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Description
Just One Bite
Chapter 1

It had been a long day for Catelyn.
She stretched in her leather chair. ‘I’m 21, single, and working as a secretary in one of the biggest magazine publishers in New York city!’ She thought. ‘So why am I doing nothing with my life!?’
     “All I do is make the coffee, deliver manuscripts, photocopy things, and answer the phone for my boss!” she checked the clock on the office wall. It was already 10:00.
     “Dammit Mark!” she growled. “I should have gone home ages ago! How goddamn long does it take to read an article?” she continued mentally bashing her lazy boss until she heard his door open. She sat up ramrod straight.
     “Catelyn! What are you doing here? You should have gone home a while ago.” said Mark Thompson, a fat, balding man in his late forties.
     “You think? You said you wanted to see me after work. That was three hours ago!!” Catelyn’s temper was hanging by a thread now. Mark saw it and winced.
     “Sorry about that. Oh, I looked at that article you submitted.” Catelyn’s heart leapt. “I really like it but... I don’t think I can print it. ‘Top 10 ways to pamper your cat and you’ just isn’t going to sell. Sorry.” Catelyn’s shoulders fell. She sighed.
     “Look..” said Mark “I know you want to be a journalist, but what you do is way better!” Mark smiled as he tried to cheer up his unhappy employee. Bad move.
     “What are you talking about Mark?!” Catelyn yelled. “All I do is make coffee and run errands! How is that better than contributing to the company?”
     “Well, none of our previous secretaries and errand runners could make a meaner cup of coffee!” Mark said with a smile. Marie growled deep in her throat. Mark sighed and rubbed his temples wearily.
     “Tell you what Cate, you worked hard today. Go home and take tomorrow off. Treat yourself to a movie, a shopping spree, a manicure, or go to a nightclub. Just take a break and recharge your batteries. Ok?” Catelyn smiled. Mark did have his good points at times.
     “I think I’ll go to that new club, ‘Crimson Nights.’ It’s right down the street from my apartment. It looks pretty ritzy.” she said, pulling on her coat. She’d go mingle, have a drink or two, get a hottie’s phone number, then go home and spend the next day with her cat Storm.
     “Have a good time!” Mark called as she walked off. She waved over her shoulder and walked into the elevator. She pressed the button to take her to ground level and leaned on the handrail as the elevator went down. The elevator shuddered to a stop and the doors opened. Catelyn stepped out and walked through the lobby, out the doors, and out onto the street. A light breeze was blowing that night. ‘It’s a full moon tonight.’ Catelyn thought. She went into the parking lot and found her car. She hopped in and drove home. She got into her apartment building and went in the revolving doors.
     “Back late tonight Miss Jones?” asked Harold, the doorman.
     “Yes, but I’m going out again in a few minutes. I just came back to change.” Catelyn replied.
     “Should I prepare to see a man on your arm?” he asked playfully.
     “Oh, shut up Harry! You know I’m not like that!” she laughed. She walked off and went up to her fourth floor apartment. Once she opened the door, her storm gray cat came and rubbed around her ankles.
     “Hi Storm. I know I’m late, but I had a long day at work.” She said to the cat as though he could understand.
     “Meeeeoooowww!” was all he said. It basically translated to: “and you left me all day with no toys! I need more you know.” Catelyn rolled her eyes at the cat.
     “Would it make you feel better if I told you I sprinkled some catnip on your stuffed mouse?” she asked, pulling out the stuffed toy she had given him for Christmas the previous year. Storm simply purred in response as she tossed the catnip scented toy. He raced after it, picked it up and put it in his basket. Catelyn took the opportunity to slip into her room and change into a slinky black dress and let her hair down. It flowed down her back in gold-streaked brown waves. Her gold-green eyes sparkled in the light.
     “Oh yeah. I’m a knockout. A drop dead gorgeous babe. So why am I still single?” she asked her reflection in the full length mirror. She sighed and grabbed her purse. She looked out the glass balcony window at the Crimson nights nightclub. The line went all the way around the block. For anyone else, it would have taken all night to get it. But Catelyn knew the bouncer. She was the one to help get him the job. She said goodbye to Storm, who was playing with his stuffed mouse. She locked the door and went downstairs, said good bye to Harold and walked out the doors to the nightclub down the street.
     The bouncer, An African-American man named Brucie, waved to her.
     “Hey! Cat! It’s me, Brucie! Cat! Cat!” he called, hopping around like a four year old. Catelyn smiled. They had known each other since they were 16, and he still called her Cat. He had come up with that name because of her feline qualities and curious eyes. ‘What a softie.’ Catelyn thought. Brucie may have been big, but he was a sweetheart.
     “Hi Brucie. How’s the job?” she asked, walking up to him. A man in the line shouted at her.
     “Hey! Get in the back of the line lady! We’ve been waiting!” Brucie glared at he man.
     “You got a problem with her talking to me pal?” he growled. The man shrunk under the furious glare of the huge bouncer. He shook his head.
