Dominique and I began to text each other regularly. It was nice getting to know her, but I did wish to hear her voice on the phone when I wasn't at the club. I let her have this as she seemed nervous to get to know me. I went to the bar regularly to play in the band and see her. Sometimes I could even get her to dance with me or play pool. I thought things were going well until her bartender died. That's when everything blew up on me.
I came into the bar and sat down at our usual table. I had smelled Tim before I ever saw him. He was behind the bar. Dominique came over off and on during the night, but she kept looking at the bar. Finally, I asked her to dance. I held her close, but I could definitely feel Tim's eyes on us.
"Dominique, may I ask you a question?"
"Sure. You've never asked me before if it was okay. Why start now?" Dominique replied.
"Is that your ex-fiancé?"
"Yep," Dominique sighed.
"Why would he be behind the bar?"
"Well, my bartender died, and none of my other applicants were available. You have to do what you have to do sometimes. It wasn't a choice I really wanted to make, but I can't be in several places at once. Do you have a problem with it?"
"Would it matter if I said yes?" I asked.
"We're friends, so I guess I would say yes, it matters. But not to the point that I am going to fire him. So far, he hasn't done anything to warrant being fired. But then again, it is only his first day. I didn't hire him to get him back into my life. I hired him for a job."
"You already know I like you, so I suppose I should tell you that I am a very jealous man. I see something I want, and I go for it. I'm not giving up on that date either. I just don't want to have to compete for your affections."
"You really are sweet, Nathaniel, and I like that about you. But honestly, you have nothing to be jealous of. Tim had his chance in my life, and he blew it. Furthermore, I have told you that I don't want a relationship right now. I honestly don't think I could handle it. There's been too much going on that has triggered a lot of bad memories. I think I need to take care of myself before I do anything else."
"I can understand, Dominique, but sometimes it is good to let someone else take care of you."
"Thanks for the offer. I just need a little time. Maybe when I get myself right in my head, I'll take you up on it."
"I'll be here when you do."
When we finished dancing, I left Dominique and went and sat at the bar. I was going to let Tim know that Dominique was off-limits. I could tell he wanted her back, which pissed me off. He had his chance with her, and he ruined it. Everything I had found out about him pissed me off.
Tim walked over to me and asked, "You want something?"
"Yes. I want Dominique. And I see how you look at her, and I ask that you not. I don't want to quarrel with you or your people. I saw the women in here earlier. How about you just leave Dominique alone so she won't get wrapped up in your mess?"
"I'll do what I want. You don't have dibs on Dominique. Last I checked, she's single. And I would never bring her into anything, especially without her knowing about it. I know about you because I can smell it all over you, so does she?"
"Not yet, but she will. She isn't ready yet. She belongs with me. She's my other half. She feels it, but she's denying it."
"Whatever. Just admit that she doesn't want you. Soulmates aren't real. Furthermore, she damn sure doesn't believe in that crap."
"We shall see. She hasn't seen enough yet, but she will figure it out eventually. And when that happens, you won't stand a chance. So, just bow out gracefully while you still can," I said and got up.
I walked out of the club, still upset that Tim was there. I had to get away before I did or said something I shouldn't. I had learned long ago that Dominique had no idea that Tim was a wolf. That meant I couldn't tell her what I was either. So instead, I went to her house like I did every night and waited for her to arrive.
What I saw when Dominique came home pissed me off. Tim was carrying her because something had happened. I heard him and Melissa talking right before they left. If Tim had been paying attention, he would have smelled me, but he was more concerned for Dominique. I zeroed in on their conversation and realized Dominique had a seizure. Melissa had mentioned this was going on for too long. I wondered if she was talking about the dreams.
I had seen Dominique zone out some, too, and knew the dreams were getting worse on her body. I hadn't meant for this to happen, but it seemed to have made them worse when I started coming around. However, my plan seemed to be working, so I didn't want to stop them. If they got any worse, then I would have to stop them. I couldn't risk her life for them. I sighed and went into the house and watched her as she slept. I didn't bother to lay down with her because I was worried I might disturb her and cause another seizure. When I left again, I felt I shouldn't, but I had to.
*****
I was surprised when Dominique texted me a few days later. I knew she had taken time off of work and had just been around the house. Perhaps she was just restless and wanted to get out, but I was going to take her up on the offer of taking her out on the date I had been bugging her about. I was going to make sure it was at least memorable. I picked the dark gray suit that fit me perfectly as it was tailored just for me. I slicked my hair back and went down to the mustang. It was my favorite car out of all the ones I had.
I stopped at the store and got flowers for Dominique. I knew she would appreciate it. I thought it was funny that she texted me her home address since I already knew it, but she didn't know that. When I arrived at her house, I pulled the flowers out of the car. I walked up to the door just as she was opening it. I smelled the lust on her instantly. She'd obviously seen me get out of the car and liked what she saw. I smiled.
"Good evening, Dominique," I said as I handed her the flowers.
"Thank you. They're beautiful," Dominique said as she kissed my cheek.
I instantly got a whiff of Tim's scent. He had been here recently. Dominique told me to come in so she could put the flowers in a vase, but Tim's scent grew stronger as soon as I did. I couldn't help my reaction as my nose wrinkled. The smell of werewolves was strong and unpleasant. I was instantly angry but tried not to show it. I watched Dominique sniff the air and knew she couldn't smell what I was smelling. I watched her look at me for a minute, and then she shook her head. I had to know if Tim had been trying to get back with her. Why else would he have been here?
"So, Dominique, what have you been doing lately? I haven't seen you at the club in the last few days."
"I've been at home. I wasn't feeling well the other night, so I decided to stay home and get some rest. However, I wanted to go out tonight, so I thought I would see if you still wanted to go out with me."
"Have you had any other company?" I asked.
"I wouldn't call him company. Tim keeps showing up to ask if I want to ride to work with him," Dominique answered as a blush crawled up her neck to her face.
"Hmmm. Should I worry that Tim knows where you live?"
"He wouldn't know where I live if Melissa hadn't told him. I got sick the other night, and she drove my car home. He apparently brought me home because Melissa couldn't pick me up. I kind of passed out at work. So, there's that."
"Is he the reason you asked me about taking you out?"
"Nathaniel, I'm not into Tim. I don't want to be with Tim. I thought we could hang out tonight and talk. If you don't want to, then that's fine. However, I won't be asked questions like I'm a child and can not be around whom I want to be around. Now, do you want to go out or not?" Dominique asked.
"Yes, I still want to go out. I told you I do not wish to fight for your affections. I will be your friend, but I am a jealous man. I do not like to think of you with him."
"You're sweet, Nathaniel. You'll have to get over the whole jealousy thing. We are just friends, and you can't be jealous of your friends. If I decide to date again, I can definitely see myself dating you, but right now, I'd like just to hang out and get to know you. If you find someone else to date in that process, I can completely understand," Dominique replied.