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I blink in surprise - I honestly did not think it would be that easy. A toothy grin spreads on my face. “Well, then what day would you like to go get pizza with me?” I lean forward on the counter more so that I’m eye-level with Cass.

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I nod, repeating it in my head so I have a good idea. “And then I just channel my best impression of Caden.” Easier said than done, but I’d make it work. “I’m the alpha-est alpha that has ever graced this world.”

“If you’re not careful, she might steal me away from you with your own tactics.” Nero teases Caden. I try not to scowl as I think, And I’m the shit disturber?

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I cross my arms on the counter to rest on them as I lean forward to match Nic's pose. I look into his eyes, smiling brightly.”When is the traditional cooling-off period between dates?” I ask them. I was pretty flexible with my time unless I was on an active case.

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I glance over at Nero when they threaten me with that option. ”I don’t think I have to worry about that mein kleiner Kobold,” I say, my voice laced with unwavering confidence, and rest a hand on their leg. I’m certain that I have done enough to secure Nero for a while.

I concentrate on driving and slow down as Avery and the SUV come into view. He picked a good, secluded location that wouldn’t have too many eyes.

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I’m standing outside, leaning against the SUV, when Caden finally shows up. I push away from the vehicle and open up the front passenger door for Nero. I smile at them as they get out.

”How was supper?” I ask Nero. I know I hadn’t known Nero for very long or that well, but I saw what they did for Caden. That alone showed me they were good — even though they were a demon. Caden was always a good judge of character, and that was usually fine by me. Usually.

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I chuckle awkwardly. “I wouldn’t know - I haven’t exactly had the most experience in dating. I mean, most of the dating advice I know comes from Jane and lesbians are on an entirely different plane of existence when it comes to relationships.” They can’t tell if they’re dating and then two months in they’ll finally ask after they’ve already moved in. In fact, it’s exactly what happened with Jane and Kat.

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I beam up at Avery as I get out. “The servers didn’t like that I would just eat off Caden’s plate. They kept trying to make me use a plate of my own.” I chirp to him. “And this one threw a dinner roll at my head.” I say, gesturing to Kiki as she exited the back seat.

“In my defense,” She says as she smooths down my skirt. ”She had called me a baby.”

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I tilt my head, looking at Nic curiously. ”Well, now I’m wondering if you really are a secret supernatural creature, living a double life because there is no possible way you haven’t had a row of suitors lined up waiting for you. Unless you are a complete workaholic and never leave the hospital. In which case, who needs to practice self-care?” I say, giving him an accusatory look.

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I chuckle at the image Nero places in my head about the wait staff. The comment they make about Kimiko, though, makes me pause, and I frown at her.

”Nero is older than all of us. To them, we are all infants,” I defend. I opened the back door to the SUV for Nero so they could get ready first. I shut the door behind them and crossed my arms.

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After the other two leave, I remain in my car and strip off my jacket, shirt and tie. I freshen up and pull my jacket back on before getting out of the vehicle. I lean my arms on the car's roof and look at Avery while we wait for the others to finish getting ready.

”Are you planning on being tied up later?” I ask teasingly. Avery crosses his arms, flexing his muscles, and I smirk.

”It makes me look good,” he declared. I laughed and nodded. I couldn’t argue with that. It helped him stand out and look intimidating as well as enticing. Avery was learning to work a room from me.

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I grin sheepishly at her. “You’ve hit the nail on the head. I’ve had plenty of first dates and a handful of second dates, but…” I mirror her head tilt. “No one was really worth me putting myself first before.” It sounds a bit conceited, but I hope she understands what I mean by that.

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From behind Avery’s back, I use one finger to pull my lower eyelid down and stick my tongue out at Kiki before I hop into the SUV. I kick off my shoes and socks before pulling the fishnet tights on first. Peeking out the window, I can see Caden getting out of the car, a shirt and a tie missing. He could be sculpted out of marble, he looks that good. I want to take my shirt off as well, but I also now know that Caden likes green. Plus, I didn’t need anyone noticing the back scars. I finish pulling on the black stockings over the fishnets before pulling on my socks and doc martins again.

