5. Battle Plan

Andrew woke up the next morning. He could feel the new circles underneath his eyes. He had been up all night long thinking about the things he saw. The same thoughts once again flooded his mind as he lifted his head off his pillow.
Rabeka is in trouble, he thought. I'm the only one who can do something about it. I'm the only one who can truly help her.
The more he thought about it, the more didn't want to get involved, but he couldn't get the voice of the man behind the door—the twisted grindy tone of his voice—and the things he said to her.
Money by Friday.
What happens to her Friday if she doesn't have the money? That was two days away.
Andrew felt he had some sort of responsibility for her life. I can't let this slide. Of course, this meant, if he were to intervene, she might see him for what he really was. Or if I am careful, she won't.
Andrew focused more on his exercises this morning. He wasn't sure what was ahead of him, but he knew if things got violent, he would need to be ready.
After an hour of exercise he dressed for the day, throwing on whatever he could find. He wasn't sure if he would see Rabeka today or not, but he had a plan.

Andrew walked through the doors of the cafe', scoping and smelling the room. She wasn't there. She hadn't been there at all. He sighed and quickly approached the counter. Tabitha had a concerned look on her face.
Before Andrew could say anything she spoke, “Did she say yes?”
“I never got the chance. Couldn't find her yesterday.”
“Oh dear.” She said, putting her hand over her heart as if it was the most horrible news. “She wasn't in at all yesterday either, hun, but I'm sure you'll get your chance go ask her out. Maybe even today?”
Andrew gave a brief smile. He was eager to get to work and find her. He had a feeling that she could be there today. Either that or she skipped town. He wouldn't blame her if she did.
Luckily to speed up the process, Tabitha already had his breakfast ready. He bagged it quickly.
“Sorry to eat and run, but I'm running late this morning. See you at lunch... maybe.” He said, running to the door. He spent too much time thinking this morning.
If she was gone again, he would go find her. I can't go on worrying like this. I keep imagining her dead in a ditch somewhere. I need to know she's OK.

As soon as he stepped off the elevator, a wave of smell rushed into his nostrils that calmed him so much he stopped in the hallway, inconveniently blocking several people. They bumped into him, apologizing and insulting him, but he didn't care. He bent over, relaxing.
She was here. Praise the moon she made it to work. At least he knew the least of his worries were over. She wasn't out of town, where he couldn't follower her easily, and she wasn't dead. She was alive and well, on a call with a costumer.
Andrew walked slowly into the office. Her scent filled his nostrils, calming him even more than before. He wiped the sweat from his brow as he saw her sitting at her desk, with her back to him.
He walked by—his eyes staring at her intensely—gesturing for her to notice him. Her eyes didn't stray from her stare spot. She was deep into the call. He stood at his desk staring until a high pitched voice disconnected his gaze.
“Hi Andrew.” Rachel said loudly, as she walked towards his desk. She said his name so loudly, this caught Rabeka's attention, as she turned to look at him finally. Andrew ignored Rachel's gaze and smiled with a pathetic wave of his fingers at her. She smiled faintly and turned around just as Rachel's head slipped into view.
“How are you this morning, boss?” She said, posing like she was at the end of a runway.
Andrew shook off his gaze to look at her. It was as if she dressed for prom. She was wearing a tight short skirt dress, with a top so revealing any werewolf would attack her on sight. Andrew had to swallow a few times before uttering a weak hello at her. Rachel's face lit up, knowing she had finally got his sexual attention.
“Like the dress?” She flaunted, running her fingers through her hair. Andrew felt like saying no, but he would be lying. No human male could resist her body, not even in their minds, but he had to control himself. This was an unfair distraction. Andrew didn't like it one bit.
“A bit overkill for work isn't it?” He sharply responded, giving her a glare only a boss would if an employee was in trouble.
She shrunk her efforts. “Oh, well, tonight I'm going to a party. I was going right after I got off work.”
“Next time bring a change of clothes.” Andrew responded, sitting down at his desk, trying as hard as he could to look busy.
Rachel had been trying to seduce him for years. This time she had definitely over done it. He knew it had to do with Rabeka and the time spent with her these past few months. This was an effort to distract him from her. He knew what was coming next.
“Well, would you like to come with me to the party? They have free drinks.”
Andrew finally looked up. “Not a big drinker. It's ten past the hour, shouldn't you be getting to your calls?”
She finally glared at him, raising her arms in a defensive mode.
