Vampires Bite

Vampires Own Bars

     Alissa turned out to be pretty knowledgeable. She taught me all the politics and even answered my somewhat crazy questions about vampires. Since she had never seen Buffy, we started binge-watching it one night. Several seasons later and sitting in our pajamas on the couch eating potato chips, she laughed.

“You know that Angel reminds me of Antonio somewhat, except Antonio wouldn’t be fawning over some female for very long,” she laughed.

“I got that impression, too,” I said.

Antonio had called a few times, asking how things were going. We had most details in place except for which network to use. So Antonio said he would do some checking and get back. Two days later, we still had heard nothing. He was probably busy with Trish or perhaps another woman. It was the weekend, after all.

The episode ended, and I needed to use the bathroom, “Would you like something to drink?” I asked her.

“No. We’re going to get dressed and head out. I need some... companionship,” Alissa said.

I felt terrible I had holed us up for days either working the case or watching Buffy. It was almost like a nasty breakup except for substitute chips for ice cream and the fact that I had been single for over a year. So I obliged her.

I was in my room, brushing my hair when she came in. “You’re not seriously wearing that, are you?” her nose crinkled, and I looked down at my black slacks and shrugged my shoulders.

It wasn’t always my style but eventually became my style as it was what most in my circle wore. I rarely went out, and when I did, it was usually business-related. Alissa began flinging through my clothes, and I knew she had found the jackpot when she stepped further into my closet to examine the contents in the back.

“This is much better,” she handed me a pair of black leggings with a hot pink top that came down to my thighs and was fitting. She topped the look off with a pair of black high-heeled boots. It was from my early college days, and I wrinkled my nose.

She wasn’t caving and began to gently shove me in the master bath to change. I observed the outfit after I had it on and had to admit it looked good.

Alissa’s not done, though she had the straightener in hand and motioned me to take a seat. Rolling my eyes, I sat down.

An hour later, we were both made up and ready to go. Alissa drove since she was the one with the plan all along, and after a short drive, we pulled into the parking lot of ‘The Lounge.’ It was a club I passed many times on the way to work but never went to. The music blared from inside, exciting me. I never did much clubbing in college, I was too busy studying and networking, but the few times I went excited me. The music pulsing through your veins and the lust that filled the room to the lights.

A short line was wrapping around the building, but Alissa grabbed my hand and headed towards the front where the bouncer stood. He nodded at her, and we headed inside.

“So, you know that guy?” I asked her.

“Nope, I don’t need to. It’s called charm, and my kind has lots of it,” she laughed.

“Sounds like an excellent trait,” I said.

“Yep, and now you’re going to get us into VIP,” she grabbed my hand, pulling me towards the VIP area of the club. Only one guy was guarding the door, and he was rather busy with women trying to get in.

“Oh, that will not work. I’m not like you,” I protested.

“Humans have charm too. You have it. You just suppress it. You’re a very confident woman in business. Now its time to teach you confidence with men. If not, you will get eaten alive,” she said.

I didn’t want to let her down. I tried to get us in there. I stood watching for a minute when an idea came into mind. I had seen it before in movies and in my college days. I just had to suck it up and do it.

I waited until the few girls surrounding him either gave up or got in, and then I walked up to him. Not just any walk, though. No, this time, I was walking like a woman on a mission. My hips swayed side to side, and I was careful to walk slowly and confidently. When I heard a few whistles and catcalls from guys behind me, I knew I was doing it right.

I put my hand gently on his shoulder and leaned in and whispered in his ear, “Want to see something?” 

He nodded his head, and I continued before all my newfound courage disappeared. I pulled my shirt down, revealing to him my breasts quickly, then I pulled my shirt back up.

He opened the ropes and let me inside. I motioned for Alissa to follow, not missing her snickering on the way in.

My face was red, and my heart was pounding. I had never done that before. It was below my dignity, but I suspected Alissa wanted me to loosen up. It wasn’t like he got a full-on view. At best, he got major cleavage up close.

When I finally gained my composure, I looked around. There were sofas and tables, and couples strung about, talking, or making out. Many were dancing on the dance floor in the middle, but what caught my eye was the dark-haired man standing against the beam staring at me. His eyes bore holes into mine, and it suddenly made sense.

“About time you made it, 

what was the holdup?” Leif asked Alissa. Then I realized I didn’t need to get us in as she claimed she had an in the entire time.

“Alissa,” I bit out. She laughed and moved behind Leif. Like I could hurt her, she’s a vampire.

“I was trying to help you relax, Cassie. I didn’t think you’d flash him,” Alissa pleaded.

“Flash him?” Antonio moved quickly from the post he had been keeping on the beam to where we were standing. “Cassie, who did you flash?” he asked.

I feel mortified and pissed at Alissa. Sure she said charm, but let’s face it, I did not understand how to flirt with men. I’m rusty. I did better when the guy came to me first. I wanted to impress her, but I didn’t know he would be here.

I did the only thing I could think of. I turned it on him, “What are you mad you didn’t get to see them?” I retorted. His face was a mix of emotions I couldn’t read, and though I wasn’t even sure he found me attractive, it was what came out of my mouth.

Alissa just stared at me oddly as if seeing me for the first time her eyebrows raised. “Come on, Cass, let’s get a drink,” she finally said, grabbing my hand in hers.

