Chapter III
Cassie held up her hands in a shrug. "You may not like it, but it's true. Your girlfriend would have been worse. Something about her spells tells me she's not the redeemable kind. I doubt she would have changed her ways if you had stayed and tried to persuade her."
"And that... guy is any better?" Lyndsey retorted sarcastically.
She arched a brow. "Yes. He's old. He's settled down a lot since he first started out, from what I've heard. I doubt he'll do anything as damaging at your ex would have done if you hadn't come to me for help."
He shook his head. He didn't really want to think about what would have happened if he hadn't found Cassie. "I didn't think it would really work, but I was wrong. Witches, vampires... they're not supposed to be real."
"Oh they're real. There are more out there than just witches of vampires. Most don't like making themselves publically known, so you don't hear about it on the news, but they exist. You can also thank culture for hiding them. Movies, books, television shows... stories are fabricated so well, humans don't want to see what's in front of them. They enjoy the idea of it all being a fantasy. That's why it's so easy for us to blend in."
Lyndsey grimaced. He didn't know if he liked the idea of there being more out there. "Are any of them dangerous?"
"Are any humans dangerous?" Cassie countered. "Of course there are dangerous ones. There are also peaceful ones too. That can be said about any species. A lot of them follow the general rule of 'leave me be and I'll do the same.'"
"And what about... that Vampyr, Sam?"
Cassie smiled. "He won't eat you, if that's what your worried about. He might just play with you a little." She shrugged. "I don't know. That's up to him. He's not a bad guy, though. Quirky, but not bad."
That wasn't helpful at all. Lyn had a feeling she was playing mysterious on purpose. "What about the whole blood bond thing? Can you at least tell me more about that?"
The witch hummed in thought. After a while, she shook her head. "It all depends on what Sam wants, and I can't really tell you that. I may be a witch but I'm not a mind reader. He could ask you for anything. You could be his grocery shopper, his maid, a model for one of his art projects -- he has a hobby of doing art; when you live as long as he has, you pick up a pastime or two -- or maybe even his bed partner."
Lyndsey choked. "Bed partner?!"
Cassie giggled, clearly amused by his reaction. "Got a thing against having a man as your partner? Don't worry, I'm sure he'll treat you nicely. He's had years and years of practice," she teased.
He held up his hands in plea. "Stop! Stop talking about that."
Cassie laughed. "It's just a possibility. He might not even ask for it. But there is a high possibility he might want you to be his model." Her expression turned contemplative, her eyes raking over Lyndsey's form. "He's always looking for someone new to point his camera at. That wouldn't be so bad."
Maybe not, Lyn figured, but he still felt uncomfortable about the sex idea. He was uncomfortable with the whole bond thing, really. Even if it meant he could live another day and avoid being the toy of some demon, he was now the possible plaything of a different sort of hellion. For all he knew, vampires -- or Vampyr -- were cousins of Satan.
He hoped he didn't run into any now that he knew they existed. He hoped he didn't have to talk to Cassie again either. No offense to her, she did save his life after all, but he wanted to live a normal human life with other normal humans.
Clearing his throat, Lyndsey got up. "Look. Thanks for the chat and I guess saving my life too, but I think I'm gonna go now. We're done, right? We're square?" He didn't really wait for Cassie to reply. "Perfect. I'll just see myself out, then."
Cassie arched a brow but didn't argue. He was glad she just let him go, closing the door after himself. His life had taken a sharp turn and he wasn't the least bit ready to accept any of it. His ex-girlfriend was the Wicked Witch of the West, his Prince Charming was a bloodsucker, and the world felt like some splice of Wonderland. Except there weren't any drugs involved.
He kinda wished there were. Then he could believe a bit of therapy and counseling would make everything better.
~*~
A week went by during which Lyndsey
returned to work and a relatively normal life. He still remembered what had
happened to him at the witch's shop, and the shocking truth he learned, but he
tried to push the matter as far from the front of his mind as possible. He also
tried not think about a certain Vampyr who had yet to call in his payment.
Striving hard to maintain his normal
life, Lyndsey didn't give the "incident that was not to be named" any thought while he did his job. Not that he had the time to do so anyway. Lyndsey was constantly being kept busy, always wandering back and forth from his desk to his boss's office.
