The Velvet Chalice

Tessa stared at the clock at the bar—only three more hours left on her shift. She had been working doubles for the past couple of weeks. Most of the college kids who worked at Cup and Cork were getting ready to go back to school. She was busy mixing drinks when she heard the bell chime, announcing a new customer, and felt the same tension in the air.

Ever since she saw that shadow by her apartment, she had been sensing the feeling of being watched. Noticing small shadow movements out of the corner of her eye, goosebumps breaking out on her skin, the hairs on the back of her neck standing up—it was all getting pretty exhausting. She was losing sleep from it, constantly looking over her shoulder, not knowing what was going to happen.

Jax had also been unusually quiet these past couple of days. She wasn’t sure what was going on with him. She was hoping to share some of her worries with him, but he wasn’t around for her to do that.

"I would like a Velvet Fang on the rocks, please."

That deep, velvety voice with a dark allure that pulled you in—she knew that voice anywhere. Tessa slowly turned around to find Ash sitting at the bar. He was dressed in a dark-colored tailored frock coat that flared slightly at the waist. His dark blue shirt had a high-standing collar with subtle pleating that added a flair of elegance.

Ash was magnetic, alluring, and a vampire—something completely off-limits to Tessa, no matter how much she wanted him. She quickly made his drink and placed it in front of him. He brought it to his lips and took his first sip, keeping eye contact with her as he drank. He could hear her heart beating rapidly.

Ash knew she would be dangerous for him. The pull, this allure he felt toward her, was not easy to ignore. He had been watching her, keeping track of her whereabouts, but never approached until now.

Tessa watched as Ash left the restaurant, placing money on the bar before heading outside. She had a feeling her night was about to get more interesting. As she cleaned up the bar, closed the till, and headed out, it was already 2 a.m.

She grabbed her things from the back and headed outside. She smelled him before she saw him hiding in the shadows. He had a sweet smell—a mix of warm tones of amber, vanilla, and spiced honey with a touch of smoky undertones.

"Has anyone ever told you that you look like you could be a member of The Black Veiled Brides?"

She started walking toward her apartment, Ash following a few steps behind.

"Who?"

She turned to look at him and let out a soft laugh.

They continued walking until they reached her apartment. Tessa led the way and invited him in. He took in the minimal furniture around the living room, noting the soft gray couch, the small round dining table with chipped Robin blue paint, and the little succulent centerpiece.

She placed her keys on a hook by the door and walked into the kitchen to put the kettle on. When she reappeared, her makeup was off, her hair was down, and she was wearing oversized men’s clothing. A part of Ash felt instantly jealous.

They sat on the couch, and after a bit of hesitation, Tessa relaxed by his side. It felt comforting and secure to be with him like this.

"Have you been following me?"

"Yes. I’m not going to lie to you, Tessa. I have been following you. I needed to. I can’t really explain it, but I just had to see you, even if it was from afar."

She stared at the TV, afraid to look him in the eyes.

"Then this pull I feel, this tension I feel when you’re around—isn’t it some part of the allure of you being a vampire? Or having powers?"

Ash started laughing and lifted her chin with his fingers.

"No, little human, that pull you feel isn’t some voodoo spell I crafted. Yes, vampires have powers, but it takes years and sometimes centuries to master them."

He leaned down and gently brushed his lips against hers. Tessa held her breath. His lips were soft and gentle, holding promises she wasn’t sure she wanted.

Ash leaned down, placing kisses on her cheeks, her nose, her lips, and slowly making his way to her neck. She tilted her head, exposing her neck more to him. He licked the soft spot where her neck and shoulder met.

"If we play this game, Tessa, it will end badly. For you and I to give in to the pull could have grave consequences. Not everyone in the supernatural is as welcoming to humans. You saw what happened to that girl at the club."

He laid his forehead against hers, rubbing her back and arms. He knew just being here would put her in danger, but the pull was too strong. He would rather die than not be able to hold her, smell her, touch her, kiss her.