The Wolf's Match

"WAAAAAAAKE UUUUUP ELLE!!" Ugh, already. My housemate Suzie was making her way up the stairs, yelling like a kid in a school yard. I opened one eye and quickly glanced at my phone. Five A.M. Why on earth is she trying to t*****e me like this? Her footsteps continued to plod up the stairs. As she neared my door I quickly pulled my blanket back over my head and pretended to be asleep. "Oh Eeeeeelle." I don't know how my name now had three syllables, but Suzie managed to do it. She slowly creaked open the door and lunged on top of me in one giant leap from the door to the bed. "What are you doing?" I groaned as I sat up, quickly bringing down my blanket to cover her head. "What time do you call this?" "I call it, time to get up and go to the gym time!! We've got way too much planned for the day, and if you want to keep this 'I'm so fit' routine up, you better get your butt out of bed." "What do you mean we have too much planned?" I was honestly drawing blanks. It wasn't my Birthday until tomorrow, and we were going out to a club tonight. What could WE possibly be doing today? "Well" said Suzie, taking the deepest breath about to exhale her grand plan, "We have gym, then that self defence course you INSISTED we take, then you have work, but I talked to Artie and he's giving you from lunch off, so.." "SUZIE!!! One, you can't ask my boss for the afternoon off FOR me and.." "Ummm, Miss Elle, you were the one's that set us up!" she nodded matter of factly. "Consider it a perk of your amazing match making skills." I didn't think I could roll my eyes any more. Part of my job as a Business Analyst is to read people, and I just get an intuition at times, judging people's past history in relationships, personalities, and future wants and needs, and well, I'm good at getting people together. Suzie is 30, very loyal and very spontaneous, not to mention, drop dead gorgeous. Olive skin, dark curly hair and a figure that belongs on a magazine cover. She wants to settle down, and my boss Artie, well he's also good to look at, 40, loves going to different places in his spare time, as long as it includes all modern luxuries, and wants to settle down. After just one date they hit it off and we'll, a year later they're now talking about moving in together. My whole gym routine on the surface and to Suzie was so I could get fit, but it was so much more. My ex, well, he didn't treat me all that well. We were together for five years before I realised he was cheating on me for four of them. When I called him out, he flew into a rage, he threw large objects, threw me to the ground, and continued to beat me. I've never talked about it since it happened, I can't get myself to do it. I moved 5 hours away to the biggest city I could find, away from my Dad, my friends, my life, and hid myself in work. I train and take defense classes so I never have to go through that hell again. "Well", Suzie squeaked, removing me from my thoughts "what was point number two?" "Well number two was I need to be fit to attract those boys that I never seem to catch." We both giggled. She thought I was just insanely picky, but it was just that I never wanted a relationship ever again. I was all ahppy for everyone else to be happy, but there was no way I could put myself in a situation where my heart, or my face, would be broken again. "Well anyway", I have no idea how much coffee she has had this morning, but Suzie is just bouncing with excitement at the edge of my bed. "Time to get up, because I'm not telling you what we are doing this afternoon... It's a big surprise!" I rolled my eyes at her again and nudged her with my feet to get off the bed. "Well get out so I can get ready, you do NOT want to come near this morning breath". Suzie smirked and plodded out the door and back down the stairs. "Last day of being 24!! Let's make the most of it!" she yelled as she walked down the stairs. What on earth has this woman got planned for me? I rolled out of bed and quickly to my closet, neatly laying my work clothes and toiletries into my gym bag. I pulled on my work out clothes and had a look in the mirror. My hair was all over the place, my eyes barely opened. I felt the scar at the top of my hair line that my ex gave me. It was from the repair the surgeons gave me trying to stitch me back together. My hair new longer grew in that spot, but it wasn't large enough to make me look bald. I then touched the scar on my lip, another reminder. That was all that was left, but it was enough motivation for me to wake up and get to the gym. I made my way downstairs with my bag and motioned to Suzie to go. She smiled her massive smile, threw a granola bar at me and in her chipper voice yelled "Let's GOOOOOO." I rolled my eyes again as we made our way to the car. Uneventful as always. As it was so early it went rather quickly, no traffic to get in the way. Naturally Suzie was listening to some extremely loud Pop Music that somehow she knew every word to. We got to the gym as the sun was just becoming visible over the old brick buildings. The birds were starting to get noisy and the sounds of the street sweepers and trams were the only audible sounds of civilisation. I love early mornings in the city, it reminds