Chapter 3
The Deal
Fedora snaps her fingers, “Hey! Snap out of it, dumbass.” “Huh? Wha?” Drake looks at the wolf. “Staring at someone for so long is rude.” She spoke. “So?” He answered. “So you might be scaring her.” Fedora looks at the hybrid. Jess looking down nervous still twisting her bag strap. “Isn’t it my job to stare?” Drake asked.
FWIP! The girls gasped with eyes widen. A pocket blade barely touching his fur under his neck. The beast did not flinched an inch. He stares down at the angry wolf. “Get back to work before I change my mind.” Fedora growled before moving the blade away. FWIP! The wolf puts the blade away in one swift motion then place the blade back in her pocket. “Hmph.” Drake walks past the hybrid and twins to the entrance door.
“Woah.” Jess stare at the wolf. The twins look at the hybrid. “Fedora is a type of person who doesn’t takes crap from anyone. So yeah.” Lora smiled nervously. “Oh.” The hybrid replied. “We better go get ready.” Patty starts walking toward the backstage area. Lora followed behind.
Jess walks behind the bar joining the wolf. “Um… Where do I put my bag?” the hybrid asked. The wolf opened a medium metal heavy safe under the bar, “You can put it in here.” “Oh, thanks.” Jess put her bag inside the safe. The wolf closed the safe then looks at the hybrid. The hybrid flinched. “Sorry about earlier. Drake can be a rude asshole sometimes. But he can be nice when he wants to.” the wolf explained.
Jess turned her head at the beast leaning back against the door. He was looking away till his attention turns to her. The hybrid quickly turns her head away. The wolf chuckled, “Don’t worry. I won’t let him hurt you.” “Okay.” the hybrid nod with her hands behind her back. “So? What do I do now?” Jess asked. The wolf handed her a rag, “You can wipe down the tables and take the chairs down.” The hybrid takes the rag, “Yes, ma’am.”
The hybrid approached a table and before she can grab a chair. A red clawed hand grabs the chair leg. She turns her attention to the source of the hand. “Eep!” The hybrid looks at the male beast standing in front of her. “I get the chairs. You wipe the tables.” He spoke looking down at her. “O-okay.” Jess answered. The beast starts taking the chairs down. While the hybrid wipes down the tables.
Around six, the crowd sitting in tables and music booming. The twins did their usual dance. A male lizard raises his clawed hand, “Hey! A beer for me please!” “I’ll be there in a second!” the hybrid shouted through the loud music. She grabs a beer glass one by one from the round plastic tray, placing them on the table.
GASP! A hand grabbed her butt. The same hand grabs her wrist and pull her down face to face of a male bobcat, “Hey, sexy. How about you give me a kiss?” The hybrid tries to pull away from his tight grip, “Um… Can you please let me go?” “Not till you give me a kiss.” The bobcat grinned.
The hybrid slowly begins to panic. She looks down at the beer glass nearby him. The hybrid’s blue eyes glowed. The beer glass tilts itself over spilling its contents on the bobcat lap. “Ah! Damn it!” the bobcat shouted letting go of her wrist. “Oh, dear! Let me get you some napkins.”Jess quickly jogged away from the bobcat. The beast eyes follow the hybrid like a hawk.
Jess approach the bar letting out a breath of relief. “Something happened?” Fedora asked. “I’m fine.” the hybrid spoke looking down. “Hey.” The hybrid looks at the white wolf. “If any man starts harassing you. Don’t be afraid to ask me or Drake for help. Got it?” Fedora spoke in a stern tone. Jess nodded, “Yes, ma’am. Can I get several napkins and a beer order for another customer?” “One beer and some napkins coming.” The wolf walks away.
“Your name is Jess, right?” A familiar voice asked. The fokey turns her attention to the source then her body jumped. The red beast standing beside her leaning on the bar looking at her. Half of the hybrid face hide behind the tray, “Y-yeah.” she looks at the beast. “Why are you so nervous around people?” he asked. “I don’t know. I'm just not used to new people. I guess.” she answered.
Drake snatched the plastic tray away from her. “Hey! Give that back!” the hybrid reaches for the tray. The beast hold it up in the air, “Then how about you tell me what happened at the table? Drinks don’t tip over themselves.” Jess' eyes widen at that last sentence. “Well? Are you going to answer me?” the beast asked. “The customer bumped the drink! Now give me that tray!” Jess jumped for the tray. “Wrong answer. I know what I saw.” Drake hold the tray higher.