     “Good.”said Brucie. He turned to Catelyn. “The job is fine Cat. The boss says I might make head bouncer by this weekend. Hey! You wanna come in? That line will take hours to thin out.”
     “Oh, I couldn’t.”she said, lying.” it wouldn’t be fair to the other customers.” Brucie wouldn’t take no for an answer.
     “Come on Cat! You’re all dressed up anyway. Who knows, you might meet a real cutie.” Catelyn sighed in mock defeat.
     “Ok Brucie. You win.” He moved aside to let her pass and she entered the club.
     It was dark and loud. There were couples dancing wildly to the techno music. Catelyn headed for a bar, and ordered a Virgin Shirley Temple. She sipped the drink while looking around the club. Sitting at a table nearby was a man with a thin, pointy face, watery eyes and a “come hither” look in his eyes. Catelyn averted her gaze. There were plenty of others there to look at. She concentrated on her drink, glancing at Weasel-boy from time to time to make sure he stayed away from her. He stood up and walked over to her, sitting down on the seat next to her.
     “Is that dress felt?” he asked.
     “No.”
     “Would you like it to be?” Catelyn kept a calm face, but she wanted to slug the guy.
     “Shoo, Weasel-boy. You bother me.” she said calmly. Weasel-boy put his arm around her waist. He had vodka on his breath.
     “Oh, come on baby. Gimme some sugar.” He tried to kiss her cheek. She pushed him away roughly.
     “Get lost creep!” Weasel-boy grabbed her wrist. Whispering in her ear he said
     “Come on girly. Let’s go have some fun.” Catelyn wriggled wildly, trying to get away, but his grip was too strong. Just then, someone tapped Weasel-boy’s shoulder. Catelyn looked over his shoulder and into the darkest eyes she had ever seen.
     “Excuse me sir. But I believe the young lady told you to go away.” Catelyn’s rescuer was a tall, pale, extraordinarily handsome man with jet black hair that was tied back in a short ponytail. He wore a white shirt with the first few buttons undone, showing off a pale chest. He had black pants and a black jacket on as well. His skin looked healthy enough, but it was as though it had never seen the sun. He was tall. Around six feet.
    Catelyn’s pest still had a tight grip on her wrist.
     “Who the hell are you?!” he asked. The tall man bowed.
     “Forgive my rudeness. My name is Shadow. Shadow Nightwalker. Now I’ll ask again. Please release the young lady.” Weasel-boy tightened his grip, making Catelyn wince.
     “Buzz off loser! I saw her first” he shouted. A crowd began to gather to watch. Shadow stood there, calm as you please.
     “That doesn’t matter. If you look at her face you can clearly see she doesn’t want you around. And it is considered good manners to leave if one is unwanted.”
     “Wanna fight for her pretty boy? If I win, you take a hike and I get her. If you win, I turn around, leave, and never bother her again.” Weasel-boy said, releasing Catelyn’s arm. Shadow sighed, as though all of this wasn’t even worth his time.
     “Fine. If it will free this young lady from your vile clutches, I’ll fight you. But lets take it outside, shall we?” he said.
     “Deal!
     Catelyn followed the two men out a side door and into an alleyway where the crowd gathered into the shape of a circle. Catelyn squeezed her way through. He was standing there with his hands behind his back, his hair waving in the gentle breeze. She whispered to Shadow.
     “Please Mr. Nightwalker! You don’t have to do this!” He simply smiled.
      “Don’t worry about me.” He said with a wink. “Worry about him.” he jerked his thumb at Weasel-boy. Catelyn winked back. Weasel-boy made his move. He lunged at Shadow, fists flying. Shadow sidestepped the attack and brought his knee up into his opponent’s stomach. Weasel-boy fell to the ground with a soft grunt. He was on his feet in a flash and lunged again. Shadow jumped and delivered a powerful spinning kick. Weasel-boy was slammed into the wall by the force of the blow. He sunk to the ground and stood up shakily.
     “You are either very brave, or extremely stupid.” Shadow said. “You’re not worth My time you pathetic waste of flesh.” he turned away. Weasel-boy grabbed a piece of wood from a trash can and raised it to hit Shadow over the head. With inhuman speed, Shadow grabbed his wrist, twisted it and hurled Weasel-boy towards the wall. He slammed into it and got up again. Weasel-boy wasn’t about to give up so easily. Not when there was a hot woman on the line. He came again and again, striking out and never once hitting the target. Half an hour later, after hitting the ground for what seemed the hundredth time, he stayed down.
     “Had enough?” Shadow asked. Weasel-boy nodded. Shadow smiled, revealing a gleaming set of pearly white teeth.
     “Good. Now get out.” he said. Weasel-boy stood up gingerly.
     “I’ll be back.”he growled.
     “No you won’t!” Catelyn shouted from her place on the sidelines. “You said you’d leave me alone if Shadow won, and he won. So get lost jerk!” Shadow smiled at Catelyn’s spirit.
     “She’s right you know. So follow her advice and go crawl in a gutter somewhere.” He turned and started to walk off. Suddenly, Weasel-boy pulled out a gun and pointed it at Shadow’s unprotected back.
