Chapter 7: The lone wolf
Ah, perfect timing, just the person to piss her off even more…
Esme heard the bouncers enter the room without looking up, and Paul, the bouncer who called her a dog, had already targeted her. His attitude flickered between wanting to flirt with her and despising her. It was quite a headache, but she never changed her attitude towards him; he was on the 'list' of people she didn't give two shits about hurting their feelings.
"What are you reading?"
Esme quietly closed the book and glanced at it, "It's called: None of your fucking business, Paul," she looked at the vampire and tilted her head to the side, watching as his face hardened. The other bouncers snickered at her retort and sat down across from her. Esme's eyes narrowed slightly at how close they were, but she ignored it and looked back at her book, opening it once more.
On the other hand, Paul marched towards her, "You have a real attitude problem, you know. Even a she-wolf as hot as you can be a turn-off," He snarled as he stopped in front of her. Esme sighed and removed her feet from the chair across from her, shutting her book once more and looking back at the vampire, her expression bored.
"Because my goal in life is to turn you on, leech," She snapped and stood up, walking around Paul, who instantly revealed his fangs, grabbing her by the wrist and bringing his face close to hers. Esme reached behind her, slowly unsheathing her knife.
"Enough! Breaks over! Get back to work!" Niko interrupted.
When did he get here?
Paul glared at Esme before releasing her and walking through the fire exit doors. Niko sighed and looked at the knife in her hand; he was the only one aware of the weapon because of where he stood. She pushed the knife back in its place and pursed her lips.
"Esme, try and play nice." He gave her a stern look after she opened her mouth to interrupt. "I can't keep coming back here sorting out the messes you leave."
Esme furrowed her brows and muttered under her breath, "I don't always leave a mess." She hated how that sounded; it went well with the dog insult.
Niko turned around, but she called out to him, "I only just went on my break. I still have ten minutes."
He turned to look at her, his face void of emotion. She didn't know if he was telling her to read the room and go back to work right now or not to talk to him and do what she wanted.
"If I return now, Leo and Hana will question why I'm back early.." She trailed off, watching his face.
"Hmm, be good," Niko finally said and vanished from her sight. Esme rolled her eyes but was happy the vampire didn't take her knife away. He already scolded her about it and told her to leave it at home or in the locker. But it was like her safety blanket; she never parted with it, and just like her bag, it went everywhere with her.
It was then Esme pulled her sleeve back slightly, revealing the bruises left on her wrist from the vampire's hand. She quickly covered her arm again, the discoloured skin a fraction of what she used to endure. Her mind started to wander, the tightness in her chest and the burning sensation under her collarbone returning. Esme unconsciously reached for her left wrist, feeling for the elastic band, but she stopped herself and dropped her hands with a sigh.
She shouldn't be triggered by a stupid bruise on her wrist.
How pathetic.
"Es-"
Esme growled, silencing her wolf.
The remaining ten minutes of her break was quiet and peaceful without Isana trying to console her or question her about escaping to the country. No staff members entered either, which was lucky for them, really. When she did return to the bar, she got straight back to serving; it was busier than earlier and precisely what she needed. The sounds of the bar and using her hands had a calming effect on her, letting her mind become distracted at the task at hand.
"Esme."
Esme looked up from cleaning a table. It was Hana; she was like a beam of light sometimes. Her smile brightened up any room with warm brown eyes. Even though it had only been a few weeks, Esme already found herself liking the girl.
"We are going for drinks. Want to come?" She asked, her face eager for Esme to join them. She looked over at Leo, who smiled and waved her over, and at a few other members of staff, she didn't really speak to. They also looked eager, probably because she was the new girl.
"Ah, I'm tired. I'll help Niko cash up," Hana's brows drew together at her response. Esme held her hands up, "Maybe another time.. It's fine. Go, go! I'll see you tomorrow."
Hana reluctantly went with the others. "Next time!" Leo called out to her and winked.
Esme watched them leave the now empty bar before heading in the same direction but going downstairs to the vampire bar. Unlike the bar she worked at, downstairs was still busy with vampires. It was 2am, but they didn't close until thirty minutes before sunup; she wondered if the vamps had a residence nearby for them to return so casually.
