Burning the Candle at Both Ends {Caleb}

[Ashling Lawerence]

There's a place downtown,
Where the freaks all come around.
It's a hole in the wall.
It's a dirty free for all.
When the dark
Of the night comes around.
That's the time,
That the animal comes alive.
Looking for
Something wild.

The Den was bustling like any normal Friday night. Loud music blared from an expensive sound system and lights glimmered and flashed over the stages. With the high class clientele that came and went through the doors, the ladies who entertained were charming as well as beautiful and as such were treated like queens from the men they danced for.

At least, for the most part. There was always one or two idiots who had to be shown out back and taught a lesson but.. That was another story. Membership to the club was so elite that there were very few who wanted to endanger their privileges.

Known for the high quality whiskey they stocked and the relaxing atmosphere the club supplied, The Den was a regular meeting place for prosperous business men. Members were assured of complete privacy if they wished it or the company of an intelligent woman to chat with if they just wanted to chill out a bit. There was no pressure or stress to be had once a member stepped through the wide entrance and that was a big reason the books were always filled with patrons.


Tonight was no different.

With the liquor flowing freely and the patrons on their best behavior, business was good. Real Good. The bouncers stood watchfully on the sides but a feeling of good humor seemed to fill the rooms.

Stepping from the back offices, Ashling Lawerence gave a glance over the floor and then nodded to a couple of her boys. When they gave her grins, she winked at them and then stepped on to the main floor. Everything seemed to be going well but she moved through the crowd making polite conversation anyways.

Standing at about 5'7, the blond made a stunning picture as she swayed through the crowd. Clad in a black leather mini that rode low on her hips and a matching black halter top, Ash was many a man's dream come true. With platinum blond hair that literally spilled clear down below her curvy rear and a body that would have made even Aphrodite green with envy, the young woman was a show stopper to say the least. Her features weren't exactly pretty but they were undeniably sensual.

Finally, after making her rounds and finding everyone satisfied, Ash approached the front bar and slid on to a bar stool. Smiling at Jake, the tall, dark skinned bartender, she ordered a glass of red wine and turned to watch the floors. Her eyes registered a keen intelligence but that was the only clue to the crafty mind underneath the beautiful face.

"Heard anything interesting tonight, Jake?" she asked before seeing her friend shake his head and sighing. "Damn.... Another boring night then huh?"

"Guess so, Ash. Probably a good thing. The Boss called earlier... Said he might be in later to check on things. From his tone, I don't think he would be happy to have to break up a brawl the moment he arrives."

Laughing, Ash nodded. "I think your right about that! We've all worked hard to keep this an upscale place."

Taking a sip of her wine, she looked around before continuing. As she did so, her blue gaze fell on one of the head bouncers and a slight smile spread over her face. What Caleb Draven might lack in height, he sure made up in ferocity. There wasn't many men who would dare to even approach him when he wore his perpetual scowl.

"Whats up with Draven? Someone take away his favorite chew toy?"

When Jake only shrugged, the blond slid from her seat with a sigh.

"Damn, looks like its about my turn. Watch my wine for me will you, hon?"

"Sure thing, Miss Ash."

Nodding a farewell, Ashling headed towards the back but made a slight detour to pass by the bouncer. Giving him a twinkling grin, she arched a brow and drawled.

"Now Caleb.... You are looking like something out of a bad horror movie. Lighten up would you? Your scaring the patrons more than normal!"

Then, moving on by, she ducked into the back room and headed for her dressing area. The female chatter around her rang out but she ignored it for the most part as she changed into a barely there skirt and a crimson boaster with a white man's shirt over the top. A tie and black suit coat rounded off the look and she gave an approving nod into the mirror. Black knee high boots followed the outfit up and then she threw on some make up in time to walked out on stage to the first beats of her song. A sassy smile spread over her face as she grinned and let her body move automatically to the beat.

You know tonight
I am feeling a little out control
is this me
you wanna get crazy
because I don't give a...


I'm out of character
I'm in rare form
and If you really knew me
you'd know its not the norm

Cause I'm doing things that I normally won't do
the old me's gone I feel brand new
and if you don't like it fuck you

There was just something about the feel of the music that made a girl wanna shake her thing. There was a definite surge of energy to her step as she teased and taunted before losing the suit coat and then used the ties as a prop as she spun around the pole. Mischief sparkled in her eyes as she glanced over her shoulder and caught sight of Draven glowering his usual scowl. Man, the dude was entirely to morose tonight.

Deciding to lighten him up, she blew him a kiss and then gave him a good look at her rear as she pranced towards the over side of the stage. Ok, so yeah.... Maybe she was a tease but at least it came in handy with this job. Besides, it wasn't as if she hadn't caught him oogling it before!