Opening the door, I hop out and traipse over to Caden. “I definitely think I might have to bite people tonight.” I tell him with a wide grin.

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I try and ignore the little demon’s taunting face, choosing to focus on Avery instead. “And your point?” I ask him, crossing my arms as well. Caden chooses that moment to get out of his car finally.

I try not to show my agreement that the look Avery has on does make him look good. Instead, I roll my eyes and climb into the SUV just as Nero hops out. I immediately take my top off and make sure that everything is still in place with the bustier. I grab a few Bobby pins and tuck my hair into twin space buns before I place my glasses in a case and pop in some contacts. I climb back out of the SUV and use its reflection to make sure everything’s in place before I join the others.

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My smile broadens as Nic mimics me. ”So I have to wait until the end of the second date for you to determine if I’m worth you putting yourself first?” I ask.

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I don’t bother to answer Kimiko. The point is that Nero calling them a baby meant nothing. It was simply a fact. I step out of the way when she gets into the SUV to change after Nero gets out.

I shift my weight and pat my leg holster, except there’s nothing in it. The Orisis doesn’t allow weapons, which makes sense, but it makes me uncomfortable. I know I am a weapon myself, harnessed and sharpened over the years, but I always felt better with a blade on me. I still feel Caden’s eyes on me, and I try to smile to look relaxed. It doesn’t fool Caden.

”Breathe, Avery. You have control; even if your wolf feels threatened, you are not alone in there. You have me, and you have Nero. We’ll get you out of there before something happens, but you must also trust yourself. Even Bran is impressed with how far you’ve come.”

I know Caden mentions the Marrok to help relax me, and I appreciate it. I nod tightly.

”I know. Once I get in there and see who’s there, I should be able to handle it.” I just hated walking into the unknown.

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I nod in understanding to Avery’s comment, even though my focus has shifted to the little imp in my arms. ”Remember to breathe,” I remind Avery again before focusing completely on Nero.

I chuckle and resist the urge to kiss them or let my hands wander. ”Likewise, little imp,” I whisper into their ear. ”You can play tonight if you want. Just remember, I get to take you home.” I add. I didn’t mind if they flirted. I didn’t think I would be okay with them touching anyone, though; however, if Nero resists any advances put on them by others, I would be stepping in.

Kiki gets out of the SUV, and I give her a once-over while she does the same. ”You’ll definitely make some noise tonight, Kiki. One more thing” I side-step Nero and reach into the bag I have in the car's back seat. ”I want you to wear the perfume the killer wore. If anyone at the club is familiar with the scent, this should trigger them,” I say and hand them the bottle.

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”Oh no, I already decided during lunch that I’ll finally be using my PTO.” I grin crookedly at Cass. “I have a feeling you’re definitely worth it.” I lean forward just enough to kiss her nose.

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A delightful shiver runs up my spine from Caden’s whisper. I have to force myself to resist the urge to grab his face and kiss him deeply. “Likewise.” I chirp to him, my wiggles already taking place as we wait to go to the club.

The fox makes a face as Caden pulls out the perfume. “Urgh, that smells awful.” Kiki says in a grimace.

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My eyes close briefly when Nic kisses my nose. I open them again, smiling before I take a few steps away from the counter, so that I am standing in the middle of the room.

Part of me wants to tell Nic we should wait a few days before we go on another date, but I don’t want to wait that long before I see him again. My schedule is flexible, but I don’t know if his is. ”When do you go back to work?”

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”Aye, that it does. It will also cloud your senses, but if there is anyone at the club who knows this scent, it’ll show when you are there. Alright, I’ll drive myself, Nero, and Avery over. Give us five minutes before you arrive,” I remind her. ”Avery and I will be watching, but be smart Kiki.” I know she can handle herself but just because she can doesn’t mean she should be taking any unnecessary risks.

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I smile, watching her with mild amusement. ”Next week.” I inform her. The hospital had given me two weeks off of work. I had planned on goin back early once everything had settled, but once again I find myself wanting to spend more time with Cass.