Esme pushed through the crowds of vampires and humans remaining on the dance floor. She ignored the couple in the corner of the room, a man smooching a woman's neck; no, not kissing, he was drinking from her. He was just 'concealing' it well from the humans. The act was so out in the open, but Esme was now accustomed to it. The vampires were safe to do as they pleased in ONYX, with limits, of course.
She made a turn towards the toilets and walked further down a hallway towards a private room. She had only been there once before when she couldn't locate Niko, he didn't seem pleased by her appearance at the time, but he never scolded her after she explained the vamp at the bar told her to find him there. It seemed they wanted to get her in trouble; how childish. But Esme now frequently fetched him around the same time if she stayed to help.
As she approached the door, raising her hand to knock, she stopped after picking up on the low voices on the other side of the door. Now she knew it was bad to sneak around and listen to conversations, especially considering where she was, but when she heard the mention of a werewolf, her ear went closer to the door.
"Oh miss high and mighty.. are you forgetting the amount of times we have sneaked around-"
"Shh!" Esme shushed her wolf to listen, and she held her breath.
"Why is she here?"
"Wh-what? Sire, you already agreed to employ her." She could hear Niko's voice. They were definitely talking about her.
Sire? There was only one person that went by that sort of title..
There was an exasperated sigh, "I don't remember.. the conversation," He murmured, "fine. Just make sure there are no issues. I could hear Paul moaning about her. I will not take responsibility for her if one of our own has an issue with her. It will be up to her to stay alive."
How charming. But Esme never expected anything more. At least she had a job.
"Are you forgetting a crucial detail here, Es.." Isana whispered. Esme could feel the rising anxiety in her wolf; she wanted to run. It took everything in Esme not to let her wolf take over her body and to stay calm.
Alerted by who her real employer could be and from the footsteps coming closer to the door, Esme started to back away.
"What if she killed one of us?" Niko asked, halting the other man's steps. Esme also stopped; she was curious about his response.
The other vampire chuckled darkly. "Is that possible? I thought you said she was a rogue?"
"Esme is.. she seems stronger than other rogues I have encountered," Came Niko's response.
"Esme.." She heard the other vampire say her name, and she felt a shiver run through her spine. But it wasn't from fear; in fact, she felt a pool of warmth and butterflies swirl in her stomach. His voice alone made her bite her lip, and she could only imagine how he looked.
"Eww," Isana mocked, throwing up, "He's a vampire.. How can you.. feel giddy at a man you haven't met. He isn't our mate.."
No, he certainly wasn't.
Isana gasped at what she said.
Esme's face darkened, but she shook it off, realising she needed to flee the area. The footsteps grew louder again, and the she-wolf scattered from the door, passing the bar quickly, and ignoring the vampire's staring at her as she went back up the steps to the ground floor.
Every step Esme took up the stairs, she was becoming increasingly aware of someone following closely behind her. She wanted to turn her head and look behind her, but something instinctual told her not to. The sweet fragrance that followed her made her heart flutter, and she decided to go against her instincts and look.
Stopping by the glass doors, the entrance to ONYX, Esme turned to look. Her hair flew away from her face from a small gust of wind; a slight nudge on her shoulder was the only indication that someone had been following.
Esme looked around in alarm, but the hall was empty.
The bouncers' snickering caught her attention, but before she could do anything, Niko suddenly appeared beside her. "Are you lost?" He tilted his head to the side, a smirk crawling up his lips.
Esme narrowed her eyes subtly but shrugged it off nonchalantly, "I was looking for you. We need to cash up."
"Go home. I'll do the rest," Niko replied as he reached out and squeezed her shoulder gently; his eyes were full of warmth. Something she didn't expect, especially after the conversation he just had. Niko pulled his hand away and looked at it as though he couldn't believe what he had just done.
"Okay. See you tomorrow," Esme replied casually, even though her heart felt as though it would burst from Niko's sudden contact and from working out who owned the bar.
But she couldn't quite wrap her mind around it. Even as she walked out of ONYX, backpack in tow, ignoring Paul's taunting, she was deep in thought. That vampire could easily rip her to shreds for even crossing into his territory.
