The Viking Alpha

Coincidence?

Hello! Please let me hear your thoughts on this story. I'd really like some friendly critiques.~

(Cassi POV)

The club was packed from wall to wall. As soon as she and Amy stepped in from outside the tempreture was so contrast. It went from cool fall to hot and humid. Couples were on the dance floor gyrating and swaying. Amy dragged her to the bar and said,
'First things first, Chica. Shots!'
They ordered two tequilas each and a red apple ale. They clinked the glasses and down the hatch. The alchohol burned it's way down. But she felt it relax her immediately. It gave her the courage to tell Amy all that happened that day. Along with the meeting tomorrow with the detective.
'Well damn girl! Look at you! Sticking it to that fat piece of shit.'
She laughed before taking a sip of the ale. The weeknd's "Take my breath away" blasted over the stereo system.
'Come on!' Amy stood and dragged Cassi off to the dance floor. The flickering lights underneath her feet was mesmerizing. The hot air made her sweat and the music made her feel exhilarated.
'Carpe diem!' She shouted to Amy.
'Hell yeah!' Amy shouted back.
They danced together.
A man cane over and asked Amy to dance. Amy looked at Cassi before shrugging and smiling apologetically.
'Go on.' Cassie said pushing her friend toward him.
After they went further into the dance floor Cassi turned and went to the bar to get another red apples ale. It was getting too hot in here. She saw a door that said The Pit over the doorway. Curiosity got the better of her and she walked to the door to find it led outside in a smoking garden. There were people smoking cigarettes and drinking in groups. Five fire places were put all around with one in the center that no one was sitting at. With a shrug to herself Cassi sat in one of the iron chairs while looking into the fire. It was relaxing.
The cool outside air was nice as with the heat of the flames. She always did appreciate a good bonfire. One of hers and her mothers favorite past times. On fall night in the trailer they would have one in there tiny yard and roast hotdogs and make smores. Her mom told stories of werewolves, ghosts, and goblins.
As she sat there she felt her eye lids droop. She was a lightweight for sure. She didnt drink often. This was actually her third time drinking since she turned twenty one. All three times with Amy but for her birthday all her friends from the diner joined her too. She had a couple drinks from her mother's stash when she was still in her teens but never got drunk.
The fire was warming her. The music was softer out here. The lull of people conversations was putting her under. She felt her grip loosen on the bottle. She startled up when she expected to hear the crash of it shattering on the concrete beneath her. She went to try and catch it when a hand shout out and caught it. She looked up and saw him. No way! This was too weird. Three times in one day. Not possible.
'Hello. Good evening.' His voice was as she remembered it from this morning.
'I know you.' She blurted out.
His grin was mischievous but heart stopping at the same time
'Yes. I was, in a way, auditing your class today. My name is James Villr.'
'But before that I saw you at the diner. What are you doing here?' She asked growing suspicious. Ignoring his outstretched hand.
The man shrugged before handing her the bottle. He seated himself down in the chair next to her on the other side of the fire place.
'I'm here to enjoy myself. I needed to relax and also think about a future engagement in a way.'
Cassi narrowed her eyes. The alcohol making her bolder then usual.
'Three time in less then twenty four hours. Isn't that a bit of a coincidence?'
He shrugged again. His charming smile didnt waver.
'Small world. Isn't that what they say?'
'Tiny.' She answered back still on alert.
Silence fell between them.
'And your name?' He prompted.
Cassi looked at him after taking a drink. She couldn't quite put her finger on it but something was up with this man. His eyes were like a green flame reflecting into the true flames right in front of them. His olive skin tone looked so dark against the white shirt.The top few buttons were undone. Exposing a smooth muscled neck. Strong clavical leading to from what she could see was a promise of a muscled chest. She didnt realize but she was staring at him again. Her eyes shot up to his face. He had that cocky smirk.
'What?' She cleared her throat.
'Your name?' His teeth gleamed in the light of the fire. If she didn't know any better she'd say his eyes glowed and he had a look of all knowing lust in his eyes
'Cassi.' She answered grudgingly.
He stuck out his hand again. She hesitantly shook it. His grasp was firm, warm, and rough. A man's grasp that had done hard work for years. She felt a prick of electricity at the touch. Like being shocked after taking off a sweater. Just a bit more amped. Her breath hitched at the feeling.
'Beautiful name.' He whispered.
'Thank you.'
He was still holding her hand. She pulled back and played with her glass bottle.
'So is your professor always like that with her students?'