The fokey grew angrier as her blue eyes glowed brightly. “None of your business!” she shouted loudly. Two glass bottles flew off of the shelves toward the beast. In one quick motion, Drake moves back avoiding the bottles like nothing. SMASH! Glass shattered as liquid spilled everywhere on the floor. The crowd turns their attention to the source of the sound. They look at the floor then at the beast and hybrid.
Drake and Jess look at the mess on the floor. Jess snatched the tray away and walks to the backdoor. She pushed the door open aggressively through outside. The beast watched until SLAP! The wolf slapped the red beast hard. Drake touched his sensitive cheek then looks at the wolf angrily, “What the he-” She presses her claw finger on his black snout, “I don’t know what you did or say. But you better go apologize.” she spoke in an angry serious tone. “As if.” the beast spoke in a cold tone.
“Then I am lessening your paycheck.” the wolf spoke. “What?! You can’t do that!” he shouted slamming his hands on the bar. “The boss told me if you start misbehaving badly. I have to lessen your paycheck and report to him.” Fedora crossed her arms. Drake growled loudly then walks away pushing customers out of the way. He leans back against the wall near the entrance door with his arms crossed. The beast snorted out smoke aggressively.
Outside, Jess sitting on the ground leaning back against the wall of the building. She holds the tray close to her as tears welled up. The fokey sniffled till a hand touched her shoulder. She looks up at the young calico cat staring down at her. The cat has a look of concern on her face. “Are you okay?” Patty asked. The hybrid sniffled again, “Yeah.”
The calico reached out a hand, “Come on. Let’s go back inside. I and my sister are taking a break. We can get a drink together, kay?” The fokey takes her hand and gets pulled up from the ground. Jess dusted herself off, “Okay.” The cat claps her hand together, “Perfect!”
The two girls went back inside heading toward the bar. They notice Fedora mopping the floor. “Let me clean that up.” Jess reach out toward the mop. The wolf moves the mop away, “No. Go take a break with the girls. I’ll be there to fix you three a drink later.” “Are you sure?” the hybrid asked. The wolf nod, “Yes. You are already having a rough day.” “Thank you. I’ll make it up to you later.” Jess spoke. “Don’t worry about it. Just go.” Fedora places her hand on her hip.
The two girls sit by the bar by Lora. “Are you alright, Jess? You were very upset when you walked out.” Lora asked. “I’m sorry you had to see me like that.” Jess’ cheeks warmed. “Eh, don’t be. Our bouncer can be a butt head.” Lora smiled. “Yeah! Drake is such a meanie head!” Patty smiled. Jess start smiling, “Thanks.” “Hey, we’re friends now. So that’s what we’re for.” Lora looks at her still smiling.
Patty elbowed Jess gently and points at the angry red beast. The cat mimics his angry face. The hybrid covered her mouth trying to hold in her laughter. Lora looks at Patty angrily then starts laughing. Jess and Patty begin laughing with her.
Drake growled with smoke seeping out of his mouth. The beast face slowly went to awe. Jess laughter is like a beautiful melody to his ears. The beast face warmed as his heart raced. He took a step forward till he hears someone snapping fingers. It was Fedora who was getting his attention and shook her head sideways. He growled and lean back on the wall with his arms crossed again.
After the last customer left, Drake locks the door, “That’s the last one.” “Good.” Fedora busy wiping down the bar. “Finally. I can clean the tables and go home.” Jess grabbed a rag. She approaches a table and starts wiping. The beast watches the hybrid butt move side to side with each wiping motion. He licks his lips.
“Should you be heading home?” The wolf asked with her arm crossed. “Nah. I rather stay here a little longer.” The beast replied. “Go home. Now.” Fedora spoke the last word with a stern tone. The beast growled, “Fine.” He walks out from the backdoor.
“What’s his problem?” Lora asked walking out from the backstage with her sister. “He’s just in a grumpy mood.” Fedora answered. “Okay. We better get home. Bye, Fedora! Bye, Jess!” Lora waved holding the backdoor handle. Patty waved too. “Bye.” Jess waved back. Fedora waved, “Be safe.” “We will!” Patty followed her sister out from the backdoor.
Half an hour later, Jess finished putting the last chair on the last table. “Whew. Done.” the fokey smiled observing her hard work. She approaches the bar, “Can I have my bag, please?” The wolf bends down and types the pin numbers on the keypad. She opened the safe and takes out the blue bag. “Here you go.” the wolf placed the bag on the bar. “Thanks. See you tomorrow.” Jess takes the bag.