As if his name wasn't enough to get laughed about, his job didn't exactly help his manliness stand out. Why? Quite simply, it was because Lyndsey was a secretary. He couldn't count how many times he had to prove himself to some of the other guys in the business that he was just as much of a man as them, despite how effeminate his job seemed.
Lunch breaks were filled with macho contests and inappropriate jokes, many of which questioned if Lyndsey was hiding a C-cup under his uniform or a pocket between his legs. Of course, a quick trip to the restroom cleared that up right away, though the jokes still lingered since Lyndsey didn't exactly have the most rugged of features to begin with.
Lyndsey took it all in stride, well past the point of being annoyed by it all. He knew the jokes were harmless fun, and he had arsenal up his sleeves about the other guys, which left him in good relationship with his coworkers. It wasn't uncommon for them to go out drinking together, just hanging out and laughing about pointless things until it was all time to head home.
This time was no different. Invited to join a couple of the guys from the third and fifth floor to go out to a bar, Lyndsey made a quick pit-stop at home to change out of his work clothes before meeting up with them. It felt good to dress down in a pair of jeans and casual shirt, tuck his hair behind his ears and show off his wilder side.
As he and the guys shared rounds and stories about some of the women at work, Lyndsey eased into a relaxed state of mind. He was listening to Brice go off about one of the women from their sister company. She often visited the fifth floor, collaborating with them on their current marketing project. It was easy to see Brice was smitten with her.
Setting his glass down, empty of its contents, Lyndsey didn't plan on ordering a refill anytime soon. He was still buzzing and planned on giving his system a bit of time to allocate. But no sooner than he had turned his eye, another glass was plopped down in front of him. Confused, he looked across at the bartender. The guy nodded down the way, pointing out a dark beauty with a long pair of legs and eyes that could hypnotize at first glance. Tilting his head, Lyndsey noticed she had a nice full mouth that promised more than just a few goodnight kisses, and her dark hair flowed about her shoulders like a moonless night. He could only imagine what it would be like to curl his fingers through those soft locks and give them a tug.
As he caught her eye, she smiled at him in a way that was so inviting. Lyndsey offered one back, not quite accepting, but still showing he wasn't turned off by her interest. He took a sip of the drink she had bought him to let her know he appreciated the offer, but he knew not to make it that easy for her.
He played with her a bit, testing the grounds to see just how interested she was in having his company tonight.
He didn't expect to catch another woman's interest at the same time. As he finished another glass, the bartender handed him another refill, only this time he pointed in the other direction. A sweet little number was sitting on the other side of the bar, with a tiny waist and even tinier stature, though her chest was quite the opposite. Unable to help himself, Lyndsey's eyes gravitated to her ample breasts, amazed at how perky they appeared despite how large they were compared to the rest of her.
When he managed to lift his gaze, he offered a tipsy, but attractive smile her way. She wasn't hard on the eyes either, almost like a delicate little pixie.
Lyndsey entertained her flirtations with a bit of his own, debating who he should take home with him tonight. He wasn't against a bit of casual fun. He wasn't looking for a new relationship anyhow.
In the end, it seemed the little waif won, and it wasn't by his decision. She was the first to advance, slipping off her stool and coming his way. By this time, the other guys had noticed his game and whooped their encouragement as the woman purred and touched his shoulder with a delicate hand.
"What do you say to the idea of getting to know each other better?" She pulled a look that almost made her seem innocent, though Lyndsey new better. "Or... maybe a lot better?"
Brice and the guys nudged him, encouraging him to take the offer. Laughing at them, and feeling like tonight was a good chance to start afresh and just enjoy himself, he slid off the stool and nodded. "Why not?" He offered her his arm and walked with her out of the bar.
Lyndsey was pawing for his keys in his pocket when the woman directed him away from the parking lot. Confused, but not really minding the change in direction, he let her lead him to an alley just off from the bar. "You're that eager, huh?"
Too drunk to realize the smile on the woman's lips wasn't really because she was interested in casual, dirty sex out in public, Lyndsey wasn't the least bit prepared when a hand suddenly came down on his arm and tried to pull him away. He stumbled and looked to see the dark beauty from the other side of the bar. She wasn't looking back at him, but rather at the other woman.
"You cotton-candy haired skank! Just what do you think you're doing?! I saw him first!"
