Chapter 4 - Testing the Charm

  

 Shirley 

  

 “Shit,” I say to myself as I drive down the road the following afternoon. 

  

 It just hit me - I forgot to leave Ralph my contact information the night before. I had fully intended to, or even asked for his. However, I had been distracted once Keith joined us. I’m not fully certain why, but I can only assume that I was blindsided by his pretty face.

  

 And there’s no way I can ask Jean for his phone number and simply text him. I can’t help but feel like he would know something is up if I claim I got his information “from a friend.” He may catch onto my ulterior motives and compromise the charm.

  

 I need something else…a new plan. But what?

  

 Continuing my drive, I begin to hit another part of the town, reaching more of the forest area. It’s quiet and free of the livelihood of the busier streets. I chose the route so I could clear my head and explore the town more. But a splash of color soon appears through the fall leaves.

  

 There’s a billboard up ahead, and something about the logo seems familiar. I take my time reading the words, realizing it’s an advertisement for some werewolf social networking app. It’s strange…it’s like I’ve seen it before.

  

 And then I remember - I have seen it. Last night in the bar, I caught a glimpse of that same logo…on Ralph’s phone. He’d been using the app when I’d swept into the seat next to him - though he’d quickly abandoned it once I’d caught his attention. 

  

 That asshole! I nearly smack the steering wheel of my rental car. Not only is that app for networking, but its specific use is for meeting single wolves for dating. 

  

 Asshole, I repeat. I have no idea how long this has been going on, but obviously he has been actively looking for someone to cheat with, someone new to develop. Oh, I could tear his head off.

  

 But then again…Ralph’s infidelity also makes my job a little easier. 

  

 Taking the next turn, I speed back to the hotel. Once in my room, I throw myself down onto the bed and get to work. I may have failed to get Ralph’s number the night before, but that’s no longer an issue. 

  

 Downloading the app, I skillfully make a fake profile under the name Anya before uploading a few retouched and sexy photos of myself. I also make sure to change my age, making it look like I’m some typical fun loving and flirty college girl. Once my page is set, I’m free to browse the other profiles. 

  

 It doesn’t take me long to find Ralph’s, causing me to laugh at how careless he is. I open his page so I can read over his details, shaking my head as I notice his status is set to “single.” 

  

 Single, my ass.

  

 But I also see the green dot next to his name, indicating that he is online. So I message him.

  

 Anya: What a weird coincidence! Weren’t you the one who paid for my drink last night at the Oak Bar?

  

 For extra measure, I finish my text with a heart emoji, wanting to nearly gag at the silly action. However, it seems to do the trick as it takes seconds for Ralph to reply.

  

 Men are so easy. 

  

 Ralph: Yes! How crazy. It seems we are meant to be. -winky face-

  

 Pushing away my disgust, I decide to text him back with the same eagerness.

  

 Anya: Seems like we are. I was thinking of going to Bounce tonight, but don’t have anyone to go with. -frowny face-

  

 I don’t ask if he wants to go with me, leaving the ball in his court instead. After all, Ralph likes a submissive girl…someone who needs a man to take over. And he gladly rises to the occasion.

  

 Ralph: Well, now you do. -smiley face- Meet me there?

  

 Easy. Too easy.

  

 ~

  

 Bounce is like any other nightclub - the lights dim and the music loud. The stage is decorated with wolf strippers working their magic on the current crowd who are either gliding around the dance floor or occupying tables near the edges. 

  

 Ralph and I are among those who have shifted off to the side as we sit together. We’ve only been there for a few minutes, but already he has positioned himself close to me, his hand near my leg. Probably because I decided to wear a short, red dress - perfect for a college girl’s night out. 

  

 In fact, he looks like he wants to eat me up as he keeps his eyes locked on me. However, they keep shifting all over, not knowing whether he’d rather stare into my eyes - free of my glasses - or my thighs. 

  

 On the table though, his fingers mindlessly tap next to his phone, as if waiting for something. 

  

 “Expecting a call?” I ask, nodding to the phone. Or a text? For all I know, he could be messaging multiple other girls, planning other outings.   

  

 But Ralph shakes his head. “No,” he replies as he slides the phone into his pocket. “I turned it off. I don’t want anyone to disturb us.” 

  

 What a gentleman, I scoff, giving Cicy a mental roll of my eyes. 

  

 “What a gentleman,” I repeat the words aloud for him, but this time they’re endearing. “I’m surprised a guy like you is still single. Shouldn’t you be old enough to find your mate?” 