me of home. I grew up on a farm with my Dad. Mum left when I was about four after she found some witch cult thing. Dad never talked about her again, we never had a funeral, so I'm sure she is alive somewhere. Dad though, did the best he could with me being a girl. He taught me all about our cows, how to breed them, care for calves, patterns in weather, how to ride the tractor and motor bikes. I miss him so much, I wish I didn't have to move as far away as I did. I knew he understood when I told him, but I saw his heart break. As time as gone on I've realised it would be because he's being left again. My thought's about the past were quickly disrupted my a jovial fitness instructor bt the name of Adrien. "Good Morning Ladies. Early morning class today?" "Not by choice", I replied while glaring at Suzie. "Elle just doesn't know how action packed her day is yet Adrien, 25 tomorrow for this little action hero," she taunted as she started to karate chop my arm. "Are you coming out tonight? We got to bring in midnight and Elle's quarter of a century the right way!" I wanted to quickly tell him he didn't have to, or more to the point, I wanted to politely undo Suzie's invite. Adrien had asked me out a couple of times this last year, I've let him down gently each time, but I know he's interested, but I honestly like my safe space away from men, especially where emotions are involved. "Yeah sure!" he beamed. "Just text me where and when." "Done." Suzie smiled at me, the Adrien, then back at me. Noticing my not so impressed look on my face, she raised an eyebrow and elbowed me. It was such a high school interaction. 'Ooooh he likes you and now you're going to a party together'. For someone 5 years older than me, dear god she can act so immature. "Well we better go do some weights before defence class. See you in there." I politely excused myself from the situation as possible. Deeply embarrassed I left Suzie chatting to Adrien and went about my circuit. Class then went as per usual, perfecting the ability to stop an attacker if they're coming at you. I never do these classes in the morning. They put me in such a bad head space remembering why I am there. In certain denfesive positions, I can't help but relive what happened. The add on to this class that Adrien was paying much more attention to me, smiling at me, then looking at Suzie and nodding often. These two were up to something and although I'm happy to play match maker, I am definitely not the match. Suzie and I parted ways from the bathroom once we were done at the gym. I walk to work from here, enjoying the city, the noises of people, the hustle and bustle. It removes me from my past, I'm in my own environment, I'm not on my own. The morning at work was like any other. A hello from my boss and a reminder that I'm not to stay back or think of something else to do as Suzie will get mad with him if he ruins her plans, then off to the usual paperwork, trends and forecasts. We are a small company, which has meant since I'm so young in the sector, I get a lot more hands on training. I don't know if it's from being on the farm, but Artie is very impressed at my ability to pick up patterns, just like dad taught me with the weather. The office receptionist popped her head through my door with a little tap, "Artie wants to see you in the conference room Elle." Her face was a giant smile, and she quickly exited. It was nearly lunch break so I just assumed that Suzie was already here to get me. The worst part about your birthday being on a Saturday is that the people in your life want to make a long weekend of it. I have so much work to do, but as I've been reminded all week, I never go out, I'm in my twenties, and I should be living life to the fullest. I closed up my computer and headed to Artie's office. As I opened the door I was greeted by a giant scream of "SURPRISE" and a dozen people throwing streamers and confetti toward me. After the initial jump I couldn't help but smile. Suzie and Artie were sitting next to each other, holding hands beaming at me. My co-workers were all very enthusiastic with their yells and cheers. Our receptionist snuck in behind me, rolling one of the mail carts with a slab cake placed on top, burning giant candles which I'm sure in a bigger company would offend their fire warden. I have not felt so appreciated and seen in a long time. "Happy Birthday Elle," they all cheered as I blew out the candles. "Now Elle," Artie began to speak in his fatherly boss tone, "You're doing an amazing job here, and as it's your birthday tomorrow, I've decided.." Suzie interrupted with a cough, " WE'VE decided... everyone in this office weekend starts NOW and we're all going out, expenses paid by the business to see the Queens of Screams at Cherry." The office gasped and cheered, my jaw nearly hit the floor. My favourite band! Suzie was obviously the culprit, she knew I wasn't into pop. The Queens of Screams were more of an amalgamation of the Blues, Emo and Grunge combined. The twang of the banjo's and haunting lyrics really appealed to me. I couldn't help but hug Artie. "Oh my god, Thankyou," I squealed. "You're more than welcome, you've done more for me than you could ever possibly know." He turned to Suzie