The tiny woman whipped in her direction, eyes narrowing. "Skank? Skank?! Who the fuck are you calling a skank, you fetid trollop!"
The taller woman snorted. "Well you're obviously not going for coffee, are you?"
Drunk though he was, Lyndsey could at least recognize the warning signs. He put his hands up, feeling awkward about what was developing before him. "Whoa, ladies. There's no need to get nasty. We can talk about this."
Both women ignored him. The smaller of the two laughed harshly. "As if you're any different. You're interested in the same thing. Guess that makes you a skank too, doesn't it?" She reached for Lyndsey, pulling him away from the other woman.
"Shut your trap, obnoxious bitch. And get your hands off him!" She reached for the other arm.
Lyndsey tried not to feel dizzy as he was pulled back and forth. "Ladies, ladies!" He tried to get their attention, but neither woman was giving him any mind. It was as if he didn't exist.
Sighing, Lyndsey had a feeling there was no way he was going to get out of this mess. He was about to call it off with both of them, not the least bit interested in getting caught in the middle anymore than he already was, but then something stopped him dead before he even opened his mouth.
The dark beauty released him, but not because she was giving up. Turning his head toward her, Lyndsey watched as she bent and twisted, her shape contorting and twisting until it wasn't human at all. "I'll take him from you, pussy. Even if it means I have to rip your throat out." Ears and face elongated, sprouting fur all over her body. It didn't take a genius to recognize what she was. Werewolf.
"Holy shit!"
Lyndsey jerked back, pulling out of the other woman's grasp. It was a good thing he did, too, because when he looked over at her, he saw her changing as well. Her eyes glowed a bright yellow, her pupils contracting into narrow slits. Her hands curled into claws, her nails elongating into sharpened points. She even had a tail that whipped out somewhere from under her short skirt.
She pulled back her lips to reveal equally sharp teeth and hissed, "Bring it, bitch. I'll put you down."
Lyndsey backed away and quickly as he could, stumbling over unsteady feet until he hit a wall. The women circled each other in the alley, blocking the exit out. Checking behind himself, Lyndsey saw the other side had been gated off with a fence he had no hope of climbing while inebriated.
He could hardly believe this was happening. Eyes wide in horror, he watched the two snarl and hiss at each other, swiping at the other in warning and promise. He was suddenly reminded of how narrowly he had dodged the bullet with Maureen, escaping the nightmare of being some demon's fuck-toy. He had hoped he was done with all that, but apparently not. Now he had to deal with the frightening issue of being the bed interest of two supernatural females. A wolf and cat, from the looks of things.
I'm so dead. He couldn't believe his luck. Why did he have to keep getting involved with people who weren't human? Whatever happened to living a normal life? Sweet Freya, why couldn't I pick a normal girl instead? How the hell am I supposed to avoid becoming sex fodder by either of them? He didn't doubt the possibility he would end up worse for wear by the end of the night, if either woman had her way with him.
Glancing back at the the chain fence behind him, Lyndsey approached it. Every step was unsteady, but he wanted nothing better than to get out of there. He was starting to debate if it was a good idea to risk the climb when something made his stop. It brought goosebumps to the back of his neck and arms, as if he had been hit by a rush of cold air.
Risking a look at the other side of the alley where the women were, Lyndsey's eyes widened in surprise when he saw a third figure standing there, holding both women at bay. Even at this distance he could tell who it was. Sam. His friendly neighborhood Vampyr.
Sam stood casually between them, as if it was the most natural thing to do. He glanced at them both and smiled genially. "Good evening to ye, ladies. It's a fine night for a bit of carousing and drinking, and other things, but perhaps I can dissuade you from continuing down your current path of actions." He crooked a finger, leaning down as if he meant to whisper something to them.
The women gave him a cautious, yet curious, look before they both complied. Lyndsey didn't know what Sam said to them, but whatever it was suddenly had both women glaring at him as if he was scum of the earth. Not sure what was going on, Lyndsey just stared as they both shifted back into human form and shoved past Sam.
They disappeared from the alley, leaving Lyndsey confused -- and more importantly, stuck in Sam's sole company. Shifting his gaze to the other man, Lyndsey tensed as Sam approached.
