6. First Date

The doors of the jazz club finally opened and people began filing in and out. Andrew and Rabeka looked at each other in delight as the line moved slowly but surely into the club.
Andrew could smell the sweet aroma of food, especially meat. He hadn't had any adequate nutrition earlier in the day. He desperately needed to get some meat into his system, or he'd grow too hungry to bare it.
The inside of the club was a dark smoky atmosphere, yet it still had that 'cool' factor that Andrew loved.
Rabeka was impressed, it was not at all what she thought it would be. She linked arms with Andrew as they walked through he doors, making Andrew blush.
An attractive waitress walked up to both of them. She gave Andrew a flirtatious look, but Rabeka didn't seen to care. “Hi, welcome to Smoke, would you like the bar or a booth?”
“Bar.” “Booth.” They both said at the same time. They took a long glance at each other, bursting into laughter.
“Sorry. You're the host.” Rabeka said.
He nodded, smiling at the waitress. “Booth is fine.”
“OK, right this way.”
Andrew followed, noting the delectable smell of the food as they passed the kitchen. Andrew's mouth watered.
They were seated at their booth.
“Hi, I'm Sarah I'll be your waitress tonight. The concert will start in a few moments. Would either of you like to start out with drinks?”
“Yes, a smoky martini please.”
Sarah nodded, turning her attention to Andrew, giving another flirtatious grin.
“Nothing for me to drink, but I would like some steak.”
She nodded. “Alright, I'll get you a menu and your drink will be right out, mam.”
“No drink?” Rabeka said, lifting an eyebrow.
“I don't drink.” He responded firmly.
“Why?” She said, giving him a confused look. Andrew didn't expect her to understand. The effects of alcohol on a werewolf was nothing short of a disaster waiting to happen.
“I like to be in control of my own body.” He responded.
She rolled her eyes. “That defeats the purpose of drinking.” She kept smiling. He could tell she was teasing him, and even though he told the truth, he felt it wasn't enough to satisfy her interest.
He pretended to dismiss her remark as the waitress came back with menus. He smiled at her as a form of thank you.
“I'll be right back with your drink.” She said to Rabeka, who nodded back, then giving Andrew a sneer. All he could do is shrug his shoulders.
As he looked through the menu for a steak, he thought of his drinking experience.
He had just turned twenty one, and decided he'd try a beer for the first time. He thought it tasted disgusting, but he wanted to know why humans liked it and what being drunk felt like. Everywhere he looked, humans seemed to enjoy drinking so much, it became a way of life, and Andrew, being curious about humans as it is, wanted to discover it for himself. His kind never drank alcohol and encouraged his kind never to do so. It only took one glass for him to realize why.
Along with all the normal side effects of being drunk, he began to show aggressive wolf behavior, growling at people, sniffing and even licking nearby women. And to make matters worse, his eyes turned yellow and his claws and fangs began to extend. Andrew literally had no control over his body. The beast inside him found a doorway to escape without his approval.
As soon as he noticed the changes, along with the terrified reactions of the people around him, he ran to the back door, into the alley behind the bar. Without any warning, his body had its way, shifted completely into his anthro form, causing him to howl involuntarily. Luckily there was no one around. He desperately tried to escape to find a hiding place.  He knew a wolf howl in New York wouldn't go unnoticed.
It took him four hours for the alcohol to leave his system, allowing him to finally control his shift back to human form. Now he was stuck in an abandoned warehouse, naked, with the biggest headache he had ever experienced in his entire life. He vowed from then on never to let a drop of alcohol enter his body again.
Andrew chuckled to himself at how stupid and naïve he was back then. He had almost screwed up everything he had worked hard for.
Rabeka's blank stare caught his attention. She lifted her eyebrow.
“What?” Andrew asked.
She let out a long sigh and shook her head.
“Nothing,” She responded.
Both their attentions turned toward the stage as an announcer introduced the band. The stage lid up, and the four band members walked out. Andrew whistled and clapped loudly. Rabeka clapped as well, but not as energetic. She was more excited for her drink than anything else.
The band started out with a large swing tune. Andrew's foot wouldn't stop keeping the beat. He was into the music right from the start, joining the crowd at the proper applauding and hollering moments.
Out of the corner of his eye, Andrew kept looking back at Rabeka's face, hoping to see an equally excited reaction, but she kept her face straight.
Andrew was so into the drummers solo, he barely noticed the waitress had come back. Rabeka smiled and thanked her as she was handed her drink.
“Have you decided?” She asked both of them. Andrew gestured to Rabeka to go first.