The music's on and I'm dancing
I'm normally in the corner just standing
I'm feeling unusual
I don't care cause this is my night

I'm not myself tonight
tonight I'm not the same girl same girl
I'm not myself tonight
tonight I'm not the same girl same girl

I'm dancing alot and I'm taking shots I'm feeling fine
I'm kissing all the boys and the girls
someone call the doctor cause I lost my mind


Cause I'm doing things that I normally won't do
the old me's gone I feel brand new
and if you don't like it fuck you

Risking a glance over her shoulder, Ash grinned as she saw Caleb's expression. Finishing up her dance with a last flare than had tips flying over the stage, she picked up the money and then sashayed from the platform. On the way, she grabbed up the little red bikini top with a gleeful idea and then headed into the back to slip into her real clothing. Once that was done, she strolled back out on the floor and as she passed Draven, she tucked something in his back pocket and gave him a wink.

"Don't think I didn't see you admiring the show... Just a little souvenir." she teased with a wicked sparkle before turning to stroll away.

[cal]

Another day, another buck.

It was a bored and sleepy yawn that escaped him, things were going well in the Den, the dancers were hot as ever and the customers were behaving. How excruciatingly boring was that to be a bouncer when no one needed to be bounced out of the place? It was too much to ask for one of the guys in there to grab one of the dancer’s asses? Heck, Caleb wanted to do that himself, so why wouldn’t those pansy costumers? Crap, another one run away after looking into his scowling face…no one had any guts today?

But he guessed he shouldn’t complain after all it was far better than the council meetings, the seating in a dark corner and let the bigwigs babble. At least this place had hot women dancing, something he was never tired of witnessing. Most of them were cool and all, but they lacked that fierceness he looked on a woman, the kind of woman that was more than a hot body and could kill him if she wanted.

Call him nuts but that was the kind of woman he wanted, not a nice and well behaved lady who said yes to everything he said, but one that would kick him in the gut when she was angry and would tell him to shove it when he was being an idiot…because he was fully aware that he had his bad growly moments. Not to mention a woman that could knock out the lights of some nasty opponent was damned sexy on his book.

He only wished that Derek would sometimes take him along when he was on one of his ‘outside jobs’, those looked like fun considering the bruises the boss came back with sometimes. And instead what he got there? A bunch of guys who’d run to their momma’s at the sight of a short guy if he even looked at them, really pitiful and downright annoying.

The twinkling grin of the blonde that just passed by him had him raising a brow. Yeah right, being reduced to a B horror movie creep, that had just made his day. Still the werewolf swallowed down the growl that fought to escape his lips. Ash could be unnerving at times, but she was ok most of the times and had no fault he was being his growly self after all.

Crossing his arms over his chest he just leaned against the wall behind him and rolled his eyes. If it was anyone else they would find themselves being thrown out of the place, but he didn’t felt so inclined to introduce the hard floor to her nicely shaped rear…so yeah, he noticed.

And when she moved up to the stage, he couldn’t prevent his eyes from moving away from the crowd and towards her. Damn she was hot! There was no denying that, and no denying the look that stole into his face when she blew a kiss in his direction. His mouth hanging open at the unexpected action and he was pretty sure that the nice view she was giving him was completely intentional and just not part of her act on the stage.

Sure provoke him, that was a smart idea.

But she wasn’t done apparently when she stepped back into the club’s main floor and tucked that bikini top on his back pocket. Just as she moved away, Caleb took it in his hand and his enhanced senses carried her scent towards him. Damned tease of a woman.

But never mind that he had just forgot the proper way a bouncer should behave and ignored the crowd he should be eyeing as he grabbed her wrist and stopped her in her tracks. Pulling her back slightly so that he could see her face and she could see the fierce and heated look in his eyes, this time he didn’t held back a soft growl.

“You’re going to just walk away after poking the beast with the bikini top?”

[Ashling Lawerence]

Raise your hand if you don't care
What those platinum girls wear
Raise your hand if you're just here
To have a good time
Raise your hand if your lipstick
Doesn't make you a dumb chick
Raise your hand if the shape of your hips
Don't compare to the shape of your mind
You don't even stand a chance
I'm not taking off my pants
I'm here to start a one girl revolution
I'm not a barbie doll, shopping mall, silicone substitution
I thought I told ya
I'm a soldier
And I'm not leaving til the battle's over
One girl revolution

She giggled. Heavens help her, she actually giggled.

Something no woman in her right mind would be doing with the amount of heat being aimed in her direction from a decidedly fierce were. She supposed she should quit while she was ahead but then... No one had ever accused her of being cautious. Yeah, she was playing with fire but ... as Rhett Bulter once told Scarlett...the words "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" rang in her thoughts.

Caleb was entirely to serious for his own good. He SERIOUSLY needed to lighten up. Why she thought that was HER job, she didn't know. Ok, so maybe that wasn't quiet honest. She was probably the only person RASH enough to beard the lion..er... wolf.. in his den. His whole "Fuck with me and I'll mess you up" persona didn't bother her a bit. She was to used to dealing with his sort to let it phase her.

So she wasn't exactly sane herself.