and smiled, then looked up at the rest of us and said "Dinner at Cherry before the show, be there by 5. Now everyone get home and change." " Not you," Suzie whispered, "More surprises for you." She had completely spoiled me all afternoon, a quick lunch, followed by a manicure, pedicure, hair up do and a quick shopping trip for an outfit for the night. Suzie had wanted me to grab a beautiful girly dress that hugged my figure, but I was not going to see the Queens of Screams in anything but what they wear. Black dress to the knee, with black tights, and a red cardigan. She was at least still happy that the dress fitted me well, showing a little bit of skin. The Cherry was like an underground restaurant come night club. All of my coworkers met us at the kerb and walked down the bluestone steps to the entrance. I had only heard about this place from the people at work, chatting what they got up to on weekends. The Golden outline of two cherries were hanging on double black iron doors. Artie quickly told the person at the door about our reservation, who gestures to a waitress to take us to our table. As we walked through the industrial looking bar, my heart was jumping at how much closer we were getting to the stage. Apart from standing room out table was so close. Everyone went to take their seat and Suzie quickly grabbed my hand. "You're over here with us Elle." I was so busy looking at the metal and solid wood ceilings that I hadn't noticed Suzie dragging me next to Adrien. "Happy Birthday Elle," he spoke gently as he stood, hugging me and pecking my cheek. I couldn't help but blush. My coworkers were all staring at this fit, I will admit handsome, looking guy that was not part of their office comradery. Suzie took no time to introduce him to everyone, before we settled back in our seats. "I will kill you for this," I whispered to Suzie who sat on the other side of me. She just smiled at me. As much as my apprehension was unsettling me, Adrien was polite, and nice, and we kept up conversation easily. Suzie continued to nudge me with her elbow through our meal, smirking and nodding like a Cheshire cat. My coworkers all were having a great time, the drinks were never ending, and I could feel myself feeling the effects as someone got on stage and announced the music was about to start. The squeal that came from me was akin to that of a child getting a puppy for Christmas. There was no way I was remaining seated. I ran straight in front of the stage, quickly followed by Adrien. Whether it being the happiness I was feeling, or the amount of alcohol I had consumed, I was starting to enjoy his company. The Banjo started to twang and I screamed. I sang every lyric to the first few songs, jumping at the chorus, and Adrien, who clearly had no idea who the Queens of Screams were, followed my lead and jumped around with me. I motioned I needed another drink and we went back to our table. The one great thing about our table being so close to the stage was that I didn't miss a thing. The big negative was that we were so close to the speakers that my ears started ringing. Some of my coworkers had already left, and the rest were perched up against the bar at the back, well away from where most of the noise was coming from. Artie waved at me from the bar, motioning for me to come to him. I tapped Adrien's shoulder for him to come follow, and I held out my hand as we made our way through the crowd. We finally got to the bar and Artie leant in yelled so I could here him, " I have to head home now, Suzie is going to take you home." I looked at Suzie rubbing her forehead, obviously with a head ache from being near the speakers earlier. I placed my hand on her forearm to get her attention, "I'm happy to go after a few more songs." "Are you sure, you seem like you're having a great time!" she nodded toward Adrien who was oblivious to our conversations over the music. "Yes, it's getting pretty late and someone woke me up VERY early this morning." Suzie smirked and nodded, and I led Adrien back to the stage. We jumped around some more, and as the songs intensified in beat, our jumping had as moving closer together. Adrien stood behind me, a placed his hand around my waist. I started to instantly tingle. It was that moment I realised the amount I had had to drink, was certainly taking away my ability to be rational. I didn't care though. What was the harm? What if I did kiss him? Just a kiss. I mean he's probably wanting more, but if he's actually keen, he would be happy with that at least. I quickly turned within his arm, the music was now no more than background noise, I looked at Adrien's face. He seemed in shock but also wanting. I got on my toes to reach him, put my hand around his neck and met his lips with mine. He reciprocated immediately, placing the hand that was on my hip to the small of my back, positioning his hands so that his fingers were actually touching my behind. His other hand cupped my face, with his fingers reaching to the side of my head. My stomach fluttered with each movement of our lips. After a few moments we pulled away from each other, looking into each other's eyes and smiling. Well, whatever was going to happen next was going to be for me to navigate tomorrow