Chapter 8
1851 Words
Just as I stepped through the pub door, it started pouring down in buckets.
I looked back, exasperated.
Oh well, at least I made it here before it started.
I rocked up to the bar and saw I was 10mins late and did a quick scan for Saleem but he wasn't anywhere in sight. The small band was in the corner playing a smooth tune to a few bystanders and tonight was actually fairly quiet.
Looking back at the bar, I called out to the tattooed barman.
"Ronnie! How's it going? Have you seen Saleem?"
The burly guy looked up from under the bar and came over to me, rubbing a clean rag over a chipped glass.
"He was here 15mins ago actually, waiting for you."
"Oh," I said guiltily. I had taken my sweet time walking over while Saleem was sitting here waiting and I mentally kicked myself.
"But The Watch came by because they needed him at the wall for something. He told me to tell you he was sorry and that he will make it up to you."
I was dumbfounded.
Really? After all this, I'm the one who gets stood up??
I shook it off and just shrugged, smiling. "Ah that's okay, I'm sure it was important if it was The Watch."
He just looked at me sympathetically and popped open my usual beer.
"Sorry Andy", and he walked to serve the rest of the bar.
I sat there for a bit in silence and then decided to move to a small booth to the left of the door by the window. I had a weeping candle, nice view of the rain and a cosy corner. I sunk into the seat and let out a deep sigh as I lay my head back. I can tell ya it felt darn good too.
I didn't mind sitting alone but I decided I'd leave after the beer in my hand. After all, this was my 'me-time' so I might as well soak it up - even if it was only for 5 minutes.
I lifted the bottle to my lips just as a figure came to stand beside me.
"Is this seat taken?"
…………
(Unknown)
That fool stood her up.
Our team debriefed early so we were able to wander freely among the center of Tectum before having to be back at the barracks at the end of the night. They gave us a quick tour and a simple map so we had an idea of where everything was as well.
Damon and I headed to the pub around 5pm to discuss our mission quietly and the events of today.
We also watched as 'the fool' arrived early, only to leave with a bunch of men 5 minutes later. It looked important, much to my pleasure, and I thanked the Goddess for my luck tonight. After all, She was the one who set this all in motion.
6'oclock came around as I sipped on a beer while keeping a watchful eye on the entrance. Five minutes went by and she still hadn’t walked through the wooden doors. Maybe she bailed as well without me knowing but I held on to hope, just incase.
Finally, after 10 agonising minutes and one more beer, she walked through the door, looking cozy in a tan jacket and black beanie. Her legs looked sexy and long in those jeans and I couldn't help but drink her in.
Damon was already busy chatting up some chick in the corner so I continued to watch her, seeing what she will do since that bozo left.
God….I feel like a creep.
I rested my face in my palms for a second to try and get my head right. But that was the thing - since I saw her today, I just couldn't think straight.
I didn't think meeting my Animus would mess me up this bad.
Well I didn't know for sure that she was but as soon as I touch her skin, I would know. At least that is what they say.
Also, she appeared to be human as she didn't understand me when I spoke to her earlier. If she was one of us, her Spiritus Lycan, the spirit of her Lycan, would have been able to understand.
But then again, is it even possible to have a human as your Animus??
Hell if I know.
When I looked up, I couldn't see her until I craned my neck and she was tucked away into the corner, inside a window booth. She had taken off her jacket and was resting her head back against the wall, staring out the streaming window.
Well, it's now or never...
My stomach immediately dropped just from the thought and I quickly chugged down the last of my bottle.
I stood and left Damon the booth and made my way across the room. I picked up two more beers on my way over and I could feel my heart start to race.
Since when does the big, bad wolf get nervous??, I huffed to myself.
Pull yourself together, man.
"Is this seat taken?"
She looked up with her bottle to her lips and froze.
We stared at each other for a good few seconds before she quickly swallowed and shook her head.
"Sorry, no no, take it!", she exclaimed, waving her hand for me to sit.
"I was just going to finish this then the booth is all yours", and she took another swing of her bottle, draining it.
I didn't know how to respond so I just popped the beers in my hand on the table, pushing one in front of her.
"Here. This is for you."