“I would like the jumbo shrimp martini please. And...” She paused and looked at Andrew, pleading in her eyes.
“Will it be alright if I get a side of grilled zucchini to go with that?” She asked both of them.
“Of course.” Andrew said, nodding in approval.
Rabeka gave a happy smile, delighted to know he didn't mind her ordering extra.
“We can split it if you want.” She said.
“Sure.”
“And for yourself?” The waitress asked Andrew.
“Yes. I would like to have the grilled flatiron steak, as rare as you can make it please.”
Rabeka lifted an eyebrow. So did the waitress.
“Alright,  are you sure you don't want anything to drink?” The waitress asked again.
Andrew thought a moment, also noticing Rabeka's facial expression, teasing him to get a real drink. He smiled and responded.
“Yes, do you have milk?”
The waitress giggled a little. “Yes, we do. I'll have that out as soon as possible.”
Rabeka rolled her eyes again. “Andrew, you are boring.”
“Thank you.” He cleverly responded, looking at her with a serious expression. Rabeka could only laugh more. He enjoyed watching her have fun. He was glad he could take her mind off of her troubles.
“I don't get you.” He finally said.
She stopped laughing, studying his question. “What don't you get?” She asked, folding her arms on the table.
“You seem so shy and reserved most of the time, but tonight I've seen a side of you I've never seen.”
She looked away from him, toward the band. He knew she was trying hard to hide her situation. He allowed her time to think.
“Well, I figured I'd let myself out of my box for a while.”
“It sure seems like you did.” He said, eying her margarita glass, which was now completely empty. She had guzzled most of it before Andrew was done ordering his meal.
She blushed and set her head down on her arms, her eyes studying his face.
“I just know how to have fun.”
“And I don't?” Andrew mimicked her pose, folding his arms on the table and setting his head down, so their eyes were equal level.
Andrew could feel her heat rise as he did this, they were closer now, inches away from each others face. She was now blushing.
The applause from the room startled them both, as the band finished their first song. Andrew had missed most of it, but he didn't care anymore. He was mesmerized by Rabeka. Neither of them clapped. Andrew didn't want to move from his spot, and he hoped she didn't either.
“OK, here you are.” The waitress interrupted, making Andrew sit up to allow room for his milk glass.
“Thank you.” He said.
“Your food is being cooked, it should be out in a few moments.”
Andrew thanked her again, and turned his attention to Rabeka once more, who was now looking in a new direction. Andrew leaned over to see  her face frozen with fear.
He looked in the direction her eyes were locked on and noticed a tall man at the bar. Even though he was on the other side of the room, Andrew couldn't sense anything familiar, but he was indeed staring in their direction.
Rabeka turned back nervously, putting both hands on her empty glass. She wished it were full again.
Andrew met the mans gaze, glaring at him. The man slowly turned his head away.
Rabeka continued to have a nervous expression as she watched the band start up a new piece.
Andrew flagged down their waitress and ordered her a refill. Rabeka thanked him, not knowing he had caught on to her anxiety. However, he couldn't help himself.
“Are you OK?” He asked, anxious for her response.
Rabeka looked up, faking a smile. “Yeah, I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?”
Liar, he thought. Does she know that guy over there, is he one of the guys after her? How would they even know to come here, did they follow us?
Andrew studied the man as he sipped his milk every once and a while. He was now familiar with his scent, he would know if the man would follow them.
The waitress had returned with their meals. Andrew was so thankful. His stomach had been growling so loud, he was grateful the band was covering up the noise. He cursed his high metabolism as he began unwrapping the napkin to access his fork.
“Thank you.” Rabeka said to the waitress.
“No problem, would you like a refill for your milk sir?” She said, giving another giggle. Apparently she wasn't the only one who thought it was weird to order milk at a bar.
“Yes, please.” Andrew said, finally pulling his fork out. He grabbed the knife and dove right in. Instantly his body could feel relief coming as the juicy seasoned steak entered his mouth. The blood from it was perfect, warm, and fresh. He had many steaks in his life, and very few could satisfy him. Andrew knew all the right places for good steaks in New York, and this was one of them.
He closed his eyes as he chewed, savoring the flavor.
Rabeka seemed to enjoy her meal too. Things seemed to calm down from there as the concert went on.
Hours had passed and both had finished their meals. The band was just finishing up their last piece. Andrew stood to his feet, along with the rest of the crowd to give a standing ovation. The band members bowed and walked out to greet people in the audience.
Andrew wanted to go and speak to them, but he didn't want to leave Rabeka's sight. He turned to see her still sitting down, clapping, eyes roaming around the room.
