Welcome to My World - Tooleys

[grebe]

"]

The engine of the black Dodge Charger growled deliciously as he pulled into the parking lot if Tooleys. Cutting out the engine, Jared exited the car with the grace of something unhuman, locking the car behind him as he went. As he entered the bar, the werewolf looked around. The bar was dimly lit in an inviting way, and it was busy already. It wasn't far into the night and still, plenty of people were drunk off their arses. Jared gave a little smile and walked forward, sitting on one of the love seats in front of the bar. The big guy two seats down noticed his little smirk and leaned forward menacingly "What do you think your smirkin' at, punk?" His jowls trembled as he spoke. Flashing his gaze to the man, Jared growled. It started deep in his throat, bubbling up until it exploded out of his mouth. That made the fat guy back off. Smirking again, he knew that no-one but the man would have heard him because the music was so loud, so he wasn't in danger of being outed.

Banging his fist on the bar to attract the attention of the bartender, Jared took a quick scan of all the girls in the bar. Only two of them were werewolves and one far too young for him. The other was a tall, beautiful blonde girl. Wow, he thought. He told the bartender what he wanted, and seconds later a Budweiser was slid to a stop in front of him. He grinned at the bartender and took his first swig. Ah, the joys of alcohol. He lifted up off his seat and went to sit with two pretty human girls, and started flirting incessantly with them. They were blushing a lot. But soon Jared started to get bored with them, and looked around for someone more interesting.

[Grimm]

[glow=white,2,300]Katie Holmes

[/size][/color][/font][/glow]

A lamb among wolves

[/size][/color][/font]

When the new customer entered the bar, Katie was just exiting the back kitchen of Tooley's Bar. She bent down, restocking the glass mugs under the bartop. The sound of someone sitting before her didn't bother because there was another bartender somewhere. However, when she heard a gruff voice spoke ill toward another customer, yet before she was able to stand up she froze when she heard a very low growl. Standing up, she glared at an empty seat. "Dave, who was that guy?" she asked the fat guy that was sitting beside an empty seat.

She could have sworn that there had been a man sitting here when she had entered from the back, but now he was gone. Living with the Infiniteria pack for almost five years her ears had become a little better, but even the low growl had been faint. At least this werewolf had been trying to hide himself. When the fat guy that had been next to him bolted for the door, she knew what had happened. Going around the bar, she took a Budweiser from the back of the bar and went toward the male who had failed at flirting with two girls.

Reaching him, she leaned close, tapping his shoulder and holding out the beer. "I'd be careful where you go growling. Not everyone here is human and the music doesn't drown out everything if you're too close," she whispered, leaning a bit closer so that she wasn't over heard. Leaning back up, she held out the beer, hoping it wouldn't be a problem.

[/color][/size][/blockquote]

[grebe]

"]

Jared looked toward the tables at the back of the bar. No-one there. He sighed, and turned back to the two human girls and smiled radiantly. An attractive scent passed by, and the werewolf turned just in time to see a human approach him. She leaned in close, a finger on his shoulder and whispered. Jared breathed in, she smelled amazing. Pulling away, Jared had to fight against the urge to stand up and put his hands on her hips to bring her close. He finally got to see her face, and boy did he like what he saw.

She had dark brown, shoulder length hair, the ends of her healthy looking locks tipped in red. Her eyes were a greeny blue and mesmerizing. She was a little shorter than himself but she seemed strong, and had great legs. Jared nodded, appreciating her. Looking back up to her face, he took the beer extended and tipped it to her. [green]Thanks. I'll be sure to watch my temper from now on. I'm Jared Sky. New to this town, I'm afraid. Can I ask your name?[/green] Jared instantly liked the young woman. Confident, instructive, he liked that in a female. She was human, not ideal, but right now, that didn't matter. He liked her, and wanted to spend more time with her. Excusing himself from the giggling women he had been charming, he stood and took her hand gently, wanting to guide her over to another table so he could speak to her without these other dumb humans looking over his shoulder. Smelling her again, he smelt beer and the scent of the bar hanging around her. She worked her. Dropping her hand, Jared thought it better not to get her in trouble with her boss, but he still wanted her name.

[Grimm]

[glow=white,2,300]Katie Holmes

[/size][/color][/font][/glow]

A lamb among wolves

[/size][/color][/font]

It was odd having eyes on her like that once more. Eclipse had looked at her like that before, but the werewolf was to honor bound to do anything that would go against his missing friend. But this loner, he had no idea what back story played out with her or the Infiniteria pack, which simply caused her to smile and shake her head. The man was going to get himself into some trouble, if not with Eclipse for looking at her like that, or then with Eric, wherever his little butt had run off to.

