“I… I really want to,” I said, hating the way my voice shook. “But I love this job… I can’t risk it. I… I’m sorry.” I forced myself to take a step back. “This is my dream job.”
Grimbolc's amber eyes softened, his ears drooping slightly. "I understand," he said, taking a step back. "I respect that."
I hadn't expected such an understanding response. My body was still humming with want, my mind racing with possibilities of what could have happened in that shower. And my cock was rock hard.
"Though," Grimbolc added, reaching into a small pocket on his shorts, "if you ever change your mind or want to explore in a more...privatesetting, there's a place in town."
He pulled out what looked like a business card and placed it on my desk. The card was black with silver embossing that caught the light. "The Bathhouse," it read simply, followed by an address in the warehouse district.
"It's discreet," Grimbolc explained. "Monsters and monster-lovers and men only. No one judges there, and everyone understands the need for privacy." He gave me a meaningful look. "Especially for those with public positions to maintain."
I picked up the card, running my thumb over the raised lettering. "A bathhouse?"
"Among other things," he said with a slight grin that revealed the tips of his canines. "Some come to watch. Others come to play. All are welcome." He leaned in, his muzzle close to my ear. "And the security is excellent. No photos, no gossip. What happens at the Bathhouse stays there."
The warmth of his breath against my ear sent a shiver down my spine. "I'll... think about it," I managed.
"Do," he said, straightening up. "I'm there most Saturday evenings. I'd enjoy seeing you there, Kaleb." The way he said my name, rolling it around in that deep voice, made my knees weak all over again.
Grimbolc moved toward the door, his tall frame filling the small office. He paused with his hand on the doorknob and turned back to me. "One more thing," he said.
Before I could respond, he closed the distance between us in two long strides. His paw-like hand cupped my cheek,surprisingly gentle despite the visible claws. Then he leaned down and pressed his muzzle against my lips in what could only be described as a kiss. It was strange. The texture of his short fur against my skin, the slight dampness of his nose, and the careful way he avoided nicking me with his teeth was unlike anything I’d experienced before. But it was undeniably exciting.
The kiss lasted only seconds, but it felt like minutes. When he pulled away, I was breathless.
"Something to remember me by," Grimbolc said with a wink. "Good luck, Officer Kaleb. I hope to see you again someday."
And with that, he was gone, leaving me standing in my office, fingers pressed to my lips where I could still feel the tingle of his kiss, and the black business card clutched in my other hand.
I sank into my chair, heart pounding, cock still throbbing. The Bathhouse. A place where I could watch, maybe even participate, without risking my job. A place where monsters gathered.
I tucked the card into my wallet, already knowing I'd be there tonight. It had been far too long since I’d had time to just unwind and let myself have a little fun. And maybe, if I got lucky, I’d run into Grimbolc again someday. Then I could finally find out what it was like to be knotted by a werewolf.
The warehouse district was not a part of town I’d explored before. My apartment was on the west side and since I didn’t work in a factory, I’d never had much reason to explore the east side.
The address from the business card led me to a nondescript metal building. No fancy sign, just a plain steel door and a neon sign glowing above it that read “OPEN”. I hesitated on thesidewalk, suddenly nervous. What if someone recognized me? What if this was some elaborate setup?
But then I remembered Grimbolc's kiss, the warmth of his muzzle against my lips, and my resolve strengthened. I pushed through the door before I could change my mind.
The lobby was nothing special. There was vinyl flooring that had seen better days, fluorescent lighting that hummed slightly, and a few plastic plants in the corners. Behind a simple reception desk sat a human man with graying hair, deeply engrossed in what appeared to be a romance novel. The cover featured a shirtless muscular vampire embracing a smaller man from behind. He barely glanced up as I approached.
“Membership card,” he said as if he’d repeated it a million times. Maybe he had.
“I… I don’t have one.” I didn’t realize there was a membership required. Grimbolc hadn’t mentioned that.
"First time?" he asked, dog-earing his page with practiced indifference.
"Yes," I admitted, my voice cracking slightly.
He reached below the counter and produced a clipboard with a form. "Membership application. Twenty dollars a month or fifty for three. Cash only." His tone suggested he'd given this speech countless times before as well.
I filled out the form, using my first name only, and slid three twenties across the counter. The man finally looked up, his eyes giving me a quick once-over before returning to his book.
"Lockers and towels are complimentary. House rules are posted inside. No photos, no harassment, no means no, andno phones." He handed me a small key attached to an elastic wristband. "Enjoy your night.”
I took the key and headed through the door he indicated. My heart was pounding so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it.But as I stepped into the locker room, I realized I was completely alone.
The space was clean but basic. There were rows of metal lockers, a few benches, and an open plan shower tucked onto the far side. I found my assigned locker and stared at it for a long moment. This was my last chance to back out, to return to my safe, predictable life.
