Ace
Hey, I hope this is okay for his first post. If I can improve at anything (I know I didn't really include other characters yet), just let me know.
******************
Neon lights flashed, pulsing in tempo with the rapid dubstep beat that poured from the speakers, emanating a lively atmosphere the patrons paid to experience. People mingled, bodies intertwined in an intimate ritual insinuated by the music. Sitting at the bar, I sipped at my Black Velvet, allowing the dark liquid to slide down my throat.
As I eyed the dancers, I downed the drink, slamming the tall glass onto the counter and turning to flash a grin at the barmaid.
“Hey, Sweetie, you mind getting me a shot of tequila?” I called, tossing a wink and earning a giggle in response. As she placed the glass before me and I slipped her the cash, a group of modelesque women strode over to the bar, their dresses short and their laughter intoxicated.
“Ah, we’ll all have appletinis. So... four, please,” the tallest laughed, shaking out her unruly blonde mane. Seizing the opportunity, I smoothly slid two twenties across the counter, spinning on the barstool to face them.
At first, they seemed annoyed, but, after they eyed me up and down, their gazes softened.
“Aren’t you cute?” the blonde teased, snatching the money from the counter and stealing the seat before me. “Thanks for the drinks.”
“It’s my pleasure. Beautiful women shouldn’t have to pay for anything.” Her comrades giggled behind her as I smiled coyly.
“I bet you say that to every girl you meet,” she snapped, unfazed.
“Only when it’s true.”
Lowering her eyelids, she casually reached for her beverage, taking a sip and licking her lips.
"I'm Christine," she purred. "And you are?" Just as I was about to answer, coyly, of course, someone interrupted me.
“Ace?” a voice from behind me called, and, with a sigh, I turned my head.
“That’s my name. Who’s asking?” I barked, a sudden sense of dread settling in my stomach.
“I need to talk to you.” They seemed urgent and very tired, but, honestly, I didn’t have time for that.
“Look, I’m kind of in the middle of something,” I muttered, spinning around briefly to stare at the man, his green eyes electrifying.
“If I wanted to, I could reveal your secrets right here,” he whispered harshly, his sharp incisors glimmering in the flashing lights.
“What are you talking about?” I growled, my mind racing and the girls behind me growing impatient.
“How old are you, Ace?” he offered. Well, at least that was the secret he was talking about, but I would get in serious trouble if I was caught.
“I’m 26,” I lied sharply, narrowing my eyes to slits. “What do you think?”
“I think you’re a liar,” he retorted, my breath hitching in my throat.
“What are you, a cop?” Hissing, I rose from my seat, now having a good inch on him.
“Quite the opposite, actually,” he answered cryptically. “I need to talk to you. In private. Now.” Tossing an apologetic smile at the girls, I shrugged.
“Sorry, ladies, duty calls,” I chuckled, drawing more giggles from their lips. Turning back to the stranger, I sombered. “You better make this quick.”
Once we were outside, I leaned against the wall adjacent to the entrance, my eyes flickering to the scandalously dressed women lining up for admission.
“I know you’re seventeen and that you don’t have a home,” the man breathed, snapping my gaze to him. “And I know that you aren’t human.”
“What? How the h*ll would you know that? What would make you think I’m not human?! Who are you?” I demanded, moving toward him, my body tense.
“Ace, calm down. Let me explain,” he insisted, eyes wide, as he made a “simmer down” motion. “My name is Sebastian, and I’m a vampire. You’re some sort of hybrid, right? Anyway, I’m from a club, The MCC which is short for The Mythological Creatures Club.”
“Oh, you have got to be kidding me,” I chuckled, shaking my head. “Is this a prank? Am I on camera?”
“This isn’t a joke,” he barked, his expression solemn. “There’s an organization hunting us down, and we don’t know why. The point of the MCC is to protect us and give us a way to investigate.”
“So you’re saying that you want me to join some sort of... role playing group or something?” I questioned, unsure if he was being honest. I mean, come on. A vampire? Was he a TwiHard or something? “I guess I’ll give it a shot, but, Im just warning you, I’m not dressing up. I don’t do cosplays, or whatever.”
“I’m serious, Ace,” he insisted. “You think I’m lying? Then take off your hat.”
“Excuse me?”
“Do it. Unless you’re hiding something.”
“Look, Sebastian, right? I’m going ba—” At that moment, he moved toward me, snatching my gatsby hat and smirking. As soon as the chilly air caressed my ears, they rose, twitching in the breeze. Frantically, I struggled to hide them, but, judging by the unamused stare the other man was giving me, he had seen enough.
“Alright! Give me my hat,” I growled, thrusting my hand toward him. He obliged, his gaze unwavering. “So, this club of yours... I wouldn’t be... the only one?” Having spoke in a soft voice, I wasn’t sure if he’d heard me, but he still nodded once.
“We’re all together in this,” he grinned, flashing his teeth. They were sharp. “When you’re a freak, even when you don’t act like it, all you’ve got is other freaks, right?” Laughing, I shrugged.
“I guess so.”
“Ace, you’ll be safe there, okay? I promise. And I’m sure you’ll get along with the others. Well, most of them,” he replied, his tone sincere. Licking my lips, I contemplated my options.
Continue living on the streets, migrating constantly between “foster homes”, or go with this guy in hopes he was telling the truth.
“Fine. I could use some time away from here,” I answered, rolling my shoulders. Offering a grin, Sebastian nodded, brandishing a manilla envelope from his jacket.
“I’m glad you’re with us. Here’s a plane ticket and money for a cab. You’ll be heading to Virginia. Someone will pick you up there,” he spoke, shoving the papers into my hand. “I won’t be going back with you; I’m kind of the errand boy. But I’m sure you’ll do fine on your own.”
After a moment, I inhaled deeply, nodding in gratitude.
“Thanks for the opportunity,” I muttered, and, with a wave, he strode away, glancing at a small device as he did so.
Who knew? This was the first time I’d ever felt... accepted. Even though I hadn’t met anyone in this club yet, I trusted the vampire’s word. I’d make the best of the situation like I always had.
It was worth a shot.
***************
I hope you liked Ace's first post! I'll try and write some more soon so I can include other characters. :)