“Wait. I need to give you something.” Fedora walks out from behind the bar. She walks toward the backstage area. The wolf came back out holding a black shirt with their work logo on the back. She handed the shirt to the hybrid, “Here’s your shirt.” “Oh. Thanks. I’ll wear it tomorrow.” Jess smiled. Fedora smiled back, “Wear it every time you come to work.” “I will.” the hybrid replied.
The fokey walking on the sidewalk under the streetlights. She stops at the pedestrian crossing. She press the button on the metal pole next to her. As the hybrid waits for the signal to cross, she open her bag and takes out a paper. Jess sighed. She looks at the paper with a look of disappointment.
The hybrid felt a crawling sensation on her back. She slowly turn her head looking back. The hybrid’s eyes widen at the sight behind her. A male figure wearing a sweatshirt, jeans, and boots approaching her. The shadow underneath his hood covered half of his face making it unrecognizable. Panic slowly begin to set in within the fokey. She pressed the button over and over, “Come on. Come on.” She looks at the pedestrian signal desperately.
The signal changed to a crossing pedestrian. The hybrid waste no time running across the street to the other side. She can hear footsteps matching her speed behind her. The figure following close by. The fokey eyes glowed when she saw a wooden sign and trash can ahead of her. She knocks over the sign and trash can behind her. She looks back watching the figure jump over his obstacles.
“Oh, come on!” the hybrid shouted. The fokey starts to grow out of breath and slowing down. The figure grew closer and closer. The paper slipped out of her hand. “Please! Somebody! Anyone! Help me!” tears begin to well up in her eyes. The figure reaches out with his clawed hand barely touching her shirt.
“I’m done for.” the hybrid closed her eyes with tears falling from her cheeks. A blue light surrounded her whole body. WHOOSH! The fokey disappeared in a flash. The figure stopped in his tracks panting, “Damn!” he cursed under his breath. The figure starts walking in the other direction. He notices a paper on the ground. He crouched down picking it up. The figure reads the paper closely. A grin appeared on his face.
WHOOSH! “AH! Oof!” the fokey landed on the floor from mid-air. “Owww…” she sat up rubbing her head. She looks around in her apartment, “ Well, This is one quick way to get home and escape from that creepy guy.” The hybrid rises up to her feet and dusts her butt off.
The fokey reach in her bag searching for something. Panic appear on her face. “Oh no. Nonono.” she searches the bag frantically. “Where is it?! It was in here!” she dumped the bag contents on the couch. The hybrid search through her stuff. She stopped and takes a slow breath to calm her nerve, “I can ask for another copy tomorrow.”
The sun slowly rises behind the city. Jess walks down the steps toward the front desk. “Well hello, dear.” The old woman greeted her with a smile. “Hey, Ms.Porter.” Jess smiled back. “What can I do for you, dear?” The old woman asked. “Well… I kinda lost the eviction notice paper. Can I have another copy?” Jess asked. “I’m sorry, dear. The copy machine just broke today.” The old lady replied. The hybrid face turns into disappointment, “Okay. Thanks. I’ll have to come back later.”
At the stripper room, the calico twins arrived talking to each other. “Oh, dear.” Patty places her hand on her mouth. “What’s wrong with her?” Lora asked. The hybrid sitting on a bar stool with her face planted on the bar. “She just not having a good day today.” Fedora answered cleaning a beer glass. The beast snicker turns into laughter. “You better shut that laughing trap, Drake.” the wolf growled. “Sorry. I can’t help it.” Drake covers his mouth stifling his laughter.
The beast calms his laughter before taking a breath. He approaches the hybrid then sit on the bar stool by her. He leans back on the bar, “Hey. Don’t be down.” The hybrid groaned. “I know what will make you feel better.” Drake grinned. The hybrid rise her head looking at the beast with an angry look, “What?” “How about me. You. Go on a date?” The beast answered still grinning.
Patty gasped with a big smile on her face. “No way!” “Aw…” Patty's ears drooped. “I don’t have time for things like that! Even if I did go on dates. I rather date someone other than you!” Jess point her claw finger in his face. “Now, If you excuse me. I got to go get the tables ready.” the hybrid jumps off the stool and walks away. The beast growled with smoke seeping from his mouth.
“Pffft…” “You shut that mouth, Fedora!” Drake hit his fist on the bar hard. “I’m sorry. I can’t help it.” the wolf starts laughing. “Oooo… Burned!” Lora grinned. The beast snarled at the twins. The girls screamed and hold each other. The beast stares them down with angry red glowing eyes.