The man who had given her a scare earlier had left hours ago. He felt he wasn't a threat, perhaps someone who thought she was just attractive.
“Ready for desert? I know a place cheaper than this.” He offering his hand to help her up. She smiled at his gesture and grabbed it, holding tightly. Her skin so warm and soft against his.
“Sounds great!” Rabeka said, standing up directly in front of him.
Andrew had never really had skin on skin contact with her before. He kept his hand firm in hers, not wanting to let go. She seemed to want to hold on a bit longer as well. Neither of them anticipated this.
She finally reached back to get her coat on. Andrew insisted on helping her again.
They entered the night, leaving the warmth of the jazz club. The lights of Broadway lit up everywhere. New York was always beautiful at night. Andrew loved taking long walks through the streets.
They began to walk down the street. Andrew desperately wanted to grab her hand to see what she would do. If he were the type, he could have his way with her. He could easily take advantage of her insecurity. Tonight of all nights was the night to do it, but Andrew didn't dare. He almost wished he could be human. He could. He could live a normal life without fear of hurting anyone, or exposing his secret. But, he knew he shouldn't.
I don't want to be like all the other men in this city, who roam around waiting for some woman to let down their guard, he thought. But to be close to Rabeka, without fear, I would say 'to hell with it' just this once. Only tonight.
Rabeka on the other hand was hoping for it. She didn't care what happened tonight, as long as she avoided her collectors, she would give anything to live the night without any restrictions.
They arrived at a small ice cream stand, a corner street.
“Best ice cream in New York.” Andrew said, giving Rabeka a wink.
She laughed. “Really? Have you ever been to Cold Stone?”
“Yes, and they are good. In fact there's one much further down the road, but it would take us forever to walk there.”
“That's the one I always go to. What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?”
Andrew giggled at the small talk.
“Cake batter, Mmmm.” He responded, smacking his lips.
“Same here!”
Andrew ordered their ice creams and walked over to a nearby bench a couple had just left. Andrew watched them walk away, hand in hand, with the woman's head resting on the mans shoulders. Andrew hoped one day he could experience that.
The cake batter ice cream felt cool and refreshing on their tongues. They were silent most of the time.
“It must be so good, neither of us are saying anything.” Rabeka laughed.
“Indeed.”
“You know, you are my only friend.”
Andrew paused short of his lick, cocking his head in amazement. He had never thought of it that way.
“You are my only friend too.” He said, leaning in closer, smiling.
She nervously stared at her ice cream cone. “It's nice, ya know. Here I thought I was completely alone and you were there all along.”
“Feelings mutual.” He responded. Rabeka moved in closer, putting her head on his shoulder. Andrew was frozen stiff as a statue. Their proximity limits kept plummeting.
Andrew felt like he wanted to hold her hand or put his arm around her. She seemed so week and depressed so many times before, now she was alive and brave, as if laughing in the faces of those she feared.
Andrew was delighted that he could take her mind of things, though being out in public was dangerous enough. He hoped she didn't see him only as a body guard.
Conversation kicked in once more as they finished their ice cream. He escorted her up the street, heading back to their side of the neighborhood. It was again a long walk. Andrew took the longer way, heading towards Central Park.
Rabeka's mind flew as they talked. She was slowly becoming more and more interested in Andrew, knowing there was indeed something different about him then with any other man she had dated.
They continued to talk about their childhoods, learning that both were big time trouble makers. They both giggled as they shared their favorite music, food, the concerts they had been to, and things they couldn't stand. For Rabeka, this walk was a healing experience. She was learning that she shouldn't live in fear. Today was the best day she had in such a long time. She couldn't remember the last time she had so much fun spending time with one person. Andrew, felt the same, but unlike Rabeka, he felt like a human for the first time in his life.
The noise and lights around them began to dim as they reached one of the less populated areas of the park. Andrew could sense her nerves acting up again. He tried to hold the conversation strong, to help distract her from the creepy section of the park. It was indeed a little spooky, but Andrew could scent every living thing in the park, and nobody was around to even hear them laugh. She grew nervous again. He didn't blame her for being scared, they were getting closer and closer to her neighborhood, where her enemies would surely be.
The streets were practically empty as they walked out of the park. This part of town was very quiet, but not to a werewolf. He could hear and scent all sorts of activity in the nearby apartments and stores.
The strongest smell on the wind was hormones of males and females. He never understood why humans need be so promiscuous. He was always taught by his father to control his sexual desires, and the majority of his kind did until Stephan took over, teaching them to desire the flesh and live uncivilized. It made Andrew angry just thinking about it.