Nodding her head as she felt his orbs running over and he took the beer from her hands, she couldn't help but smile as he spoke. "I'm Katie Holmes. I help run Tooley's bar when the old guy is having a bad day . . . and I sometimes stay out at the Infiniteria Place out in the park,"

[/color] she whispered the last part as he took her hand and started to lead her away from the group of females he had been trying to flirt with. Once he dropped her hand, she figured that he had finally caught the bar's scent and heard her words.

Once she was free, she moved over to booth toward the back of the bar. One last glance toward the bar told her that it was being covered and considering Tooley was resting and the new guy wasn't panicking, she would be fine to talk for a little bit. "Take a seat. You seemed to have something you wanted to say a second ago,"[/color] she stated, already seated. Her scent tight tan jeans rubbed against the cracked booth seat, but she paid little attention to it. The tight black tank top would have caused Eclispe to have a freakin heart attack, but considering she worked here now and most of the werewolves that came through here knew his scent, she wasn't really worried about it.[/size][/blockquote]

[grebe]

"]

Jared let his eyes roam her lithe form once more. He listened as words passed her soft-looking lips. Katie... he had been right, she did work here. Well, his nose at least never lied. There was something in her gaze that almost warned him away but that just made him want her even more. Her smile was pretty too. When he dropped her hand, she moved away so quickly that Jared thought she was trying to get away from him, but she slipped into a booth near the back of the bar, her smile beckoning him closer.

Jared's own killer smile surfaced as he strolled over. He never tripped, and his quiet graceful movements carried him over to the booth swiftly so he was sitting next to her within seconds of her sitting down. [green]I don't have much too say. I'm a nobody, but I'd very much like to hear about you. I like you, and your scent is far purer than any other female, werewolf or otherwise, like... I can't describe it.[/green] Jared smiled again, showing perfect teeth. For a human, she wasn't easy to figure out. Usually he could gauge a rough idea of what they were thinking from their body language and the heat that came rolling off them, and the flashes of emotion. But she was a closed book that he would have to flirt with to open. Jared narrowed his eyes a little. He was suprised no other male had snapped her up. Was there something wrong with her? Or maybe... He just didn't know.

[Grimm]

[glow=white,2,300]Katie Holmes

[/size][/color][/font][/glow]

A lamb among wolves

[/size][/color][/font]

The werewolf's grace neither surprised her nor shocked her, it was something she was use to seeing and had even been able to copy it in some sense. She wasn't nearly as graceful as most pups, but she could still move with the better of them. There were, of course, those rare moments when her mind slipped and she ended up on her butt with beer split all over her.

A girlish giggle escaped as Jared was in the booth, next to her, within a matter of second of her sitting down. Oh, she remembered those old day, but then again, looking at him, she realized that he wasn't that much younger than herself. Scooting a little closer to the wall, she put her back to it and folded one leg up, leaving the other foot on the floor; her way of keeping the werewolf at bay. It was pointless, but she hoped he would take the hint. "There isn't much to tell. I moved to Eden Town when I was four. I got married at nineteen, have a five year old son, and close friends with the Alpha Male of the Infiniteria pack," she stated, not really sure why her scent would be purer. She would have to talk to Eclispe about that.

She knew that the moment the word 'married' registered in his mind, he wouldn't be interested in flirting anymore, which sort of made her both happy and a little upset. It was a sore subject, mainly because it had been nearly five years since Damian had gone missing and even Eclipse couldn't explain why he hadn't returned to them yet. She was a woman after all and missed being held at night, missed falling asleep with her husband . . . She sighed heavily and shook her head, trying to rid her eyes of the unshed tears that threatened to fall just about every time she looked at Eric. She was strong, had to be for her son. "I apologize, I'm not normally this . . . . frazzled," she stated, taking a deep breath and wiping the unshed tears from her eyes before looking back at Jared. "What brought you to our sleepy little town, Mr. Sky?" she asked, head cocking to the side as she noticed his eyes were narrowed. "What?"

