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+---- Thread: - The Magician Pulls a Werewolf out of a Hat in This One (/showthread.php?tid=201)
The Magician Pulls a Werewolf out of a Hat in This One - Asher Bishop - 2021-Oct-30
Asher was not a man of nervous energy. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that he allowed himself complete and utter release at least once a month - or maybe he never took anything to do with a woman too seriously. Tonight was no different, though even he would have to admit that there did seem to be the beginnings of seriousness to the encounters he and Percy had been having. At least, he thought there were. This was no teen romance and, though things were going relatively slow, he put that down to the fact that they were both accomplished adults with more to do than titter over each other, smitten.
In the beginning, Asher's ties to the tea shop owner were no more than flattery, ego stroking, and a potential tie to the town that would make him seem more approachable - a sweet woman at his side would add to the cover for his machiavellian nightlife. Now? He wasn't so sure that his intentions matched his feelings, but the alpha preferred not to think about all that. It was better if he just let himself go with whatever flow he'd found - that would make his objective seem more pure, and his feelings more real. Suffice to say that he had never been in a position where he'd even considered real feelings for another person before - but he'd prefer not to think about that, either. An existential and romantic mess, for sure.
But tonight was not for messes - not the cerebral, intimate sort, anyway. It was for suits and dresses, masks and drinks. For putting on a face - literally - and enjoying the festivities, all the while networking and jostling for position on the social ladder. It was a game Asher enjoyed playing even when he cared little for the result; the height of a rung on that ladder hardly mattered when one thought himself to have already reached the top. But watching those beneath him squirm was one of life's joys, and he oh-so loved to calculate and execute what would best set them in their place. But alas, with Persephone by his side tonight? Well, she was just as much a handicap as she was a head start for his purposes. Perhaps she would see through him, see him for what he was, and terminate everything that had been so excitably brewing for the two of them - or perhaps she'd serve as a benefit, be the little trophy on his arm that allowed him the facade he had been piecing together since his arrival in Greenbrooke. It was all part of a challenge that could come crashing down all around him, and that only made it more enticing.
Alternatively, they might forget the night entirely, absorbed by one another, and Asher might actually enter into the first long term relationship he'd ever had. It seemed an outlier in the realms of possibility, but certainly, the thought had occurred to him. It filled his mind almost all-encompassingly, in fact, as he arrived at her residence, clad in a modern-cut suit and tie, slate grey with accents of forest green - as promised - and a bronzed mask whose iconography leaned heavily on Greek warriors and myths.
Asher was not the sort of man who might wait out in a car and send a text. He was far too traditional - and old - for that sort of a lack of etiquette. Instead, leaving a chauffeured limousine in the street, he broached whatever entryway or porch she had and, refraining from snooping too much, raised a meaty fist and rapped his knuckles deftly upon her front door.
RE: The Magician Pulls a Werewolf out of a Hat in This One - Persephone Miller - 2021-Oct-31
Percy continued to stare at her reflection in the full length mirror in her bedroom. It was the first time she was seeing herself in the beautiful gown she’d purchased for the Masquerade Ball that evening. It was absolutely stunning and fit wonderfully that she’d almost believe it had been custom ordered with perfect measurements if she hadn’t been the one to order it online and do her best to guess the right size. The deep forest green had caught her eye instantly and the dress quickly tied for first place amongst the nine tabs of contenders she had open. The other had been pretty and delicate in a lovely pink but Asher head leaned toward the green when she shot him some texts. He’d promised he would wear something to match the green and since he didn’t seem the sort to break his word on anything, Percy had taken the plunge and placed her order.
Now she was gawking at herself in that same dress and couldn’t believe what she saw. She had been invited to one of the more wildly sought after events of the year and wearing something that, while not overly expensive, was more than she typically spent on an item of luxury. All for a man. A man that had captured her attention from the moment he walked into her store and humoured her with a chat as he ate. There was something about Asher that drew her in and made it blaringly obvious that whatever was brewing between them was nothing like what she’d had with men in the past. Maybe it was due to him being older. She’d always dated close to her age and that had meant college kids or those who didn’t have worldly experience.
Asher also just made her smile. He had a wicked sense of humour that he used at the right moments, gave compliments Percy couldn’t do anything else with other than believe them as they came across sincere, and he kept her enraptured in a conversation with how knowledgeable he was. In short, Asher was ticking off every box in the category of ‘too good to be true’. But she still wanted more regardless. The Ball would be a good way to learn more about him when in the eye of the public and around people that one would want on their side in most everything.
“I still think you should wear your grandma’s pearls,” Gertrude commented from behind her, interrupting all thoughts about the man that would be there soon.
“No way. They’d be way too much with this dress and besides, they don’t match because of all this bling.” Percy gestured idly to the gown that saw the bodice and multiple panels of the skirt sporting patterns done in some kind of sparkly stone. It was gorgeous whatever it was and despite the plunging neckline that left most of her upper chest and shoulders exposed, Percy didn’t think it needed a necklace. Earrings, however, yes. She’d found a pair of dripping diamonds that hung midway down her neck and she’d fallen in love with the look. Hopefully Asher did as well. Normally she wouldn’t have cared about what someone else thought but they were attending the event together and Percy was very aware of what could come from the night and how serious things could turn if it went well.
She was also strongly against being an embarrassment.
As the knock on the front door came, Percy gave a little squeak and then laughed at herself. “I’m acting like I’m sixteen and going on my first date again.” With a shake of her head, Percy grabbed her mask from the dresser and carefully made her way downstairs. During the excursion, she made a note to put on large gowns and heals while on the main floor to avoid the difficult task from happening again.
She took a deep breath before opening the door and swore her heart stopped beating. Asher was stunning in his suit, she noticed first, but then saw the green and gave the man the full force of her smile. “Hello, handsome. Surely you knocked on the wrong door and can’t be here for me.” But Percy did count herself lucky to keep having Asher come to one of her doors.