Disclaimer: Disclaimer: Any fictional characters/locations you recognize are the property of Laura K. Hamilton. I don’t own anyone. Too much work, owning people and all. I prefer to just borrow them. I am not making any money off of this. It’s to amuse myself and maybe a reader or two.

* “Free” lyrics by Rick Springfield. I didn’t ask permission, but if he objects he can come talk to me about it, PLEASE. LOL.

*Thanks to Esther for being my beta. Any errors you see are mine not hers.

This is the 3rd chapter of the Date with Noah Story which is graciously featured in the café section of the most excellent Worlds Apart website. Thanks Gigs!

Rating: R, nudity and sexual situations

 I looked at my reflection in the mirror and wondered where the last week had gone. Noah had somehow become an integral part of my life. The day after our picnic Noah called to let me know he was going to be tied up with business all week. Merle was out of town on an errand for Micah. That left Noah in charge of guard detail. We had managed to talk on the phone at least once a day. Noah said he wanted his voice to be the last thing I heard before I went to sleep.

We did have lunch on Tuesday because Micah graciously agreed to come along. I was a little apprehensive but Micah was very nice. He made me feel at ease fairly quickly. Unfortunately, Micah said one lunch would have to be enough for us until Merle got home. He said if he had to listen to any more of our sweet talk to each other he would need an insulin shot. I would have been offended but there was a twinkle in his eyes when he said it. I think he was happy that Noah had found someone.

Merle had gotten back to town the previous night. I heard the pard had made bets on how many seconds would pass between Merle getting back and Noah asking for the next night off. So, here I was on another Saturday getting ready to go out with Noah. I don't know why I was so nervous. Noah and I had gotten a lot closer through some long phone calls and this wasn't our first date. Of course, it was our first dress up and go out date. It was also my first time going out to a club in the Vampire District.

I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my room, checking my outfit and make up for what seemed like the hundredth time. I was wearing a snakeskin print halter dress that showed off my bare arms and back. It ended 2 inches above my knee. That made the dress a good 5 to 6 inches shorter than anything I normally would wear, but I wanted to impress Noah. Knowing I would be on my feet all night, I did wear low heel shoes. It wouldn't impress Noah if I fell flat on my face. Judging by Noah's expression when I answered the door I had apparently done something right. He was wearing black jeans, a midnight blue metallic shirt, and had a tailored leather jacket over it. I had time to take in his appearance while he found his voice.

"Wow! You look….Wow!" Noah gushed.

I smiled back at him and said: "You clean up pretty well yourself."

Feeling half naked, I grabbed my new ankle length black velvet cloak. I didn't want to make a spectacle of myself walking to the club and it was a little chilly. Noah helped me fasten it at my neck and put the hood up. He stepped back and looked at the effect.

Shaking his head with a smile he said, "When in Rome and all that, I suppose. You are certainly dressed for the District." He grabbed my hand and we headed out the door. I was still getting used to that little tingle of his power when we touched.

I tried to focus on the fact that I was spending the evening with this incredible guy and forget the fact we were heading for a hot spot owned by the Master Vampire of St. Louis. Before I knew it we were looking up at the big red neon sign that read "Danse Macabre." The place looked huge from the outside. I'd heard it was some old warehouse that Jean Claude had converted to a dance club. There was already a line going down the street and half way around the next block. Rather than getting in line with everyone else, Noah walked me up to the front door. As we passed the crowd waiting to get in, I realized I was dressed a bit conservatively compared to the norm and I began to relax. There was more flesh on display than you would see in your average porn movie. Noah walked up to a very buff looking vampire doorman. I was too busy worrying about the angry looks from the crowd waiting to get in to worry about this being my first close up look at a vampire. I gave Noah a questioning gaze.

"There are advantages to my associations. We're on the VIP list. After you, my lady" Noah said as he winked. He ushered me through the door as I pulled my hood down. It was warm but surprisingly not too > stuffy inside. I could hear the pounding beat of the music even from the entry alcove.

We stopped by the holy item check counter. I didn't have anything to check in, but I had heard Esther had taken over the job of running the counter and I wanted to say hi. She was the one that introduced Noah to me after all. She looked very cute in her uniform with her new belly ring in place. She appeared to be enjoying her new job and seemed very pleased with herself for introducing the two of us. I told her I was just waiting to hear her say I told you so. But, she graciously said she was just pleased to see things were working out and that we were happy. She had to get back to work so Noah and I headed off to visit the coat counter and to check out the club.

Standing at the coat check counter, Noah took off his jacket. I saw his shirt was short sleeved and we would be touching bare skin a lot if we did any slow dancing. If just the touch of his hand sent shivers through my body, what would his arms on my bare back do to me?