I was mad at her but thankful I no longer had to explain half-ass flashing the security. She ordered our drinks, and I didn’t mind. Though I knew the next round, we were having a jager once I seen the martinis she brought back.

“What’s wrong?” she asked as she walked us towards a table in the far back.

“I don’t do martinis, but I will drink this one,” I laughed. I hoped I didn’t sound rude.

“I totally misjudged you,” she laughed then grabbed our drinks. “Now you can have one of my kind of drinks.” she headed back towards the bar, leaving me alone to scan the crowd.

. I was sure there were more than vampires here because the girls let in before me didn’t get in so easily. That or they were bottom rung vamps.

Alissa didn’t take long and returned with two dark red shots in hand. She handed me one, “to new friends,” she toasted.

I lifted the glass to my lips and drank. It’s delicious; it had a hint of perhaps papaya juice and vodka, maybe. I couldn’t make out the other flavors, though.

 As I sat my glass down, I made a mental note to take some time for my best friend, Madge. Ever since Alissa came, I hadn’t really talked to her. Madge worked in an art studio and was often busy planning events or meeting artists, but we had never gone this long without talking. The rumors of me working for the biggest playboy in town had likely reached her by now. She would feel hurt that I didn’t tell her first.

Speaking of playboys, Antonio sat down next to me, making me shiver a little at his closeness. I’m attracted to him, but what straight woman wouldn’t be? I mean, he was handsome, successful, and did I say handsome? Well, I will repeat it. I, however, didn’t get involved with taken men. I should make a rule to add to that, no vampires.

“Can I see your boobs?” He whispered.

“No,” I said. This guy was unbelievable.

“So, you will show your boobs to a stranger but not me?” His bottom lip turned down as if he’s pouting, and I rolled my eyes at him.

“He saw cleavage at best. I’m sure Trish has boobs she wouldn’t mind showing you,” I retorted.

Alissa tried to stifle her laugh but failed. Antonio, however, paid her no mind.

“I have seen Trish’s already, but now I want to see yours,” He put his arm around me, and I moved from underneath it.

“You should try monogamy and respect for your girlfriend,” I said.

“I don’t have a girlfriend. Trish is well aware of her status with me,”

“Your ridiculous, and now if you excuse me, I’m going to have a drink,” I said.

But before I could get up, a bartender brought over three jager bombs as shots and sat them on the table. Looking around to see where they came from and who ordered my favorite, I noticed Leif. He had a yager bomb in hand and held it up to toast. Alissa’s eyes followed mine, and she smiled. However, Leif didn’t come over to the table, so we toasted him from a distance.

I mentally made a note to ask him how he knew. I don’t remember thinking it in his presence before I drank the vial. For now, I would add it to the other mental notes that kept stacking up in my brain.

“Your favorite drink. Though you prefer yours on ice these days,” Antonio said, and it all made sense the bastard had interviewed everyone who knew me. He must have learned that. He must have had Leif order them before coming over.

“You would know that,” I said.

“Hmm,” was all he said, and to my surprise, he got up finally, leaving me alone. Alissa had slipped away to the dance floor with a guy she had been eyeing.

I grabbed another drink, this time on the rocks, and stood in the corner, drinking it. I was very much out of my element, and it gave me time to observe the vampires and humans in action. I was curious if any of the vampires would bite the humans, but I saw nothing.

My glass was almost empty, and I had reached my max. I never drank over three if I could avoid it. Alissa was making out with the guy she had been dancing with. I wasn’t sure if he was human, but I’d guess so.

Two arms wrapped around me, and I jolted, then went still. I would be the dumb ass who stood in a dark corner with vampires around.

“Shh,” The man whispered. I knew that voice. I turned around in his arms. He was tall, and I had to look up at him, which was a mistake. His eyes were beautiful, and perhaps it was the alcohol, but it took me a few seconds longer to come to my senses.

“Antonio, let me go,” I said.

“I just wish to dance, love,” He took my hand in his and led me to the dance floor, and I let him.

I wasn’t sure what Trish or anyone else would think, but it was just a dance, and we were in a dance club. No harm. 

The music, however, changed and a slow song came on. I panicked, not knowing what to do, but Antonio was smooth, and he pulled me along with him every step of the way. I relaxed, knowing the song wouldn’t be on long.

“Your hair smells good,” My head rested somewhere near his shoulder, and I was thankful I used my strawberry daiquiri delight conditioner today.

“Thank you,” I said, fearful of saying anything else. I didn’t trust myself right now.

“I’m sorry. I was out of line with the uh.. boob comment,” he whispered.

I said nothing. I didn’t really know what to say. As he continued to move me around the dance floor expertly, I noticed that some were staring. And one of those people was Trish. She was standing next to Alissa and Leif. It embarrassed me not only because they were looking at me but because I was dancing with another woman’s man, even if he claimed that she wasn’t his girlfriend. I knew something was going on. I pulled away from Antonio, and he looked startled.

“What’s wrong, love?” He looked confused but followed my eyes to the standing crowd and Trish. “I told you she isn’t my girlfriend Cassie,” He tried, but I walked away.

Alissa followed me to the bar as I ordered another drink, breaking another one of my rules. Good thing she was driving tonight because I was ready to drink.