Lan had scrubbed his skin clean and used more than a few handfuls of the scented soaps in their shower. It wasn’t as strong as the perfumes filling the building, but it would definitely be enough to mask his scent so long as he didn’t go outside.
After that, he had fallen asleep on the couch wrapped in a blanket so soft, he may have cried one more time.
Although he wanted to sleep for a century, he woke with the sun only a few hours later. Nightmares still chased him even if he’d escaped for the time being. Flashes of Nyx and his malicious grins pervaded every corner of Lan’s mind no matter how hard he fought against the fear.
His body screamed to run. Take off and find a new hiding spot. Lan suppressed the urge though, knowing that leaving the comforts of this place would just make him a moving target.
Now that he had a moment to himself, he could think through survival strategies until Delirium returned.
If Clarisse hadn’t been joking earlier, then perhaps Lan could stay here for a bit. He sat up, looking around the room curiously. Where am I? Last night, he hadn’t been able to get a clear look at the name of this establishment.
Pulling the blanket around himself, he took a slow stroll around the lounge, searching for something with a logo. As he neared the door, he found a basket full of glossy business cards. Printed in simple white font were the words: Clair de Lune
Beneath it, there was a string of numbers and another string of letters and symbols. He frowned. There really was a lot about Humans he didn’t understand.
Wandering back to the couch, he curled up again and closed his eyes. There was no going back to sleep, but he couldn’t recall the last time he’d laid down just to relax. No one would be coming to torment him either.
Lan buried a smile in the blanket.
This is more than I deserve.
Near midday, the lounge door clicked open.
Lan perked up, keeping the blanket firmly around himself as Clarisse entered. They carried a brown paper bag in one hand and immediately, Lan caught the scent of something sweet.
“You’re looking and smelling much better than before.” They’re makeup was lighter now, revealing a slightly older appearance. That same broad, confident smile spread across their face though, and Lan couldn’t help but return it.
They handed him the bag of food wordlessly and sat down on the opposite couch.
Lan peeked inside and scrambled to devour the pastries. They were just like the ones he’d seen other Humans carrying around and snacking on in the streets. The taste and texture were even better than what he’d imagined.
It wasn’t until he had nearly finished everything that Clarisse deemed it time to talk. They cleared their throat, getting Lan’s attention immediately. Locking eyes, Clarisse said, “If you remember what I said last night, I’m not in the business of charity.”
He nodded firmly.
“I am in the business of taking in cute strays that can work for Clair de Lune though.” They flashed a sharp grin but there was very little bite in it. “If you’re willing, I’d be happy to take you in as an employee, no questions asked. I’ll pay you a small living stipend and you can claim one of the rooms upstairs for yourself. Of course, meals will be your responsibility.”
Lan hesitated. This really was too far fetched now. What could a Human social club want with a wolf? It didn’t seem beneficial at all. If anything, they would be putting themselves in danger. “That’s not a good idea, right?” he hedged.
Clarisse grimaced. “What’s your name?”
“Lan.”
“Well, Lan,” they began carefully, “my business is one that heals hearts. Customers and employees alike. We offer companionship, emotional and physical, if you’re willing. Our client base loves cute faces and strong bodies just like yours. If anything, I was smart enough last night to see you’re a diamond in the rough.”
Clarisse crossed their arms, looking almost cartoonishly smug. Lan huffed a small laugh as they continued speaking. “If you’d kept wandering the night life looking like that, you would’ve ended up in a police station or in some sleazy club. So tell me, how is this arrangement not a win-win? You have a place to lie low and I have a new employee.”
Lan didn’t really understand, but he did appreciate the shelter. Interacting with other Humans also sounded worthwhile. It was something he’d always dreamed of after all.
Shaking off any more uncertainty, he extended a hand across the table, heart beating rapidly. “Thank you.”
He started working that night.
Clarisse said nothing about his scarred body, only asking if he preferred more or less clothing. They apparently had two uniforms. Lan wisely chose the option with more skin coverage. It would mean another layer to mask his scent. The shampoo and perfumes were already doing a lot, but he didn’t want to take chances.
They spent much of the day going over basic responsibilities and the location of various amenities. Clarisse explained that all money matters were handled by the front of the house and employees would receive their wages at the end of each week. If clients offered private tips, they were encouraged to accept.
Lan nodded along, only having a vague understanding of money. Pack leaders and alphas were privy to such knowledge. Someone as low ranking as Lan only caught snippets of gossip about these matters. All that said, it didn’t seem like a complicated system and he caught on rather quickly the more Clarisse spoke.
When night fell, another staff member was assigned to show him how to handle clients. It was very relieving, even if the staffer seemed annoyed by the extra work.
“Each client is different,” she explained tersely, leading the way toward one of many unmarked doors. “As Clarisse must’ve already told you, we entertain individuals and groups in private rooms. Our rooms are equipped with everything they might want. Stereo systems, karaoke machines, liquor racks, and comfortable furniture.”