"Sire," Niko had called him.
That vampire.. was the king of all vampires. The most dangerous being on earth.
Esme stopped and looked back at ONYX; she had an eerie feeling that someone was watching her. But as she searched the dark night, she couldn't see anyone. She casually reached for her knife sheathed behind her and flipped it towards her wrist before hiding it up her sleeve, the whole time her gaze searching her surroundings.
Pulling her hood up over her features, she turned her back to the menacing shadows, leaving the area like the lone wolf she was.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Kelly_Starrz
Kelly_Starrz Woop! Our first glimpse at the vampire king!
XOXO
Chapter 8: Time spent in nature
Esme reached the apartment complex without any issues; her senses were on high alert the whole time she walked home, but nothing suspicious caught her attention. Once she was in, she threw her bag on the couch and placed her phone on charge, leaning against the kitchen counter and looking at her depressing department. It was quiet, something she was now familiar with, but tonight, for once, she did not find comfort in it. Her mind flashed to Hana and Leo leaving with their friends at ONYX.
"It is for the best," Isana sighed as they felt the hollow emptiness in their chest. It was a statement she had to remind herself; some places she stayed were easier than others, and it seemed this time, Chester was a little harder to reside in. Making friends never guaranteed her or their survival. But she still became bitter from distancing herself.
Wolves by instinct were pack animals; even rogues preferred the company of another. If they found their mate, then they were content, or they would befriend humans in neutral zones where pack territories didn't overlap. "You still have me, chick." Esme smiled at Isana's words; she would always have Isana and that she was eternally grateful for at least.
Esme opened the patio door and hopped up onto the balcony railing; in a crouched position, she kept her hands grasped at the tarnished paint as she stared at the security cameras and the road across from her. Nobody could see her; it was nearly 4am, and the cameras were not pointed in her direction. She knew that the only sleep that awaited her was filled with nightmares, and she would end up waking up groggy.
Esme gracefully hopped off the balcony and landed on the grass below; she pushed off from the wet grass and walked casually in the direction of where she knew the city would slowly turn to the countryside. As soon as she saw the first signs of trees, Esme started jogging into the woods. Once she knew no passing humans (if there were any at that time) could see her, she began to strip and left her clothes in a plastic bag she kept tied to a tree. This wasn't her first time streaking in the woods.
Her body shivered from the chilled night air, but she knew soon enough her fur would keep her warm. She jogged forwards and let her body begin to tremble, and she shifted into her wolf form. She felt like she could finally breathe, and instead of running herself, she let Isana take control of her body. Her wolf was delighted and instantly came to the forefront of her mind, pushing Esme back into 'viewer mode', as she liked to put it. For the next two hours, Isana ran through the woods free, letting her legs burn and her lungs gasp for air.
It was exactly what they needed.
Isana yawned loudly, her snout scrunching up and her jaw widening, revealing her sharp canines. "Hmm, you okay to return?" Her wolf asked but already threw 'the reins' back to Esme, who was startled and thrust back into control of her body.
She started to shift back into her human form when she realised their location. Walking naked among the array of trees, Esme enjoyed the feeling of the earth beneath her feet, the fallen red and brown leaves crunching beneath her toes. The gentle breeze flowed through her dishevelled hair that now looked as dark as the night sky.
The she-wolf reached behind a tree she marked with a tiny cross carving in the bark and pulled back the small bag with her shorts and a sports bra in. She put them on quickly before sitting down at the edge of the eroding cliff. Below her feet was a vast valley with a river passing through. It was the perfect view and the perfect spot for hunting.
After eying her surroundings, Esme lay down on the cold ground, her dark brown hair fanned out against the grass as she listened to the beat of her heart thrumming loudly for all nearby to hear. Her body was tired, but her mindfully awake; she was tuned into every little detail of the forest around her. The rustle of leaves from trees, the sound of an animal scurrying nearby and the smell of damp moss and wet trees filling her nostrils as she stared up at the almighty sky, the stars shining brightly against its black canvas. And then there at the centre of her universe was the moon, crescent in shape as though she, the Moon Goddess, was shy of revealing her 'brilliance' to the world.
