Page 1 of A Love Bite

1

Jake

As the sunsets and the regulars start filtering into Luna’s Moon, I take my place behind the bar, ready for another night of serving drinks and listening to the usual gripes and gossip. Being the bartender here has its perks. I have a front-row seat to all the drama and intrigue that comes with being part of the Steel Falls pack.

Tonight, the atmosphere is a bit more tense than usual. There’s been a lot of talk about a rival pack making moves on our territory. It’s the kind of rumor that can stir up trouble, but I try not to let it get to me. After all, in this line of work, you learn to take things in stride.

The door swings open, and a group of regulars strolls in, their laughter and banter a welcome distraction. I greet them with a nod and start pouring their usual drinks. As I work, snippets of conversation drift over the bar, bits and pieces of the latest gossip.

“Did you hear about Elias and his crew? They’re really making a push now.”

“Yeah, I heard they’ve got some nasty tricks up their sleeves. Poison, can you believe that?”

“Better watch your back, Jake. Never know when they might show up here.”

I chuckle and shake my head, sliding a pint of beer across the counter. “If Elias wants to cause trouble, he can try, but he’ll have to get through a lot of us first.”

One of the regulars, a grizzled old werewolf named Tom, leans in closer. “You ever think about what you’d do if they did come here? If things really got bad?”

I shrug, wiping down the counter with a practiced motion. “I’ve been around long enough to know how to handle myself. Besides, we’ve got a strong pack. We look out for each other.”

Tom nods, satisfied with my answer, and takes a long drink from his pint. The conversation shifts to lighter topics, and I let my mind wander, thinking about all the changes and challenges our pack has faced over the years.

The door swings open again, and I look up to see Barrett entering, a determined look on his face. He makes a beeline for the bar, and I can tell from his expression that he’s got something serious on his mind.

“Jake,” he says, his voice low and urgent. “We need to talk.”

I raise an eyebrow and gesture for him to take a seat. “What’s going on, Barrett?”

He leans in, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s about Amelia. And Elias. There’s more to this than just territory disputes. They’re playing dirty.”

I nod slowly, absorbing his words. “I figured as much. There’s been talk around here, but what’s your angle?”

Barrett’s eyes flash with determination. “Amelia was attacked. She was poisoned. I need to find out everything I can about Elias and his pack. They’re a threat, and we need to be ready.”

I lean back, considering his words. Barrett’s always been a loyal member of the pack, and if he’s this worked up about something, it’s serious. “All right,” I say finally. “I’ll keep my ears open and see what I can find out, but be careful, Barrett. This kind of thing can get messy fast.”

He nods, gratitude flickering in his eyes. “Thanks, Jake. I appreciate it.”

As he turns to leave, I watch him go, a sense of unease settling in my gut. The rumors about Elias and his pack might just be more than idle gossip. And if that’s the case, we’re all in for a hell of a ride, but for now, all I can do is keep my head down, listen, and be ready for whatever comes next.

Just then, the door creaks open, and an unusual hush falls over Luna’s Moon. It’s not often that a human walks into our bar. Werewolves and humans don’t mix well, and everyone, including me, watches with keen interest as the woman makes her way to the bar.

The woman slowly approaches the bar, and I can’t help but feel a sense of intrigue. She seems out of place, unaware of the unspoken tension that hangs in the air, but there’s a confidence in her demeanor that catches my attention. The closer she gets, the more my heart quickens its pace inexplicably. I’m usually confident and easygoing, but there’s something about her that leaves me feeling flustered and nervous, a sensation I can’t quite shake.

“What can I get for you?” I manage to ask, though my voice comes out a little more strained than usual.

She gives me a friendly smile, oblivious to my inner turmoil. “Hmm, surprise me,” she says, her tone playful.

I nod, trying to compose myself as I reach for a bottle of rum and start pouring her a drink. My hands feel unsteady, and I can’t seem to stop fumbling with the glassware. I add soda to it and then some grenadine, pushing the drink toward her rather than lifting it since my hands feel so clumsy right now.

She takes the drink with a grateful smile, and I can’t help but notice how her eyes sparkle in the dim light of the bar. “Thanks,” she says, taking a sip.

I swallow hard, trying to push down the nerves that threaten to overwhelm me. “So, uh, what brings you to Luna’s Moon?” I ask, my words coming out in a rushed jumble.

She shrugs, seemingly unfazed by my awkwardness. “I like to explore and try new places,” she explains. “I was walking by, thought the place looked neat, and figured I would check it out.”

I nod, grateful for the distraction. “Well, you picked a good spot,” I reply, forcing a smile. “We get all kinds here.”