Ashling had always known she liked to walk on the wild side. It was just something genetic she guessed since she was a sixth generation Blood Rite squire for supernatural community. You couldn't exactly say she or any of her family were sane for hanging around immortals who could kill them with the flick of a finger if they so took the notion. Not to mention the fact that they KNEW their host families were immortal and they were OK with that fact. Oh yeah, call the nice people with the happy drugs and neat little white coats cause they were all definitely certifiable. She wouldn't have it any other way though. It kept life interesting at least!

Turning her blue gaze back to the bouncer, Ash archs a brow and grinned at him. Their heights made them eye level so there was no way he could mistake the mischievous gleam in her look. A mock innocent look glimmered there as she lifted her free hand and trailed it down his chest.



"Now... Do you think I would tease about something like that, Draven? You just seemed to be enjoying the action so I thought I would give you something to think about that might put a smile on those stern features. I do like to think I spread some happiness around." she teased. "Besides, just think of all the envious looks your going to get now... I'm sure some idiot will make a comment and you can pound them for it. That would brighten your night, right?"

Just as she spoke, someone crashed into her from the back and she was pitched forward into him. Gasping, she turned to see a drunk eying her with a besotted expression. His suit coat was all wrinkled and he looked more like a court jester than the high powered business executive he no doubt was.

"Scuse me, Ma'am." he drawled out. "But I'd like to request the pleasure of your company for a drink..."

Blinking, Ash smiled slightly before replying.

"I'm sorry but I'm afraid I am busy for the next hour or so but I'm sure one of the other ladies would be glad to sit with you."

Immediately, the man's look turned testy and he reached out to grab her arm and yank her away from Caleb.


"Your jussssshhhhhh talkin.. to .. himmm.." he snarled. "You can talkkkk to me insteadh..."

Rolling her eyes, Ash went to jerk her arm away but found his grib tight enough to leave bruises. Looking down at his hand, she frowned.


"Sir, I suggest you let go of me now before I have to do something we BOTH regret. Evidently you have forgotten that none of the ladies here are required to do anything they don't wish too and you've also mistaken me for someone you can bully around. If you don't unhand me, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

Unfortunately, her words only seemed to tick him off worse and he pulled her closer to snarl right in her face.

"You'll do what I WANT you to do, bitch. I spend enough money in this place that I'm entitled to some compensation."

Sighing, Ash glanced over her shoulder at Caleb and took in his expression.

"Caleb, do I need to take out the trash or would you prefer to do my light work? I'd hate to break a nail... I just got them done today."

[cal]

Am I
Am I still tough enough?
Feels like I'm wearing down
Is my viciousness losing ground
Am I taking too much?
Did I cross the line?
I need my role in this
Very clearly defined
I need your discipline
I need your help
I need your discipline
You know once I start I cannot help myself
Now it's starting up
Feels like I'm losing touch
Nothing matters to me
Nothing matters as much
I see you left a mark
Up and down the skin
I don't know where I end
Or where you begin

[/color][/size]

Ooh, Grandma. What big eyes you've got.

This was starting to sound just like a modern version of the the little red riding hood tale in the sense that the bad wolf was wanting to eat her up. And the hunter? If he appeared to bother then he would be tipped to pieces.

A low growl rumbled into the depths of Caleb’s throat at the giggling sound that left her parted lips. There was something about that sound that made his hear pound faster in his chest and the very blood gain some manner of heat as it run through his veins. Her teasing had the wolf in him urging to leap forward and take her in his arms.

And he was supposed to be working. Right, he owed a lot to Derek and he considered a man one of his closest friends, but right now he couldn’t seem to care much about the man and his club. If he did he might seen the drunkard approaching him, might had smelled the taint of alcohol on the man’s breath before he even approached them. However Caleb was a creature of instinct and a wild and untamed beast lived in his breast and right now it was howling for blonde locks, he must had his fairy tales mixed up along the way.

But who would care for fairy tales?

As her hand trailed down his chest, she could just as much have burned herself with the heat of his skin. That woman had guts, teasing the wolf like that. A smirk crossed his features for the first time in that night, and he gave her a mockingly disappointed look.

“So all you want is a smile from me? I believe you can walk away with more than that.”

And there the jester enters the tale.

The man that grabbed her was obviously a fool and had no sense of it as he talked to her. If it wasn’t enough his attitude, his breath was foul enough to make any woman run to the hills if she saw a lighter lit. Ash could certainly give the man a piece of her mind, but the idiot was definitively persistent and when he touched her and cursed her, he had crossed the line. Caleb could feel his blood boil and a menacing grin showed on his lips when Ash gave him the cue for him to handle the situation.

With uncanny speed, the were was upon the jester, grabbing him by the collar of his coat and pushing him away from her. “You heard the lady moron, she doesn’t wish your company. But the two of us are going to have a little talk.”

Hauling with ease the man who as definitively more than just a few inches taller than he was, Caleb pushed him outside and shoved him out.

“You’re not welcome in this place anymore, me and the girls appreciate the money you spent here,” he told the guy with a taunting smile.