As I started to unclasp my cloak I heard Noah behind me. "Hi Nate. Hey Jason. What are you two doing over here? Shouldn't you both be at Guilty Pleasures getting ready for your sets?"

I turned to meet the pair. I had talked to Nate once on the phone when I called Anita's looking for Noah. He looked younger than I expected the wereleopard to be. He had beautiful lilac eyes and a sweet smile. I looked over at Jason. He looked like he was in his early twenties and had a cocky smile. Fortunately, I had been warned about the flirtatious werewolf so I wasn't too shocked by his reply to Noah's question.

"We need to leave soon, but we were staking out the place. We heard that you were bringing your new love interest to the club. We had to see who had you talking so hot and heavy on the phone all week. Nate says he's never heard or smelled you get so excited over a phone call before."

Blushing, I turned to take off my cloak and give it to the coat check girl. That was a mistake. As the cloak came off, showing off my naked arms and back, I heard Jason whistle. Noah had already seen the dress, but apparently it still affected him. At least I assumed that was the reason that Jason looked over to him and asked him if he was sure he was feeling quite himself.

Jason gave me a wicked grin and said: "Damn girl! I'll talk dirty to you on the phone if you'll wear that."

Realizing I had managed to surprise these handsome guys, I recovered enough to laugh. "Jason I am here with Noah. Besides, I heard you already have a girlfriend. Why don't you go practice your lines on her?"

Noah said "Good night boys," and pulled me into the main part of the club before I had a chance to say goodbye.

"What was that all about?" I asked, still chuckling.

"I want you all to myself." He replied huskily as if we weren't in a crowded club.

Feeling a bit bold, I reached up and stroked his cheek, "You have my undivided attention kitty."

"Do you want to hear me purr," he asked as he pulled me out onto a large dance floor and started spinning me around. I didn't recognize the song but the music had a strong pulsing beat. Lights flashed over his shoulder as we spun, and I could sense a myriad of strangers pressing in closer. His strong arms circled me and it tingled like an electric current across my bare back.

Laughing I scolded, "Noah stop that. You're making me dizzy and I'm going to make a fool of myself."

Abruptly stopping with me in the middle of the dance floor, he looked into my eyes. "Don't worry, I'll never let you fall."

Looking into his beautiful green eyes I trusted his words. That realization momentarily made me freeze. I couldn't believe how fast and how hard I had fallen for a guy I had barely known a week. Sure he was incredibly handsome and sweet, but could I really trust him with my heart? Some of my uncertainty must have shown on my face. Noah leaned in to me and gently asked what was wrong. Refusing to let any doubts steal this night, I shook off my fears and tried to lighten the mood.

"Nothing. I was just thinking how incredible you are. Didn't we come here to dance?" I giggled as I pulled Noah further into the crowd. Noah seemed to hesitate for a moment, wanting to finish our conversation. Then, he apparently decided to let it go for the moment and started to dance. The next several songs were fast tempo, leaving me breathless by the end of the last, Bon Jovi's "It's My Life." Noah realized I needed a break so he suggested we find a table to sit at. He found us a table on the second level, not too far from the DJ booth, and wandered over to the bar to get us something to drink.

Sitting on the second level with Noah momentarily out of my sight, I was finally able to get a good look at what the club looked like. The place had 3 levels, with the upper two looking down on the dance floor. I looked up at the rafters and there were what appeared to be large dolls dressed in leather and chains hanging down. I heard someone sit down next to me, and turned to see a handsome young man that didn't quite feel human to me.

"Hi, I'm Greg. I saw you come in with Noah. Great dress."

Ah, this was Esther's leopard boyfriend. "Hi Greg. Thanks for the compliment. It's nice to finally meet you. I've heard a lot of good things about you from Esther and Noah."

I looked around the club again trying to discern who was human and who wasn't. Away from Noah I was feeling a bit more nervous. "So Greg, are there a lot of vampires here?"

"There are a few around. Damien is down there near the stage, and Jean Claude is here somewhere. He dropped by to look at the books." Smelling my fear Greg added, "Don't worry. Nothing is going to happen to you in here. One it's bad for business. Two you have friends here looking out for you."

"Three they would have to get past me and that isn't going to happen." Noah had a hard edge to his voice as he set our drinks on the table and then circled his arms around my shoulders from behind. Looking up he added, "Hi Greg. Thanks for keeping Maggie company while I was gone."

"No problem. I should get back to playing the tunes though. That other favor is ready to go Noah. See you later Maggie." Greg said as he got up and headed back to the DJ booth.

"Thanks Greg." Noah took a sip of his soda and looked over at me. "Are you having fun?"

