Undetectables

7. The club scene

Work was slow the last few days. I found myself watching the windows in hopes of seeing the blue-eyed stranger, but to no avail.

Gabriella and I had been speaking more, even joking, and things were finally feeling somewhat normal. Bailey was happy and smiling. She didn’t look like she wanted to murder me every chance that she got, which was good enough for me.

“Hey, I was wondering, any chance you’d want to go out tomorrow night? I’ve been dying to check out this new club, but all of my friends are busy,” she asked.

I bit my lower lip. The last club I went to was with Colson.

The memory played like a movie in my mind.

“Come on, Bri. Let me take you dancing,” Colson whispered into my ear, snaking his hands around my hips. His fingers brushed my bare skin, sending pleasurable electricity through my body. He never reacted the way that I expected him to. Every time my mother explained the mate bond, she acted as if it were undeniable by both parties. Maybe it was because he was a human.

“Okay.” I wasn’t entirely comfortable with the idea. Being in an enclosed space terrified me, but I felt safe with Colson. He would protect me.

He turned me around, grabbing my hand and spinning me in a 360, “Get ready and we will get out of here. I’m going to go hang with Bailey,” Colson said, pecking me a quick kiss on my forehead.

I loved how well they got along. Bailey played video games, which Colson loved, and they frequently fought like siblings. Their competitive nature was fun to watch.

This wasn’t something I had clothes for, so I had to improvise. Grabbing a low-cut tank top, tucking it into a pair of high-waisted jeans. I hated the way heels felt, so my high tops were going clubbing with me tonight. I ran my fingers through yesterday's curls, giving me a loose wave. The final touches were a thick layer of mascara and lip-gloss.

I would probably look out of place, but I was always out of place amongst humans.

Walking down the stairs, I found Colson and Bailey in the living room playing Mario Kart. My mother stood in the kitchen, watching them with a smile.

Quietly going over to where she was standing, I watched the two of them.

“He’s a good one, you know?” she smiled warmly.

Aspen was purring in my head. Warmth spread through my body and my heart swelled with pride. Our mate was perfect.

‘When are you going to tell him?’ my mother’s voice floated in my head.

That was a good question. When is the right time to tell your human mate that he’s dating a werewolf, which also happens to be illegal?

I sighed, ignoring her question and announcing that I was ready to go.

Colson grabbed my hand as we walked to his car, our fingers intertwining and creating the most amazing feeling.

The ride to the club was about twenty minutes, and the entire time, the feeling of dread spread through my body. I tried to ignore it, but it grew with every minute that passed.

“You okay?” Colson questioned, reaching across the middle console and resting his hand on my thigh.

The club was dangerous. Everyone packed together like sardines with very few exits. It was the type of place someone like me should avoid.

“Just hoping they’re not too busy. You know how I get around crowds.”

He nodded, “I will be with you the whole time. We can leave if you get uncomfortable.”

I faked a smile, pulling his hand up to my lips. Our eyes met and he gave me a lopsided grin. The sparks took over and nearly pushed away all of the negative feelings I was having.

Colson pulled the car up to the valet, jumping out to come open my door. There was a short line out front, but every time the bouncer opened the door, I could see the sea of people inside of the club.

The feeling of dread came back with new intensity, the sparks doing nothing to drive it away. It grew as we moved closer to the door.

After a quick I.D check, we were inside, Colson pulling me to the dance floor. We squeezed into the crowd and he started dancing.

‘I will stay alert, you try to have fun,’ Aspen whispered.

Taking a deep breath, I began swaying to the music. Colson’s eyes followed my movements and his hands snaked around my body. His touch was electric and I found myself lost in the moment. The loud music, the sparks, heat and sweat. All of the lights and fog made it feel as if you were drunk.

For the first time in a long time, I let go. Colson spun me around, the motion causing my eyes to lose focus. My mind was in a fog as I swayed and danced to the rhythm. My back fell into Colson’s hard wall of a body and I grinded against him, quickly feeling how my body had affected him.

‘Something is about to happen,’ Aspen growled in my head. The urgency in her voice was instantly sobering and my eyes nervously scanned the room. I noticed some men talking to the D.J and my stomach did a flip-flop. They didn’t look like they were here for the party.

Turning towards Colson, I widened my eyes and his brows furrowed, questioning me with his.

I stood on my tip toes, “I think I just started my period and didn’t bring my purse,” I whispered, hoping he’d understand.

He frowned, looking disappointed, but bobbed his head towards the door. The valet brought our car up and I quickly climbed inside.

“You seem in a rush to get out of there,” Colson muttered.

“When your pants are wet from blood, it’s a bit uncomfortable.”

I knew as a man, he really wouldn't understand to the full extent, but I mean, have a little compassion....

“You don’t think it’s going to leak onto the seat of my car, do you?” he questioned.

I rolled my eyes. It may have been an excuse this time, but his question annoyed me all the same.

“I think your seat will be fine.”

His speed picked up and we were home in about ten minutes.

“We will have to try again sometime. I was having a really good time,” he mumbled as he walked me up to the front door.

“Text me when you get home,” I whispered, giving him a quick peck on the lips, and rushing inside.

Thirty minutes later, my phone dinged; ‘Did you see the news?’ Colson’s text read.

I quickly turned on the TV, flipping to the news channel. My heart stopped as I read the caption: Local Club raided, werewolves captured inside and brought into custody.

The newscaster stood outside of the club. In the background, people were crying and holding each other.

“Local Club Euphoria was raided this evening after police received a tip that werewolves were present. Police worked with club owners and wolfsbane bombs were deployed through the fog machines. Four werewolves were found amongst the crowd and taken into custody where they will be extradited to an undisclosed military compound. We will update you when more information becomes available,” the woman explained.

‘OMG. That’s scary,’ I responded.

Bubbles popped up before another text from Colson came through, ‘Guess we got out of there at the right time. Crazy how they can just blend in like that.’

They. Like we weren’t people.

‘Yea, crazy,’ I sent back, setting my phone to the side.

I fell back into my bed and had a moment of silence for the four wolves that were captured.

I should have known then that he might have been pro-eradication.

The memory trudges up emotions that I so desperately try to ignore. If I could forget about Colson entirely, I would, but unfortunately, he was a huge part of my life. He was there through some of my greatest moments. Those memories were now foreshadowed by the true nature of who he ended up being.

“I don’t know. The club really isn’t my scene.”

Gabrielle pushed out her bottom lip, “Come on. You have to let loose sometimes. What’s the worst that could happen?”

I wanted to tell her everything that could happen, but instead, I remained silent.

“Sure,” I found myself agreeing. I haven't seen any recent stories of them bombing clubs, but I would always have that fear planted in the back of my mind.

She clapped, “The theme for the evening is masquerade. Don’t forget your mask.”

I laughed in my mind. Hiding my true identity was something that I was good at.

Reiterating what Gabriella had said; What’s the worst that could happen?