“Alright fine, I just wanted to invite a friend.”
Where in our history have we ever been friends? Andrew thought. He sighed and folded his arms, reclining back in his chair.
“Sorry, not really a party guy. Why don't you invite Dan?” Andrew said, trying to hold back a smile as he pointed in Dan's direction. The half balding man acted as if on cue, as he struggled to put a stack of paper into the copier. Paper flew in all directions.
She looked over and looked back, as if offended he would suggest it. Andrew responded with a stern look, completely serious of his suggestion.
“He's a great guy.” He said, gesturing as if a pitchmen for a product.
She rolled her eyes and turned to walk away.
“No thank you.”
Her walk back to her desk explained perfectly the anger she had.
Andrew held back a laugh as he finally started his process for the day. He almost forgot about Rabeka for a moment. Rachel's efforts worked. He leaned over to find her still on the phone talking to her costumer.
He finally had time to examine her. She wasn't dressed like normal. She wore a t-shirt he had never seen, no make up, and her hair down and partially curly, hiding most of her face and eyes. Even though he was a good twelve feet from her, Andrew could hear the costumer on the other line, complaining about some of his deliveries being lost. It wasn't a pleasant conversation and it was really irritating her. She kept taking deep breaths, clenching her fists. Her hands kept finding her face, rubbing her eyes constantly. She was tired and stress and her heart rate was constantly rising.
Finally she hung up the phone, slamming it loudly. A few heads turned, but didn't look long enough to care. She didn't even log anything the costumer had said. She was supposed to, but Andrew didn't blame her for not doing, he was a rude costumer.
She ran her fingers through her long red hair, which seemed to have lost its brightness. Andrew still thought she was pretty, regardless of her looks today.
Rabeka grabbed her coffee mug and walked slowly to the workers lounge.
Andrew watched her walk across the floor and decided he'd take his break too.

Rabeka was sitting on the coach in the lounge crying. Andrew peaked over the corner to assess. Suddenly he had second thoughts, and thought it may be best just to leave her be, but he found himself pushing the door open.
“Rabeka?” He spoke softly. She didn't lift her head.
“Just tired.” She lied softly into her arms. She had stopped making her crying sounds.
Pitiful humans, he murmured. Why must they always cry? Crying was a sign of weakness to Andrew. He knew humans had oversensitive emotions, but he never really understood why crying seemed to fix so many things. He had only cried once in his entire life, and it would be the last time.
Andrew quietly filled up his coffee and turned to look at her.
“Bad day?” He asked nonchalantly.
She nodded.
He couldn't take this anymore. He knew it wasn't smart, but he sat down beside her. “Whats wrong?”
She didn't answer and turned her head away from him.
What was the point, he thought. She won't open up to me.  should just leave.
“OK, well, if you need to talk to someone, I'm here.” He said softly by her ear. He wanted to touch her, but he was afraid that could be deadly.
Andrew stood up and cleared the doorway, but before he could shut the door, Rabeka called his name. He turned quickly to look at her, she was still looking away, as if she didn't move or say anything.
Andrew stood there for a few seconds, waiting for a response. Finally she raised her head, with tears in her eyes. “Thank you for caring.” She whispered.
Andrew took it in. She does care about me, he thought happily. He nodded with a full smile.
“You're welcome.”
Suddenly she stood up, eyes on his eyes, an almost yearning for comfort.
“Listen,” she said, staring nervously at her empty coffee mug. “I need to get things off my mind. Rewind and such. I was kind of hoping, well, would you mind maybe, hanging out with me tomorrow night?”
Andrew tried hard not to let his jaw drop.
“Huh?” He said out loud.
Rabeka's gave a nervous glare.
“I mean,” Andrew corrected, “Like, you and I do something?”
“Yeah. Do... something.” She said, shrugging her shoulders with a smile, leaning closer, eager for an official response. It seemed like her whole life depending on his answer.
Andrew had to take a moment to think about this.
How dare she! he thought. She's purposely avoiding her responsibility of getting that money! She can just drag someone else into her mess. What is she thinking? Of course, the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. It would be better to be with him. He planned on stalking her that night anyway.
Suddenly everything came together. He understood her plan, and its as if their plans fused together. This would actually work out perfectly.
I might be able to protect her should something happen. She only wants to be with me to avoid her collector. She thinks if she's around another man, the scum will leave her alone. And if he tries anything, I'll be the one to protect her.