Humans behaved the same way, using the weekends as a time to flourish in human fantasies. For Andrew, his weekends consisted of watching TV, dinner at the jazz club, sleeping, or heading off to the woods to be alone.
He learned that Rebaka spends her weekends clubbing, drinking, and also spending time alone in her own apartment watching TV. They were lonely every weekend. However, tonight was the first night Andrew ever spent his time with someone else. Rabeka didn't trust anyone enough to date them, so Andrew felt lucky he was the chosen one.
“This was fun.” Rabeka said, coking her head up towards his. “Thanks for being with me tonight.” She gave a warm smiled nudged his shoulder.
Andrew was confused. Was she giving up?
“Of course, it was his pleasure Rabeka. I had a lot of fun.” He blew the bangs out of his eyes as he looked down at her.
“I don't really want it to end, do you?” There was desperation in her eyes. Please, stay with me, she thought.
Andrew was no mind reader, but he knew what she was insinuating. She needed him for further protection. This made him a little upset. The thing that troubled him the most, was if she wasn't in trouble, would she be this fun? Would she be this interested in him? Would they even be on this date tonight? He knew he needed to get his head out of the clouds, and finally came to terms with reality—she only wanted him for protection. She doesn't like me, he thought, sinking his shoulders. There was a small chance she did, but she considered him first and foremost her guardian.
Andrew decided he'd better go along with it. He didn't want to make her upset. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her.
“It's up to you.” He finally answered. “I have nothing else going on tonight.” He looked at his watch. It was eight o-clock. They had plenty of time to do more things.
“Yeah, we can do whatever you want.”
A smile broke over her face, and she began to dance around under the corner light.
“I really didn't have any plans other than dinner. We can do something else for the rest of the night.” He nervously stuffed his hands in his pockets.
What else there was to do? We obviously can't go back to her place, someone could attack her. And we shouldn't go back to my place... for fear of me attacking her. Andrew giggled a little at his thoughts.
They both stopped in sync at the corner. It was the fork in the road. One side of the road led to Rabeka's apartment, the other to Andrews.
Both of them stood silently for a while.
“I don't really want to go home.” She looked down at her hands, nervously fidgeting. Her heartbeat raced. Andrew could hear its pace quicken. Andrew thought about what would happen if he asked to escort her home. He shuttered at the thought. He knew his goal, he needed to keep her safe and with him for as long as possible.
Andrew met her eyes, which were begging like a puppy. Too bad it was for different reasons he was wishing for.
Andrew decided to pry. “Why not? Seems like you've been avoiding home all night long.” He raised an eyebrow, hoping she'd catch his drift. He didn't want to be too obvious, but he wanted her to know she could trust him.
Rabeka stammered for a bit, trying to make up an excuse. “I... I have. There is a lot going on right now.” She scuffed her shoes and stared at the ground. “I just want to keep things off my mind. If I go home, I'll....” she hesitated. Andrew stood on the balls of his feet, waiting for the truth to come out.
“I... I just want to have fun tonight.” She finally said, faking another smile.
There is no getting out of this, Andrew thought, pulling his sleeves back.
“I understand that. Well, lets go do something, anything, anywhere, we can even leave the island if you want.”
Rabeka raised an eyebrow. “Where did you have in mind?”
“Well, the jazz club was my only idea. The rest is up to you.”
She nodded and danced over to him. “There is a club a few blocks from here—Cielo—it's a bit wilder than the jazz one, though. I go there sometimes.”
Andrew pretended to be excited. He didn't mind some of the milder clubs New York had to offer,and there were several, but he mostly stuck to the jazz clubs. He knew the type she was referring to. He had never been there, but he knew it wasn't the type he liked. But regardless of his thoughts, he knew he needed to keep her safe. It was better there than on the bare streets out in the open.
“Sure.” He said
“Great! Let's get a cab.”
Rabeka seemed much more excited about this. Andrew was not looking forward to it. These types of clubs were loud, crowded with wild kinds of people, 'vampires of love' he'd often heard people at work say; people who drain the night, in hopes of finding a seductive victim.
Walking again towards a busier street, Andrew could hear Rabeka's heart start to beat fast again, but it wasn't the same as before. This time it was full of energy. Andrew was tired of this emotional roller coaster he could hear bursting from her breast. That and the emotions he was experiencing on his very first date.
Andrew approached the curb as a taxi pulled up. The streets and sidewalks were still busy crowded. This town truly lived up to its title 'The City that Never Sleeps'. Rabeka turned to him, grabbing a hold of his arm, tugging him into the cab.