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I wave Caden off with my hand. “Okay, dad, I’ll be careful.” I say with a small smile. I know he’s just worried about me, but I can handle myself just fine, as long as I don’t overdo it with the alcohol. Or let my anger get the best of me. I glance between Caden and Avery before I finally just sigh.

“Alright, off with the lot of you. Go have some fun before I turn the club upside down.” I flash a grin.

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I beam from this revelation. ”Then how about tomorrow?”

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”This is going to be fun,” I say honestly. I hand Avery the keys to my car before getting into the back with Nero. I rest my arm behind them on the back of the seat before Avery pulls away.

”Remember to signal if you notice anything stranger than usual. I don't want to make any moves tonight. We still don't know what we're up against. Nero, we can speak German if you wish, I can relay any information of importance you might notice to Avery and Kiki through signals we know,” I say.

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I chuckle. “I think that would be perfect.” I tell Cass with a grin. Wayland hops onto the counter and I give him some attention.

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I nestle against Caden in the backseat, happy with the seating arrangement. “These hand signals, is it like sign language?” I ask, curious. I watch as we pull away and see Kiki make a face before spraying the perfume on herself. She gags at the smell but still makes sure she’s cloaked in the scent.

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I smile and nod. I flip the open sign on for the store before I drift over and take a seat at my table. I curl up and pull out my deck of tarot cards.

”Do you want to do something else tomorrow other than just pizza?” After shuffling the cards a couple of times I let them go and they continue to shuffle and mix themselves. Every once in a while a card will pop out and flash, shifting its form and I'll jot something down before it goes back into the pile.

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”No, it's not as universal as that. It's something only I and a select group of people I teach know. It's useful for hunting and battles,” I tell Nero as Avery drives.

We aren't far away, so we arrive at the club a couple of minutes later. Avery gets out and opens up the door. I look at Nero.

”Ready?”

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I watch Cass with wonder as she works. “Would you like to do something else?” I ask, pulling my phone back out and googling things to do in Cary.

“It looks like there’s a movie theater in the same town as Jerry’s. Also lots of arts centers… We could make a day out of it if you’d like.” I say with a smile, looking back up to watch Cass again.

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“I’d like to learn it if you’d be willing to teach me.” I say to Caden as we arrive at the club. I start wiggling in excitement, very interested in how the night will go. I peer up at Caden with wide, excited eyes.

I give him a quick peck on the lips. ”Ready.” I chirp.

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I look up and smile at Nic. ”A whole day just the two of us? We'll be the talk of the town,” I tease, but I can't deny how much fun that would be.

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”I can do that,” I say. I stepped out of the car first before helping Nero. Avery locks up the vehicle before handing me back the keys. If he decides to leave early, he'll double back to the SUV.

We make our way through the front of the establishment, and are led down the hallway to the back. Security gives us the once over, and I watch them pat down Nero. I don't do anything but I feel like they linger too long. Once they release them, I offer Nero my arm and escort them inside.

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We walk into the club after passing security. Caden and Nero the way while I bring up the rear. My attention automatically darts to all the corners of the room, looking for all entrances, exits, and possible places I could corral Caden and Nero to protect them — not that they needed it.

Breathe. Right. I look around again, but this time I meet faces and eyes. I always forget just how many of us are in Chicago. It's only when I come to places like this that I remember. I see vampires, other shifters, djinn, ghouls, an arachne, small creatures flying around, and finally a couple of wolves. We lock eyes and I don't look down.

Being a dominant wolf, it isn't in my nature to break eye contact, but being in another werewolf's territory, it's proper to establish eye contact and recognition before I break away first as a sign of respect. However, before I have to, Caden steps into my view. I look up at him and then down. He hands me a drink before wrapping an arm over my shoulders.

”Shall we go introduce ourselves?” Caden looks at the trio of wolves and wiggles his fingers at them. Their glare, eyes flashing before they turn away from him. Caden chuckled and takes a sip from his drink. ”You wolves are always so serious.” I roll my eyes and sip my drink.

