Hunger

Chapter four

The bar was the most diverse mix of characters Danny had ever seen: Vampires, nymphs, wolves, and even a satire all sharing space, with no fights for territory, engaging in pleasant conversation. In fact, some seemed a little too keen to share one another, judging by the grunts that carried across the room.

He and the wolf trudged in carefully, eyeing the surroundings with keen eyes.

It wasn't dingy, far from it, with large windows that he could have sworn he couldn't see from the outside. It almost looked more like a kitchen than a bar, with flowers in small pots and open tables. The room smelt of lavender and smoke, and the only thing that made it clear where the bar was was the big barrels of mead that sat behind the bar stools.

A short woman sat at the bar, cup in one hand, cloth in the other. Her ginger hair bounced around her shoulders, her tan skin flickering in the light as the lowering sun caught her scales. A small tiara sat on her head and clear muscles bulged out from under her shirt

"You look lost, gentleman," Her voice crackled

"We're looking for the golden dragon?" the wolf calmly said, diplomatically. Danny simply nodded and tried not to swallow.

"You're looking at her" She threw the rag she was using to clean over her shoulder. "Now why?"

"We need her help in a defence mission," Oscar said.

"Shut up!" She growled out with clenched teeth, "Never heard of subtly have you. Look, I'll meet with you after my shift. Stay here where I can see you."

They sat on the table opposite, Danny leaning over it to watch the comings and goings of the people in the bar. Oscar looked out of the window and tried to forget where he was. All the voices, smoke and scents were making him feel ill.

Which is why it took a small while before he noticed that Danny had found himself wrapped up in conversation. He had gathered a small crowd of people, talking animatedly about moon knows what. A nymph smiled up at him, flashing their golden teeth, whilst a centaur poured him out a drink.

"You see this wolf here? Top alpha in the damn south. Looks like it too, doesn't he?" Danny said with a bright smile.

"Well, I'm more interested in you, gorgeous," the nymph hummed pleasantly, running their green hands through his hair.

"Ah um, sorry about that love. He's my um... my friend and we're just here on a night out,"

"You sure?" They purred.

"Yes, he's fucking sure. Danny, come with me," the alpha growled.

He dragged the vampire outside, the crisp night air giving his skin goosebumps. The tight feeling in his chest only tightened when he saw the mess the nymph had made of the tics' hair and he felt instinct take over.

He slammed his mate against the wall, hand in his shirt.

"Why do I always end up pressed against a fucking- mph!"

The wolf crashed his lips into Danny's, licking at his lips desperately. His hand buried itself in his curly hair, dragging him closer, pulling him deeper into the kiss. The vampire tasted intoxicating, like rich earthy wine, and Oscar groaned.

The vampire responded, opening his mouth in a gasp that the wolf quickly took advantage of. They clutched at one another like they would drown if they didn't.

Danny let out a high-pitched whine. Oscar stood back as if he was electrocuted.
He felt ihis heart racing in his chest, lips tingling from the sensation, the ghost of fangs pressed against them. He looked up to see the vampire panting, an unreadable expression on his face.