"Yeah, I was just feeling a bit overwhelmed. I'm fine now." I smiled at him, realizing that I could do this. I could risk stepping out and showing him the woman I usually kept hidden from the world. Standing, I took Noah's hand and invited him back onto the dance floor. I was there for him, no one else matter. I let go of Noah's hand as a new song started to play. It had a sensual beat and I allowed myself to get lost in the music. I swayed and swiveled my hips in time to the music, moving toward the center of the dance floor. Noah followed me out. I felt like the Pied Piper leading my Cat through the crowd. We reached the center of the dance floor and Noah gave up watching to join in. He moved in time with the music, circling around me, getting closer with every turn. On the last turn, he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in. We swayed to the music, our bodies grinding against each other as we went. I could feel his arousal pressed against my lower abdomen and the tingle of his power as his hands made circles on my bare back. He turned toward me and captured my lips in a brutal kiss. His tongue quickly conquered my mouth thrusting inside while his erection rubbed provocatively against me. I was overcome by the attack of sensations on too many fronts. All I could do was allow myself to be carried with the tide.

I gradually became aware that the music had stopped and a small crowd had formed around us. From the surge of energy I was guessing they weren't human. There were a lot of smiles, nods, and even a few claps. Fighting a rising blush, I refused to be embarrassed. I gave our watchers a sly smile, a quick curtsy, and allowed Noah to lead me away from them. We stopped at the edge of the dance floor.

Noah turned me toward him. "What am I going to do with you? I never would have put on a show for a crowd without you."

Looking up into beautiful emerald eyes I asked, "Is that such a bad thing?"

"No, I suppose it isn't. The guys are always telling me it would be good for me to loosen up a bit." He smiled down at me.

"Isn't that part of what relationships are about? Learning to support each other and being better together than we are apart?" I smiled back at him as I leaned in to be surrounded by his embrace.

Squeezing me in his arms he teased, "I forgot that the beauty has brains. I'm in trouble now."

"Yes, I think you have met your match young cat." The voice that had responded behind me sent shivers down my spine that had me almost gasping for breath as I turned to face it. "You must be Noah's new love Maggie. I have heard about you. Tell me Noah does she taste as sweet as she looks?"

Refusing to be baited by his Nimir-Ra's lover Noah responded: "Jean Claude. To what do we owe this honor?"

I was distracted having the Master of St. Louis stand so near. He was wearing black leather pants that must have been painted on, and a flowing blue silk shirt that was unbuttoned half way down his chest. I found myself staring at the cross shaped scar on his chest because I didn't dare look at his face. I was afraid I would end up trapped in his gaze. I realized that I had missed a significant portion of the conversation and that both men were staring at me. Noah had a bemused grin on his face, so apparently he didn't think Jean Claude was any threat to me.

"I'm sorry, did I miss something?" I squeaked, hoping the smile I plastered on my face looked somewhat believable.

"Mademoiselle, I was just saying that I was fortunate enough to see the show you gave my patrons a few minutes ago. I was wondering if you might be interested in performing here every night." Jean Claude's voice was still intoxicating, but I think he had realized I was too sensitive and toned it down a bit.

"Um, thanks for the offer but I'm happy with my lab research." I responded in a more normal voice.

As Jean Claude chuckled, Noah responded: "I'm fairly certain he was joking angel, but no we are not interested in helping out on a regular basis. I'm sure we have taken up enough of your time Jean Claude. I think that one of my favorite songs is starting up so, if you'll excuse us, we're going to go dance."

Still chuckling, Jean Claude dismissed us, "Of course. I wouldn't dream of interrupting your FAVORITE song. It was a pleasure to meet you, Maggie. I'm sure we will be able to get better acquainted another time."

As Noah led me back into the crowd, I asked, "So what is this song. It has a nice melody but it must be new."

"I have no idea. You needed to get away from Jean Claude before you became any more unnerved and it sounded like a good excuse." He replied with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"I was that obvious huh? I must have been quite entertaining. I can't believe you lied to a Master Vampire for me." I said in shock.

"Well, he knew I wasn't being honest and why, so there is no harm done. You are always entertaining because you are so cute. Your distress was obvious, but you did much better than I expected you to, meeting your first vampire and the Master of the city at that. You were able to speak to him. Considering you've said the last time you met a celebrity for the first time you were too scared to speak, you're making progress." Noah gave me a reassuring kiss on the head as he hugged me tight.

Several songs later, we were back at our table, finishing our drinks. It had been a great night but I was getting tired. Noah gazed over at me and brushed my cheek with the back of his hand. "How about the next slow song for our last dance and we head out of here?"

I smiled and nodded my agreement as he stood up. "I'll be right back."

I saw him head over to the DJ booth to say something to his pard friend. Greg smiled, giving him a thumbs up sign. As Noah came back and pulled me into his arms, I asked, "What was that all about?"