Andrew stood silently, staring at the ground, running the plans through his head.
Rabeka took another step closer.
“So, do you want to or not?” She asked finally.
Andrew met her gaze, giving a mischievous grin.
“Love to.” He said. He knew this plan was the best way to protect her. He would smell the man from a mile away, and he could get her out of harms way faster than anyone else could. Not only that, but he could finally spend more time with her, one on one.
Her faced filled with light. “Great!” She exclaimed. Her heart rate slowed down. She was relaxed now. Apparently this was her plan all along.
“We can leave right after we get off work?”
She's taking no chances, he analyzed. Avoiding leaving alone or going home.
“Yeah, so is this a date?” Andrew said. Oh crap, I shouldn't have said that, what if she didn't want it to be a date?
She smiled even more. “Whatever you say.”
She walked over and filled her coffee mug. Andrew could tell she found her solution, and was now satisfied. She walked past him giving him an even more friendly gaze.
Butterflies flew through Andrew's stomach as she walked away.
He walked over to fill his mug, his mind heavy with planning.
Tomorrow night was going to be the best night of his life, but it could also be the worst night. If the man showed up, he would have to do everything in his power to protect her and stop him, and that meant potentially exposing himself. Andrew wasn't intimidated by some human with a gun. Bullets can hurt like hell, but it would in no way kill him. He would walk away from it as if it were a bee sting. He would need to fake injury to avoid suspicion.
Then there was fighting to consider, but to defend himself and Rabeka without using his wolf abilities would be tricky. He would have to be careful of biting—because that would be pretty stupid. Scratching he could get away with, though Rabeka would probably question his sanity.  But even then it would be tricky. No human can cause a five claw gash in one swipe.
Then there was his strength to consider. Normally lifting a small car a few feet off the ground isn't a problem for him, so hitting and throwing these humans would be as easy as taking out the trash. If it meant that Rabeka's life was safe, he'd risk doing it.  But then the most dangerous thing would likely happen—she would discover his secret.
Would she still trust me? Would she keep the secret? Assuming she wasn't freaked out.
If she couldn't keep the secret, Andrew would have to relocate somewhere else. He couldn't risk his family knowing his whereabouts. And nothing screams 'Andrew is here' more than the headline 'My date was a werewolf!' in the New York Times paper.
Andrew took a sip of his coffee mug and returned to his desk. He glanced over at Rabeka, who surprisingly smiling at him already. He gave a warm smile, regardless of the scary scenario's racing through his head.
She trusts me. She needs me more than ever right now.
She chose me as her protector. I must heed the call.

Rabeka woke up on her couch. She refused to sleep in her bedroom, where she couldn't hear intruders. She slowly stretched, moved her arm up under her pillow to find a cold metal object—a pistol. With piece of mind she sat up and wiped her eyes. She twisted her torso, which made several loud cracking sounds, making her sigh with relief.
After adjusting to the peering light through the curtains, she looked around. Her apartment was a mess. There were empty boxes all over the place, ready for packing at any given moment. She was keeping prepared for anything.
After staring into space for several minutes, she finally stood up and walked over to the bathroom to shower. She left the shower door still open to hear any activity happening outside. She laughed at how paranoid she was being, but it never hurt to be overly cautious.
The hot water felt good, especially through her hair as she pulled her fingers through it. She lathered up soap in her hands and laid it carefully over her body—which was covered in fresh bruises. She slowly caressed every inch of herself, knowing that tonight could very well be here last night anyone would see it. It was Friday.
She had a very attractive body, and she knew it. She always dressed in the most stylish clothing she could find. She enjoyed wearing jeans more than anything, which was her first item to slap when she got out of the shower and dried off.
She looked at the clock and knew she had some time to prepare herself for her date tonight. Though, she didn't really call it a date. More of an outing. Something to keep her from being at her apartment, or by herself. She instantly thought of Andrew, and the kind man he was, and how he would be someone she'd want to spend her last night with. Assuming she would survive the night, she would leave without warning. She looked down at her dresser drawer and pulled out a crinkled paper with a note paper clipped on it. She took it off and read it again. It was an open ended plane ticket. She could fly anywhere she wanted in the States for free with this important document, and she needed to make up her mind quickly. She wished it worked internationally. She would fly to Europe. They would never find her there.
She set it down delicately by her purse, so that she wouldn't forget to take it. Tonight, she thought. I'll leave right after our date.
