Drink
Calista POV
A loud siren pierced through the air, as I peered out of the window at my job. The pub had become my temporary job for the past four weeks, as I never stayed in one place for long. The few remaining customers quickly rose from their seats upon hearing the siren, realizing that a storm was approaching.
"Storm's coming, better get home. Don't worry, we can finish cleaning up in the morning," Adrian, the owner, said to me.
I offered to lock up, but he insisted I go home. "Okay, you be safe," I replied, clocking out and stepping outside.
The sound of waves crashing against the shore blended with the scent of salty air, as raindrops mingled with the atmosphere. It was a small ocean town, and as I walked, I observed the few people scurrying for cover. However, I found solace in the rain and storms, so I continued on my way.
After sometime I approached an old building, lights flashed and music thumped, emanating from within. This rundown club seemed to be the only place in town that remained vibrant, even during the storm.
I doubt anything will get this one club to close. I walked in the door, the bouncer nodding to me. The dimly lit place had a musty smell, filled with the sound of music and chatter.
There was a collage of old posters on the walls, depicting past performances and events. About ten minutes away, a faint buzz of life came from a nearby college, but it was only for a few late hours. A new session had just started, and even the storm outside couldn't deter the crowd.
I dealt in cash, a necessity for someone like me who had always lived on the run. Finding places to crash typically led me to joints like this. The owner allowed me to stay in a small room, once an office, in exchange for cash, no questions asked.
Navigating my way through the club, I pushed past the small crowd, yearning to call it a night. As I moved, a firm hand suddenly grasped mine, pulling me to a halt. "What's a pretty little thing like you doing all soaking wet?" a deep, gravelly voice whispered into my ear.
“Let me get you a drink and warm you up," he continued.
I couldn't help but laugh, turning around to face the mysterious stranger. "You want to warm me up?" I challenged, a mischievous glint in my eyes. "Go ahead and get me a drink, I won't turn down a free one. But lay your hands on me again, and you'll become the laughing stock of this entire club," I warned, my voice filled with confidence.
A sly smirk formed on his face, his breath heavy with the stench of alcohol. I could even detect the faint, unpleasant scent of wet dog, confirming that he was a werewolf. "Feisty, I like it," he said, his voice filled with arrogance, as he led the way to the bar.
The bartender glanced at us, his disapproving gaze evident as he shook his head. Despite only being here for a month, he already recognized me. "I'm assuming you want your usual, Calista," he said. I nodded, a mischievous grin spreading across my face, and pointed towards the werewolf.
"Yup, and wolf boy here is paying," I declared, taunting him.
The werewolf's voice rumbled with annoyance as he muttered, "Wolf boy? Really?"
Ignoring his irritation, I continued, "Well, you are a wolf who tried to come onto me like a hormonal teenage boy, so wolf boy suits you."
His growl only fueled my amusement as the bartender handed me my drink. "Thanks," I said, acknowledging his gesture before turning my attention back to the werewolf. "Thanks for the drink, good luck tonight, champ," I said, adding a playful tone. I then walked away, disappointed that he didn't follow. It was a shame since he had ignited a desire for some excitement. However, I knew that indulging in that desire would only lead to trouble and force me to leave once again.
Leaning against a wall, I took a sip of my drink, the tangy sweetness of it mingling with air. A lively crowd of female werewolves chatted amongst themselves, their voices carrying through the night. Their laughter and excited whispers filled the air around me, it was annoying.
Oblivious to my presence, they animatedly discussed the arrival of the triplet princes at the college that evening. One of them speculated that the princes would surely visit this very spot, the sole reason she had come tonight. The reason everyone came, even during a storm like this one, was apparently because it was their twenty first birthday tonight.
Suppressing a laugh, I brought my hand to my mouth. It always amused me to watch girls go gaga over men. In my opinion, it was a futile waste of time. Relationships were not an option for me anyway. I had to remain on the run, hidden from the world. I was not like anyone else here; I was special, or so my mother used to tell me. Unique, but that uniqueness made me a wanted individual. Go figure.
For most of my life, we had hidden in the ocean where I originated from. I must admit, there were times I missed it, especially since I had been on land for the past three years, only visiting the sea when necessary.
I am a siren and not just any siren; I am a dark siren, a rarity that is born once every thousand years. Apparently, my voice possesses immense power. Lucky me. It was so potent that my mother was supposed to hand me over to my kind, but she defied expectations and ran away with me. We managed well until I turned sixteen and started stirring up trouble. It's just who I am. However, that trouble eventually got her captured. I don't even know if she's still alive. The pain of not knowing gnaws at me every day, but for her, I continue to persevere.
As a result, I had to move to the land above the sea, taking on a human form. However, I can't maintain it for long periods. I have to return to the sea for a few hours every week, like an addiction I couldn't resist. So, I can only hide near the ocean, always yearning for the water that holds my true essence.
After finishing my drink, I contemplated whether to retreat to my room or indulge in one more. I had concocted a clever recipe to mask my scent from trackers, ensuring my true identity remained concealed so it should be safe. I mean the night was still young, and the possibilities seemed endless.
Holding my glass up, I called out to the bartender, "One more, please."