There it was, the old rush that run through him as electricity when the man raised his hand to hit him and found only air as he ducked. The guy had no idea what hit him when Caleb retaliated, his hand connecting to soft flesh and his knee following in the same fashion. Once the man stumbled down into the street and looked at him with fear in his eyes, it wasn’t long before he took off in a mad dash.

A laugh escaped the were’s lips. It wasn’t a bloody battle of epic proportions, but certainly had been entertaining for the inner wolf. And just as the man disappeared from sight, the wolf focused in a particular scent.

Ash.

Turning back to the woman, he grinned.
“So you’re interested in more than a smile or you're going to just stand there?”

[/center]

[Ashling Lawerence]

They'll go and ask the DJ
Find out just what would she say
If they all tried coming on to her
Don't they know it's never going to work
They think they'll get inside her
With every drink they buy her
As they all try coming on to her
This time somebody's getting hurt
Here comes the next contestant

Oh Yeah.. There was definitely something scrumptious about a guy who could take out the trash. Not that Ash couldn't have done it herself but resist the temptation to see those muscles at work? Nah, that just wouldn't be right. Besides, why deprive Caleb of the pleasure since he was looking like a storm cloud about to burst?

Stepping sideways, Ash let the bouncer do his job but couldn't help trailing after him. Peeking around the front door, the pretty blond watched as he tossed the dude on his rear and then stiffled a bit of a laugh at his money comment. Logan, the door attendant, smirked and crossed his arms over his chest as they observed the action just outside.

"I got a twenty that the dude runs away without throwing a punch!" he said with a grin.

Shaking her head, the blond rolled her eyes.

"I'll take that bet cause hes drunk and stupid."

Just then the idiot swung a fist and Ash crowed.

"EASIEST TWENTY BUCKS I EVER MADE!" she teased, grabbing the money from Logan's hand as he groaned and held it out. "Come on... YOu KNOW Caleb was egging him on for a fight. Gotta give the dude credit for at least TRYING. He's either extremely brave or extremely stupid.. Personally, i'm thinking the latter."

Just then, Caleb turned and caught sight of her standing in the doorway. The look on his face caused her eyes to widen and she blinked. Holy Crap. He had that predator look about him and it caused her to swallow hard. His next words had her on the run.

“So you’re interested in more than a smile or you're going to just stand there?”

Squeaking a bit, Ashling backed up a few steps and glanced around. Logan was looking back and forth between them with an amused grin but the dancer wasn't sticking around long enough to smack him. That would have to come later when she wasn't so rattled.


"Um.... You know what.... I need to get back to work... I've got another set before long and I need to check the floors and make sure everyone else is happy."

Giving Caleb one last look over, Ash turned on a well shaped leg and did the one thing she'd never done before. SHE RAN.

[cal]

I am the one
Who sold his soul
Forever gone to be the
Last Man Standing
Glorious
Noble in my mind
Everything a fight to win
Taking all and giving
Whatever my pride would let me
Not backing down, not giving in
I wouldn't lose, I couldn't


There the werewolf stood, watching the blonde woman before him with a primal heat in his feral eyes. He took in the well shaped features of her body, the obvious silky smoothness of her skin and the delicate features of her face while he basked on her scent that the wind carried over to him as he struggled with his instincts that told him to grab her and claim the woman.

And what she did?

She looked at him with a ‘deer caught in the headlights’ look, her eyes wide and she babbled nervously before turning around and running.

She RAN!

Rising a brow, Caleb watched as her finely shaped rear moved away from him. That was unexpected, he had never pictured Ash for a runner. The type of girl that would provoke the wolf and then flee like the scared lamb.

A rough laugh escaped his lips and he shook his head. “Scared kitten!” he said turning his head to face the smirking Logan standing at the door.

Running a hand through his long dark hair, Caleb stepped back inside the club, but not before whispering as he walked past Logan. “She was right you know? Easiest twenty bucks she ever made. Never bet against the stupidity of horny drunkards.”

There was the perk of enhanced senses of his curse, that was handy to avoid being caught by surprise…of course it wasn’t all that handy at the times when he regressed to his inner beast’s berserker frenzy, but that was what his healing was for when his lack of sense placed him between a rock and a hard place.

Of course there were also the perks of increased resistance and endurance, things that he would like to show Ash…if she did quit running and decided to be more than a tease.

Nodding towards the other bouncers on the job to let them know that everything was under control, Caleb made his way back to the second floor of the club where he was able to watch the crowd bellow and a particular golden haired woman he was now taking a particular interest in.

[Ashling Lawerence]

I wet my lips I thought I had it made
Like Valentino with a hand grenade
I made my move with my libido on
She circled once and then she dropped the bomb
She got the big guns
Pointed at my heart
Bang bang shooting like a firing squad
Big guns
Blew me away
And I went down in flames

Oh baby. The man was dangerous to her peace of mind. All that yummy maleness packed into the nicest fitting pair of leather pants she'd seen in ages.... It was enough to temp at saint... and the good lord knew that Ash was no ones idea of an angel. It was only her latent sense of self preservation that sent her running for the main floor.