"The stars, they shine for you, my dear. And the moon shines brightest of them all. If ever you find yourself afraid, look to the stars and seek help from the Moon Goddess, for she gifted us these powers. The power of the wolf that will one day be gifted to you."
Little Esme clung to her mother's shirt, staring up at the night sky like her mother told her to, but the warmth of her hug was what truly brought her peace. They were in an unknown location in the middle of the night, and she could feel her mother's anxiousness along with the scary shadows creeping towards her. But after some time, her mother's beautiful face was clear before her as Esme stared at her instead. She could not grasp why they were there or why her mother looked so sad; her dark brown eyes twinkled with unshed tears.
Esme reached up, her little hand touching her mother's smooth cheek, who turned to look at her, her eyes softening at her child, the tears streaking down her face. "Mumma, I will tell off who made you sad! You just tell me! I will protect you!" Esme's face was set in determination as the youngster tried to figure out who would do such a thing. Her mother chuckled, her smile brightening up her face, and she wiped away her tears and leaned her head against Esme's.
"No one else will make me sad. It's just you and me now, Es," Her mother sniffled, staring back into her daughter's dark eyes.
Esme continued to stare at the sky as her memory faded away like the easy breeze of the wind. She was no longer afraid of the dark, but she clung to those words like a child to their blanket when the days became too much to bear. Though inevitably, it was not enough in the end. The times she sought out the Moon Goddess, pleading for guidance, for help, but she received none.
Esme's eyes hardened as she glared at the moon. The Goddess was nothing more than a higher being playing with their dolls, throwing them away when there was no use for them.
"Easy, Es. She can still hear us."
"She knows how I feel about her. Why fake a love I do not feel for her," Esme replied sharply to Isana. Her wolf went quiet; unlike Esme, she was a little more concerned with the Goddess' wrath, but in Esme's mind, she had already been cursed and forgotten about. The she-wolf wasn't clouded in self-pity, but she refused to praise the Goddess.
Esme continued to lay there watching the moon slowly guide its way down to the earth, and soon after, she saw Eos, the Goddess of Dawn, rise and kiss the ground with her light. Esme sat up and enjoyed the view, fascinated by the grass glistening in the early morning dew. The wind brushed against her skin along with the light making its way up her body, the warmth relieving the built-up stress among her tight shoulders. She stayed there a while, watching and listening to the wildlife starting their morning routines of surviving in their little habitat.
Esme inhaled deeply, her eyes closed, relishing the last of her peace before reluctantly getting up and undressing once more. Her time in the wilderness came to an abrupt end. After placing her clothes back in their hiding spot, she shifted and sprinted back through the woods until gradually the trees became less and the sights of the city stood tall in the distance. Esme picked her clothes up from where she left them, changed into her outfit from the night before, and walked back towards her apartment complex.
The she-wolf guessed the time to be around 7am now; the place was still and quiet, perfect for her to sneakily climb back up to her balcony. She jumped up to the first-floor balcony and climbed up the plumbing on one side before hopping onto her balcony floor. She pulled the patio door back, the usual noise of protest loud even for human's ears. Her eyes instinctively searched her apartment, her body tense, but there were no unusual scents or anything out of place.
After checking her place was safe, Esme's body sagged before removing her boots and collapsing on the sofa. Sleep seemed to finally catch up to her, and she happily obliged to her body's needs. Within seconds her world went dark.
Esme's lids fluttered open, startled by a vibrating noise, but the quick scan of her room didn't alarm her to any intruder. She shut her eyes again. The vibrating noise made her open her eyes once more; this time, she was more alert and jumped off the couch, her leg still caught from the blanket wrapped around her. When did she pull this over her?
It didn't matter; her phone was vibrating on the kitchen counter. Esme checked the caller's name, and her brows furrowed at the unknown number. She flipped it open and waited silently, holding her breath as her other hand held onto the edge of the counter, her claws scratching the surface.
"Esme! I've been trying to get a hold of you, girl!"
"Huh?" Esme's hand relaxed from the sound of a familiar chirpy voice.
"Leo drank too much last night and called in sick today. Niko said you'd be fine taking the shift, but I wanted to double-check!" Hana continued in her bright and cheery voice.
