Chapter Four
The Red Dragon
Dima
“Vampires, werewolves, fallen angels, and fairies lurk in the shadows, their intentions far from honorable.” – Jeaniene Frost
Dirge didn’t even have to turn around to know the large imposing angel was behind him.
He could sense him. He didn’t bother to turn around as he spoke to the brooding angel who stood behind him in the dark alleyway outside of Xolani’s office, “Since when do you have time to bother in the affairs of demons?”
“You have garnered the attention of the Maker.”
He turned to look at Michael and crossed his arms over his black t-shirt.
Michael sat on the stoop of the next building. His form shrouded in the darkness of the alley. Even though it was daytime and one would think an angel would draw the light, Michael’s form did not.
Dirge knew it was because he chose not to be seen. “Don’t you have some other being to hassle?”
“You need to do the tasks that are set before you Dirge, and not make issues where they should not be.”
“Tell the Maker that he need not worry. Every song I sing gets the fucking job done. Besides, demons gotta tempt.” Dirge smirked. He knew that retort wouldn’t be given to the Maker by the goody-goody angel.
The only warning he got that he had offended the angel was the golden shimmer within his gaze as he stood to his full height. In a flash, Michael stood before him, peering straight into his eyes as if he were a lesser creature.
Dirge stood his ground and stared back at him. He had not changed into his normal form, still wearing the skin of Dima Valdez with piercing green eyes, jet black hair, with a full black beard, and tattoos.
Michael looked at Dirge up and down. “You may get the fucking job done, demon, however the Maker is the one who calls all the shots.”
“An angel who curses. Interesting.” Dirge laughed.
Michael made a move towards him and then thought better of it.
“Mm, you can’t touch me.” Dirge knew the Maker was in charge. But his golden ticket was the fact that he had free will and any form of punishment wouldn’t come from the most loyal Michael but from the Maker.
Michael pulled back from him and ran a hand through his long blond tresses. “You are right. I cannot harm a hair on your head unless you give me reason to. But I am warning you, do not harm Xolani Coleman.”
“Hah, so you have come running to save the human.”
“Actually, I was sent to make sure you behave.”
“Need I remind you that even as a demon I have free will. Just as Xolani does?”
“Oh, no need to remind me, Dirge. I know all I need to know about you and this human.” Michael smirked.
His attitude gave Dirge pause. Michael knew something, had some inner secret he was keeping close to his cuff. Well...his robes, as it were. “By the look of your clothing, you came straight here to tell me off. You didn’t even change into clothing that would help you to blend,” he scoffed.
“I thought to talk some sense into you and didn’t wish to waste time. However, I can see that there is nary a smart molecule in your being.”
“And you talk like a ninety-year-old man!”
Michael laughed at that. “Do you realize how ridiculous you sound? I am many millennia old.”
“That may be old man, but you are now in a realm where you need to keep the veil about you.”
“Do not worry about me breaking the veil. You better heed my warning and tread carefully concerning the human.”
“Threats? How the high and mighty have fallen if you must threaten me to get your way.” Dirge moved away from the building and headed out of the alley way.
“We’re not finished with this discussion,” Michael snarled.
“Oh, but I am. I’m quite thirsty. How about you follow me to the Red Dragon, angel. If you dare.”
The Red Dragon was a spot for the beasts, humans who knew about the beasts, and the angels who dared to walk through its doors. Dirge was also the owner of said business. A place for all supernatural’s to meet. One could drink, eat, fornicate, have conversations separately or at the same time.
He kept walking, not worried if Michael would follow him or how.
He figured he’d either shadow step to the bar or he’d eventually find his way there.
Luckily for him, the building was only a few blocks down the street from Xolani’s place and was open twenty-four hours every day.
The place was nondescript, so you truly had to know about it, just to wind up there.
It also sat next to a large business complex that housed Felipe Santiago Castro’s Once Upon a Dream Fantasy wish business, Club Fantasy which was run by the illustrious Dr. Godwin Fairee.
He’d visited the place on his own when he’d had time in the past and hell, he knew he’d visit again at some point.
A very exclusive and high-end place that one would never have thought would be downtown, but that was part of the appeal.
Not everyone knew about the place and the clientele was exclusive.
The card he’d given to Xolani held the number for the club.
He knew curiosity would get the better of her and she’d soon be calling.
A monster had to drink to stay sane, didn’t he?
He never thought of himself truly as a monster, but he knew the true public, if they were to see him, would think so.