Ash could practically feel the heat of his gaze on her back as she skedaddled for safer territory. That didn't, however, keep her from putting a bit of an extra sway to her hips as she went or her gaze from searching the bouncer out as she went about her business. Every time she did, she groaned and made a point to throw herself into some business situation so she couldn't be tempted to shove him into the nearest broom closet and have her wicked way with him. THAT would NEVER do and lead to a whole mess of problems that neither one of them needed.

All teasing aside, Kaera would have kittens if she found out that her companion was baiting the were. Weres were always tricky but Draven was one of the decent few that the Fenrisulfr's actually held in high regard. It was also the one reason she, herself, couldn't take him up on the banked invitation in his eyes. She was a mere human and he was destined for a higher path. She was also a sixth generation Blood Rites Squire and her life was dedicated to serving Kaera's family. Since Caleb wasn't exactly the sort of guy who would need or want a human "assistant"... well, it didn't really seem like there was much future for them.

No matter how hot the sex would be.

And if there was one thing Ash was completely certain of is that getting it on with that bouncer would be hot, heavy and extremely ... energetic. Hell, they'd probably be lucky if they didn't pull the damned bedroom down around them with the fires she'd seen in his eyes. Just the thought made her weak in the knees. Oh yeah.... It would definitely be ... Satisfying.

Groaning to herself, Ashling glanced towards the man in question again and sighed. She was seriously going to be visiting Zoe if something didn't give soon. This sad state of affairs was going to leave her frustrated for life if she wasn't careful. Again, her eyes took in his body and she felt heat in her own middle. It made her wanna bang her head or lock herself in the freezer in order to avoid the impulse to jump his bones. Was he really as strong as all those muscles suggested? Never mind.. Scratch that line of thought. She'd seen him in action enough to know that he definitely was and she couldn't help but picture all the wicked ways it could be put to use. Damn.... Yes, she was definitely in trouble. It was all fun and games until someone conceded defeat and Ash was definitely leaning towards a lack of self control.

And so went the rest of the night.

With a decidedly distracted air, the young dancer made her rounds and danced her sets. Carefully keeping her gaze averted from the wolf, Ash made it through the evening without a major mishap but was relieved when closing time rolled around. By that time, a throbbing headache was setting in but the routine of counting out the registers and tallying the books was a comforting. When she was finished, she left the back office and headed out front. Everything seemed to be in its place so she nodded goodnight to the cleaning crew and turned towards the door.

[cal]

No is a dirty word,
Never gonna say it first,
No is just a thought that never crosses my mind.
Maybe in the parking lot,
Better bring your friend along,
Better off together than just one at a time.
S is for the simple need.
E is for the ecstasy.
X is just to mark the spot,
Because that's the one you really want.
Sex is always the answer, it's never a question,
'Cause the answer's yes, oh the answers
Not just a suggestion, if you ask the question,
Then it's always yes. Yeah!


It was a warm New Orleans night, or maybe it was a different kind of heat he was feeling that had his mind. Caleb was having a hard time from stopping his mind from drifting into fantasies about Derek’s assistant. Sure he had noticed her attractiveness before but the events from earlier had branded with fire an unnerving curiosity upon his mind. He couldn’t help but wonder if her lips tasted as good as her scent was, if her skin had the silky softness that it appeared and he couldn’t stop himself from imagining the sounds she would make if she’d join him under the sheets.

That sway of her hips and the fleeting glances she’d send his way had the wolf in him begging for release, to jump down that rail, push the crowd aside and take her into his arms. Act on pure and uncontained animal instinct and taste every little bit of her until she’d claim for mercy.

Those who knew Caleb knew that he couldn’t quite brag of being in full control of his instincts, his inner savagery, his short temper…guess they could add his sex drive to that list. Sure watching Ash perform on the stage didn’t help much his affliction.

Derek would have his head if he’d leap in that stage and do to her all those dirty notions that flooded his mind before a live audience.

Crap, he had to do something about it or he would spontaneously combust any moment now.

Wandering into the man’s bathroom, he turned on the faucet in the sink and with the help of his hands threw the cold water over his head. Maybe it would help to settle him down, but it was nothing more than a temporary reprieve. As was the foolish attempt of trying to prevent his eyes from searching for Ash.

Never before time seemed to go on in a so excruciatingly slow fashion, and not even a stumbling fool in sight for him to bash the head of and distract his mind. It was alright that he was hoping for a zombie invasion or whatever he could hack through to wander through that door anytime soon.

But the night went by without any further event.

Disappointed that Ash seemed to still be avoiding him, Caleb had never pictured her for a runner, it was time to get moving before they tossed his ass out. Grabbing a beer with the bartender, he had the bottle drained by the time he reached outside and crumbled the can within his hands and ditched it into the nearest trash can into the parking lot.

Climbing into his bike, Caleb let the engine roar but another scent drifted over the motorcycles engine exhaust. He didn’t need to turn around to know who was there.