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I show Cass a toothy grin, dimples surely showing. “Let them talk.” I throw a wink at her. A part of me hopes that word does spread that we’re an item. It’s partially primal instinct of claiming Cass as mine, but mostly I just want to announce to the world how happy I am.

“Should I ask Caden for the car since I’ll be the one driving?” I realize I don’t have his number and probably should get it sooner than later.

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I stick to Caden after security, not enjoying the extra attention they seemed to give me. It makes my stomach churn a little and a repressed memory tries to resurface. So when we finally enter the club, I go straight for the bar and order shots of vodka and Red Bull, downing four of them before I take a seat and survey the club. It’s fascinating to see so many supernatural beings in one place and just being themselves.

I watch tension build between Avery and a small group, but Caden is there before I even need to do anything. Feeling the tiniest bit tipsy, I order a rum and coke to sip.

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I count to five hundred before I finally leave to go to the club. Some time to myself was a nice way to reset and calm down. “Caden, Caden, Caden we go.” I mumble to myself before I crack my neck and head inside. Security is a little handsy, but I pretend that I like the attention, flashing a charming smile and wink before heading into the club.

I can see Caden and Avery first - their height drawing my attention immediately. I flit a glance to the bar and find Nero there nursing a drink. She looks adorable holding the whiskey tumblr with both hands.

It’s not even a minute before I’m approached and I channel my best Caden impersonation, throwing a little flirty look to the vampire next to me.

hr]

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The cards stop rotating and fall into a complete pile. I picked them up and put them away. I laugh and push myself up from my seat.

”We'll probably be overshadowed by Caden and Nero anyways.” I make my way towards the back and pause when Nic offers to call Caden. ”If you want, but I was just going to call in the morning,” I say and walk into the back. ”Do you want tea?” I call out to Nic.

hr]

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I stand with Avery a little while longer, familiar faces approaching us to say hello before they drift off. The bar falls silent briefly when Kiki walks in and I smirk as she's approached almost immediately.

”Time for some fun.” I finish my drink and go back to the bar and order another pair of drinks. I slipped the bartender a hundred dollar bill to keep me and Nero supplied.

I sit down next to Nero, resting my arm on the back of their chair after I set their drink down.

”How are you doing?
Wie geht es dir?”

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“Oh so they’re a thing then?” I ask as Cass refuses to stay still. It probably shouldn’t surprise me, but it’s strange still. “And I was just going to text him, but I’m fine with whatever you think works best.” She walks into the back, asking if I want some tea.

I chuckle a bit. “I’d love some.” I say as I follow her. “Is there anything I can help with? Watching you run around makes me feel lazy.”

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I perk up when Caden joins me, four shots and two rums later. I’m in a very good space, feeling floaty like a cloud. I lean back into his arm and smile up at him, holding his cheek. ”Du bist so hübsch. So hübsch.” I slur in a very thick German accent while I try to pet Caden’s cheek.

“Wie konnte ich nur so viel Glück haben?” I start feeling myself sober up so I steal my drink back from Caden. “Warum muss es so schwer sein, betrunken zu bleiben?” I say with a pout.

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It doesn’t long before I had a little group around me and I didn’t even have to use Charm on any of them. So far, anyone who’s noticed my perfume has tried to keep their face from grimacing rather than recognition. “You’ll have to excuse me a moment, darlings.” I say with a wink before I head to the bar and get myself a scotch. I remind myself to nurse the drink so that I don’t lose myself to alcohol and try showing off my powers again.

I head to a new corner of the club, joining a different group of people and easily falling into their conversation. A lot of them ask about my sleeve on my right arm, but I steer the conversation away easily. I don’t know if Caden wants people to know what I am right away or not.

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I turn the water on and pull out two cups, I start adding herbs to both while I wait for the water to boil. I glance behind me when Nic enters and smile.

”You are helping. You're standing there, giving me something to look at until a customer comes in,” I tease, hoping to make him blush for once.

”Yes, Caden I believe has been locked down for the time being with Nero. So, Nero will be around more,” I add as a further warning.

I turn around when I finish adding herbs and just wait for the water to boil. I watch Nic, cocking my head to the side with amusement.

”Why do you want Caden's number so bad? Are you wanting his permission to court me?”

