Enrapture Me

It’s been twelve years since that day. A day filled with fear, dread, and hope. One emotion after the other coursed through my veins as I cursed the loving hand of fate. She had dealt me two cards, both of equal struggle, and immense pain. One, however, was better than the other. Simply because, the chaos I had craved, lived inside that offer. So I took the outstretched hand; it was rough, but filled with scars and opportunity. I looked up into those piercing green eyes filled with anger, hate, and sympathy. Eyes that begged me to make it easy, yet wanted me to run. Little eight year old me, had taken the stranger's hand, heart beating rapidly as I awaited my new life. A path I decided, no matter how hard, that I would never regret taking. Opening the heavy metal door, I walked into the dimly lit room. The scent of alcohol, smoke, and musk filled the air as I trudged past familiar faces. A few of them waved, while others gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. It was the same routine, same crowd, and I had grown accustomed to the familiarity of it all. “Sup princess?” The comment came with a firm slap against my ass, the voice attempting a sultry tone. Feet stopping in their tracks, I whipped around, gaze sharp. A heavy clattering noise rang through the parlor as my foot made contact with the boy's stomach, pushing him off the chair and across the tile floor. Whistles, and “what a dumbass” comments surrounded me as I continued on my way toward the back door. Tying my auburn locks into a high pony, a black ribbon on top, makeshifting around the fluffy ears I had atop my skull. Work started in twenty and I needed to be ready for the rush, tonight was going to be busier than normal due to the new pack members. Sliding into the bar's uniform, I walked behind the counter gauging the flow of the current customers. Offering a refill of an empty soda to the young male that had gotten back onto his chair, I watched as he slid a twenty over to his pal. A bet, I presumed. It wasn't unnatural for a few brave souls to try stunts, betting their strength against mine. The owner had found it brought in more customers around this time, allowing me one fair hit to the contendant. “Oi, Kal, can I get a round over here when you’re done, sweetheart?” Talon, a male of 18 years, had called. He was tall, a little on the thinner side, yet stronger than the eye could see. He had brilliant blue hues in his normally forest green eyes, a sign he had been out running. His wolf was larger than the others, a ‘true alpha’ as my boss always told me. He didn't inherit his strength or his pack, this man created it. He was fifteen when his first beta joined the crew, the rest following along in slow waves. His black, mid shoulder length hair was tied back, clothing loose, as he didnt like restrictions. Talon was the first person I met coming here, he was like an older brother to me. We’re family, or as close as family gets in this place. “Four scotch, one miller, and a house special, with an order of wings.” I set the order down on the table behind them, careful not to get in their way as they played pool. Talons beta, Corleon, patted my head. Stealing a wing and popping it inside his mouth before declaring his victory with the next play. A gentle chuckle escaping my unpainted lips, I watched, mesmerized by the graceful movements of each player as they aimed their hits. Joking with the female mates when the boys missed. “Kal, come on. Can’t you get out of work this saturday? I’m sure the boss wouldn't mind giving you one day. You promised to help me with my speech.” Siriene whined, tugging my arm as I walked back to the bar. “You know I don't like missing work, I can help you on monday. I don't need to be there for the shopping.” Mimicking her pleading look, I giggled as she huffed in response. Flipping her ash blonde hair as she leaned across the stone counter, arms folded, and eyes narrowing in on me. “Why do you have such disdain for shopping?” curiosity mixing with sarcasm filled her angelic voice. The woman before me tilted her head, eyeing my every movement as I ignored her in favor of attending to my customers. Her gaze grew agitated as her patience dwindled. “Fine, Monday; but so help me Kal, if you rain check on me-” she started, golden hues staring daggers into my scarlet reds. “Monday, I promise.” cutting her off, my attention turned towards her. I gave her a smile, small in feature, but meaningful to her. Siriene beamed at me, pearly canines showing as her peach tainted lips curved. Her slim fingers collapsed together as she squealed, turning on her heel as she headed back towards the pool tables. No doubt bragging about the physical attention shown to her. The night continued on effortlessly, as closing time rolled around. The place now empty and quiet, I sat at one of the back tables. School books and onion rings in front of me, the background noise of music aiding in my concentration. I had zoned into the paper, seemingly unaware of my surroundings as the same male from the beginning of my shift slid into the chair beside me. Tilting my head towards the male, probably a beta with his seemingly timid aura, I spoke soft and slow. “What is it?” internally smirking at the startled noise he had tried, and failed, to suppress. Tan, muscular fingers reached up to scratch the back of his neck in, what I presumed, was embarrassment. Clearing his throat, the young boy reached a hand out, palm sideways, a gesture of familiarity. “Hey I’m sorry about earlier. You’re definitely stronger than you look. The names Crest, it’s nice to meet you!” His smile was wide, filled with glee and hope. One glance at his hand told me he wanted a handshake, one he wouldn't be receiving. “Kal.” I stated, returning to the assignment before me hoping he would leave, so I could finish before three. I still had to clean the bar before going upstairs to finish the rest of my work. Crest didn’t seem to catch this as he continued talking. “That’s a pretty name, is it short for something?” Kayoko. I haven’t thought about that name in a while, as it was the name the boss had given me. “It is.” I stiffened as his hand touched my shoulder, a brief pat before his words rang through. His voice was gentle, understanding, and oddly comforting, “I see, then it must be a special one.” Turning to his face, there’s an understanding glint in his eyes. The way he was staring, felt as though he was seeing past my skin to my soul. Uncovering my past and all that lay within its borders. It wasn’t until he spoke again that I realized how long I had been staring at him. “Do you mind if I come back tomorrow?” That oblong grin was back, and I couldn’t help the smirk that tugged at my lips. “Do as you wish.”