“Ahem!” Drake snorted then look back at the wolf, “What?!” Fedora narrow her eyes at the beast, “Do you want me to report to the boss and send you home?” “Hmph!” Drake looks away growling. “Good boy. Now go back to your post.” the wolf crosses her arms. “Don’t tell me what to do.” he growled before walking away to the same spot by the door.
Patty walks to Jess, “Why did you say no?! That was the first time he ever asked any female on a date!” The hybrid stops and looks at the calico, “Is it the first time?” “I...I don’t know. But it was the first time for us to hear him ask something like that.” Patty answered. The hybrid return to taking the chairs off of the tables, “Well, I’m not dating him or anyone.” “Why not?” Patty whined. “Patty, leave her alone. She can choose who to date or not.” Lora grabs her sister by the arm and pulls her away. “Awww….” Patty complained.
The beast watches the hybrid work. He licks his lips then grins. In the corner of his eyes, the beast notice Patty standing by him staring. He sighed angrily not even looking at her, “What do you want?” “Don’t be feeling bad about what happened. Just don’t give up. You’ll have her in no time!” Patty smiled with a serious face. The beast chuckled then pets the cat’s head, “Thanks.” The cat purred, “Your welcome.”
The twins did their special stunt on the pole making the crowd cheer and whistle. “Here come our drinks. Hey! How ya doin?” the male border collie asked the approaching hybrid. “I am doing good! Here are your drinks, boys.” Jess smiled placing the beer glasses on the table. “Thanks. Hey, are you single? I want to give you my number.” The canine asked. “I’m not looking for anyone right now. Sorry.” Jess smiled. “Awww...Really?” The canine complained. “Sorry.” The hybrid spoke again before walking away.
The fokey approach the bar, “Busy night.” “Yeah. The twin's new stunts have brought up more business.” Fedora watches the twins do their dances. “Very creative, aren’t they?” Jess asked. “Pretty much. They try their best to come up with new dances and stunts.” the wolf answered. The hybrid notice the beast approaching the bar. “Oh, great. Here comes the jerk.” Jess muttered.
The beast sits on the stool close to Jess, “Hey, Fedora. Could you bring me a beer, please?” “Since you said please.” the wolf walks off leaving the hybrid and the beast alone. The red beast looks at the hybrid. The fokey turn her head away, “Hmph!” “Hey. I’m sorry about the other night and laughing at you.” Drake spoke. “I still don’t like you.” Jess growled not looking at him. The beast shrugged, “Your loss.”
The wolf walks back with a bottle of beer and napkin in her hand. “Here ya go.” she places the napkin on the bar then the beer on top of it. “Thanks, Fedora.” the beast chug down the beer then let out a belch. “Can I borrow a pen?” He asked the wolf. The wolf grabbed a pen nearby the cash register then hands it to the beast. “Thanks.” the beast write something down on the napkin. The wolf takes the empty beer bottle and walks off again.
The beast put the pen down and scoot it toward the hybrid. “Let me know if you change your mind.” Drake gets off the bar stool and walks away back to his post. “What does he mean it’s my loss?” Jess asked herself watching him walk away. The hybrid picks up the napkin. She read the black ink scribbles on it.
On the napkin wrote, “I know you are being evicted soon. -Drake.” The hybrid gasped then look at the beast distanced from her. The beast grinning holding a folded paper between his two clawed fingers. The hybrid gives him an angry stare. The beast takes the paper and rips it a little. The hybrid eyes widen then shake her arms horizontally mouthing the word, “Don’t do that!”
The beast makes a square shape with his fingers. Jess points at the napkin. He nodded then twirl his index finger. The hybrid turned the napkin over exposing another written message. It said, “Meet me in the dressing room during break.”
“I hope he’s not giving you trouble.” The familiar voice startled the hybrid. The fokey quickly hides the napkin in her pocket and looks at the wolf, “ Nope. Not at all.” The hybrid and wolf looks at the beast. Drake looking at the crowd like nothing has happened. “Hey! I like two beers over here!” a customer shouted. “Well, I better go get two beers for ya.” Fedora walks away. The hybrid looks at the beast again.
The beast looks at her grinning. The fokey gave him an angry stare in return.
After an hour, Jess served another table of customers. A customer hands her some cash. “Thank you. Have a great night.” the hybrid takes the cash and walks back to the bar. Jess hands the cash to the wolf who puts it in the cash register. The hybrid looks at the beast. The beast points his index finger at the backstage area before walking away. “Hey, Fedora. I’m going on break.” the hybrid looks at the wolf.