“Where to?” The cab driver leaned over the seat, the smell of cigarettes on his breath made Andrew swallow part of his dinner. Andrew hated the smell cigarettes more than anything.
“Ca—cer—cler...”
“Cielo.” Rabeka interjected, giggling at Andrew's efforts.
“Right that place.” He said, nodding to the driver. He nodded back and the taxi moved forward.
Rabeka treated the cab like a limo, sticking her head the window and hollering into the night sky. Andrew duck low, he hated the attention as people by the cab began to woot and holler back; some, in a not so friendly way. No to mention the cab driver
“Rabeka, come back in.” He pleaded, advancing his hands onto her waist. He found it quite embarrassing touching her in this area for the first time, but he firmly grasped it, tugging her in.
She finally sat in, leaning into his pelvis on accident.
Andrew took a deep breath. Rabeka lips parted as their faces remained close. Andrew inhaled her breath, which was warm and delightful, despite the disgusting smell of alcohol.
She blushed as well, leaning back into her seat.
Andrew finally exhaled and shook the embarrassment off his face.
“Having a little too much fun?” He leaned away from her, taking another deep breath.
She picked her teeth with her fingernail and giggled. “Maybe a little.”
“I can tell.”
“So, I've been wanting to ask something.” She said, invading the space he had made between them.
“Yes?” He said, wanting to scoot closer, but kept very still. He attempted to smile.
Rabeka eyed his face suspiciously, stopping for a few seconds to admire his eye marking, and finally focusing back onto both eyes.
“You and Rachel.” She said.
Andrew was immediately put off as he sat up.
“Huh?” He said, his voice cracking.
“Is there like a, ex girlfriend, boyfriend thing going on between you too? Did you guys date or something?” She said, smirking.
His eyes opened even wider.
He stuttered, “N—No! Nothing like that!”
Rabeka laughed. “She just looked real hot for you today. I might even say a little jealous when she saw we were going out tonight.”
Andrew swallowed hard, grimacing.
“Yeah... well, she's been wanting to date me for quite some time now.”
Rabeka leaned closer, intrigued. “Really? And you've never gone out with her?”
“Oh... hell no.” He said, keeping his facial expression locked in place.
She laughed and sat back in her seat. Andrew sat up and fixed his collar, noticing that the heat of the backseat had risen up a few degrees. He rolled down the window. The cool chill of the night air flew in his face, drying the sweat that was dampening his bangs.
“Why not?” Rabeka finally said between laughs.
“Well, she only has one thing on her mind, and quite frankly, I'm not for it.”
Rabeka nodded. “Good boy.”
Andrew folded his arms and nodded his head in agreement.
“But...” She started. “You said yes to me.” Rabeka stared down at  her hands, which were nervously pulling at her purse zipper.
“I did.” Andrew kept his eyes fixed on her face, wanting to see every facial reaction. The conversation had now gone to a place he wanted, a place to finally get answers.
“Why did you ask me?” He asked, leaning closer. Rabeka's heart immediately began to pick up pace. So did his.
“Y—You're...” She started, slowly raising her head to find his closer than she had thought. She lowered into her seat a little, heart beating faster.
“I told you.” She said, changing her mind.
“You did?” He asked, squinting his eyes at her.
“You are the only friend I have.” She said. He remembered.
“Yes I know that.” Was all he could think to say.
She smiled warmly, running her hand through her hair. The breeze from the car carried it gently to him. He inhaled it slowly.
“Sounds like all we have is each other.” Andrew said.
Blush filled Rabeka's cheeks, and as if in slow motion, their bodies leaned closer. Andrew wasn't sure what was happening, but he let his human form have its way.
The car came to a stop and the sound of a loud sub woofer shook the car.
“We're here folks.” The taxi driver called back to them.
Andrew turned his head nodding to the cab driver, breaking the magic. Nothing had happened, but  by the time he turned back to Rabeka, she had sat back in her seat, purse in hand ready to leave the cab.
Andrew turned to leave the cab, his face grimacing mouthing curses into the night. He had come so close, but to what? A kiss that was meaningless, or was it more? Was she even going to kiss him? Did she actually want to, or was she just living in the moment as she had been all night long?
Andrew's thoughts scrambled as he payed the cab driver. Rabeka appeared at his side on the curb as the turned to the club.
“Ready to have some real fun?” She said, looking up at him. She slid her arm through his grasping it tightly.
“Why not.” He said. He wasn't sure if he'd enjoy this or not, but he'd give it a try.
“Come on Andrew, lets live tonight as if it were our last!”
Andrew fought back laughs as they walked towards the entrance.
How appropriate, he thought.