Tourist at the Tavern

[Ford]

    I pulled my motorcycle into the back lot of Perry’s and took off my helmet. If not for Rao insisting I go out, I would’ve stayed home tonight and watched some movies. He said I was getting antsy and needed to get laid. I knew it. We had a job next week and I was growing more and more frustrated with how long our plan was taking. We couldn’t get ahead of anything.

    Walking around the front, I growled at Sam. He nodded and let me past. Everyone knew who I was. I didn’t need that ID shit taking my time. If I was going to take one of the skanks from this bar back to her motel, I was going to need to get at least a bottle of the good stuff in me. I hoped these ones would’ve at least brushed their teeth before coming out.

    The bar was beginning to fill up. I nodded to Terry and headed to the table I liked. It gave me a good view of the bar without making me obvious as people came in. I walked past one table that had a girl who was out of place.

    Most of the women here were at least five to ten years older and not as polished. Even in jeans and a t-shirt, she looked like she was classier than the rest. I wondered why she was here, but it wasn’t really my business.

    I hung my jacket on the back of my chair and sat at my table. Terry brought out my whiskey. Since I didn’t pay, I didn’t get the expensive stuff. That was my choice. I wasn’t gonna let my preferences cause problems for the businesses we helped.

    Sipping my drink, I glanced back at the out of place girl. She was staring at me, her big blue eyes shining with excitement. The man she was with was trying to get her attention. I wondered if she’d be brave enough to come over. She was probably just excited about seeing the Fenrir in person.

    My attention was pulled to two of the usual women who approached me in bars. They looked like they were in their fifties, but hadn’t notified their closet. Their heavy makeup didn’t hide their age, or flaws. They pulled chairs close to me and started hanging and rubbing on me. I needed more to drink.

    This was my life. Women who looked like they got their makeup tips from Pennywise, hanging all over me while pretty girls sat only a couple tables away. At least I knew these women could handle me and were a sure thing. I sighed heavily as they started groping me. I was really getting tired of this shit.

    I glanced at the bar, to see if I could flag Terry down again, when I noticed the girl walking directly to my table with three drinks in her hands. It was a bolder move than I thought she’d make. I was willing to see where it went. If nothing else, it would give me a story to tell Rao when I got home.

    She set the drinks down carefully and pulled two more chairs to the table. I wondered why. Three drinks, two chairs, was the other for the guy she’d been talking to? I looked over. He seemed confused and a little angry. It definitely wasn’t for him. She put one glass in front of me and smiled.

    That smile could get a man in trouble. Something about her reminded me of my sister, Kylee. Maybe it was the sparkle of mischief in her eye.

    “What’s this for?” I asked.

    “Drinking. I can teach you if you like.” She grinned. “I’m Serena.”

    I could feel the smile tugging at my lips. Soon, I couldn’t hold the laugh in any more. No one would ever accuse me of not knowing how to drink. She was ballsy, I liked that.

    It was too bad; she was obviously not into me. I could totally see her with Rao. She had an elegance about her adding to the feeling of her being out of place here. It would fit with his perfect, charming guy thing. 

    Maybe she’d like an introduction to him. Most girls like her, who approached me, wanted to meet the Alpha. I might do that if she kept entertaining me.

    I was about to introduce myself when one of the women hissed at her. Fucking half shifters. They were always bitches to anyone younger and prettier than them. I wished they’d leave so I could find out more about this girl.

    Serena didn’t seem fazed, though. She looked amused. I sniffed, she was human. I guess she was just cocky or unaware of the fact these women weren’t human.

    “Ford has companions for the evening.” The non-hissy one said.

    “Nice vocab, kiddo. I’m not into your man. I just needed to get away from the dudes who keep hitting on me. You probably wouldn’t understand what that's like. Most people are staying away, so I’m gonna use your scary boy here to keep us safe until my friend picks a guy to go home with or gets bored.” Serena smirked.

    I nearly laughed. The women were definitely offended and gripped my arms tighter. The drink was for her friend… I wondered what kind of girl would be paired with this one. The night was looking up a little.

    “She better not try for him. He’s ours.” Hissy snarled.

    “If he wants her and she wants him, then your claim is as worthless as pretty much all the jewelry you and your friend are wearing.” Serena laughed.

    “Glad someone thinks I should get a say in this.” I grumbled as I took a sip of the whiskey and found it to be a particularly nice one. Much better than I normally got. “You bought the expensive stuff. I can respect that. You’re not the type who usually comes to this place.”

    “My friend didn’t want to go anywhere nicer. I’ll buy them for you for as long as we’re here. Just keep those guys away from me.” She shuddered.

    “Will do, girlie.” I grinned.

    Now the night was getting better. Good booze, pretty girls talking to me, and laughs if Serena kept pissing off the skanks. I might not even need to get laid tonight. A change of pace would be enough.