Lan pretended he knew what stereos and karaoke machines were, and simply nodded along more earnestly.
She cracked a small smile, shoulders relaxing. “We have a fully functioning kitchen and chef, so the first thing we do is offer clients the food and drink menu. Although we’re here to give them a good time, it’s important to monitor their alcohol intake and ours as well. If things get out of hand, we have an emergency panic button located in every room as well as on our uniforms.”
A perfectly manicured finger tapped the pin on Lan’s satin lapel. “Press down on this and hold it for a few seconds. Someone should arrive within twenty seconds. If no one does, then press it again.”
Lan didn’t think he’d need something like that, but it was certainly good to know Humans took care of themselves. They break so easily.
They reached their designated room and she pushed it open. A smile spread across her face easily and Lan watched in awe as she opened her arms and hugged the waiting client.
He was a finely dressed gentleman with graying roots. There was such an astounding shift in his posture when he hugged the employee that Lan felt curiosity bubbling up. Were they closely acquainted? He seemed to be a regular.
“Liza, who is this adorable friend of yours?” the client asked gently, leading her by the hand toward a velvet couch.
Lan trailed after them, unsure if he should sit as well.
“His name is Lan,” she explained, beckoning him closer and patting the seat between her and the client. “He’s the Mistress’s newest pet project. I get it though. He has such big puppy dog eyes. It’d be hard to turn him away.”
The client chuckled, stretching an arm across the back of the couch as Lan settled between them. “It’s true.” He tipped Lan’s chin up lightly, inspecting his face with interest. “Clarisse has wonderful taste.”
It was earnest enough. Lan didn’t smell any deception, but the flattery felt empty. Nothing like when Adrian… He frowned, heat rising through his body.
Liza agreed readily and then offered him the food and drink menu while continuing to chat amiably.
After only three days of training, Lan was ready to take on a client solo. He had watched every interaction closely, adapting to the situation and memorizing appropriate expectations of behavior.
It took a bit of getting used to, but Lan accepted Humans liked his face for some reason. There was nothing particularly special about it among wolves. He had been told enough times that he lacked the proper musculature to be traditionally attractive. Even among other undesirables, he was on the smaller side.
Now, as he chatted with Humans of all shapes and sizes, he understood that they were a naturally small species. With roughly two-thirds of his own blood coming from Humans, it made sense he resembled their proportions more than a purebred.
Another thing he learned while meeting clients was that Humans enjoyed physical touch quite a bit. Maybe not as much as wolves, but they certainly seemed to relax with a hug, nuzzle, or kiss.
Lan was propositioned for more during his first two weeks, but the thought terrified him. If he got lost in his emotions, the wolf would emerge. If even Adrian couldn’t heal the wounds he inflicted during their stolen night, it only stood to reason that a Human might just die from one slipped claw.
And so, Lan continued kissing and cuddling clients who requested it. The touch was so soft he sometimes barely registered it. Human intimacy reminded him of kitten licks and in a way, it was comforting.
That feeling of warmth and that desire to protect them only grew more the longer he worked at Clair de Lune.
By the end of week three, he had completely lost track of time.
By week four, Delirium only came back on his radar because a client complained that she fought so hard for tickets to their opening night in London and failed to get it.
Circus. Ringleader. Delirium. Kallum Kingsley.
Lan knew he couldn’t hide within the walls of Clair de Lune forever, but it wasn’t so bad. Would running into a stronghold of Night Children benefit or hurt him in the long run? Furthermore, what if Adrian’s invitation had long since expired?
Over four years had passed since they last met. The only one who treasured that night was Lan. Given how experienced and charming Adrian was, it couldn’t possibly have been his first time seducing someone with sweet words.
The dream of running away to Delirium had sustained him through the hardest years of his life, but maybe there were other pathways now.
He could save up money and keep trekking. Nyx hadn’t found him and that meant this thick mixture of perfumes was an excellent camouflage. All in all, Lan was starting to feel like true freedom was within his grasp.
The world was opening up before him and he could do whatever he wanted.
Just as quickly as those thoughts came, they flew away as he entered his fifth week at Clair de Lune.
Clarisse assigned him only one client for the evening despite it being a busy Friday. They always increased the price for hourly reservations on weekends, making it a difficult but popular time to visit. Usually, even the most dedicated regulars refrained from booking entire evenings.
Lan didn’t question it though. He simply smiled and headed for the room. Like every client, there was no name. They would inform employees in person if they had a preference.
He smiled as he pushed the door open, calling out a bright greeting like every night. “Good evening! How are—” Lan’s voice shriveled up.
Adrian lounged on the couch, a slow smile forming on his lips. Bright red eyes peered through the dim lamp light. Amused. Curious. Maybe a little frustrated. “Long time no see, doll.”
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