“Ash”

[Ashling Lawerence]

You say you're a big boy But I can't agree'
Cause the love you said you had Ain't been put on me
I wonder If I'm just too much for you
Wonder If my kiss don't make you just
Wonder What I got next for you
What you want to do?
Take a chance to recognize that this could be yours
I can see, just like most guys that your game don't please
Baby, can't you see?
How these clothes are fitting on me
And the heat coming from this beat
I'm about to blow
I don't think you know

No sooner than Ash had taken a few steps outside than all her well meant intentions went up in smoke. The cool night air did nothing to still the heat that flared to life as the sound of a smooth motor caught her attention. Immediately, she knew of only one man who rode a machine that sounded like that and she turned to see Caleb sitting on his bike.

Awww Hell.... Fate was such a cruel bitch.

As she mentally went through her options, her name drifted on the breeze. Although he never turned around to look at her, the were obviously knew who was standing in the shadows so she moved forward as if drawn by a magnet.

"Nice ride there, Draven..... Figures a guy like you would have an even tougher bike...." she drawled by way of greeting before running a hand over the handlebars and down the tank.

There was nothing like a smooth machine that got a girls notice. She'd always loved motorcycles but she preferred street racers herself. Even had one back at the Den locked in Wulf's garage because he'd thought it to "dangerous" for her.

Yeah... Whatever. The shapeshifter had NO idea how dangerous she truly liked to live. Probably a good thing since he had no idea that Brom snuck it out for her and she had taken to riding in some of the street races the city was unknown for. If he ever found out... She and Brom would both be in a shit load of trouble.

Shaking her head at those thoughts, she turned her attention back to Caleb and cocked a hip lazily. His gaze was hooded so she couldn't tell what he was thinking but she swore her body responded in very obvious ways.

Suddenly, she wished she'd taken time to change out of the short little leather mini and her knee high boots. The outfit was suggestive to the extreme but she hadn't thought she'd really run into anyone on her way home. Now, she realized that the bouncer was eying her like a piece of candy to be eaten and if he kept doing that... There was no way in hell she was going to be able to turn down the invitation he was offering.

Oh yeah... Little Red Riding Hood could very well get eaten if she wasn't careful.

"Um.... I was just closing up... Going to head back to the Den.... " she said huskily. "What are you still doing here? I thought you'd be gone an hour ago...."

Damn, way to go Lawrence. If that didn't sound lame, she didn't know what did. Where was all her finesse? She'd handled countless other guys.. What was so different about him? Maybe she SHOULD sleep with him just to get him out of her system. She didn't remember ever being so rattled before.

[cal]

From the darkness, I walk into the light
From the day, I walk into the night
From the shadows, I will appear
With a message, for all who will hear
For the weak of heart, I will be strong
To the defenders of faith, I will belong
To the last of us, fight till we die
Till the keys, of the kingdom, are mine
All stand together
For the world to see
Now the time is right
To live out all our dreams
Say the words forever
Your strength will never leave
If you want to win the fight
Say, "I Believe"

[/color]


Didn’t she actually look good enough to eat? At least that was what the wolf inside him was telling him, but not in the blood and guts way.

His keen eyes watched her every motion once she moved into sight, he could almost swear her body was inviting him even if he could tell she was probably thinking of running away again if he pressed it, so he played it cool. She wouldn’t be the first one to believe him to be intimidating…and those who didn’t believed the short guy could be that though had either ended up in the hospital or in a six foot deep whole. But all she needed to worry about him was that he wouldn’t get her a moment of rest tonight if she had the guts to take him on.

Running a hand through his dark hair, Caleb cocked a brow at her words. “Come on Ash, can’t you do better than that?” he asked and then followed with a laugh.

She had seen her turn down guys with way more class than that about a few dozens of times already. A smirk appeared in his lips, he knew what that meant, he made her nervous. As if he needed that to know, he could hear her heart racing faster as she approached him, one of the other perks of being what he was.

Was she brave enough to know the other ones?

Shutting down the engine, he leaned forward and the light shone over his face, revealing his heated look towards her. It wasn’t like he was going to bother hiding it anyways, the wolf knew what it wanted and would never be shy about it.

“Are you scared of me Ash?” he asked with a smile before sliding of his bike. “Because I always imagined that you had more nerve than that.”

Coolly he walked closer to her until he was standing just a few inches away. His cool demeanor wasn’t actually hiding the heat that emanated from his skin and the predatory eyes that stared at her. He was what he was, there was no changing it. Not a man, not an animal, but something in between, a creature of instinct and right now all of his instincts were telling him to take her in his arms and kiss her hard.

Just then the night wind run through her golden hair, bringing her scent towards him with its full force. Rising his head slightly, Caleb sniffed the air and smiled. Dammit, that girl made him want to howl to the moon.

Wrapping one arm around her waist, he pulled her body tight against me.

“I’m not one for playing games Ash, are you going to run or are you going to stand still long enough for me to kiss you already?”