Sam quirked a brow at him. "You can quit trying to scale the walls now. Neither of them wants to touch you with a ten foot pole. I told the werewolf lass you had half a dozen silver piercings in your knob. Definitely not ribbed for her pleasure. I told the petite feline demon that you've recently had a religious epiphany with Jesus and got baptized last week. You even have a crucifix tattooed on your langer. Welcome to being Catholic."
Sam's lips curled into a grin. Lyndsey just gaped at him, having a hard time comprehending what just happened. Somehow he had just avoided becoming supernat food by way of converting to a religion he didn't even believe in. It was all a lie, of course. Lyndsey followed a long-abandoned set of rules, and he had no plans of changing sets of belief.
"What...?"
The Vampyr shook his head and stepped closer to him. Lyndsey stepped back, not too keen on the idea of getting close to him, even if he did manage to save him. Again. Sam kept advancing, closing the distance between them until he cornered Lyndsey against the wall. "How is it we meet again in such unfortunate circumstances?" he murmured. "You must have a thing for getting into trouble."
A finger stroked the length of Lyndsey's nose, stopping just at the tip as if to lightly tease. "I'd say that's another favor you owe me. If unless you'd like me to call them back and settle the matter yourself so you don't have to ow me." Sam quirked a smirk, clearly amused.
Lyndsey didn't share his amusement, however. Turning his head away, he muttered, "I don't owe you anything. I'll say thanks anyway for getting rid of them for me, but that doesn't mean I owe you another favor. I didn't call for your help, you came on your own."
Sam drew his hand back and seemed to think about what Lyndsey had said, but just when Lyndsey started to believe it, Sam proved him wrong. The Vampyr suddenly pressed him against the wall with an arm. His other hand came up to his mouth and cut open the digit with a slash of one of his fangs.
Blood welled where the wound was and Sam turned his finger over so that it collected at the tip. Lyndsey spotted it right away, and something in him called out to the precious drop. Before he could recognize what the feeling was, or even fight it, Sam pressed his finger to his mouth. Lyndsey didn't have time to fight, his lips easing apart enough to allow Sam enough freedom to slip inside and smear that intoxicating liquid upon his tongue.
"You cotton-candy haired skank! Just what do you think you're doing?! I saw him first!"
The tiny woman whipped in her direction, eyes narrowing. "Skank? Skank?! Who the fuck are you calling a skank, you fetid trollop!"
The taller woman snorted. "Well you're obviously not going for coffee, are you?"
Drunk though he was, Lyndsey could at least recognize the warning signs. He put his hands up, feeling awkward about what was developing before him. "Whoa, ladies. There's no need to get nasty. We can talk about this."
Both women ignored him. The smaller of the two laughed harshly. "As if you're any different. You're interested in the same thing. Guess that makes you a skank too, doesn't it?" She reached for Lyndsey, pulling him away from the other woman.
"Shut your trap, obnoxious bitch. And get your hands off him!" She reached for the other arm.
Lyndsey tried not to feel dizzy as he was pulled back and forth. "Ladies, ladies!" He tried to get their attention, but neither woman was giving him any mind. It was as if he didn't exist.
Sighing, Lyndsey had a feeling there was no way he was going to get out of this mess. He was about to call it off with both of them, not the least bit interested in getting caught in the middle anymore than he already was, but then something stopped him dead before he even opened his mouth.
The dark beauty released him, but not because she was giving up. Turning his head toward her, Lyndsey watched as she bent and twisted, her shape contorting and twisting until it wasn't human at all. "I'll take him from you, pussy. Even if it means I have to rip your throat out." Ears and face elongated, sprouting fur all over her body. It didn't take a genius to recognize what she was. Werewolf.
"Holy shit!"
Lyndsey jerked back, pulling out of the other woman's grasp. It was a good thing he did, too, because when he looked over at her, he saw her changing as well. Her eyes glowed a bright yellow, her pupils contracting into narrow slits. Her hands curled into claws, her nails elongating into sharpened points. She even had a tail that whipped out somewhere from under her short skirt.
She pulled back her lips to reveal equally sharp teeth and hissed, "Bring it, bitch. I'll put you down."
Lyndsey backed away and quickly as he could, stumbling over unsteady feet until he hit a wall. The women circled each other in the alley, blocking the exit out. Checking behind himself, Lyndsey saw the other side had been gated off with a fence he had no hope of climbing while inebriated.