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I laugh loudly and rest my hand on Nero's arm. ”I told the bartender to keep us well supplied all night. Don't worry, I'll get you drunk,” I tease them.

My eyes wander while I whisper in Nero's ear. I take a scan of the room, looking for anyone out of place and anyone paying too much attention to Kiki. Avery sulks around the perimeter, looking like a shadow despite his bulk.

Kiki bounces from group to group and I nod as I watch her. ”Ist Ihnen etwas Ungewöhnliches aufgefallen?” I ask Nero. I close my eyes and shift my lips to their neck but I don't kiss them, I just hover there, letting my senses drift out to notice anything.

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I have a few people who walk over towards me, trying to make conversation. I indulge some people but ward off others. My eyes track Caden and Nero naturally, but I even track Kimiko. Which isn't strange since everyone in the bar has shifted to watch her at time or another. I mark those who take a more invested interest in her.

I catch Caden's eye and he shifts to get closer to Nero. I growl in annoyance but move my way through the crowd to Kimiko and her group of admirers.

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I laugh, my ears turning red at Cass’ compliment before catching the obvious look she was giving me about Nero. “I’m starting to see that they’re not as bad as I thought they were.” I admit, watching Cass. Her next comment makes me fully blush, my whole face growing warm.

“I think the only person I need permission from is you, but I can still ask him if you want.” I awkwardly rub the back of my neck.

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I beam up at Caden “Perfekt. Wie Sie!” I boop Caden’s nose with a giggle.

He starts to whisper in my ear and I wiggle in my seat, scrunching up. ”Du kitzelst mich, wenn du das machst.” I tell him accusingly before I process his question.

“Die Sicherheit hat es in sich.” I start before I take another look around, trying not to giggle from Caden being in close vicinity to my neck. I tilt my head as I think, not purposely meaning to give Caden more free real estate of my neck. “Ich glaube, ich sehe eines der Opfer als Geist herumhängen.” I finally say, watching the ghost just drift about from group to group.

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I tilt my head and try to keep the smirk off my face as Avery approaches. “Hello dear, who might you be?” I say, cutting off one of the suitors who had been talking. The werewolf emits a low growl in Avery’s direction. I wave him off with my hand.

”Relax darling, there’s plenty of me to go around.” And I don’t want to be in the middle of a fight right now, I think to myself, keeping my face pleasant even though I wanted to growl myself.

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”They're surprisingly helpful and Caden really likes them, so,” I shrug and walk up to Nic after I finally get him to blush. ”My little tomato,” I call him, using the nickname he had for me against him. I reach up on my tip toes and kiss him.

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”Mmm Ich bemerkte, dass. Ich hielt es nicht für sinnvoll, dem Wachmann die Hände zu brechen, bevor wir uns im Club umsehen konnten.” Even though I'm working, when Nero tilts their head further I can't help myself and I place a kiss over their artery. I see a nearby vampire stare and my eyes flash. They immediately look away and I chuckle.

However Nero's words give me pause and I pull away shocked to stare at them. ”Kannst du Geister sehen?”

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Kimiko sees me and lays the charm on thick. I severely want to roll my eyes or leave, but I have a job to do. Instead I look at the werewolf and smirk.

”Neutral territory, Chicago. Or do you have to piss on everything and ruin it?” The wolf growls at me and I just grin. Caden still wanted to introduce me to the members and now would be an ideal time, but he wants me to test the waters first it seems.

I look at Kiki and shift my attention to take her in. ”I'm sure I can provide a much more stimulating conversation, then whatever it was you two were discussing,” I say. I look into Kimiko’s eyes and rub my chin. A signal for her to keep talking.

“Why don't you go back to your master, Zain?” I look over at the wolf I had been taunting and narrow my eyes. He grins and crosses his arms. “That's right, we know who you are. Couldn't hack it out in Washington so Bran had to send you to live with some wannabe.” He nods in Caden's direction and I shift my stance to block Caden from this prick’s view. I knew coming here was a bad idea. Already I want to rip this assholea head off along with half the patrons of this bar.