I followed close behind Levi as we descended the slick, stone steps that cascaded down the stairwell. The click of my boot heels reverberated through the small enclosure every time I took a step. When we had finally made it to the bottom of the staircase, we were greeted with a warm glow of tinted lights and muffled music. Levi stepped through a beaded doorway, dragging me in with him.
The heavy beat of drums was the first thing to great my ears as I walked into the noisy atmosphere of the room. Fiery lights flashed across the tops of people’s heads, making it look as if everyone had orange highlights. A young woman at the door flipped her bleach blonde hair back and out of her face.
“You again? Here to pick another fight with one of my pride mates?” I hadn’t realized she was speaking to Levi until he answered her.
“That was entirely Neville’s fault, Donna.”
“Neville wasn’t the one who threw a chair and knocked him out.”
“You threw a chair and knocked someone out?” I whispered.
“Yeah, that’s a long story.”
“Who’s your friend here?” She pointed a glittered fingernail at me.
I felt his arm drape across my shoulders and glanced at him with a curious expression. “This is just Alley; a friend of mine.”
“Just a friend?” I felt something warm and fuzzy brush up against my chin, gently lifting it up. When I looked to the side, I realized it was a tail – her tail. “She’s too good for your taste, Levi. Tell me, where did you pick up such a nice girl like this?” The fur of her tail tickled my face and I tried not to sneeze.
Levi pulled me away from her just a touch as her tail flicked to the floor. “Can we just eat now?” His tone was filled with annoyance.
“Fine, fine.” She grabbed a handful of menus and started walking into the restaurant. She guided us through the columns of dining tables with ease, maneuvering past the busy waitresses carrying trays like a balancing act. The soft murmurs of different groups of people filled the air as I walked slowly next to Levi. There were so many different people here – some who hardly looked real.
“Don’t stare.” Levi whispered. “It’s rude.”
“Says the king of rudeness.” I mumbled.
“Haha. Very funny.”
“Alright, here you go.” She set down a couple of menus and waited for Levi and I to take our seats. Before I sat down, her tail turned my head towards her. “Keep him out of trouble for me, will you?” With a nod and a smile, I took my place across from Levi.
I looked across the room at the band. They played on a slightly elevated stage, basking in lights of pinks and reds. I felt the steady beat of the drums echo across the interior of the building, and heard the smooth tunes of a guitar fill my ears. One guy was playing a bass with his hands and pressing the keys of a piano with his long, chocolate brown tail. Others were playing different instruments in the background. We had perfect view of a large clear space where couples filled in and danced to the pace of the steady music.
“What would you like to drink?” The woman said impatiently, rapping a pencil against a notepad.
“I’ll take the usual.” Levi smirked and leaned back in his chair.
“One Levi usual…” She scribbled onto her notepad. “And for you?”
I hesitated, unsure of what to say. I looked to Levi for help – I wasn’t sure what I could order in a restaurant for mythical creatures and Protectors. I was quite frankly scared to even look at what might be on the menu.
YOU ARE READING
Destiny
Teen Fiction"Another new school. Another new life to get used to." This is hardly a change in routine for fifteen year-old Lexi Martin. For as long as she can remember, her and her father have always moved non-stop due to his job, and it's no surprise that it...