     “I’ll see you in hell first, you bastard!” he whispered.
     “Shadow! Look out!” Catelyn shouted as he pulled the trigger. She grabbed the lid off of a nearby trash can, dashed in front of Shadow, held the lid up in front of them, and waited for the impact.
     PING!!
     Catelyn opened her eyes. Weasel-boy was standing there awestruck. The metal lid had completely stopped the bullet! Catelyn let the lid drop from her shaking hands. She sunk to her knees so they wouldn’t buckle under her. Weasel-boy took off like a shot, dropping the gun. Catelyn felt a hand on her shoulder.
     “Thank you for saving my life.” Shadow whispered in her ear. “I’m indebted to you.”
     “No problem.” she said shakily.
     “Are you okay?”
     “Fine. Just shocked is all.” She tried to stand and her knees gave out under her. Shadow caught her and put her arm around his shoulder.
     “ Here. Let me help you.” he said graciously. “That was a rather nasty trick wasn’t it?” Catelyn nodded as they headed back inside along with the crowd.
     “He pulled a cowards move.” She said, testing her legs. They seemed sturdier already. Shadow smiled.
     “Come on. I’ll buy you a drink. What do you want? It’s on me.” He said. Catelyn shrugged.
     “I don’t know. I think I’ll just have a Virgin Shirley Temple.”
     “What’s wrong, can’ hold your liquor?”
     “No. I got drunk once when I was a teen, and it nearly killed me. I only risk a glass of wine once in a while. I swore I’d never get drunk again.” Shadow laughed. He had a deep, rumbling laugh.
     “That was smart.” he said. Catelyn chuckled.
     “Which part? The swearing off booze or the getting drunk?” Shadow laughed harder.
     “The swearing off booze of course!” he laughed even harder and Catelyn couldn’t stop herself from joining in.
     “You have a beautiful laugh you know.”Shadow said. Catelyn stopped laughing.
     “Pardon?”
     “Your laugh. It’s beautiful. Like bells singing across the country.” Catelyn blushed and whispered.
     “Thank you.” They went to the bar together and ordered their drinks. Shadow ordered a glass of red wine. As he sipped the wine, Shadow sighed. Catelyn noticed a sad look on his face. As though he was remembering something from long ago.
     “Something wrong with the wine Shadow?” she asked. Shadow looked up.
     “Oh, no! It’s just that... I was remembering the wine I used to drink back home. It was so flavorful. I can’t find any decent wine in this city.”
     “If you want some high quality wine, you’ve got to go to Chez Louis. It’s a classy restaurant downtown. They have good food and great wine there.” Catelyn stopped and thought for a moment. ‘Shadow is cute and suave and mysterious. Maybe I can get his number and...’ She slapped herself mentally. ‘No! You just met him! You can’t start dating him right off the bat! Well, one dinner together isn’t a date right? No, it’s not. I’ll ask him.’ She looked at Shadow.
     “Hey Shadow. How much do you want some good wine?” She asked. He shrugged.
     “I’m not ready to kill for it yet, but I could certainly use it.” Catelyn smiled.
     “Well, I have the day off tomorrow. Maybe we could have lunch together.” Shadow smirked.
     “Why madam! You’re asking me out and I don’t even know your name.” Catelyn laughed.
     “It’s Catelyn.” she said extending her hand for a shake. “Catelyn Jones.” Shadow took her extended hand and kissed it.
     “Charmed.” Catelyn giggled.
     “You must have come from a good family. You talk and act like a true gentleman.” Shadow turned away with a frown.
     “I don’t like to talk about my family.” He said quietly. Catelyn started to fidget.
     “Sorry Shadow. I won’t bring it up again.” she whispered. Shadow snapped out of his frown and smiled at her.
     “It’s okay. Now, about that date.” Catelyn’s heart rose slightly.
     “I’m afraid I can’t go.”
     THUNK! Her heart dropped into her stomach.
     “You see, I work all day with no breaks. But we could go to dinner if it suits you.” BOING! Her heart was back on track and pumping fast.
     “Sure! Sounds great.” she said. “When do you want to go? Where should we meet?”
     “After sunset. If you give me your number or address, I could pick you up.” he said
     “No problem.” she said, grabbing a napkin and writing down her number and her apartment buildings address. She gave it to Shadow, who folded it and put it in his front shirt pocket.
     Just then, the music went from techno to dance music. The current song was slow. Couples were getting together and dancing in slow circles. Catelyn sighed. She wished she had a man to ask her to dance.
     As though reading her thoughts, Shadow stood and offered his hand.
     “May I have this dance Miss Jones?” he said softly. Catelyn felt emptied of all thought and took the offered hand. They were so warm, and strong. She felt like leaning into his arms and staying like that forever. She felt her hand being put on Shadow’s shoulder, the other being taken in his own. Shadow laid his hand gently on Catelyn’s waist. They started to move in small circles. She looked into Shadow’s Deep black eyes and felt hypnotized. He looked back without hesitation.