How did she get my number? As much as she liked the girl, she didn't appreciate Niko giving her number out. When she sees him, she will mention this little mishap.
" 'kay," Esme replied, her voice was full of sleep but sharper than she intended it to be. She couldn't help it though, this made her feel uncomfortable; who else did he give her number to?
"Oh, Niko said he couldn't get a hold of you and even after I phoned a few times, I was beginning to worry!"
Worry? Why? She checked her phone and was baffled because it was still only 11am. Maybe it was because she was now meant to start at 12 instead of 4pm.
"I was just sleeping. No need to be dramatic," Esme joked. "I will see you at 12 then."
"See you soon, honey!"
The call cut off, and Esme checked her call log; her eyes widened at how many missed calls there were. She was in such a deep sleep it worried her.
"Nothing happened, though," Isana spoke softly in her mind. "You needed to sleep; it's not good to go 24 hours without sleep."
"Hmm." Esme knew Isana was right, but she was still nervous that she became too relaxed. Just because she was in vampire territory, it didn't mean she shouldn't be on her guard at all times. Whether it was werewolves, hunters or vampires, Esme needed to stay alert even during sleep. Which was rather ridiculous considering she lost herself to her nightmares most nights.
Sigh.
Esme shut the phone and started to get ready. Soon after showering, getting changed and clipping her hair back in a half-up hairstyle (her signature hairdo), she was good to go. Esme left her apartment in a hurry, with a slice of toast in one hand and her backpack in the other. She rushed off down the stairs and out towards the street.
Esme arrived at ONYX's quiet parking lot. With a displeased look on her face, she wondered why she was asked to come in at a time when it was apparent it would be dead. Esme used her fob at the glass door entrance and walked through until she was in the bar area. Esme halted and frowned when she saw Leo behind the bar turning on the coffee machine whistling a tune.
Her eyes moved to Hana, who seemed to almost skip to her position, her curls bouncy on her head. Esme narrowed her eyes at the girl's lie. "Woah! Chica, you can be so scary sometimes!" Hana giggled and put her arm over Esme's shoulder, looking down at her and flicking her wrist, so a black card was in her line of sight. "I had the feeling you wouldn't come if I told you the real reason you are here.."
Esme huffed in annoyance. "You're damn straight." She looked at Leo's back then returned to look at the card in front of her face.
"Whether you like it or not.. We are going shopping!" Hana squealed, making Esme press on her ear and remove herself from Hana's arms. She walked back towards the doors, her mind already on how comfy her couch was. She opened the door and halted on the spot.
"Where are you going?" Niko stood in front of her, tilting his head to the side.
"Home. I must have mixed my shift-"
"No, you are on time," Niko interrupted, his voice calm. Esme looked at him suspiciously, making the vampire's lips twitch in amusement. "You are to go shopping with Hana. I get the sense she will be very helpful in your trip today."
He turned on the spot and started to walk down the hallway, avoiding the light shining through the glass doors of the club. Esme followed him, letting the doors swing shut behind them. "What do you mean? I'm not going shopping!" Esme exclaimed in a panic. She didn't want to waste her precious money on clothes.
Niko stopped and whipped his head back to look at her. "You WILL go shopping. That is an order, Esme. You have been wearing two lots of the same clothes night after night. In the nicest way possible.. You need to dress up more.." He trailed off, watching Esme's eyes narrow and her lips thin. "You won't need to pay for a thing," He added.
Esme's eyes lit up immediately. She didn't mind a new change of clothes for work; though she wouldn't be able to fit them in her bag, she could leave them in her locker. "Well, why didn't you say that in the first place, Niko! Sheesh," She smiled playfully.
Even though she acted like clothes shopping wasn't her thing, it really was. She used to love shopping, but now she was nervous at the idea of being in a shopping mall and choosing the right outfits. Her clothes didn't exactly scream high-end fashion; they were just comfortable and easy to move around in.
"Let's go, chica!"
Hana's voice filled her with dread and excitement. It might be nice to have some time away from her dreary thoughts and look at clothes, acting normal.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
0 Power
stone 
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