By the time she was dressed in her casual yet sexy attire, her hair had air dried itself. She gently wound it up in a messy up-do complete with a few dozen bobby pins, then lightly sprayed it with hairspray. She shot a sexy pose in front of the mirror. Normally she was never this flamboyant, but given the circumstances she felt like being a little off the top.  
She packed a pair of clothes for the office and grabbed her purse, compete with the plane ticket. She walked pasted her couch, looking at the pistol. She contemplated bringing it with her to work and for her date. She looked in her purse for any sensible space for it to hide, but there was no room.
She picked it up and stuffed it in anyways. She was mad to bring it to work, but there was no way for anyone to know it was there unless she took it out. For now, it was safe.
Now for breakfast. She contemplated going to the cafe again, but she knew Andrew would be there. She wasn't sure she was ready to face him just yet, or wait until after work to start the small talk. She laughed considering she wasn't even sure what the evening would entail. She hadn't planned anything at all.
The image of Andrew crept into her mind. He was indeed attractive to her, kind, friendly, and they had always shared good conversation. She considered him first and foremost a friend, on a strictly professional level due to the fact that he was her boss. But tonight would be different. She didn't care what he was to her. She planned on making everything tonight count.
He was a little shy for her taste, but his tall-dark-and-handsome look left her no choice but to consider him more than just a friend tonight. She laughed at the thought of how easy it would be to seduce him. She could. She was confident enough, but she would have to play this out carefully.
She chose to avoid the cafe, not to avoid Andrew, but she needed to take a detour this time. They would no doubt be looking for her. She knew they knew her path, so she avoided taking the risk. She walked briskly down a much busier road, unfortunately a longer way to work.

Andrew woke up, jumping up quickly when he noticed the time.
“Oh crap,” he said to himself. “Way to go Andrew.”
He had slept in his clothes last night, but he didn't have time for a shower. He stripped himself to his underwear and smelled himself. Fortunately it wasn't too bad. He lightly sprayed his cologne and ran to the bathroom to take care of the essentials.
He dug through the pile of clothes under his dresser, hoping it was the clean ones. He found his favorite jeans and slipped them on, almost tripped over them as he made his way to the closet to find a shirt.
“You're an idiot.” Andrew grumbled to himself.
It took him about 3 minutes to finish getting ready. He walked by the mirror by the door, checking his hair. He realized he forgot to shave and made a low grumble as he stumbled into the bathroom to find his shaver, which ironically had lost its charge. Andrew let out a snarl, it felt good.
This day is not going to go well.
Traffic seemed to be worse today as he walked across the street carrying his coffee. It was all he had time for. He consumed half of it quickly at the light.
Andrew didn't bother checking for Rabeka at the cafe. He knew she wouldn't be there again, and he wasn't surprised, but definitely concerned. Today was the day, but did they mean the morning, afternoon, or night? He didn't know, and apparently neither did she.
He scented for Rabeka and caught on to a trail, coming from the north rather than the west. She had walked a different route. He understood perfectly why.
Andrew reached their work floor, to find Phil standing by the hallway entrance, glaring in his direction. Phil wasn't normally this wound up about employees being late, but even a floor manager had a boss. Being fifteen minutes late was rare for Andrew, so he knew he wouldn't be in too much trouble.
“Had me worried there for a while.” He said.
“Sorry.” Andrew said quickly. “Just one of those days.” He said, walking past Phil.
“I can understand that, but this morning was not the time to have those days.”
“Oh?” I said, turning around to face him.
“Did you forget?” He pressed.
Andrew stared at him with a blank expression, searching his eyes for an answer.
“Uh... forget what?” He finally responded.
Phil sighed, putting his hand to his face. “We had a board meeting today.”
Andrew's jaw dropped. “That was today?” He practically shouted. Several employees now directing their attention to him.
“Yes.” Phil said, walking past him towards his office.
“Did I miss anything?” Andrew asked shyly. It seemed Rabeka was causing more trouble than he thought.
Phil stood in the doorway of his office, it was much larger than Andrew's. Andrew was promised a bigger closed off office a year ago, but that idea disappeared into thin air.
“Not really.” He responded, finally walking in and closing the door.
Andrew hung his head as he walked on to the sales floor. When Phil wouldn't tell him anything, he knew something was up. He knew he wasn't going to get fired or anything like that, but at the least he lost the opportunity at a raise or promotion.
He slammed his bag on the desk and sat down. He took a quick glance over at Rabeka's desk, which was empty. He didn't mind though, her scent was fresh. She was somewhere in the building, safe.