     “You have beautiful eyes.” He said quietly. Catelyn blushed crimson red. She hadn’t realized she had been staring.
     “Thank you. I like yours too.” Now it was Shadows turn to blush.
     “They run in the family.” The song ended and a new one started. This one was a Latino tune, fast paced and frenzied. Shadow smirked at her.
     “Do you know how to Tango?” he asked. Catelyn nodded and smirked back.
     “Just try to keep pace pretty boy.” And with that, they started to dance. Catelyn felt her feet being whisked across the floor in a complicated Tango, Salsa, Flamenco mix. Shadow swung her in and out, twirling and lifting her. The song ended and Shadow dipped her low to the floor. A wave of applause erupted around them. Shadow pulled Catelyn back up to her feet and bowed to her.
     “Thank you for the dance. You have skills I’ve never seen before.”
     “You’re not so bad yourself you know.” She said with a curtsy. A woman with chains on her arms, a pierced lip and Hot pink hair came up and clapped Catelyn heartily on the back.
     “That was incredible!” she said. “I’ve never seen anything like that! Are you two pros or something?!” She looked at Shadow suggestively. “Hey sweetie. Why don’t you ditch her and come over to my place?” Catelyn felt an unexplained surge of jealousy. Shadow looked at the woman with contempt.
     “If you want an easy screw, go find a male hooker.” he said. “I don’t date trash.” The woman gasped, paused for a minute, then raised her hand to slap Shadow. Just as she brought her hand down to deliver the stinging slap, a rough hand grabbed hers.
     “Is Lucy bothering you Cat?” asked Brucie. Catelyn breathed a relived sigh.
     “No Brucie. Not me anyways, just my friend Shadow here.” Shadow nodded and kept silent. Brucie turned to the pink-haired woman.
     “Come on Lucy. You’re drunk. I’ll call you a cab and get you home safe.” and with that, he turned, taking the protesting Lucy with him. Shadow and Catelyn stood together, dumbstruck.
     “Well. That was exciting.” Catelyn laughed. Shadow chuckled.
     “How does he know you? The bouncer I mean.” He asked.
     “We knew each other in high school. His folks took me in so he’s like my little brother.” she explained.
     “Little?! That guy looks like he could pick up a house and throw it all the way across manhattan!” Shadow said with astonishment. Catelyn laughed. They sat down at a nearby table and talked for a while. Shadow was quite curious about Catelyn’s life. She only told him about her job and small things. She wasn’t ready to fully confide in him just yet. They danced every time a good song came on, once again wowing the crowd. After a while, the clock on one of the walls began to chime. Twelve dings sounded.
     “Midnight already?” Catelyn said in astonishment. It had seemed like she had only been at the club for half an hour, but it had already been two hours. She got worried. Shadow noticed her apprehension and asked.
     “Is something wrong Catelyn?”
     “This is New York City Shadow. All the weirdos and perverts come out around this time of night. I should have gone home an hour ago.” Shadow thought for a moment, then said
     “Well then, the only sensible option is for me to escort you home.” Catelyn was wary. Men had tried this on her before. It was usually an attempt to get in her pants. As though reading her thoughts, he said
     “Now Catelyn, I won’t try to attack you. I promise.” He gave her the classic puppy-dog look.
     “Okay! You can escort me home. I live just down the street. You just keep your hands to yourself alright?” Shadow bowed and offered his arm saying
     “I wouldn’t dream of harming one so pretty as you. Shall we go?”
     “Lets” she said, taking his arm. They walked out of the club together, said goodbye to Brucie, and walked down the street to her apartment building. They walked through th revolving doors, passing Harold.
     “And you said you weren’t coming home with a man on your arm miss Jones.” he said teasingly. Catelyn smiled.
     “He’s just escorting me home Harry. No need for jealousy.” Harry turned bright red and shut up.
     “What did mean when you said that?” Shadow asked. Catelyn blushed.
     “He has a crush on me. He doesn’t think I know. Don’t tell him I told you okay?”
     “My lips are sealed.” They walked onto the elevator, and rode up to Catelyn’s floor. Shadow insisted on escorting Catelyn to her apartment.
     “You never know who could be lurking in the hallway.” he said as she tried to refuse. “That weasel-like fellow could have found out where you live.” Catelyn rolled her eyes. They got to Catelyn’s apartment and she turned to Shadow.
     “Thank you for the lovely evening Shadow. I had a great time.” She was turning to go inside when Shadow pecked her on the cheek, whispering in her ear.
     “I’ll pick you up here after sunset. Until tomorrow my dear.” Catelyn turned around to reply, but he was gone. She opened the door, went into her apartment, and leaned against the door. Her heart was pounding a million miles an hour.
     “Did he call me his dear?”she muttered. He had kissed her too. That sent a jolt up her spine. If a little peck on the cheek did that, what would a real kiss do? She shrugged and went to her room. She changed into a black silk nighty and got into bed. Storm hopped onto the bed and cuddled down beside her. Catelyn put an arm around him and lay back. Within a few minutes, she was fast asleep, her cat rumbling beside her.