Cassi shrugged before taking a drink.
'Just me from what I know. Since I corrected her on a source. She's never forgiven me.'
'What's to forgive? I'm sure your brilliant. Not your fault that she was wrong.'
She shrugged again. The silence that fell was akward. Her bottle was almost empty. Perfect.
'Excuse me. I want another drink.' She stood. The alcohol and the heat hit her hard making her a bit lightheaded.
'Please.' He stood taking the bottle from her. His fingers brushed against hers. 'Allow me.'
As soon as he disappeared inside she followed. Quickly melting into the dancing crowd. She scanned the floor for Amy. She made it all the way across the room bumping into people and couples dancing. She stood against the wall and looked out. She found her with the same man and still dancing. Their lips were locked and a piece of paper couldnt be placed between them with how close they were. She didnt want to interrupt. She was wondering if she should tell her she was going home when she felt somone standing behind her. She turned to see him. How the hell did he find her so fast? His eyes were sparking green flames. He didn't look happy. She wanted to bolt but she felt paralyzed. He leaned down. His lips brushed her ear.
'You left.' His voice rang clearly over the loud thumping music.
'Yes.' She squeaked out. 'I'm going home. I'm...hungry.' She stepped back and was about to turn to tell Amy when she felt her wrist being held. The way the spark in his eyes turned to a gleam unnerved her. She felt like the mouse again.
'Please allow me to drive you.'
She went to draw her arm back.
'No. No thank you.'
'I insist.'
She looked up at him.
'Alright.' She was sure she could easily ditch him outside. 'I need to tell my friend, first.'
He let go of her wrist.
'By all means.'
She reluctantly turned back to the dance floor. Amy and the man she was with were still going at each others faces. At least somebody was having a good time.
She tapped Amy on the shoulder. They both turned to her.
'I'm going home. I have that meeting tomorrow morning.'
'Okay. I'll drive you.'
'That wont be necessary.'
They all turned to James who was standing again right behind Cassi. 'I'll take care of her.' His smile was charming and pleasant but Cassi could swear there was something else in it.
Amy looked shocked but pleased. Thinking her friend really did loosen up and was about to get lucky.
'Thank you.' Amy leaned toward Cassi's ear. 'I'll be a while here. Have fun, kiddo.' She winked at Cassi before she turned back to her partner and they went to the bar.
Cassi trudged back to the exit with James. A beautifully black Lincoln navigator with tinted windows pulled up. James opened her door for her.
A bad feeling went through her. She didn't know if it was the common rule, never take rides from strangers or this just screamed a mafia movie scene.
'Um...T-Thank you, Mr.Villr but I think I'd rather walk.' She stammered backing up toward the sidewalk.
'Its James and nonsense.' His hand went to the small of her back and nudged her to the car. 'Its too dangerous.'
Cassi pulled away. 'No really. I'll be fine. I've got all I need to protect myself. It not a long walk.' She protested.
He closed the door and looked at her.
'Alright. If you won't ride with me then at least let me walk you part of the way home. I can clearly see your not comfortable so let me sleep better knowing I walked a beautiful girl home safely.'
Cassi's face felt like it went up in flames. Weather it was the alcohol or the compliment or both she didn't know. She wasn't a stammering blushing girl. But this guy really had her in knots. She took comfort in the fact that inside her small blue purse was a pocket knife and she had pepper spray on her keys.
'Alright. But how will you get home?'
He shrugged. 'I'll have my driver get me.'
'Okay then.' She agreed reluctantly.
They started walking down the sidewalk. Her hands were holding her cardigan closed while gripping the strap of her purse. The streets were loud and active for a friday night. She peeked over to the man walking next to her. He was looking over at her too. She quickly looked down then in front again.
'You really didn't have to walk me. I'll be alright.'
'I'm sure you can hold your own, little one. But It would only take two people bigger then you to take you down.'
That stopped her in her tracks. She looked up at him and glared.
'Look. I appreciate you being a gentleman but I am a big girl who can take care of herself. I also don't like being talked to or treated like I'm a child.'
He smirked at her bravery.
'No offence was intended. It's just where I come from it's a mans job to look after women and protect them.'
'But I dont need protecting.' She argued.
They stared each other down. It was intense until her stomach gave that moment to growl. It wasn't loud but he obviously heard it from the laugh that escaped him.
'Come on.' He grabbed her hand and pulled her further up the block. She was trying to keep up in her heels.
'Where are you taking me?'
He ignored her. They continued to walk further until he stopped at a restaurant. She looked at the sign in golden cursive font.

