Neon Atmosphere

Dark

   The restaurant, more like a run-down diner, was bustling in the mid-day heat considering that it was Sunday. Families had just gotten out of church and people were eating lunch together in a hot, crowded diner that probably did not have the credentials to serve food.

   The entire black attire that she wore had Scarlett regretting her choice of clothing. The only plus side was the half sleeve black shirt that she wore. Both of her arms bore tattoos on them, speaking a story of their own. Her pink her was down, shadowing her high cheekbones.

   "Are you sure he's going to show up, mutt?" Elrick snapped lowly at the Beta. His eyes glanced warily around, not too fond of the human's prying eyes. Werewolves had an aura that attracted humans, the stares were not uncommon.

   "Yes, he is on his way. Vince is not one to disappoint," Damien spoke bitterly. He picked up the coffee in front of him and took a sip of it, grimacing at the bitterness. Reaching across the table, he grabbed the sugar container and began to dump it into his cup.

    When the large vans pulled into the parking lot, the atmosphere took a dark twist. They parked near the front doors and took a moment before they exited.

   "And here he is." Damien's tone held a smug smile behind it, as though he expected a fight to start. Scarlett glanced at him briefly before turning her attention to front of the diner where the doors were opened swiftly.

    The men wore suits, something too formal for something that could end up in blood. The Alpha was leading the small group of five, his eyes shielded behind sunglasses. Tattoos licked their way up to his jawline, the ones that were on his arms were concealed beneath the suit. Only a skull on the top of his right hand was visible.

   Once they spotted the three of them, they motioned for them to step outside. Before Elrick and Damien could get up, Scarlett put her hand up to stop them and made her way to them instead.

   "I want my Beta first and then you get your money, rogue." The Alpha was short and abrupt, his demeanor turning hostile by the minute.

   "Now, now. We wouldn't want to ruin these lovely people's meals now, would we?" She smiled briefly at him and directed her gaze towards the rest of the diner that had gone silent upon their arrival.

   Without saying another word, the Alpha walked back outside with the men. Scarlett waited until the doors shut completely before getting Elrick and Damien. She felt Elrick lean too close to her.

   "There is something off about this situation and you know it." He was right, but they were in a mutual territory.

   Plus they were the bad guys after all.

   They followed after the Alpha to a secluded spot in the parking lot. It was near the woods in case things turned violent.
  
    "Here's your money." A man stepped forward and set down a briefcase. He opened it quickly, showing the money before closing it. Stepping away, he left it on the ground.

    "We want access to your territory still," Scarlett spoke sternly. Vince froze visibly and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "Plus if you closed out rogues, you wouldn't be such a 'free' pack now, would you?"

   She had taken a hit at their ethics; what they stood for. Vince realized this and felt anger towards this vixen.

   "Why? What reason could you possibly have to be in my territory?"

   She walked forward and picked up the briefcase, completely ignoring his questions. Turning it in her hands, she examined it thoroughly before answering him.

   "Your bartender made an excellent drink." Did she have interior motives at the moment? No. Did he need to know that? No.

    "You... You want to be able to go to XVI?" Vince spoke as though she was crazy. "You really expect me to believe that you, a rogue, cou-"

    "Take it or your Beta leaves with me. His death will almost be guaranteed." The jokes were over and Vince could tell. She had no aura to her but now she seemed colder than before. If that was possible.

    "You have a deal, rogue."