Description
Just One Bite
Chapter 1

It had been a long day for Catelyn.
She stretched in her leather chair. ‘I’m 21, single, and working as a secretary in one of the biggest magazine publishers in New York city!’ She thought. ‘So why am I doing nothing with my life!?’
     “All I do is make the coffee, deliver manuscripts, photocopy things, and answer the phone for my boss!” she checked the clock on the office wall. It was already 10:00.
     “Dammit Mark!” she growled. “I should have gone home ages ago! How goddamn long does it take to read an article?” she continued mentally bashing her lazy boss until she heard his door open. She sat up ramrod straight.
     “Catelyn! What are you doing here? You should have gone home a while ago.” said Mark Thompson, a fat, balding man in his late forties.
     “You think? You said you wanted to see me after work. That was three hours ago!!” Catelyn’s temper was hanging by a thread now. Mark saw it and winced.
     “Sorry about that. Oh, I looked at that article you submitted.” Catelyn’s heart leapt. “I really like it but... I don’t think I can print it. ‘Top 10 ways to pamper your cat and you’ just isn’t going to sell. Sorry.” Catelyn’s shoulders fell. She sighed.
     “Look..” said Mark “I know you want to be a journalist, but what you do is way better!” Mark smiled as he tried to cheer up his unhappy employee. Bad move.
     “What are you talking about Mark?!” Catelyn yelled. “All I do is make coffee and run errands! How is that better than contributing to the company?”
     “Well, none of our previous secretaries and errand runners could make a meaner cup of coffee!” Mark said with a smile. Marie growled deep in her throat. Mark sighed and rubbed his temples wearily.
     “Tell you what Cate, you worked hard today. Go home and take tomorrow off. Treat yourself to a movie, a shopping spree, a manicure, or go to a nightclub. Just take a break and recharge your batteries. Ok?” Catelyn smiled. Mark did have his good points at times.
     “I think I’ll go to that new club, ‘Crimson Nights.’ It’s right down the street from my apartment. It looks pretty ritzy.” she said, pulling on her coat. She’d go mingle, have a drink or two, get a hottie’s phone number, then go home and spend the next day with her cat Storm.
     “Have a good time!” Mark called as she walked off. She waved over her shoulder and walked into the elevator. She pressed the button to take her to ground level and leaned on the handrail as the elevator went down. The elevator shuddered to a stop and the doors opened. Catelyn stepped out and walked through the lobby, out the doors, and out onto the street. A light breeze was blowing that night. ‘It’s a full moon tonight.’ Catelyn thought. She went into the parking lot and found her car. She hopped in and drove home. She got into her apartment building and went in the revolving doors.
     “Back late tonight Miss Jones?” asked Harold, the doorman.
     “Yes, but I’m going out again in a few minutes. I just came back to change.” Catelyn replied.
     “Should I prepare to see a man on your arm?” he asked playfully.
     “Oh, shut up Harry! You know I’m not like that!” she laughed. She walked off and went up to her fourth floor apartment. Once she opened the door, her storm gray cat came and rubbed around her ankles.
     “Hi Storm. I know I’m late, but I had a long day at work.” She said to the cat as though he could understand.
     “Meeeeoooowww!” was all he said. It basically translated to: “and you left me all day with no toys! I need more you know.” Catelyn rolled her eyes at the cat.
     “Would it make you feel better if I told you I sprinkled some catnip on your stuffed mouse?” she asked, pulling out the stuffed toy she had given him for Christmas the previous year. Storm simply purred in response as she tossed the catnip scented toy. He raced after it, picked it up and put it in his basket. Catelyn took the opportunity to slip into her room and change into a slinky black dress and let her hair down. It flowed down her back in gold-streaked brown waves. Her gold-green eyes sparkled in the light.
     “Oh yeah. I’m a knockout. A drop dead gorgeous babe. So why am I still single?” she asked her reflection in the full length mirror. She sighed and grabbed her purse. She looked out the glass balcony window at the Crimson nights nightclub. The line went all the way around the block. For anyone else, it would have taken all night to get it. But Catelyn knew the bouncer. She was the one to help get him the job. She said goodbye to Storm, who was playing with his stuffed mouse. She locked the door and went downstairs, said good bye to Harold and walked out the doors to the nightclub down the street.
     The bouncer, An African-American man named Brucie, waved to her.
     “Hey! Cat! It’s me, Brucie! Cat! Cat!” he called, hopping around like a four year old. Catelyn smiled. They had known each other since they were 16, and he still called her Cat. He had come up with that name because of her feline qualities and curious eyes. ‘What a softie.’ Catelyn thought. Brucie may have been big, but he was a sweetheart.
     “Hi Brucie. How’s the job?” she asked, walking up to him. A man in the line shouted at her.
     “Hey! Get in the back of the line lady! We’ve been waiting!” Brucie glared at he man.
     “You got a problem with her talking to me pal?” he growled. The man shrunk under the furious glare of the huge bouncer. He shook his head.