"I told him good night and called in that favor he mentioned earlier." Noah had a twinkle in his eyes as he led me to the dance floor. The music changed and I heard the hauntingly beautiful opening guitar chords of "Free." Noah pulled me closer into his arms. I rested my head on his shoulder as we began to sway in time to the music. I felt so safe in his embrace, as if this was where I was meant to be. I closed my eyes and listened as the second verse began.

"I had to close a door in my life for another one to open
so I could go through, though I had no guiding light,
and no signs somehow it still led me to you.
I learned a lesson here in love and it's ringing
loud and clear
Now I'm ready to reveal all the things
That before I could never say.

(I'm Free) When we are one I am complete.
(I'm Free) and I'm undone and I will be healed in your eyes"*

As the last chorus repeated, I looked up into Noah's eyes and realized he had picked the perfect song for us. I was ready to make a leap of faith with him and reveal myself. Before I could lose my courage I pulled his head down to give him a gentle kiss and told him, "I love you. I know it's too soon and you might think I'm crazy but I had to tell you."

Noah wore a huge smile as he gently kissed my lips, then trailed kisses along the side of my check to my ear. He rubbed his cheek against mine before looking back into my eyes. "I love you too. I knew from the moment I saw you napping on the blanket in the park, I wanted you. I knew from that first long conversation that you were the missing piece of my soul. I think that's why neither of us had found a lasting relationship before now. Our souls were searching for each other."

As he reached to wipe a tear from my eye, he asked, "How about I take you home?"

Feeling somewhat tired from dancing, and emotionally overwhelmed, I quickly agreed. We headed off the dance floor and picked up our coats. I waved goodbye to Esther. She was holding up an impromptu sign that said "CALL ME" in big letters. I nodded and we were out the door. It was getting cold outside but Noah held me close to him, protecting me with his lycanthrope warmth. We reached my apartment and I invited Noah in. He had mentioned that dancing worked up an appetite and I had some strawberry cheesecake I had made the day before, in the fridge.

I got him a slice and got both of us some hot tea. We curled up on the couch with some soft music playing in the background. Noah decided that we should share the dessert so he started feeding me bites off his fork. I tried to stop him and ended up with cheesecake smeared on my lips for my efforts.

"Hey, that looks pretty good," Noah huskily whispered as he leaned in licking the cheesecake off my lips. "I think you are the tastiest thing on the menu."

He captured my lips in a searing kiss that left us both breathless. He started trailing kisses across my cheek to my ear. He gently nipped my earlobe, sending shivers pulsing through my body. I was as engaged in the moment as he was. I was trying to get closer to his energy. I found myself unbuttoning his shirt so I could touch his bare chest. He was so warm and the power rolling off him seemed to shoot through my fingertips right into the center of my being. I pulled on Noah's hair forcing his face back up to me. He softly growled and looked me in the eyes. The gold shards in his emerald eyes seemed to be taking over, so his eyes almost appeared yellow in their intensity. He once again captured my lips in a violent kiss. As his lips melded to mine, he reached up around my neck, unclasping the top of my halter dress. He pulled the dress down, along with the strapless bra I was wearing under it, to expose my breasts. He teased my nipples with powerful hands until they were so hard that they ached. He released my mouth to trail kisses down to where his hands had been so diligently working. I gasped in surprise as he took one nipple in his warm mouth, teasing it with his tongue. An unbelievable tension was winding itself tighter in my lower abdomen, begging for release. While Noah continued his assault above with his mouth, one hand trailed up the inside of my thigh, pushing my dress higher. As he touched my panties and began to pull them down, he looked up at me. "Do you realize how beautiful you are to me?"

As I caught my breath, I looked down at him. I realized what we were doing and where it was leading. I froze. Noah moved his hands away from me and sat up. As he struggled to control his beast and the desire that seemed to be about to overwhelm him, he asked: "Are you alright. I can smell your fear."

As tears started to fall down my cheeks I shook my head, unable to answer him. He took a steadying breath and asked, "Are you afraid I'm going get so out of control that I change and hurt you? You know as an alpha, I can control my beast in just about any situation. I would never put you in danger. Maybe I was assuming too much in thinking you wanted me as much as I want you."

As I moved to pull my dress up to cover my chest, I tried to reassure him. "I want you Noah, so bad I can taste it. I'm not afraid of you so much as I am of the situation. I think this was just too much too fast."

Running his hands through his hair, he sighed as he stood. "Okay, if this is too much, I guess I will just have to give you some time. I don't think I will able to do that if I stay any longer though, so I'm going to head home." Leaning over, he gave me a soft kiss, "I'll call you for lunch tomorrow. Bye." Then, he grabbed his jacket and headed out the door.

I was able to hold off the tears until I locked the door. Then, the floodgates opened. I curled up on the couch and cried myself to sleep, afraid I had ruined my chance at happiness.