“Another drink with the girls?” Fedora asked leaning on the bar. “Nah. Not tonight. I’m going outside to relax a bit.” Jess answered. “Alright. Don’t take too long.” the wolf spoke. “I’ll try not to.” The hybrid walks away toward the backstage area.
The fokey looks around in the dim room of the backstage. Costumes hanging from a metal rack, decor in boxes and work shirts in different sizes on shelves. She walks past a pile of boxes seeing the door with a golden star on the front. The hybrid approaches the door and grabs the knob. A shiver crawls up in her body as her mind screamed at her to run. The fokey shakes it off, “I have to do this. Or be homeless.” She turned the knob and push the door open.
The hybrid pokes her head inside. Inside the dim room, a vanity with light bulbs on the borders of the mirror illuminating the room. A metal pole in the middle of the room. And an old blue couch on the right side of the room. A pair of boots standing on the floor right by it.
On the couch, a shirtless beast laying down with his feet on the arm. He spins the folded paper on top of his claw. The hybrid walks inside the room and closes the door behind her. The sound of the door turns the beast attention to the hybrid. “Oh. Look who has arrived.” the beast gets up from the couch. He approaches the female hybrid.
As the beast got close, Jess' eyes trailed down from his face to the six pack abs. The hybrid face warmed at the sight of the built male. “Hey.” the beast gently place his knuckles under her chin. He slowly lifts her chin returning her attention to his face, “Eyes up here.” The hybrid stare at his black eyes with red irises and thin cat like bright red pupils.
The fokey face turns into anger. In one quick move, she tries to grab the folded paper from his hand. But the hybrid was too slow. Drake grinned as he holds the paper in the air, “Oh ho ho! Not so fast! We haven’t talked yet.” Jess continue struggling to reach for the paper. The hybrid eyes widen as chills scattered within her body.
A black tentacle with a sharp dagger tip stabbed through the paper. The tentacle takes the paper away from the beast hand. The fokey slowly steps back with the beast following toward her, “W-what are you?” She ended with the wall pressed against her back. SLAM! The beast slam his hands on the wall between her, “Do you really want to know?” he spoke in a low whispered tone. He licks her cheek with his long black tongue. The hybrid shivered from its wet touch.
The beast gets close to her ear, “I’m a demon.” he answered with a whisper. “P-please don’t take my soul.” the fokey whimpered. The demon beast removes his hands from the wall and starts laughing loudly. She looks at the demon with confusion mixed with fear. The hybrid looks at the door beside her. She scoots closer and grabs the knob.
Shhck! Shhck! “What?!” Jess struggles with the doorknob. She slams herself against the door. “Sorry, babe. This room is under a lockdown spell. Courtesy of my sister. Also, you can scream loud as you want, but no one will hear you.” the demon grinned. “What do you want from me?!” the hybrid shouted with her back pressed against the door. “I want to make a deal.” the demon spoke. “Forget it! I’m not giving you my soul!” Jess yelled.
The demon chuckled, “Sorry, but I’m not one of those idiots.” She looks at him with more confusion, “Your not going to take my soul?” “Nope.” he answered. “Then what do you want?” she asked. The demon beast walks toward the couch then sits down leaning back. “I want you to make a deal with me.” he grinned again. “Okay. What is the deal?” the hybrid asked with caution in her voice.
“You be my mate and live with me forever. And you will satisfy my horny needs unless told not to. Everything is paid for and you will be fed. But you will have to pay for your own clothes and some other things. IF I claim you with a bite. Not a nibble. Not a hickey.” the demon explained. “And if you don’t?” Jess asked with a brow raised. “Then I will return this paper to you. And I will keep your eviction and your powers as a secret. Deal?” the demon beast asked reaching his clawed hand out.
The hybrid stare at his hand, “How do I know you will keep your word?” “Ah. Smart girl.” the demon smiled. “Well?” Jess asked. “Alright. Alright. Every time a demon makes a deal our dark souls link with the dealer. If a demon breaks his word of the deal. His/her dark soul get painfully punished. Depending on the demon.” Drake explained. “Oookay…” The hybrid replied. “Well? We don’t got all day.” the demon beast reached out his hand again.
Jess stare at his hand as thoughts run through her mind. “Is this worth it? If he bites me then I don’t have to worry be homeless. But I’ll be some sex slave to him. If he doesn’t then I have to come up a way to pay the two months rent. What choice do I have?” the questions sounded in her head.
The hybrid let out a breath and approach the demon. She takes his hand staring at him with a serious look, “Deal.” The demon beast licks his lips, “Perfect.”