Already the day was not going as planned. He didn't get enough sleep, so he wouldn't have enough energy to be alert let alone entertaining tonight for their date, and he didn't pack any lunch meat, so he'd be extra hungry.
Everything in his body seemed to relax when Rabeka walked back onto the floor from the restroom. He finally saw her, and she was beautiful. Her dark red hair was pulled up, and it seemed to glow as the from the windows shined on it. She caught his eyes across the room, giving a warm smile.
She seems pretty confident, Andrew thought to himself.
Andrew sat back and thought a lot about what was going to take place tonight.
So, is it a date? he thought. Should I have a plan for something to do, should I pay for dinner? Movie? His mind raced. He had never been on a date before in his life. But why was he more worried for the date then the potential danger they could both be in. He wasn't sure how skilled this man was that was after her, or men, There could be more involved. Would he have to fight a whole mob off?
Andrew couldn't focus, and instead of doing his work duties, he looked online for date ideas and locations.
He needed a plan.

The day went by very slow, but they had an hour left of work. Fridays were the slowest day of the week. Everybody out enjoying the weekend instead of on the phone with costumer service. Hardly anyone called in and calling people was a waste of time because nobody was home.
Andrew looked over his department. He had seen this every Friday—people trying to find ways to keep busy—some were on the phone with friends talking about plans for the weekend and others were playing solitaire or other computer games to pass time. He didn't care. They were required to have their sheets filled out by the end of the week, but from the looks of how the day was going, all of it was done.  
Each week several people that day called in 'sick.' Of course, it was just an excuse to get an early start on the weekend. Again, Andrew didn't care. Fridays were pretty pointless.
Andrew looked at Rabeka, who was surprisingly on the phone with a costumer. It wasn't rare to see on a Friday, but he figured due to the circumstances of the day, she'd at least be doing something she'd want to do.
Phil walked into Andrew's view, slapping a pile envelopes on his desk, making him jump. It was payday after all.
Andrew smiled and thanked him. Phil still seemed bitter at him as he nodded once and walked away. He couldn't let a little thing like a board meeting slide. Andrew was over it by now, he was thinking about Rabeka and what was going to happen. Nothing else mattered.
He went through the envelopes putting them in the order he would need to pass them out.
He stood up and made his rounds, laying each check on their desk. Their reactions were always a good laugh. Some would show extreme excitement with equally excited facial expressions. Getting paid was indeed a reason to smile.
He took extra time at Rabeka's desk, handing her the check personally. She looked at him, he noticed her eyes were much darker than before. She had put on more make-up. Andrew personally didn't care for make-up. It had a very oily smell, not very pleasant when up close. But it did not taint her sweetness.
Rabeka just hung up the phone, to look at him. She gave him a big smile, the biggest he had ever seen, causing him to bump his knee into the desk as he turned to leave. She giggled and continued working.
Andrew had to take a few breaths to calm himself. This could be dangerous, he thought. He didn't really understand why, until he looked at the calendar. It was going to be a full moon tonight. And even in the daylight his body could sense it.
The moon has no real significance to a werewolf, but there is an unseen magic about it. Werewolves feel stronger. There is a  crawling under the skin; the temptation to change. The drive for sex is stronger as well, when naturally its supposed to happen twice a year during heat.
Some don't feel its effects, but others do. Andrew had always felt it. To him it did have significance, but he never let it control him.

Four forty-five. The time was almost here.
Andrew nervously spun a dull quarter on his desk, trying to see how many seconds he could keep it going. His record was seventeen seconds.
He wanted to get up and leave, but he had to wait till everyone left, as it was part of the job curriculum. Several people had already left and they could if they finished all their paperwork early.
Rabeka kept going in and out of the bathroom. He could tell she didn't go to urinate. She needed to be alone. Time away from the phone, time away from work. She seemed to put effort into working hard today.
I wonder if she wants to leave a positive lasting impression? Andrew thought.
He kept his eyes on the hallway to the bathroom door. He couldn't hear any movement inside, even over the sounds of the office as people packed up their things and finished off calls.
He stood up and told everyone it was time to go. A few people rushed out the door quicker than he anticipated. It was the same people every week.
Rachel walked up to Andrew. He stammered back, pretending not to notice her, until her high voice pierced the room.
“So Andrew, what are your plans this weekend?”