[/color] she asked, her own eyes narrowed trying to figure out what she had said to cause him to look at her like that.[/color][/blockquote][/size]

[grebe]

"]

The werewolf's eyes searched hers as she spoke of her life. [Green]Where were you born, then if you weren't born here in Eden Town?[/green] He inquired politely. The fact that she was married made him blanch a little bit but it never showed on his face. It did make him a little way, but not completely put off, but the fact that she put her leg in between them, to barricade herself from his touch, in effect made him a little disheartened. He knew that he wasn't falling in love with her, and his motives were certainly not pure, and she had been the prettiest woman he'd seen since moving here. He leaned slightly toward her, placing his hand close to her foot, very close, but not touching, wanting to see her reaction. [Green]Where's your husband then, Katie? Is he at home with your son?[/green] Jared lifted his head, wondering what her son might look like, what her husband was like. He could see from her face when she spoke of being married that she was hurt by something - maybe he had left her. Well, if she was still hurting, then Jared decided he wouldn't press any further than flirting. He didn't want to pain her further when she woke up the next morning and saw his side of the bed empty. The werewolf might be very much a ladies man, but he had sense.

Pulling away from her, he turned so he was facing the table, not looking directly at her. But as he did, he eyes clouded with shadows of tears. Jared's eyebrows nitted together with concern, and murmured an assurance as she spoke. He didn't mind her being emotional, he knew what it was like to lose someone. The pain of losing Vee was so great that he couldn't help the contort of pain on his face and in his eyes. Closing them for a second and regaining control, he answered her question. [Green]I needed to get away from my family, and now I can't stand company other than that of a womans.[/green] He shurgged, he was at least honest about who he was, [green]That's why I became a loner. No attachments. Plus, it was a good place to start my business. [/green]What? Jared smiled softly. [Green] I was wondering why no-one had snapped you up, but now I know it's because you're married.[/green] He gave a little sigh, he would have liked to get to know her better, maybe even inside as well as out. At that thought, he could barely control his smile from becoming a grin. But no, if she had a husband and kid then he wouldn't force his charms upon her.

[Grimm]

[glow=white,2,300]Katie Holmes

[/size][/color][/font][/glow]

A lamb among wolves

[/size][/color][/font]

"In a small little town, just outside of Romina," she stated, kind of surprised when nothing filtered over his face when she mentioned the word 'married'. Of course, thinking about it made her right hand find her left and play with the absent ring. She hadn't been married long before Damian disappeared, and once she realized that he wasn't coming back, she had removed the ring from her hand. It now sat on a silver chain that hang around her neck and knowing the werewolves couldn't touch silver, it gave her a little bit of security that it would stay there if there was a problem.

Of course, she knew the question would come. It normally did whenever she brought up her marriage, which was normally why she just kept her mouth shut. She wasn't ashamed of her husband, more angry that he was gone but she understood. It was complicated. "He went missing about five years ago, just after Eric was born. A Hunter stumbled upon the pack house and it was either Eclipse or Damian that led him away and Damian didn't want to risk the Alpha Male getting hurt. . . . . No one has seen him since," she whispered, trying so hard not to cry or smile with pride. The Hunter hadn't been seen again either, so needless to say her mate had taken the Hunter with him if he was dead.

It was the same story, just different twists and turns than others she had heard. Most of the loners came through Eden Town simply passing through to escape some type of past. She nodded as he spoke, understanding him and hoping him the best in his travels if he decided to leave town soon. But at the mention of a business, she couldn't help but be interested. "What type of business?"

[/color] she asked, not wanting to pry anymore into his past. If he wanted her to know his story, he could tell him in his own time, just as she had the right to do, but it was some times easier to get the story out of the way some times. His next comment made her smile. "You really are new in town, if you thought someone could 'snap' me up,"[/color] she grinned, shaking her head. It was nice to smile. "Most werewolves here know that Eclipse would kill anyone who dare try to make a move on me . . . Any loners that come through, like yourself, tend to take off running when they find out that I'm good friends with the Alpha Male of the Infiniteria pack, or hear about Eric . . . You've lasted longer than most, Mr. Sky," she stated.[/color][/size][/blockquote]

[grebe]

"]

His eyes followed as her hand began playing with a ring. Her marriage ring? His eyes flickered up to her face. The pain in her eyes made his own flash again. He smiled tentatively. She was pretty, but he wasn't interested in her for the same reasons as he usually was. He genuinely felt sorry for her. But he guessed she didn't want his pity so he kept that to himself.

He reached out a stroked her hand before resting it back on the table. [green]I'm sure he'll come back soon.[/green] "What type of business?" He smiled widely at the thought of his work, and his gorgeous car, waiting for him outside. [green]I run a mechanics here in Eden Town, not far from here. Sky Mechanics, simple enough name.[/green] He shrugged. [green]Feel free to bring your car down their anytime. I might even give you a discount.[/green] He grinned, hoping it would lift the negative atmosphere.