     “Good.”said Brucie. He turned to Catelyn. “The job is fine Cat. The boss says I might make head bouncer by this weekend. Hey! You wanna come in? That line will take hours to thin out.”
     “Oh, I couldn’t.”she said, lying.” it wouldn’t be fair to the other customers.” Brucie wouldn’t take no for an answer.
     “Come on Cat! You’re all dressed up anyway. Who knows, you might meet a real cutie.” Catelyn sighed in mock defeat.
     “Ok Brucie. You win.” He moved aside to let her pass and she entered the club.
     It was dark and loud. There were couples dancing wildly to the techno music. Catelyn headed for a bar, and ordered a Virgin Shirley Temple. She sipped the drink while looking around the club. Sitting at a table nearby was a man with a thin, pointy face, watery eyes and a “come hither” look in his eyes. Catelyn averted her gaze. There were plenty of others there to look at. She concentrated on her drink, glancing at Weasel-boy from time to time to make sure he stayed away from her. He stood up and walked over to her, sitting down on the seat next to her.
     “Is that dress felt?” he asked.
     “No.”
     “Would you like it to be?” Catelyn kept a calm face, but she wanted to slug the guy.
     “Shoo, Weasel-boy. You bother me.” she said calmly. Weasel-boy put his arm around her waist. He had vodka on his breath.
     “Oh, come on baby. Gimme some sugar.” He tried to kiss her cheek. She pushed him away roughly.
     “Get lost creep!” Weasel-boy grabbed her wrist. Whispering in her ear he said
     “Come on girly. Let’s go have some fun.” Catelyn wriggled wildly, trying to get away, but his grip was too strong. Just then, someone tapped Weasel-boy’s shoulder. Catelyn looked over his shoulder and into the darkest eyes she had ever seen.
     “Excuse me sir. But I believe the young lady told you to go away.” Catelyn’s rescuer was a tall, pale, extraordinarily handsome man with jet black hair that was tied back in a short ponytail. He wore a white shirt with the first few buttons undone, showing off a pale chest. He had black pants and a black jacket on as well. His skin looked healthy enough, but it was as though it had never seen the sun. He was tall. Around six feet.
    Catelyn’s pest still had a tight grip on her wrist.
     “Who the hell are you?!” he asked. The tall man bowed.
     “Forgive my rudeness. My name is Shadow. Shadow Nightwalker. Now I’ll ask again. Please release the young lady.” Weasel-boy tightened his grip, making Catelyn wince.
     “Buzz off loser! I saw her first” he shouted. A crowd began to gather to watch. Shadow stood there, calm as you please.
     “That doesn’t matter. If you look at her face you can clearly see she doesn’t want you around. And it is considered good manners to leave if one is unwanted.”
     “Wanna fight for her pretty boy? If I win, you take a hike and I get her. If you win, I turn around, leave, and never bother her again.” Weasel-boy said, releasing Catelyn’s arm. Shadow sighed, as though all of this wasn’t even worth his time.
     “Fine. If it will free this young lady from your vile clutches, I’ll fight you. But lets take it outside, shall we?” he said.
     “Deal!
     Catelyn followed the two men out a side door and into an alleyway where the crowd gathered into the shape of a circle. Catelyn squeezed her way through. He was standing there with his hands behind his back, his hair waving in the gentle breeze. She whispered to Shadow.
     “Please Mr. Nightwalker! You don’t have to do this!” He simply smiled.
      “Don’t worry about me.” He said with a wink. “Worry about him.” he jerked his thumb at Weasel-boy. Catelyn winked back. Weasel-boy made his move. He lunged at Shadow, fists flying. Shadow sidestepped the attack and brought his knee up into his opponent’s stomach. Weasel-boy fell to the ground with a soft grunt. He was on his feet in a flash and lunged again. Shadow jumped and delivered a powerful spinning kick. Weasel-boy was slammed into the wall by the force of the blow. He sunk to the ground and stood up shakily.
     “You are either very brave, or extremely stupid.” Shadow said. “You’re not worth My time you pathetic waste of flesh.” he turned away. Weasel-boy grabbed a piece of wood from a trash can and raised it to hit Shadow over the head. With inhuman speed, Shadow grabbed his wrist, twisted it and hurled Weasel-boy towards the wall. He slammed into it and got up again. Weasel-boy wasn’t about to give up so easily. Not when there was a hot woman on the line. He came again and again, striking out and never once hitting the target. Half an hour later, after hitting the ground for what seemed the hundredth time, he stayed down.
     “Had enough?” Shadow asked. Weasel-boy nodded. Shadow smiled, revealing a gleaming set of pearly white teeth.
     “Good. Now get out.” he said. Weasel-boy stood up gingerly.
     “I’ll be back.”he growled.
     “No you won’t!” Catelyn shouted from her place on the sidelines. “You said you’d leave me alone if Shadow won, and he won. So get lost jerk!” Shadow smiled at Catelyn’s spirit.
     “She’s right you know. So follow her advice and go crawl in a gutter somewhere.” He turned and started to walk off. Suddenly, Weasel-boy pulled out a gun and pointed it at Shadow’s unprotected back.