He could hardly believe this was happening. Eyes wide in horror, he watched the two snarl and hiss at each other, swiping at the other in warning and promise. He was suddenly reminded of how narrowly he had dodged the bullet with Maureen, escaping the nightmare of being some demon's fuck-toy. He had hoped he was done with all that, but apparently not. Now he had to deal with the frightening issue of being the bed interest of two supernatural females. A wolf and cat, from the looks of things.
I'm so dead. He couldn't believe his luck. Why did he have to keep getting involved with people who weren't human? Whatever happened to living a normal life? Sweet Freya, why couldn't I pick a normal girl instead? How the hell am I supposed to avoid becoming sex fodder by either of them? He didn't doubt the possibility he would end up worse for wear by the end of the night, if either woman had her way with him.
Glancing back at the the chain fence behind him, Lyndsey approached it. Every step was unsteady, but he wanted nothing better than to get out of there. He was starting to debate if it was a good idea to risk the climb when something made his stop. It brought goosebumps to the back of his neck and arms, as if he had been hit by a rush of cold air.
Risking a look at the other side of the alley where the women were, Lyndsey's eyes widened in surprise when he saw a third figure standing there, holding both women at bay. Even at this distance he could tell who it was. Sam. His friendly neighborhood Vampyr.
Sam stood casually between them, as if it was the most natural thing to do. He glanced at them both and smiled genially. "Good evening to ye, ladies. It's a fine night for a bit of carousing and drinking, and other things, but perhaps I can dissuade you from continuing down your current path of actions." He crooked a finger, leaning down as if he meant to whisper something to them.
The women gave him a cautious, yet curious, look before they both complied. Lyndsey didn't know what Sam said to them, but whatever it was suddenly had both women glaring at him as if he was scum of the earth. Not sure what was going on, Lyndsey just stared as they both shifted back into human form and shoved past Sam.
They disappeared from the alley, leaving Lyndsey confused -- and more importantly, stuck in Sam's sole company. Shifting his gaze to the other man, Lyndsey tensed as Sam approached.
Sam quirked a brow at him. "You can quit trying to scale the walls now. Neither of them wants to touch you with a ten foot pole. I told the werewolf lass you had half a dozen silver piercings in your knob. Definitely not ribbed for her pleasure. I told the petite feline demon that you've recently had a religious epiphany with Jesus and got baptized last week. You even have a crucifix tattooed on your langer. Welcome to being Catholic."
Sam's lips curled into a grin. Lyndsey just gaped at him, having a hard time comprehending what just happened. Somehow he had just avoided becoming supernat food by way of converting to a religion he didn't even believe in. It was all a lie, of course. Lyndsey followed a long-abandoned set of rules, and he had no plans of changing sets of belief.
"What...?"
The Vampyr shook his head and stepped closer to him. Lyndsey stepped back, not too keen on the idea of getting close to him, even if he did manage to save him. Again. Sam kept advancing, closing the distance between them until he cornered Lyndsey against the wall. "How is it we meet again in such unfortunate circumstances?" he murmured. "You must have a thing for getting into trouble."
A finger stroked the length of Lyndsey's nose, stopping just at the tip as if to lightly tease. "I'd say that's another favor you owe me. If unless you'd like me to call them back and settle the matter yourself so you don't have to ow me." Sam quirked a smirk, clearly amused.
Lyndsey didn't share his amusement, however. Turning his head away, he muttered, "I don't owe you anything. I'll say thanks anyway for getting rid of them for me, but that doesn't mean I owe you another favor. I didn't call for your help, you came on your own."
Sam drew his hand back and seemed to think about what Lyndsey had said, but just when Lyndsey started to believe it, Sam proved him wrong. The Vampyr suddenly pressed him against the wall with an arm. His other hand came up to his mouth and cut open the digit with a slash of one of his fangs.
Blood welled where the wound was and Sam turned his finger over so that it collected at the tip. Lyndsey spotted it right away, and something in him called out to the precious drop. Before he could recognize what the feeling was, or even fight it, Sam pressed his finger to his mouth. Lyndsey didn't have time to fight, his lips easing apart enough to allow Sam enough freedom to slip inside and smear that intoxicating liquid upon his tongue.