Watching her face break out into a grin as she spoke, he couldn't help but feel happy. She had that kind of smile. [green]Well, I can't say I'm scared of any Alpha, no matter how badass he may be, and I may be a loner but I sure can be dominant. I quite like the sound of Eclipse, and I like the sound of that, Miss Holmes. I like that I've lasted longer than most.[/green] He grinned with her, thinking he'd quite like this strong young woman as a friend. Despite his history, he had had a few female friends and found them easier to get along with than guys. But, if she was already good mates with the Alpha of the Infiniteria pack then he'd be happy to just move on.

[Grimm]

[glow=white,2,300]Katie Holmes

[/size][/color][/font][/glow]

A lamb among wolves

[/size][/color][/font]

When Jared said that he was sure Damian would come back soon, Katie couldn't help but nod. She had a similar thought just about every morning and every night. As he started talking about his shop, she realized that she walked past it just about every day coming to work. "I know it. I don't live very far from here, so I walk to work just about every night. It's a nice little shop," she stated. At the mention of a discount, she simply shook her head. "No reason to do that, no car. If I ever need a ride anywhere, Eclipse normally takes me or a pack member will give me a ride,"

[/color] she stated.

At one point in time, she had had a nice car but because she was both stubborn and independent, she had to sell it shortly after Damian disappeared. Now, she had two feet and strong legs cause of it, which wasn't so bad, it just didn't make for a wonderful grocery shopping experience some times.

She giggled as he mentioned being dominant. "Never heard Eclipse called badass, but I guess I can see it,"[/color] she stated. She liked this guy, a very good friend, but probably nothing more. And she needed to go ahead and get that out of the way so that if he thought otherwise, she didn't have to hurt him more than she needed to. "I like you, Jared Sky. You seem like a pretty ok guy. I hope this isn't to forward of me, but I have to say this. I love my husband, wherever he is. I have a son that doesn't know his father but I'm hoping that will change one day. If your going to stay around town, I would like to stay friends, unless that bothers you,"[/color] she stated, not sure if she was saying it right, but hoped he understood.[/size][/blockquote][/color]

[grebe]

"]

[green]Ah, yes. Walking. I hate walking as exercise, as you can see from the car shop, but give me a gym and I'm there.[/green] He joked. He nodded as she said about getting a lift. [green]Well, if Eclipse doesn't mind, the I wouldn't mind giving you a lift. Any chance to show off my car really.[/green] He grinned widely, like a naughty school boy. Jared was glad that Katie had moved on from her husband, as it wasn't good to dwell on bad things, and he'd learnt that the hard way after losing Vee. He guessed it was also that same sort of pain too as she didn't know where Damian was either.

He was a little surprised as she spoke what he had been thinking. Well, apart from the husband and son part. She hadn't struck him as the forward type. He smiled, his white teeth showing in the dim light. [green]Well, I'm glad you said that, as I feel the same. And I do plan on sticking around, as there is a girl that I'm after. But she wants to stay anonymous.[/green] He grinned again at the thought of her. Looking swiftly at the door, then at his watch, he winced at the time. [green]Shit,[/green] He muttered under his breath. Glancing up at Katie, he smiled apologetically.[green] I really have to go, I have clients cars I need to fix and I need to be up in the morning to open up shop. I'm really sorry. I'll come back to Tooleys and see you sometime, maybe when can have a drink together?[/green] Leaning over to give her a quick kiss on the cheek, he stood up. [green]See you around.[/green]

[Grimm]

Katie nodded as he mentioned the hating walking as exercise. "You get use to it after a little while," she stated, nodding again as he mentioned giving her a lift if she ever needed one. "Whether Eclipse likes it or not, I wouldn't mind. I'm not one of his wolves, he can't control me like he does them,"

[/color] she stated, speaking the truth. She listened to the Alpha Male but wasn't ruled by him.

Hearing that Jared had a female but she didn't want to be named pricked her interest. Curiosity more like, but still, she couldn't even begin to know who he was interested in. Not even a clue, which only caused her to be more interested. Yet, before she had a chance to interrogate him, he was saying something about having to leave and she simply nodded. Next time.

The kiss on the cheek surprised her and she ended up just watching him go. Taking a deep breath, she heard glass breaking and looked over to see the bar top full and the poor new bartender barely treading water. Sighing, she was up and out of the booth and forced to push Jared Sky from her mind. At least for now.[/size][/blockquote][/color]