     “I’ll see you in hell first, you bastard!” he whispered.
     “Shadow! Look out!” Catelyn shouted as he pulled the trigger. She grabbed the lid off of a nearby trash can, dashed in front of Shadow, held the lid up in front of them, and waited for the impact.
     PING!!
     Catelyn opened her eyes. Weasel-boy was standing there awestruck. The metal lid had completely stopped the bullet! Catelyn let the lid drop from her shaking hands. She sunk to her knees so they wouldn’t buckle under her. Weasel-boy took off like a shot, dropping the gun. Catelyn felt a hand on her shoulder.
     “Thank you for saving my life.” Shadow whispered in her ear. “I’m indebted to you.”
     “No problem.” she said shakily.
     “Are you okay?”
     “Fine. Just shocked is all.” She tried to stand and her knees gave out under her. Shadow caught her and put her arm around his shoulder.
     “ Here. Let me help you.” he said graciously. “That was a rather nasty trick wasn’t it?” Catelyn nodded as they headed back inside along with the crowd.
     “He pulled a cowards move.” She said, testing her legs. They seemed sturdier already. Shadow smiled.
     “Come on. I’ll buy you a drink. What do you want? It’s on me.” He said. Catelyn shrugged.
     “I don’t know. I think I’ll just have a Virgin Shirley Temple.”
     “What’s wrong, can’ hold your liquor?”
     “No. I got drunk once when I was a teen, and it nearly killed me. I only risk a glass of wine once in a while. I swore I’d never get drunk again.” Shadow laughed. He had a deep, rumbling laugh.
     “That was smart.” he said. Catelyn chuckled.
     “Which part? The swearing off booze or the getting drunk?” Shadow laughed harder.
     “The swearing off booze of course!” he laughed even harder and Catelyn couldn’t stop herself from joining in.
     “You have a beautiful laugh you know.”Shadow said. Catelyn stopped laughing.
     “Pardon?”
     “Your laugh. It’s beautiful. Like bells singing across the country.” Catelyn blushed and whispered.
     “Thank you.” They went to the bar together and ordered their drinks. Shadow ordered a glass of red wine. As he sipped the wine, Shadow sighed. Catelyn noticed a sad look on his face. As though he was remembering something from long ago.
     “Something wrong with the wine Shadow?” she asked. Shadow looked up.
     “Oh, no! It’s just that... I was remembering the wine I used to drink back home. It was so flavorful. I can’t find any decent wine in this city.”
     “If you want some high quality wine, you’ve got to go to Chez Louis. It’s a classy restaurant downtown. They have good food and great wine there.” Catelyn stopped and thought for a moment. ‘Shadow is cute and suave and mysterious. Maybe I can get his number and...’ She slapped herself mentally. ‘No! You just met him! You can’t start dating him right off the bat! Well, one dinner together isn’t a date right? No, it’s not. I’ll ask him.’ She looked at Shadow.
     “Hey Shadow. How much do you want some good wine?” She asked. He shrugged.
     “I’m not ready to kill for it yet, but I could certainly use it.” Catelyn smiled.
     “Well, I have the day off tomorrow. Maybe we could have lunch together.” Shadow smirked.
     “Why madam! You’re asking me out and I don’t even know your name.” Catelyn laughed.
     “It’s Catelyn.” she said extending her hand for a shake. “Catelyn Jones.” Shadow took her extended hand and kissed it.
     “Charmed.” Catelyn giggled.
     “You must have come from a good family. You talk and act like a true gentleman.” Shadow turned away with a frown.
     “I don’t like to talk about my family.” He said quietly. Catelyn started to fidget.
     “Sorry Shadow. I won’t bring it up again.” she whispered. Shadow snapped out of his frown and smiled at her.
     “It’s okay. Now, about that date.” Catelyn’s heart rose slightly.
     “I’m afraid I can’t go.”
     THUNK! Her heart dropped into her stomach.
     “You see, I work all day with no breaks. But we could go to dinner if it suits you.” BOING! Her heart was back on track and pumping fast.
     “Sure! Sounds great.” she said. “When do you want to go? Where should we meet?”
     “After sunset. If you give me your number or address, I could pick you up.” he said
     “No problem.” she said, grabbing a napkin and writing down her number and her apartment buildings address. She gave it to Shadow, who folded it and put it in his front shirt pocket.
     Just then, the music went from techno to dance music. The current song was slow. Couples were getting together and dancing in slow circles. Catelyn sighed. She wished she had a man to ask her to dance.
     As though reading her thoughts, Shadow stood and offered his hand.
     “May I have this dance Miss Jones?” he said softly. Catelyn felt emptied of all thought and took the offered hand. They were so warm, and strong. She felt like leaning into his arms and staying like that forever. She felt her hand being put on Shadow’s shoulder, the other being taken in his own. Shadow laid his hand gently on Catelyn’s waist. They started to move in small circles. She looked into Shadow’s Deep black eyes and felt hypnotized. He looked back without hesitation.