He hoped the allure of that card would capture her attention.
If it didn’t, his persuasion tactics were top-notch so either way, she was screwed.
He hoped literally. He chuckled at his own lewdness.
Dirge made his way out of the alley and headed down the street with his hands in his pockets and his thoughts on the opposition that he could feel walking behind him in the shadow realm.
The angel had chosen to meld into the in-between rather than go directly to the aforementioned business. Most likely, he was keeping an eye on Dirge making sure he was indeed going to where he said he was going.
His brisk steps brought him to the plain brown door that held evil, good, joy, and secrets behind it. Pulling the door open, Dirge nodded to the bouncer who stood just within and then turned to Michael. “After you angel,” he said with a smirk.
Michael had walked up behind him.
His presence would have bothered a lesser demon than himself, but he knew what buttons to push with Michael and which ones not to push.
The large Angel brushed past him and went inside waiting just in the entryway with him.
Dirge chuckled at the angel’s discomfort as he let the door fall shut.
When the light from outside faded, their gazes were greeted with a darkened bar room.
The lights dimmed enough for the humans to still see and dark enough for the others to feel comfortable.
It had a well-kept interior with tables and chairs.
A nice set up for the guests, along with a superior side bar and a hidden kitchen behind it.
There were also couches and large comfortable chairs for conversations.
Every bit of furniture colored in rich cherry wood and the carpeting in some areas were in a neutral brown.
The areas not carpeted were covered in standard brown tile.
And as usual, the bar was filled with the usual suspects of monsters, those aware, along with angels and demons.
“You really are determined to dog my steps, Michael,” Dirge noted.
Other supers now looked in their direction and saw Michael, so they tried to slink further into the dimly lit place.
“You’re a fallen angel, Dirge. You don’t think our Maker would want to keep tabs on you? That He would not just let you go wild?”
“Ah, but the ladies love me wild.”
The sound that Michael emitted was one of disdain and the roll of his eyes definitely got the point across as he followed Dirge into the darkness that was The Red Dragon.
“Silence, demon! I don’t want to hear about debauchery.”
Dirge chuckled. “And yet, you’re here and will have to listen to not only my evil deeds but a building full of them.”
As an angel, Michael was privy to every single thought or voice.
Dirge settled at the bar while raising his hand to the female bartender named Dolly at the other end of the bar helping others. He winked at her and saw her blush, her lightly tanned cheeks blooming a lovely shade of pink.
“Must you flirt all the time?” Michael hissed.
“I’d be remiss in my duties if I didn’t flirt. Damn, get off my cock. I didn’t know you swung that way. You’re bringing down the whole mood.” Dirge kept his eyes on Dolly.
The other woman tender walked towards them. “Hey, boss man. Didn’t think we’d see you this early,” Honey purred.
“Just came to check in and, of course, an unwanted straggler followed me.”
Honey giggled. “I can see that. Is there anything I can get you both?”
“I’ll have my usual and the angel was just leaving, so he doesn’t want anything.”
Honey nodded and headed to grab his whiskey sour, not bothering to speak to Michael. Like most who worked here Honey was a supernatural being who didn’t want anything to do with angels.
“Are we done, Michael?” Dirge asked him. “You’ve given me the Maker’s message, so I’m sure you have other things to do.
“Unfortunately, I am sure we aren’t done. However, I will leave you with this little tidbit. I am now your shadow. I will be observing, consulting, if necessary, and reporting back to the Maker.”
Dirge rolled his eyes at what Michael said as Honey put his glass in front of him. “Now that’s gonna be fun for you and as far as consulting...” He snickered. “I will make sure you have plenty to report.”
Michael sighed and left as quickly and as silently as when he’d followed him into the club.
Dirge turned around in his chair to peruse the room, spotting two very enticing females in the corner. Easy prey. Lifting his drink to his lips as he stood, he made his way over to them.
He gave them his most brilliant smile. “Good evening, ladies.”
They both turned at the same time and frowned.
“We’re together,” the redhead chirped.
Then the buxom brunette nodded and said, “We both have friends.”
Dima’s lip curled. Now this was strange. An off day, perhaps? But he never had those. He didn’t even bother to say anything else to them and headed back towards the bar.
Honey stood there and raised one of her blonde brows. “Off day, boss?”
“Cut it...and give me another fucking drink.”
She didn’t say anything else and moved off to fix his drink.
Dirge sat there wondering what was happening.