Before Andrew could speak and make eye contact, a soft much more pleasant voice shot directly behind Rachel. Rabeka was standing there.
“Actually, he's hanging out with me.” She bravely said, striking a pose you would only see in a teen drama show.
Andrew's eyes flew open, not just from her response, but her looks! Rabeka was gorgeous! She had retouched her make-up and changed into a much more 'date' worthy skirt and blouse.
Rachel glared back at her with jealous judgmental eyes.  Andrew could feel the heat emulating from Rachel as she did this. It was kind of a turn on to see two females fighting over him. He didn't want a cat fight to erupt, but he couldn't help but laugh at her response to Rachel either.
Rachel's only response was “Oh.”
Rabeka gave her a friendly smile and slid past her to my side.
“Ready?” She asked. She looked confident, but Andrew could tell she was much more nervous than he was. He didn't blame her. She had a lot on her mind. Her life was on the line, though she seemed to be handling it very well.
“Uh, yeah.” He said, looking at Rachel with a pleased expression.
Rachel had a look of disgust on her face, but mumbled a response finally.
“Well, have fun you two.”
“Oh I'm sure we will.” Rabeka responded quickly, lightly punching my arm. Andrew wasn't sure how to take that. Is she drunk? he thought. Something is seriously wrong with her, either that or she has fully embraced death.
Rabeka on the other hand was thinking, Is this really how I want to spend my last night? Will it be my last night? I could actually fall for Andrew.
They both left the office together, arms linked. It seemed very formal, but it was all fun and games to her. Andrew walked her out to the street, it was still day light out. What harm could they run into now? He knew this would be a good time to relax and enjoy this part of the evening.
He watched her, eyes like fire, trying to figure out what she wanted from him tonight. Does she want me to protect her, take advantage of her, distract her from her fear? He disparately wanted to know. Finally she spoke, but without words. She gave a warm smile. She knew she was grateful for him.
Rabeka took a deep sigh as she started to put on her coat.
“Oh let me get that for you.” Andrew said, trying desperately to be a gentlemen. He fiddled with the jacket trying to get the correct arm to hers. She had to wait a moment for him to prep it, but finally she slid her petite arms into the coat. Andrew loved her scent, and took it in slowly as she adjusted the coat around her neck. He tried not to make it too obvious.
“Thank you.” She softly said, turning around to face him, with their bodies in close proximity. Andrews heart started to race, and so did hers. That was a good sign. He could always count on the body to speak to him if words couldn't.
“Well?” She asked, stuffing her hands in her coat pockets. She gave a little twist of her ankle, cocking her head up to face his.
Andrew gave a shy grin. He couldn't help thinking how out of character she was being. It seemed like a light switched on since last time he spoke to her. He hoped it was all real—he liked it.
Andrew answered thoughtfully.
“Well... do you want to go home first to freshen up or something?” He still knew the answer to that question, but wanted to get a reaction.
She looked down at the ground, wiping the smile from her face. “No, I'm fine. Lets just go. Wherever.”
Indeed. Anywhere but home.
“OK, where are you taking me?”
She looked up. “What do you mean?”
“Well, you asked me on this little date.” He winked. “You got anything in mind?”
Rabeka's eyes started to dart back and forth, she tried to think of something, but she hadn't prepared enough for this night. She didn't care what they did. As long as she had her shining knight to protect her.
Her mouth opened and staggering words escaped her lips. Andrew could feel fear and embarrassment come over her quickly as her heart rate started to climb.
“Well, I really don't have anything in mind, I didn't think this was a 'date'. I just wanted to get out and do something tonight.” She finally answered.
Liar, he thought. He knew she was making this up as she went. She was just looking for anything to avoid her fate.
“Alrighty, well, you are in luck, because it just so happens there is a concert tonight we could go to. That sound fun?”
Her eyes lit up. “Yeah, that would be fun, who's performing?”
“Well, its actually a group, four of them to be exact.”
She cocked her head in interest. “Yeah?”
“It's the Freddie Bryant Jazz Quartet.”
Rabeka shot a blank expression. It was not what she expected.
“Oh, Jazz huh?”
“Yes, is that alright? These guys are swinging I think you'll enjoy it.” He hoped so. Life threatening night or not, this was a concert he didn't want to miss. Andrew loved Jazz.
“Sure, is it close?”
“Yeah its not too far. It's at the Smoke Jazz club.”
“Ah, OK, well lets get going.” She said. Rabeka didn't care too much for Jazz, but it was better than sitting at home waiting to die.