  

 I’m testing him, seeing if he shifts or stumbles at my words. But Ralph is completely relaxed as he offers a shrug. 

  

 “I’m definitely single,” he replies simply. “Mates are too much trouble.”

  

 With his response, I can’t help but lift a brow. However, Ralph thankfully takes my annoyance as disappointment, causing him to quickly cover his tracks. 

  

 “Oh, but I don’t mean you,” he adds quickly. “If you were my mate then it would definitely be enjoyable. I think we’d have a lot of fun together.” 

  

 I try not to cringe as I flash a smile, then give him a bashful shrug. “Me too,” I smooth out. 

  

 Smug again, Ralph leans closer, his leg nearly brushing mine. “So your profile says you’re twenty-two,” he comments. “And that you’re in college. Where do you go?” 

  

 I take a sip from my drink, buying myself some time. However, I’ve prepared for this question. I took the time to research some nearby schools so I could make sure I had a proper backstory. 

  

 “Kirkland University,” I respond, setting my glass down. 

  

 That seems to please him as Ralph hums in interest, his gaze softly flicking down my body again. But once he meets my gaze, he nods toward the room. 

  

 “Wanna dance?” he asks. 

  

 I accept his offer despite dancing with him being the last thing I want to do. But I have to. If I want this plan to work then I need to play my part perfectly.  

  

 Within moments, we’re out on the dance floor, falling into rhythm with the music. Ralph stays close to me and I don’t back away, even making an effort to bring our bodies closer with each beat of the song. I try to pretend that Ralph isn’t who is, that I don’t want to squirm away with each inch crossed between us, so I keep my focus on the music, the lights. 

  

 Especially as we’re nearly right up against each other then. So I make my move. 

  

 “You’re so handsome,” I murmur into his ear, saying just what he wants to hear. I can tell by the way his eyes deepen in color as I slide away, noticing his hands reaching for my waist. So I step back even further, rocking my hips as if I’m merely dancing to the song. 

  

 Ralph doesn’t look annoyed by my action, which fills me with triumph. My charm is working beautifully, but I know I still need to push things further to make sure I'm actually successful. So I smirk. 

  

 “I wouldn’t mind hiring some of the male strippers to dance right in front of me. A whole row of them,” I say, the request bold, wicked. But it has to be. The request I make to my target has to be absolutely absurd and unreasonable. 

  

 And Ralph is stunned. His eyes have widened and his mouth slightly hangs open. 

  

 “A row!?” he asks, his head seeming to spin at my claim and the amount of money it would cost to please me. But he’s thinking about it, clearly calculating his response as he looks toward the dancers on the stage. 

  

 I keep dancing, anticipating his answer. His reply will determine whether or not my charm has worked. If he meets my request, then he will fall deeper into his infatuation and obey all of my commands. That’s how it always worked. 

  

 “So,” I begin. “What do you say?”

  

 Ralph turns back to me. And based on the way he looks at me - I can tell I’m going to win. 

  

 ~

  

 “Ralph!” 

  

 The sudden call completely interrupts Ralph’s reply. It came from behind him, causing us to both turn that time as we search for who has decided to intrude. 

  

 And much to my disbelief, I discover Keith walking through the parting crowd, coming right up to us. 

  

 How is he here? Again!? 

  

 “Keith -“ Ralph tries. 

  

 “Kevin called and asked me how the project you’re in charge of is going,” Keith clips out, his harsh stare only remaining on Ralph. “But it seems you’re a little distracted.” 

  

 His reference to me almost makes me scoff, but I’m too focused on Ralph as he looks down and pulls out the phone from his pocket. Awkwardly, he turns it on and I feel my jaw tighten as he steps away, giving me a pathetic apology under his breath before he begins to weave through the crowd. 

  

 Incredible. Once again, Keith has managed to ruin everything. And right when I was about to determine whether or not my charm had worked! 

  

 Annoyed, I finally dare to look at him, no longer impressed by Keith’s handsome features as I give him a firm scowl. I don’t even care if he’s staring right back - truly looking at me for the first time. I’m beyond pissed. 

  

 “Why do you keep interrupting us?” 

  

 “Why are you here?”

  

 Our questions come out at the same time, merely thrown at each other’s feet as we glare at one another. And Keith’s disapproval only worsens as he frowns at me, promptly shaking his head.  

  

 “You were the one I saw him with at the bar the other night, weren’t you?” he asks, though I don’t know why he posed his words as a question. 

  

 Based on his tone, we both know the answer.