We stepped onto the gravel, our shoes crunching softly in the quiet of morning. Motorcycles lined the edges of the lot, gleaming under the light of the sun. They looked menacing somehow, like steel sentinels guarding the entrance to a world we didn't belong to.
"Quite the welcome party." Carol eyed the bikes.
"Definitely not here for a knitting circle." I tried to match her lightness.
Carol patted her sweater, the bright pattern on it almost glowing against the morning sky. "I brought some spells, just in case things get hairy."
"Me too,” Deva said. "Both peaceful, and not so peaceful, spells.”
"Good thinking." Beth nodded her approval as she locked the car with a beep.
We approached the entrance, the sound of raucous laughter and clinking glasses spilling out each time the door swung open. The air was thick with the smell of stale beer and cigarette smoke. It was like walking into a cloud, and not the fluffy, white kind.
"Remember, just act natural," Beth reminded us as she pulled the door open.
"Natural. Right," I muttered.
The door closed behind us with a thud, sealing us inside. It took a second for my eyes to adjust, but when they did, I realized everyone was staring. The place fell silent, except for the jukebox that was oblivious to our arrival, and continued its twangy serenade.
We just stood there, frozen for a minute, before Beth gave a little wave and strode in. There were a few narrowed eyes, but for the most part, everyone went back to what they were doing. We hurried up to Beth, deciding that she was probably in the right just to act like we belonged here.
"Let's find a spot and wait."
We edged our way around a pool table where the clack of billiard balls punctuated the low hum of conversation. The dim light did little to hide the worn felt on the table or the grim determination on the players' faces. Across the room, a group huddled in a dark corner, their heads close together over drinks.
I wondered which man was the one we were looking for. Honestly, any of them could have been a violent werewolf. They had the look… and the smell.
"Watch out," Carol murmured as a man staggered toward us, a sloppy grin plastered across his face.
"Hey there, ladies," he slurred, zeroing in on Carol with bleary eyes.
"Hello." Carol stepped back and attempted a polite smile as she subtly reached into her sweater pocket.
"Whatcha doin' in a place like this?" He tried to drape an arm around Carol's shoulder.
"Looking for someone." Beth stepped between them.
"Maybe I can help," he insisted, but his attention never left Carol. He leaned in closer, invading her personal space.
"Thanks, but no thanks." Carol ducked away from his grasp.
"Aw, come on, don't be like that." He reached for her again with clumsy persistence.
"Really, we're fine." Hopefully he'd take the hint without further incident.
Carol's fingers twitched, a small movement but deliberate. A flick and something tumbled to the floor, a sachet or charm, maybe. It popped and smoked for an instant.
"Ugh, what is that smell?" the man recoiled, his face scrunching in disgust.
Carol didn’t miss a beat. "Nature's perfume," she deadpanned.
He gagged, backpedaling fast. "You smell awful, " He choked out the words between heaves, then turned and bolted through the crowd.
It was impossible not to laugh, but I tried to hide my smile behind my hand. My gaze went to Deva and Beth, and they were both grinning too. I wondered if that was one of the non-violent spells they’d decided to bring with them. Either way, I had to say it was effective.
We made our way to the bar, navigating through the dimly lit room with caution. The scent of stale beer and smoke clung to everything, stifling after the crisp morning air outside.
The bartender was cleaning a glass, eyeing us as we approached. "Can I help you ladies?" he asked suspiciously.