Just as I thought I was free to enjoy my drink in peace, the annoying werewolf from earlier approached me,"You know, that first drink comes at a cost," he remarked with a sneer.
"Oh, really? You did offer me a drink earlier, but I'll hear you out, I've got nothing better to do."
His eyes narrowed, and he retorted, "You know, you may be pretty, but that mouth of yours should stay shut."
Amused, I couldn't help but tease him, "Oh, wow. You think I'm pretty? Why, thank you. But I don't need you telling me what I already know. Now, Mr. Huff and Puff, tell me, what was the cost?"
A devious smirk played on his lips as he leaned closer, his breath mingling with the scent of whiskey. "How about you be a good little thing and dance with me, with that mouth shut, unless you'd prefer to do some other work with that mouth," he suggested, his tone dripping with arrogance.
"Oh, does your little stick need attention? How typical. But you don't want me. I bite." I replied.
My words only seemed to enrage him further, his growl reverberating through the room as he forcefully grabbed hold of me. Determined not to let him keep his dirty paws on me, I prepared to retaliate. However, before I could react, another growl echoed behind me.
What was it about tonight? I mean, I knew there was a decent amount of werewolves at the college from local chatter, but that seemed to be all in this club tonight. "Leave," the voice commanded, directed at the wolf, and he left with his tail basically in-between his legs. I turned to see a man, maybe around the same age as me but taller, very well-built with short dark hair, a blue shirt, and golden eyes. Seriously, he was a heartthrob. Even I had to get a hold of myself.
"I was handling him just fine," I muttered, a little annoyed.
"Didn't seem that way," he said.
"Well, thanks then," I said, still acknowledging he was trying to help.
"Be careful, not best to piss off werewolves, human," he said to me.
"I'll survive. I'm not afraid of your kind," I huffed.
"My kind?" he said with an intrigued look. "Am I being labeled with that, ass?" he questioned.
"I don't know what to label you yet, but you are a wolf like him," I said.
"I'm nothing like him," he said.
"Then what are you?" I asked.
"Something far worse, but good for you, I'm also one who has no interest in preying on a girl for fun," he said.
"Well then, I guess that does make you different. I haven't seen you around. You must be new to the school," I said.
"I am, names Dean," he said. "Are you a student?" he asked me.
"No, just one passing through town. I'll be gone before you can even remember me," I said, taking my drink and starting to walk away.
"Have a good night, Dean. Thanks for being different," I said.
"Stay," he said, his words catching me off guard. I questioned him why, my curiosity piqued. Typically, I would have ignored him, but something about him intrigued me.
"I could use someone different for a night," he said, his voice smooth like velvet. "Someone who simply wants a drink and a chat, nothing more."
"Very well, I'll stay for one more drink then," I replied, ordering another.
"It's on me."He insisted.
I thanked him and jokingly asked, "What's the cost?"
"Nothing, just keep being you." He replied.
As I took a sip, I glanced around the bar, taking in the sights and sounds. The female werewolves seemed to be fixated on one direction, causing me to chuckle. "I've got to ask, what's so amusing?" Dean asked me.
"Well, it would seem that some big-shot triplet princes or something are attending the college. All the she-wolves are crowding for them. I'm sure they must be watching them now, but it's hard to see with all the commotion," I explained, finding it entertaining. "I guess, at least for me, it's amusing to watch women be complete fools over guys who I'm sure are nothing special. I almost feel bad for them, but then again, I'm sure they're preppy pricks who allow their status to get to their heads and thrive on the attention."
Dean chuckled at my words. "Preppy pricks, that's a new one," he remarked.
"The she-wolves are fools, I'll give you that. They should know better. Mate bonds are sacred. I guess you do have a point. The crowding is somewhat amusing and annoying," he responded.
"So, you have no interest in the triplets, I take it?" he asked me.
I almost spit my drink out as I let out a surprised laugh. "Ha ya no thank you," I said, my voice tinged with amusement.
"If you have no interest in them or really anything in this club as it seems, why is it you are even here?" He raised an eyebrow, curious.
"Good question," I replied. "I guess to watch people, it passes time. But you are right, places like this, I don't like." My voice trailed off as I finished my final drink.
"Well, Dean, it was nice chatting with you," I said, turning to leave. But in my haste, I accidentally bumped into another man. "Sorry," I muttered, my gaze shifting upwards to meet his.
For a moment, I was stunned. "Wait," I said, questioning if I had drank too much. He was identical, and I mean identical, clothing and all, to Dean. My eyes darted to the side, and there stood a third one, causing me to trip slightly in my supposed confusion. But Dean quickly caught me, his touch grazing against my arm.
His breath was warm against me as he muttered, "Your scent." I realized then that the rain must have washed away my potion, the one I was using to hide myself. Panic surged through me, and I swiftly pulled out of his arms, running out into the crowd. Luckily, I found the door leading to the office I stayed in, seeking refuge.
Go figure, he was one of the triplets. Maybe they weren't as I assumed; he was actually nice. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. Why was I even bothering myself? I had far more important things to worry about. I needed to snap back to reality, and fast, before I screwed this place up for myself as well.