Wolves and Men

Kenneth smiled. “You know I actually admire you, Wendy.” The girl did look up at the unexpected compliment. “It’s nice to know that the manager of my club has the insight to hire a girl who is not only attractive but willing to stand up for herself and obey the laws of the state.” Wendy wasn’t breathing anymore; she was so tense he could have strung her on a guitar. “But in the future, do me a favor.” The girl barely moved her head in a nod. “Don’t ever ask for my ID again and NEVER put your tray down on my table. Am I understood?” He asked kindly. The girl somehow nodded again her hair falling in front of her face. “There’s a good girl, now run along and get me my drink.” The girl slowly stood up and walked away in a very zombie like fashion.

“You were gentle on her,” Allison commented.

“I’ve had a rough couple of days and she’s harmless. Sometimes I have to not be an asshole to appreciate what I have.”

Allison smiled up at him. “Is there anything I can do to help you with those rough days, Instructor?” She turned to face him and lowered her body towards him giving him a better view and a deepening of her cleavage.

Kenneth shook his head. “No, Allison, thank you. I have business to conduct.” Allison sat up a little straighter, letting disappointment just crease her thin lips. Kenneth continued, “How is the other side of business doing?”

Allison folded her hands in front of her on the table, “Instructor, I have three girls who are ready to travel. They want to see Cairo and Bagdad, they’ll pose no problems.”

Kenneth nodded, “And?”

“The shipments have been coming in regularly and we have seen a steady rise in profits, except with the home-grown stuff. The legalization process is making it harder to turn a profit there.”

“We may need to cut that side from our business then or look to branch out into the legitimate side of the house.” Allison raised her eyebrows in surprise. “What? Are you afraid that I might have another favorite business, besides yours?” Kenneth asked.

“I would never dream of it; besides I know you have other favorite businesses besides this one,” she responded coyly.

Kenneth smiled, “I’m glad you remember your place so well, Allison. Just keep people away from me and my guest, who will be joining me shortly.” The girl nodded and quietly walked away from the table. Soon after Wendy came back with his drink, she carefully set it down on the table and left without a word.

About thirty minutes later Alexander finally showed up. The man angrily threw his jacket at the doorman and stormed through the club. He shoved one man to the side and Wendy had to jump sideways to avoid a collision with the guy. Kenneth saw that she was just about to yell at the asshole that had tried to run her over, but thought better of it when she saw where the guy was stalking off to. Wendy ducked her head and side stepped up to another table asking for drink orders.

Kenneth had one leg crossed over the other as he watched his associate climb the stairs to the VIP lounge area. It was more of a raised corner of the club. But it was dark and the loud music made it impossible for anyone, even vampires, to hear what was being said even a few feet away. It was the perfect meeting place.

“I was beginning to wonder if you were going to show up or not,” Kenneth said dryly.

Alexander scowled at the other man. He was rather tall and well built. His jet blue black hair was well kept and well styled. His bright blue eyes would be the envy of any man. His skin was tanned just enough to make people question his ethnicity. His body barely fit into the moderate sized clothes that he wore. Alexander was in good shape and he wanted everyone to know it, even if it meant wearing clothes that were a size or two too small for him.

The man sat down heavily at table. “You want to tell me what this is all about, Kenneth?” he spat. “I have other important things to do than get up and leave every time I hear your whiny voice on the phone.” He spoke with a thick german accent though his vocabulary was pure American, it was kind of jarring and made Kenneth wonder just how long this man had been in the States.

Kenneth regarded the man silently. Some more powerful vampires could resist his House’s natural domination ability. If he was in the mood he would have Alexander naked except for a bow tie up on stage. But that kind of fun would have to wait for another day.

“You came here because I have something that might be of great advantage to you and your House standings. I could just walk away now if you’d like?” He said moving to stand up.

Alexander regarded him out of the corner of his eye. “I’m here aren’t I? I still have no idea what the hell you’re talking about.”

Kenneth relaxed back in his seat. “I have something that could be a major power shifting force for the Houses.”

“If whatever it is, is so powerful why don’t you play that card yourself?” Alexander scoffed.

Kenneth smiled. “You know me, Alexander. I wouldn’t play the card unless I needed to, or unless I knew that allowing someone else to play it was somehow more beneficial to me.”

“I knew it!” Alexander exclaimed. “It’s too dangerous for you to use so you’d get a pawn to use it for you. Yeah, well thanks but no thanks!” Alexander stood up to leave.

“Even, if it meant you becoming the next Head of House?” Kenneth asked quietly. Alexander stopped in his tracks and gave Kenneth an icy look. He didn’t immediately sit back down but he knew that the other man was listening. “What I have to play is a true balance shift in how we do things in this city. It might even mean the utter destruction of our mutual enemy. Now, would this be worth something to you, or should I just walk away?”