Rejection Denied

I didn’t bother changing my clothes. I stopped at a corner store and used the restroom to clean the blood off of me. I finger-combed my hair back into a ponytail and pulled my hoodie back on. I patted my pocket to ensure my bag of cash was still tucked in tight. I mean, honestly, I don’t know what to do with this money. The only thing that comes to mind is food.

I stepped out of the restroom and paused down the car accessory aisle. I picked up a bottle of febreeze and sprayed myself a few times before putting it back on the shelf.

“Hey, you can’t do that.” I short man said from behind the checkout counter.

I growled, like literally growled, and walked to the snack aisle. The hotdogs on display looked delicious; they were 97 cents each. I grabbed a bag and used the tongs to take two. I stuffed some ketchup packets in my pockets. And walked to the nosy cashier.

“Just the hotdogs, anything else?” He asked.

I tossed a random bag of chips on the counter and nodded my head.

“It’s a full moon tonight, be careful out there.” He handed me my bags and walked to a small tv and stool.

I walked outside the store and peered up at the bright full moon. I’ve always felt a connection to it. So beautiful in the night sky, surrounded by stars, but still alone. Deadly if you approach it without protection. I pulled my hood over my head and snacked down on my hotdog, continuing my walk to the Pink Lady.

Around thirty minutes later, I was in front of the bar. I threw away my trash and stepped inside.

The pink lady isn’t actually pink. The bar had red brick walls and hardwood floors that probably need to my replaced. There’s a small stage up front, with some covered up equipment. The lights give off a soft orange glow, and the air is polluted with cigarette smoke.

The music wasn’t too loud; a soft ambient tune was flowing through the speakers. Most people were slow dancing; toward the back. The bar had two men lying their heads down passed out. I sat at the bar and pulled my hood back.

“What can I get you tonight, darling?” A woman stuck in the Dolly Parton era asked.

“Whatever your birthday special is.” I rolled my sleeves up.

“Ohh, celebrating the big two-one, are we? OK, I got just the thing for you. You want it strong or light?”

“Make it strong, nothing girly, and fruity.”

“I didn’t peg you as that type. Definitely, an edgy gal, aren’t ya.”

The bartender walked away and I suddenly felt a wave of nausea coming on.

“Damn those hot dogs.” I sighed.

“Here you go, darling. And the best part it’s already paid for.” She whispered, handing the brown drink to me.

Free is free; it doesn’t matter to me. I down the drink and cringed as it burned down my throat. Definitely, whiskey, mixed with something. Not too bad. I pulled out my phone and took a selfie to piss Mark off.

“Can I get another, please?” I asked the bartender.

“Sure thing, hun, give me one sec.” She continued conversating with a man at the end of the bar.

I Listened in on the night time news playing on the tv across from me.

“The FBI and local officers are now investigating a string of missing person reports across three states. Each report filed within the last three months. Officials are saying all missing victims are females, within their early to mid-twenties. Each of them vanished without a trace. If you have any information, please contact your local law enforcement. In other news, wolf sightings have increased—”

“Here’s your drink, hun. And an extra one, on the house. Happy birthday.” I nodded to the bartender and gulped down the first drink.

“I think you should slow down a bit. My little butterfly.” A familiar voice whispered.

I turned to see the man from the fight, the one who gave up his share. He pulled out a stool and sat next to me. Now that he’s closer, I can see that he’s not bad looking. He has light green eyes, an excellent nose, and a sharp jawline with a hint of stubble. His hair that’s pushed to the side is dark brown and comes down to ears.

“Stalker, how are you, man.” I rolled my eyes and turned away. “Hopefully, it’s just a coincidence that you’re here. Otherwise, I’d have to assume that your hear to harm me. Don't worry though, I’ll give you a free trip to meet Grim tonight.”

“Wow, aren’t you a happy birthday girl? How about thanks for the drink.” The man smiled and pushed his hair back. “Listen, I just want to talk. My name is Tanner.”

“Well, not nice to meet you, fuck off Tanner.” I flipped him off and faced the bar again.

“You see, I can’t do that. You caught my interest tonight. I’ve been searching for someone like you for quite some time now—”

“OK, buddy, let me just stop this before it starts.” I took a sip of my drink and cleared my throat. “No. I’m not the relationship type, and I'm not interested in getting to know anyone. See, I saved you a lot of time. So, again Tanner, leave me alone.”

“Ha, ha, ha. Wow, strength, attitude, beauty, bloodlust. I need you Aviry, what if I make you a deal. You come with me, and you’ll never want for anything for the rest of your life.” He leaned in closer, smiling.

“Listen, Tanner; I’m trying to have a decent drink, with little to no interaction. You’re ruining the last part. Mark is my manager—”

“I don’t need you for some fight club. I need you to be my champion.” He snapped.

“Champion for what exactly? My answer is still hell no, but I’m just slightly curious thanks to the drink you bought me.” I raised my glass in mock cheers. Downing, the last of it, slamming the glass on the counter.

“You’ll have to agree before I can tell you.” He ground his teeth together. Clearly irritated that he’s not getting his way.

“Ooh, secrets. Now, I’m even more curious about where I won’t be going.” A sharp pain flashed through my stomach. I rubbed it and scratched my nose. I’m not feeling too well.

“Listen, have a better night. I’m done with your entertainment.” I stood from the bar and made my way to the restroom. Before my arm was grabbed, I snatched it back.

“Don’t touch us,” I growled yet again. A literal growl escaped my mouth.

Tanner slowly backed away, with his hands raised.

I continued walking to the bathroom. Another wave of pain hit my stomach, and the nausea was increasing. I ran into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me. The bathroom is literally the only thing pink about this place—pink brick walls, with written graffiti in random places. The light was dull red, and it flickered a couple of times.

I gripped onto the sink as another wave of pain hit. What the fuck is going on. Those hotdogs are tearing me apart from the inside. After the pain dulled down again, I ran some water and cupped some into my mouth.

I stood up straight to look into the mirror and was shocked to see Tanner’s pale green eyes. His eyes holding a sorrowful look.

“I’m sorry, Aviry, but I need you.” Something sharped pierced my neck before I could react. The room began to spin slowly, and my legs were giving out. I fell backward, into Tanners awaiting arms. “I’m out of time, Aviry. I promise to take care of you.”

I tried to keep my eyes open as he gently rubbed my head. I couldn’t open my mouth to scream or promise to end his life. My arms and legs were completely useless. I couldn’t communicate with my inside voice.

I was entirely at his mercy.