Page 2 of Fighting Her Wolves
I also took months of self-defense lessons. I never wanted to rely on anyone to rescue me from a bad situation.
I decided to wear my best dress. It’s tight, long, and deep red. It molds to my curves and shows off all the right things. It has a straight neckline, baring my shoulders and cleavage. The long sleeves scrunched over my wrists and were held to the bodice of my dress by little straps.
I smooth down the front and twist from side to side as I look in the mirror.
Not bad.
Normally, I would wear this outfit to catch the eye of an interested party, but tonight was about bonding with Marie and showing her what confidence looks like. She needed to realize she was worthy of having her best life.
Men came and went. The ability to love yourself, no matter if you were single or not, was what was important.
I slip on my black ankle boots and declare myself ready. I make a mental check—keys, phone, ID, and money—and lock my door.
I am determined to have a great, productive night with my new friend.
***
I walk into the bar with purpose. Marie was unsure about meeting me here. I know she would have rather I picked her up, but I wanted her to have to walk in by herself. But I chose a bar on the edge of town. Smaller crowd. It looked like a dump from the outside. Inside it was charming and cozy. Nothing fancy, though. We didn’t need loud music or tons of people.
I spot her small frame sitting at the bar, looking around fearfully. She is dressed as she usually is. Her jeans are loose and worn. Her top is black and oversized, covering her from neck to ass. Her pretty dirty blonde hair is tied back loosely in a ponytail. Her foot is encased in combat boots and wiggling nervously.
She picked a stool at the very end of the small bar, as far away from anyone as she could get. Her jacket is draped on the back of the chair beside her. She either saved me a seat, put it there to discourage anyone from getting too close, or both.
I walk over to put her out of her misery. A small smile lights her face when she notices me.
“Hey,” I grin. “Is this seat taken?”
She hastily moves her jacket. “You know it’s not.”
“Shame,” I mutter. “You did well. How much self-talk did it take you to walk in here?”
“Tons,” she admits. “Why did you want to come here? I thought you would want to go to one of the clubs.”
“I thought a smaller location would make you more comfortable. Plus, I am taking a break from Serenity’s mate's club.” I shrug.
“Are you fighting with Serenity?” she frowns.
“Not at all. I feel the need to have a vampire-free atmosphere right now.” I catch the eye of the bartender, tipping my head. “How was your day?”
“Fine,” she says. “I had the day off from the store so I cleaned my apartment.”
“Exciting.” Marie started working at a grocery store since she quit working at the club. I watch her take a sip from her water. “We are getting you a drink. What do you usually drink?”
“I don’t. I have no idea what to order.” She bites her lip.
“Let me take care of it.” I smile at the bartender as he stops in front of us. “Can I have a beer and, for my friend, something fruity?”
He nods. “Sure.”
He’s a no-nonsense kind of guy. He comes here to work and not flirt. I like that.
“You look beautiful,” Marie says.
“Thanks. I dressed with you in mind.” I wiggle my eyebrows, causing her to giggle. Her foot stops its nervous tick as she loses some of the tension.
“How was your day?” she asks.
“Like every other. Women come in, searching for the perfect face or body when there is no such thing. My boss copped another feel.” I slide some money over the bar as our drinks arrive.