"Oh… you speak english...", she breathed out.
She must have seen my confusion because she covered her cheeks with her hands, to hide her embarrassment.
"Oh just…. From earlier today? You said something to me and I didn't understand so I assumed you didn't speak english", she chuckled nervously.
"Oh, right, yeah sorry about that. I made an assumption as well so that was my fault." I looked away but she just smiled and it sent butterflies straight to my stomach as I slid into the seat opposite her.
"So... what brings you here on a night like this?" I tried to sound casual about it but I really just wanted to know why she decided to stay.
It was her turn to look flustered but she shook it off and said it straight.
"I was supposed to meet someone here tonight but I got stood up," she shrugged and smiled.
I waved my hand for her to continue and leaned on my forearms, moving a little closer. Her sweet floral scent invaded my nostrils and Amicus hummed with satisfaction.
"Well, my 'pairing' asked me to meet him tonight. He's an Officer of The Watch - the ones who run the security of the perimeter wall. Well they came for him just before I turned up."
"Your pairing??"
"Oh, you guys don't have that back at the Archivio?"
I shook my head.
"Well the Council sometimes recommends a 'pairing' for you if they see that you….need a little help finding someone. It's only a recommendation so you don't have to act on it but Saleem did and so I thought I'd give him a shot. But after tonight, I don't think I'll go ahead with it."
"Why not?"
Not that I'm complaining.
"I don't know… earlier today I told myself I'll know after meeting him tonight and I guess now I know. I know I didn’t meet and I probably should give him another shot but...", she shrugged.
"Wow I'm sorry, I don't even know you and I'm blurting out my life story!", she gasped, and smacked her palm to her forehead.
Seems like the alcohol was starting to kick in.
"Let's start again - Hi, I'm Andy" and she stuck her hand out in front of her.
Well. This is it.
I'll know for sure, as well.
Looking up into her soft amber eyes, I slowly unfolded my arms and slid my hand into hers. Immediately a warmth spread throughout my body, invading every corner and I had to close my eyes for a second so she wouldn't see my eyes turn golden.
"Hi, I'm Magnus" and flashed her my best smile.
Animussss meusss, Amicus purred.
My smile seemed to stun her as she openly gawked at me, her hand still in mine.
I laughed, bringing her out of her trance.
"So, is Andy short for something?"
She withdrew her hand and stiffened a little, pausing.
"Yeah it is...my name is Andromache. But I prefer Andy" and she took another swing.
She mumbled a thanks for her drink and then took another gulp, trying to settle herself. I must have done a number on her with that smile, I grinned to myself.
I tried out her name on my tongue.
"Andromache."
She looked at me from the side of her eyes, trying to figure me out then waved over to the barman.
"Ronnie can we get two more?"
We laughed the rest of the night away, talking about nothing in particular. I felt myself begin to ease up around her and I loved it.
Actually, thinking about it, I hadn't laughed like this since the incident.
Speaking of which….
"On Monday, will you be there visiting the Medic Corp with us?"
"Oh, in a sense, yes", she grinned, leaning back and looking relaxed. "I actually run the medical school."
I couldn't hide my surprise - could she be anymore amazing?
She might even have what we need….
I felt a little sense of regret for not being completely honest with her but this was life or death.
I will tell her one day if we get that far.
"Oh then we will definitely see you there. Maybe we can meet up for lunch afterwards?", I said casually.
She squinted her eyes at me, trying to figure out what exactly I was asking.
"It's just lunch Andy" and I raised both my hands up in surrender, trying to look innocent.
"Hu hu hu, okaaaay okaaaay, I'll meet you for lunch," she said, wagging her finger at me and laughing. Her cheeks were flushed from the beers and the laughter but my god, she was beautiful.
"Just come by my office when you're ready."
"It's a date then," I grinned back. I couldn’t help myself so I reached over and rested my hand on hers, giving it a small squeeze.
Her eyes immediately widened innocently and slowly looked up and into my eyes through her thick lashes.
Does she feel it too? The pull?
Just as she opened her mouth to speak, we heard a crash as a couple of tables were tipped upside down with people yelling.
We both shot up and went around the corner to see what all the commotion was.
- Writer