The Cauldron. Cassie wasn't one to judge a book by it's cover. Cautious with almost anything new, yes but judgy no. But this place looked definitely bougie. From the big front window she got a glimpse of people dressed in fancy evening wear. Drinking from what she was assuming, crystal wine glasses and eating thick steak.
'What are we doing here?' She asked prying her eyes from what looked mouth watering on plates to his face.
'You are hungry. You said so yourself along with your stomach just now.' He explained as if it was common sense.
'Yes. But what are we doing here? I have food at home. Even if I didn't I'd never come to a place like this.' She gestured to the sign.
He looked at the resturant as if he was trying to see something that wasn't there.
'What is wrong with this establishment? It has five star reviews. I, myself eat here whenever I'm in this city. I assure you the food is good.'
She hung her head and pinched the bridge if her nose.
'Well I hope you enjoy your dinner. I'm going to go home. Thank you and good night.' She turned to leave when he stepped in front of her.
'Have dinner with me.'
She stopped and looked at him.
'Why?'
'Because you're hungry and so am I. I'd also love your company.'
She raised an eyebrow.
'You don't even know me. For all I know your a creepy stalker who plans on slipping me a roofie before selling me into human trafficking or taking one of my organs.'
She didnt expect his reaction. He laughed. Full hold your stomach laugh.
He held up a hand after he was reduced to just a chuckle. He smiled at her in amusement.
'Then let us remedy the situation. Have dinner with me. Let us get to know one another. There are plenty of people around. So I can't do anything without witnesses. What have you got to lose? Unless your afraid to be alone with me in any way.' He chuckled again and opened the door to the restaurant. 'I get it. you may not be able to contain yourself and ravish me on the floor. I understand. Or maybe your afraid-'
Her cheeks felt like a hot plate.
'I am not afraid of you or what could possibly happen with you.' She stopped and her face went from hot to scorched. She began to splutter.
'I mean not that anything is going to happen.'
He smiled.
'Then join me, please?'
With a huff she went through the door. She felt underdressed and akward. The hostess clapped and brushed past Cassi. She went to quickly greet James with a hug and kiss on the cheek.
'Hello, James. I was told you were back in the city. I'm sorry I missed you last time. Would you like your usual table?'
'Good evening, Sylvia. Yes we would love that. Thank you.'
'We?' She turned to face Cassi. Her long black evening dress swishesd around her like a cloud of smoke. Her heavy black eye shadowed clad eyes looked at Cassie. Her perfect red lipstick lips turned down in a frown. Cassi swore her blue eyes flicked red for a second.
'Yes. We.' James wrapped his arm around Cassi's waist. 'This is Cassandra. My very special guest.'
Cassi stiffened. She didn't remember telling him her given name.