? Could she trust Julian to take of the Thomas situation? She knew nothing about either man.

As she walked through the club to the dressing room, she took a longer look at everyone around her. Every time she made eye contact with someone she wondered if they knew. How many of the people in the club now were werewolves? Were any of the girls werewolves? She was so full of questions now and so many things were running through her head.

Thankfully, it looked as though no one else knew what had happened outside. At least she wouldn’t have to answer any questions.

‘Velvet, grab your things, and James will escort you back to Julian. I will check in with you tomorrow, and we will need to go over the paperwork. Also I will need a signature on the previous contract to terminate.’

‘Of course, thanks Carl.’ He nodded and made his way back to his office.

Velvet continued into the dressing room; James stood at the doorway while she collected her things. Thankfully, she just had a couple of bags. She left the shoes behind that Thomas had bought her. Not wanting anything to do with him now.

None of the other girls were in the room, so she was able to sneak away, followed by James. She just kept her eyes on the ground as she made her way to the back door of the club. When she got to the door, she hesitated before opening it. There was a choice. If she opened the door, she became a part of his world, giving up some of her independence. But if she left by the front on her own, she couldn’t guarantee her own safety or be able to continue her life as she had.

It only took a second, but she knew she wanted to open the door and see him there. Ever since she really noticed him tonight, she wanted to know more. Realising now that she was somewhat disappointed about her time with Thomas, she wanted to be free. She got her wish.

When the door opened, he was still there waiting. It looked as though he hadn’t moved a muscle while she gathered her things. She took in his face. His jawline was strong, and his nose had been broken at some point and not been fixed properly. His beard was trimmed close to his face. His dark hair framed his face, an expensive haircut and style. But his eyes. A dark green, when he watched her, they became slightly lighter, and when he watched her exit the club, they almost glowed.

He reached for her bags, and she gave them to him. She was wearing a jacket now, though she almost wished she was wearing his jumper again. It was still on the backseat of his car when the door was opened. Another person she hadn’t even realised was here.

‘Thank you.’ He just nodded and closed the door behind her as Julian climbed in the other side. The heater was still on, which was just perfect. She felt warm and safe, there was a comforting scent of sandalwood in the car, and she took a deep breath, unaware that it was his scent that lingered in the car.

She gave the driver her address. It was a quiet drive. She had so many questions, but knew he wouldn’t, or couldn’t answer them, so she just stared out the window. He didn’t push or try to have a conversation, he just let her do as she needed, which she appreciated.

When they pulled up outside her building, Julian helped her from the car and walked her to her door, carrying her bags. At her door, she hesitated again, almost wanting to invite him in. Instead, she unlocked her door and opened it.

He didn’t ask to come in. He placed her bags on the floor and turned to her, but she saw him quickly glance around her apartment.

‘Good night, Velvet.’ He pulled a card from his pocket. ‘If you need anything please feel free to contact me, I will always answer.’ He then leaned down and kissed her cheek. His lips were warm, and the scent of sandalwood increased. Her breathing kicked up a little.

‘Good night, Julian.’ She held the card, and he smiled at her. Slowly she closed the door and turned away so as to not open the door again and pull him inside.