Andrew nodded.
“I'll get us a cab.” He said, turning toward the street.
“Is it too far to walk?” She responded.
Andrew was surprised, for someone wanting to be hidden from danger, walking seemed to be the last thing he'd expect her to say. Andrew had walked there many times, not minding it himself, but it was at least a half hour journyy.
“Well, its kind of far for walking. It's on Broadway by Riverside Park.”
“Perfect.” She said, starting in that direction.
Andrew's eyes flew open in surprise. Rabeka seemed to be full of surprises tonight. It was as if nothing bothered her, like the thread had disappeared.
He put his jacket on and caught up with her. They walked closely together.
Rabeka kept her hands in her coat pockets, close to her body. Even with her flamboyant personality she was faking, she looked nervous and insecure. She was looked at the people passing by, scoping them, and constantly looking behind her, making sure she wasn't being watched or followed. Her act was very unconvincing, but she lucky for her, Andrew knew everything. He thought about telling her, but he decided it would be best to wait until the night was over.
She flipped her coat collar up, trying to hide her face. There was a chill breeze, she might have been cold, but he knew that wasn't it. Andrew scented quietly; the man from before wasn't around. He would know the instant he came anywhere near them.
His goal tonight was to make sure that she was safe, and, have some fun enjoying her company. He was glad she was so open and enthusiastic for him. It made it seem like they weren't in any immediate danger. If at any point they were, he would take her away fast, and face the man once and for all.
Even though all of this planning was going through his head, Andrew still had a smile on his face as they walked. He took time to appreciate Rabeka and her stylish apparel she had.
She was very pretty. Her hair was up in an up-do, half messy with a few flyaways. What Andrew loved the most about her looks was her hair, and the beautiful red shine it had, curling as it fell on her neck and shoulders. It was dazzling. If only pelt could be that pretty.
She wore a soft purple sweater under her jacket with a dark brown skirt. Her high heals made her legs look like meat. They were very sexy. Andrew wouldn't deny that he wanted her at that moment, but he would admit that he is a gentlewolf.
Her scent was fresh and arousing, thanks to the care she took spending time in the office restroom. There was a soft perfume that emulated from her neck and chest, sending delightful chills up Andrew's spine. As for her other features, he thought pleasant things of them too; some white pearly earrings and a very small diamond nose stud on her right nostril. Andrew never understood the concept of piercing ones flesh. He found the people who did it overly excessive to be a little weird, not to mention unattractive, but when in moderation, he found it to be quite lovely, especially on the correct body, and Rabeka indeed had one for it.
Andrew suddenly felt very under dressed, partially blamed on the fact he was late for work and didn't have time to prepare. He looked scruffy—his shaving job was quick and careless, and it showed—five-o-clock shadow already forming, his hair wild and spiky, dark brown with some natural red highlights, though nothing compared to Rabeka's. He wasn't even sure if Rabeka's color was natural or not. He constantly was blowing his bangs out of his eyes. They were always falling over, getting in the way of his perfect sight.
He didn't even have time to check before they left to see if he smelled OK. He was never satisfied with his own scent. He didn't know what a human could smell. Andrew could smell everything, so often times he was paranoid about what others thought. He hoped his dash of cologne was enough.
They were both walking fast, as if stopping at nothing to arrive to their destination. Rabeka wasn't sure what to expect, and Andrew was excited to see his favorite band playing again. He had been to this jazz club many times.
Their conversation fell silent again. Normally they were never a loss for words, but both had different things other than the date on their mind.
“So, what made you choose New York?” She finally asked.
“Well, I got this job and I love big busy cities.”
“Yeah, but what made you come here, this town is nothing but trouble.” Her voice started to get dark and serious. She was relating this city with her problems. There was no doubt that Rabeka's experience in this town was a horrible one. Andrew decided the only way to get her to trust him is to tell a little bit about his past.
“Well, I find being apart of a big city is better than being truly alone. You can't be alone in a place like this.”
She half smiled. “Sure you can.”
Andrew grimaced at the response. So much did he want to comfort her, but he had to pretend to be ignorant a bit longer.
“I hated my family.” He finally said. Her face matched his expression. “They treated me like dirt and I didn't love them.”
She didn't respond, only looking intensely in his eyes. He knew this was something she could possibly relate to. Talk about their families and pasts had never been in any of their conversations. It was nice to tell some truth for once.