     “You have beautiful eyes.” He said quietly. Catelyn blushed crimson red. She hadn’t realized she had been staring.
     “Thank you. I like yours too.” Now it was Shadows turn to blush.
     “They run in the family.” The song ended and a new one started. This one was a Latino tune, fast paced and frenzied. Shadow smirked at her.
     “Do you know how to Tango?” he asked. Catelyn nodded and smirked back.
     “Just try to keep pace pretty boy.” And with that, they started to dance. Catelyn felt her feet being whisked across the floor in a complicated Tango, Salsa, Flamenco mix. Shadow swung her in and out, twirling and lifting her. The song ended and Shadow dipped her low to the floor. A wave of applause erupted around them. Shadow pulled Catelyn back up to her feet and bowed to her.
     “Thank you for the dance. You have skills I’ve never seen before.”
     “You’re not so bad yourself you know.” She said with a curtsy. A woman with chains on her arms, a pierced lip and Hot pink hair came up and clapped Catelyn heartily on the back.
     “That was incredible!” she said. “I’ve never seen anything like that! Are you two pros or something?!” She looked at Shadow suggestively. “Hey sweetie. Why don’t you ditch her and come over to my place?” Catelyn felt an unexplained surge of jealousy. Shadow looked at the woman with contempt.
     “If you want an easy screw, go find a male hooker.” he said. “I don’t date trash.” The woman gasped, paused for a minute, then raised her hand to slap Shadow. Just as she brought her hand down to deliver the stinging slap, a rough hand grabbed hers.
     “Is Lucy bothering you Cat?” asked Brucie. Catelyn breathed a relived sigh.
     “No Brucie. Not me anyways, just my friend Shadow here.” Shadow nodded and kept silent. Brucie turned to the pink-haired woman.
     “Come on Lucy. You’re drunk. I’ll call you a cab and get you home safe.” and with that, he turned, taking the protesting Lucy with him. Shadow and Catelyn stood together, dumbstruck.
     “Well. That was exciting.” Catelyn laughed. Shadow chuckled.
     “How does he know you? The bouncer I mean.” He asked.
     “We knew each other in high school. His folks took me in so he’s like my little brother.” she explained.
     “Little?! That guy looks like he could pick up a house and throw it all the way across manhattan!” Shadow said with astonishment. Catelyn laughed. They sat down at a nearby table and talked for a while. Shadow was quite curious about Catelyn’s life. She only told him about her job and small things. She wasn’t ready to fully confide in him just yet. They danced every time a good song came on, once again wowing the crowd. After a while, the clock on one of the walls began to chime. Twelve dings sounded.
     “Midnight already?” Catelyn said in astonishment. It had seemed like she had only been at the club for half an hour, but it had already been two hours. She got worried. Shadow noticed her apprehension and asked.
     “Is something wrong Catelyn?”
     “This is New York City Shadow. All the weirdos and perverts come out around this time of night. I should have gone home an hour ago.” Shadow thought for a moment, then said
     “Well then, the only sensible option is for me to escort you home.” Catelyn was wary. Men had tried this on her before. It was usually an attempt to get in her pants. As though reading her thoughts, he said
     “Now Catelyn, I won’t try to attack you. I promise.” He gave her the classic puppy-dog look.
     “Okay! You can escort me home. I live just down the street. You just keep your hands to yourself alright?” Shadow bowed and offered his arm saying
     “I wouldn’t dream of harming one so pretty as you. Shall we go?”
     “Lets” she said, taking his arm. They walked out of the club together, said goodbye to Brucie, and walked down the street to her apartment building. They walked through th revolving doors, passing Harold.
     “And you said you weren’t coming home with a man on your arm miss Jones.” he said teasingly. Catelyn smiled.
     “He’s just escorting me home Harry. No need for jealousy.” Harry turned bright red and shut up.
     “What did mean when you said that?” Shadow asked. Catelyn blushed.
     “He has a crush on me. He doesn’t think I know. Don’t tell him I told you okay?”
     “My lips are sealed.” They walked onto the elevator, and rode up to Catelyn’s floor. Shadow insisted on escorting Catelyn to her apartment.
     “You never know who could be lurking in the hallway.” he said as she tried to refuse. “That weasel-like fellow could have found out where you live.” Catelyn rolled her eyes. They got to Catelyn’s apartment and she turned to Shadow.
     “Thank you for the lovely evening Shadow. I had a great time.” She was turning to go inside when Shadow pecked her on the cheek, whispering in her ear.
     “I’ll pick you up here after sunset. Until tomorrow my dear.” Catelyn turned around to reply, but he was gone. She opened the door, went into her apartment, and leaned against the door. Her heart was pounding a million miles an hour.
     “Did he call me his dear?”she muttered. He had kissed her too. That sent a jolt up her spine. If a little peck on the cheek did that, what would a real kiss do? She shrugged and went to her room. She changed into a black silk nighty and got into bed. Storm hopped onto the bed and cuddled down beside her. Catelyn put an arm around him and lay back. Within a few minutes, she was fast asleep, her cat rumbling beside her.