[/center]

[Ashling Lawerence]

I get frightened in all this darkness
I get nightmares and I hate to sleep alone
I need some company
A guardian angel to keep me warm when the cold wind blows!
I can feel you breathe
I can feel your heart beat faster
And take me home tonight
I don't want to let you go till you see the light
Take me home tonight
Listen honey, its just like Ronnie sang
"Be my little baby"
Be my little baby!

Oh hell. There went all her good intentions. All her efforts to walk away before things got any more out of control between them and they both did something very unwise. The challenge he blantantly threw in her face made her blood race and a feeling of recklessness stir in her soul. So what if he was a big bad were man? She wasn't afraid of anything he could dish out. Hell, she could probalby do him one better if he really wanted to play with fire.

Letting a slow, heated smirk steal over her face, Ash brought an arm up to wrap around his neck and pulled his lips down hard on hers. Their heights were perfectly matched so it wasn't hard to do. The growl she felt rumble in his chest made her grin against his mouth even as she allowed her body to curl into his like a cat asking to be petted. The hard muscle she felt wasn't disappointing and it was with some satisfaction that she felt his reaction to her own behavior.

Finally breaking the kiss, she pulled away and lifted a brow. His arms still kept her close but she didn't mind. She was afraid she might have melted right into a puddle if he'd let go. Not that she was going to give HIM the satisfaction of knowing that. Er... Scratch that... He was a were.. He probably already knew it. Damn their super senses. Her body fairly hummed with arousal and she didn't think that was a roll of quarters in his pocket.

Feigning a nonchalants she was FAR from feeling, Ash cocked a brow.

"So, hows that for a kiss, wolf man? I do believe that settles the debate on whether I"m scared of you or not? Just cause you have a nasty reputation... Don't go expecting that your bite is going to scare me off. I happen to like walking on the wild side.."

Then, giving him a shove that had him sitting down hard on the bike, she smiled evilly. Stepping up to him, she looked down into his face and trailed a finger over his firm lips.

"Didn't your mother ever tell you that there was a girl out there that could get you into trouble? I think if I were you..... I'd be the one running."

[cal]

I want you
In a vinyl suit
I want you bad
Complicated
X-rated
I want you bad, bad, bad, bad, bad
Bad
Don't get me wrong
I know you're only being good
But that's what's wrong
I guess I just misunderstood

His dark eyes searched for hers before she made her move. For a moment there Caleb thought he might came on too strong, but he never been Mister Subtle and he wasn’t going to start now. The wolf inside him knew exactly what it wanted and wasn’t afraid of going for it, if he was going to crash and burn, it was just something he would live with.

But he had his senses that had never betrayed him.

He could hear her heart beating faster, could feel the heating of her skin and read the tensing of her muscles. She shared the heat, only one question remained: had she the guts to make a move? Caleb wasn’t one for games, hence the direct approach.

And that smirk on her lips told him the whole story.

The moment their lips connected, the wolf responded to the kiss with the same intensity she’d given him, feeling her body curl into hers and he barely needed his enhanced senses to notice her reaction to him. And it was no surprise either that he felt the beast inside him howling, that woman really brought out the animal in him, that savage and untamed beast that made him hold on tighter to her.

When she broke the kiss, he felt like it wouldn’t take much more for smoke to leave his heated lips. His body had reacted to her, making him want her even more than before. Heck, he wanted to rip apart her clothes right there and feel her skin against his.

With a smirk forming in his lips, he tilted his head and gazed at her beautiful face barely able to contain what his instincts told demanded him to do.

“I don’t know Ash, I may need some more convincing out of you. And let me assure you, you have never truly learned the real meaning of wild side, but you kiss me like that again and I will show you.”

A throaty laugh escaped him as he got shoved back towards his bike.

“No, she never did, but let me tell you, I NEVER run.”

Getting back into his feet, he walked up to her and burying his nose into her throat for a second, sniffed her scent before a soft aroused grow rumbled deeply into him. His eyes were intense as he spoke to her next.

“Why don’t you hop in my bike with me and let’s get out of here? I feel hungry…and not for food.”

[Ashling Lawerence]

You've been saying all the right things all night long
But I can't seem to get you over here to help take this off
Baby, can't you see?
How these clothes are fitting on me
And the heat coming from this beat
I'm about to blow
I don't think you know
I'm telling you loosen up my buttons baby
But you keep fronting
Saying what you going do to me
But I ain't seen nothing

OH MAN. That look. It made her feel like a meal to a starving man and her middle grew hot and heavy as she meet his gaze with what she hoped was a collected one of her own. She had a feeling he saw right through it but it was the effort that counted right? Right. She'd just keep telling her happy place that so that her inner alarms would shut the hell up.

"Sure... why the hell not? Not like I have anyone waiting on me anyways....If you think your up for it.... I hope you had a good days rest cause your going to need it." she purred at him. "Lets go."

