Beneath the Fear

Chapter One

The rain came down hard, beating against my windshield as I drove past Bourbon street. It was a sad day in New Orleans, many people have lost loved ones from a vicious animal attack. Some extremely injured and many lives taken. Every bar on Bourbon Street had flashing "open" signs inviting every sorrow human being into the presence and warmth of alcohol to drown their every running thought. I parked the car alongside the abandoned sidewalk and trudged my way to 'The Corner Pocket'.

This has been my favourite bar since I turned 21, 3 years ago. After a long dreadful, tear filled day this is just my kind of relaxing. I pushed through the door and had a few familiar faces glancing back at me as I made my way to the bar. "Hey Felix! Any word on the animal attack? Last I heard they haven't found whatever made this mess." Felix shot me a quick look and continued mixing drinks for the few people surrounding the big silver bar. "Haven't heard nothing yet Elena. But I sure as hell don't think it was an animal. To me it looks like a Vampire but that's silly for me to think such things even exist!" My eyes widened without me evening trying. Just as I was about to speak I hear the bell above the door clanging as its pushed open. In walks a very tall, dark haired man that was pale as the moon but very attractive. He walks up to the bar and speaks to Felix. "Can I get a rum and coke?" In a deep, but sexy voice. Who is this man? I thought to myself.

I overhear Mr. Dark and Mysterious talking to a woman wearing a long black dress and had red hair. He said his name was Dante. At this point I didn't care what his name was, I just had to get to know him. But how? I sat there pondering my thoughts, thinking how I could get him to notice me when I feel something dripping down my back. I jolt up right and realize I was day dreaming. Nothing was dripping but in the midst of all the confusion I came crashing down on the floor. Bar stool and all... Not exactly the way I wanted 'Dante' to notice me.

I feel a warm gentle touch at the centre of my back, as I look back to see who it was I see two dark hazel eyes staring back at me. Mr. Dark and Mysterious. "Umm H.. Hi." I stuttered. "Thank you for helping me. I'm Elena." He stares back at me with such serious eyes. "I'm Da.." "Dante" I cut him off. "I overheard you telling that lady. Sorry for eavesdropping but it's a pretty quite night here." "No need to apologize Elena." My name just rolls off of his tongue like a oragasm flowing through my body. What is it about this man that makes me feel this way? Whatever it is I have to find out!

After talking for what seemed like ten minutes I hear the bell calling last call. "Well we must have talked the night away" says Dante. "It was nice for a change. Usually I'm here alone with no one to talk to. I'm glad you were here to save me from my clumsy self." I smirk at him through a sideways glance. He looks at me with those dark sexy eyes as if he's staring into my soul. "Well I must get going. It's getting late and I still need to hail a cab! It was very nice meeting you Dante. Maybe I will see you around?" He just stares at me for a second and quickly glances to the door. I turn to see who or what was there but it was nothing. I turn back around to see what was going on and there in front of me was Dante's empty stool and the fading smell of his cologne. I look all around to see where he could have gone so fast. Than just as I was about to leave I see a phone number wrote on a napkin placed neatly by my glass reading "555-7689 Dante"