“I felt more alone with them then any other place on earth, even when they were alive.” She knew they had passed away, this was a lie he had already told her. He hated lying to her. It didn't feel natural. Andrew only wished his family wasn't alive.
“I had to do something,” he continued. “Go somewhere where I could be successful, and not have anyone judge me or tell me what to do.”
He paused and shrugged. She looked very interested in his story.
“This town seemed to be perfect for me. I never have to feel alone again.”
Rabeka nodded and understood. Finally they were on even grounds. He knew she felt alone at this time in her life, and to have someone relate to her, gave her peace of mind. Rabeka felt comforted. She knew she chose the perfect person to spend her last night with.
“Believe it or not, but you had it easier than me.” She finally said.
Andrew cocked his head in confusion. She was right, but he was surprised to see her fess up to such a unfortunate fact.
“How so?” Andrew pressured.
She took a deep breath. “I came here to escape my problems, like you did yours. Though, for me, it seems they caught up with me.”
Wow, Andrew thought, but all he could do was nod.
That was all he needed to hear. He didn't dare ask any more details about it. “I'm sorry.” Is all he could bring himself to say.
She nodded and gave him a comforting smile again. Her smile was so warm. It made him feel so happy to see her that way. If only he could make it real, and not some lie. It seemed both of them lived in lies.
“Things weren't always easy.” Andrew started again. “I might have been alone and successful, even as a teenager, but regardless I had to fight my own demons. Once I got so hungry and poor I had to steal from a local grocery store.”
She looked up at him, suddenly interested.
“You stole?” She asked, laughing.
“Yeah, I mean, I'm not proud of it. It wasn't smart. Even though I never got caught, I felt bad about it everyday that past after. But, I was so disparate.”
He nervously fidgeted with his fingers, waiting for a reaction. All Rabeka could do was giggle. “When I got my first real paycheck I send an anonymous check to the store.”
Rabeka grinned slightly. “You are a kind man. How much was the check?”
Andrews smile grew. “Twelve dollars. I think that's enough to pay back a bag of potato chips, beef jerky, a soda, and a few candy bars.”
“Wow.” She laughed.
“Yeah, I even attached a letter of apology, telling them it was to compensate for my sin.” Andrew said, chuckling a little bit himself.
“Sin, huh?” She asked, a look of judgment in her eyes. “You a God fearing man Andrew?” She asked.
Andrew wasn't sure how to respond to that. He had been in religious debates before, and preferred to avoid them from then on. He had his beliefs, but he wasn't sure what she was looking for in them.
Andrew was taught about several Gods growing up. The pack mostly believes in the earthly and heavenly Gods, but it wasn't until his human friend introduced him to the Christian God, to where he eventually looked to for comfort. Out of all the Gods he knew about, this was the only one that gave him answers and peace. And even if there wasn't a God, the comfort of believing felt better than nothing to him.
Andrew finally nodded. “I guess. I do believe in God.”
She looked down, trying to find her words.
“I don't know what I believe in anymore.”
“Everybody loses faith at one point. But you can't stand up without first being on your knees.”
Rabeka's face glowed with that response, sending a look of love in her eyes he had never seen before.
“Yeah I guess I can relate to that.” She said. He felt like saying 'Yeah, I'm sure you do.'
Another awkward quiet period again, but it allowed a booming walking bass sound coming from inside a club to fill in the silence. They had arrived.
There was a small line outside the door. They would need to wait a while before more people freed up space. A group was just finishing up their performance.
Andrew and Rabeka filed in the line. Andrew had hoped they would make it early to see the last half of the previous band, which he also admired. However because they walked, it was practically over.
Waiting in line seemed harmless, but it was a long walk and there were no places to sit. Not to mention they were sitting ducks. Not to mention the exercise worked up an appetite in Andrew. He would need to eat soon.
Rabeka faced away from the street, holding her head down low, fidgeting with her jacket zipper. Andrew felt this was a good time to break the silence.
“Sorry about the line. We arrived at a transition time.”
“That's fine.” She said, smiling and wiping a bang behind her ears.
Andrew's thoughts began to focus again on the night and what was in store for them. He didn't have any other plans after this concert, and it was only two hours long. By the time it would be over it would be dark out, would the time be then? Would it be time to get into protection mode? What would happen after the night was over. Would he leave her at her home, alone? Would she come with him to his place? That would be dangerous. He didn't want to think about it.
The beast within him struggled to know what he was going to do.