Sliding around him, she eyed the bike and then her little skirt but shrugged. There wasn't any help for it so she'd just have to hope the ride was short and swift. At least the bike ride, that was. Her evil little inner voice was hoping for a whole lot more than that from the man himself. With any luck, they wouldn't run into much traffic on the road since it was way to late for any sane person to be up and driving around.

That decided, she swung a slim leg over the machine and then eased back to allow Caleb room to get on. Sliding on to the bitch seat, Ash got as decent as possible as she waited for him to join her. When he did, she eased up against him and slid her body up tight against his back. The feel of the power beneath her had her grinning and then she wrapped her arms tightly around him as they sped off into the night to wherever he was taking her.

[cal]

Alright!
Come to you honey on the east side runnin' and I ain't got time to waste
Jump into the car in the back seat lovin' but your keeping me on the chase
I've been trying all nightlong I put up with your favorite songs all night
Tempted by your tainted love I surely like for you to come inside my crystal ball what can I do


The beast was staring at her through his eyes, a monster peeking through the window begging for release and aching to devour her hole. Her own fault for looking so damn tasty that Caleb wanted all of her and see if all those fantasies that run inside his head would feel as good as he imagined it would be, he wanted to hear her beg for mercy.

And her voice? Ah her voice! She purred like a kitten and the wolf had to use all the self control to hold on as she slid her body next to his and wrapped her arms around him.

Damned be Derek for teaching him self control!

Letting the engine rumble, Caleb took off bent into breaking the sound barrier. Mercifully the wind was guiding her scent away from him as they rode, but he was still very aware of her presence and the burning desire inside him. Thankfully there wasn’t any cop out to stop them for speeding or he might have his face bitten off.

After too long, he screeched off to a sudden stop and killed the engine.

As soon as she unwrapped her arms from him and slid back, Caleb lost no time in idle chat and hopped off the bike, taking her by the hand and pulling her along, the were claimed her lips in a fiery kiss as his hands roamed down to her perfectly shaped rear.

But the truth was, Caleb was through with playing games, he wanted to shed away those clothes that kept them apart. And once the door was unlocked, he guided her inside. He didn’t quite intend on giving her a tour, there was only one room that he wanted to show to her right now, and it was the bedroom.

It seemed spacious, even though it was only a mattress on the floor. The furniture, what had been left of it, had been removed after he trashed it after a particularly troublesome nightmare. But he wasn’t going to focus on that or bother to give an explanation right now. He wanted those clothes off, and he wasn’t playing nice or being shy about it as he ripped them away. Hopefully Ash wouldn’t be too mad at him in the morning…well, it was her who said she liked to walk into the wild side, was it not?

[Ashling Lawerence]

Let me tell you about this guy
He looked me straight in the eye
And I won't be the same again
No, he's not like other men
He's one of a kind
Wanna make him mine
And he's steady like a rock
Day and night, it's not right
What would I do without your sweet loving
I will write black on white
Just give me a kiss, just give me a kiss
Can't sleep at night, ain't feeling right
All I wanna do is you
You're so fine, gotta make you mine
All I wanna do is you

There was nothing like a ride on a powerful motorcycle that got a girls engine reeving. Unless the man driving the thing was twice as hot and ten times as sexy. As much as Ashling loved the feel of the machine underneath her, she was more than ready for the ride to come to an end by the time Caleb pulled up in front of a house and slid off the drivers seat. The way his eyes practically devoured her as she swung a leg over and slipped to the ground told her he was having as much problem maintaining control as she was and that just fanned the fires higher.

Before she even knew what was what or had a chance to ask where they were, he pounced and she allowed herself to be swept up in the tide. Vaguely, she felt him tug her into the house and through rooms towards what she assumed was his bedroom. As they went, she somehow lost different articles of clothing and ended up in nothing but her boots and underwear by the time he let her come up for air.

Damn, he was good.

With a evil little grin, she began to return the favor. First it was him jacket followed closely by his shirt until their bodies meet skin on skin. Running a hand over his bare chest, she leaned in to nip at his neck and then laughed when they were suddenly airborn and she landed flat on her back on the mattress.


So the wolf was in a hurry was he? That fact made her smirk and wiggle against him provocatively. She could feel his pulse racing and felt his body harden even more against her. Oh baby, he was definitely built to please.

"Hmmmmm.... Whats a matter, Draven? A bit impatient aren't we? Tell me.. are you one of those guys who thinks its a race to the finish or are you going to make this worth my while?"

OH yeah, she was just asking for it. But that was the whole point wasn't it? She wasn't exactly the sort of girl who was happy just bowing down to a man. It just wasn't in her to let him think he was calling all the shots.

"I seem to recall you spouting something about keeping up... Now that you got me here.. what are you planning on doing with me?" she mocked and teased with a wicked glimmer to her eyes.

There was no doubt in her mind that the dominant male in him would take the bait. It was just how and what he'd do about it that had her watching him with avid attention. He definitely wasn't the vanilla cream type of man so she was anxious to see just what he was made of.