as I saw Suzie walking up to us. The look on her face was was an I told you so, crossed between a grimace, her headache was still obviously causing her grief. "Sorry to interrupt you two", she grinned, "but do you mind if we head off Elle? You're welcome to come back with us Adrien." As much as I was enjoying this moment, that was way too fast for me, and I think Adrien could tell by my quick withdrawal from his embrace. I hadn't realised but we didn't have to yell anymore as the Queens of Screams had finished their set. I was very lost in the moment. "Thanks for the offer, but I better get home myself, another early start for me I'm afraid." He leant in and kissed my forehead, "I forgot, I got you a little gift.". He reached in his back pocket and handed me a small canister of pepper spray. If he knew anything about me it was that I was always at his self defence class, and this was a perfect accessory to defend myself. "Thankyou Adrien. I don't think I'll see you in the morning but definitely soon." "I'm happy to hear it. Suzie has my number if you want to chat soon. Now girls, do you want me to walk you to your car?" "No way," I scoffed, karate chopping my arms in the air, "I'm a lean, mean, fighting machine." Adrien chuckled, rubbed my head and walked outside with a "see you soon." "Alright Miss smoocher. Let's get going." "I just want to go to the bathroom first." "Well ok, but I'll meet you outside, I need some fresh air sooner rather than later." I nodded in agreeance and quickly ran to the bathroom. I think my coworkers and Adrien were the only people that didn't get the memo on the band we were seeing. I could see Suzie in her green dress heading back up the stairs in a sea of black and red. As I finished I ran back outside to catch up, I I knew Suzie would want to get home, or at least have some kind of medication for her headache in the car. The problem was I couldn't see her anywhere. She would have just waited at the stairs wouldn't she? I walked a bit up the street one way and with no sight of her I headed the other direction. The crowd had truly thinned out, and I could not see that green dress any where. I went to the corner of the street, and looked down the side streets, it was dark and dimly lit. I just made out Suzie's car parked next to the alley way, surely she's just sitting in the car waiting for me. That's when I saw her, well, not really her, but her shoes, the matching green high heels to her dress, strewn in front of the alley way. My heart pounded. Any inebriation I was feeling was gone. My friend, my house mate, Suzie was in trouble. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, reaching into my pocket to grab the pepper spray Adrien had given me. When I turned the corner there was a split second of where my eyes had to adjust to no light at all, but there she was. Suzie, on the ground, sprawled, with a man dressed in black and red on top of her, his head above hers covered by a black hood. "STOP!" I screamed, while out stretching my arm and pointing the pepper spray at his face. "GET OFF HER NOW!" As I went to launch myself at him he quickly turned his head to me. Blood covering his mouth and Suzie's neck and chest. It was at that moment that I swore he hissed and flashed fangs. I was charging but in sheer terror I pulled myself back. The momentum of my run caused me to tumble and I slipped on the blood that was now pouring to the ground. I lay there, not knowing what to do, pepper spray still in my hand. We've learnt a move to fend off attackers when we are on our backs. By the blood that was now covering me, there was no way that Suzie was alive. My poor dear Suzie, she wanted me to have a great Birthday and now it's all turning to hell. "RUIN MY MEAL," the attacker screamed as he started to leap toward me. I breathed in, ready to kick, to turn, to spray all at the same time, my mind went straight back to my ex, and how I was not going to go back to that ever again. At that moment, a light started to form behind my attacker, so bright white, with swirls of blue. It got larger and larger until I could make out two large men coming from inside it. "HALT! VAMPIRE!" The attacker stopped as a silver rope was thrown around his neck. What is that blue light? Did that guy just say vampire? The attacker hissed as the pulled it tighter, submitting himself to lay face down on the ground. I was too stunned to speak. The light was so bright I had to close my eyes. "Damn he got two before we found him," one voice said. "Time for clean up and get this vamp out of here, time to go back to the Heather," said the other. At that moment, even with my eyes closed, I felt the light get brighter, it enveloped me and the night air suddenly felt warm. My body lifted from the ground and started to move toward the tunnel of light. I could hear the city clock tower start to chime for midnight as my body was dragged quickly through the tunnel. We were going so fast that I was trying my hardest not to be sick or pass out from the g force that I was experiencing. I couldn't hold in the night of drinking or pressure my body was feeling and all combined I started to heave. The last thing I heard before I passed out was "b****y HELL, THIS ONE'S ALIVE!"