Chapter 1: Anchor

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"You boys get out of here," Mrs. Clara called out. "We're almost done." Val said with a smile. "Nope, now." She scolded with a stern look that only she got away with. "Yes ma'am." Wes smiled at her before turning off his laptop and getting up. The guys followed him over to her and they each gave her a hug as they walked her out. Even Damien in all of his coldness couldn't help but enjoy the warmth that was Mrs. Clara. "Any fun plans tonight boys?" Before Damien or Wes could speak up Val was regaling her with ideas he had for them.

They stepped out into the parking garage and walked her to her car like they did every night. "Well, be careful boys. You know the crazies like to come out at night, especially on the weekends." They chuckled before nodding. "Be good." She smiled at them before closing her door. "She's so freaking adorable." Wes said as they made their way to Val's black Range Rover. "She's so tiny." Damien said getting in the front seat. "Home first and then our favorite spot." Val announced as he pulled out.

"Luci's is not our favorite spot. It's yours." Damien deadpanned, but Val shook him off. "I just feel like tonight is going to be a good night." Wes laughed. "Okay Black Eyed Peas." Val snorted. "I just have a good feeling and I'm excited and ready." Wes rolled his eyes from the backseat. "You mean your dick is ready." Val chuckled lowly. "My dick is always ready."

Damien looked at his best friend and shook his head. "You're an idiot." Val pouted as they pulled into their shared mansion. It was honestly too big for just the three of them, but Wes had designed it with their "future" in mind. "Hurry up assholes, I want to be there when the picking is ripe." Val called out running up the grand staircase and towards his wing. "I don't know, Dame. I kind of get how he's feeling. I think tonight might just be a good night."

Damien looked at him with a blank expression. "Great. He's rubbing off on you like a venereal disease." Wes looked at him and burst out laughing. "For someone who never smiles or laughs you're fucking hilarious." He patted Damien on the back before heading to his wing. Damien thought on his closest friends and shook his head as he ascended the steps and made his way into his wing.

Damien couldn't believe they were all as close as they were. They were all so wildly different. Val was the charismatic playboy with the charm to hook the most stalwart of women. He sought the companionship of any and all women regardless of race or size and most times got them. Meanwhile, Wes was domineering outwardly, but a mushy softie on the inside who craved love like an addict craves their vice. Then there was himself.

Damien knew he was cold. He had always been cold. There was never a moment that he experienced that called for warmth. He doubted he'd even know how. The fact was only two men were able to pull an emotion from him and those two men were his best friends, brothers and business partners. He hopped in the shower and washed the day away not looking forward to whatever Val had planned for them.

"We look hot as fuck!" Val exclaimed as Damien made his way down the stairs in all black per usual. Damien wore black slacks with a black button down and matching blazer and shoes. He was a big man and his muscles shone through his outfit. Wes wore denim jeans and a white V-neck that accentuated his large burly build and a brown leather jacket over it. Val wore a blue and white single button blazer with matching pants and a white button down inside. He showed just enough chest to keep the women wanting.

"We'll get there around 8pm, so I figure we do dinner downstairs, watch a few acts and then head up to the club whenever," Val said getting into Damien's black Mercedes SUV. They rode in a comfortable silence as they made their way to one of the hottest lounges and clubs in all of Seattle. Damien allowed valet to take the car as they made their way into the decorated lounge. Luci's Lounge was owned by an old friend of theirs that always made sure they had the best seat in the house when they visited.

"Mr. Terni, Mr. Deville, Mr. Lycaon," the hostess purred. "Right this way." They followed her to their usual table. Val couldn't help but chuckle at the way the hostess tried and failed at a seductive walk. "What is she trying to do?" Damien asked Wes causing Val to burst out laughing as the hostess had heard him. "Your waitress will be with you shortly." She said embarrassed. "You're so mean, Dame." Wes shook his head at his friend who just shrugged.

"If it isn't my favorite trio." An elderly Irish man walked up to them with a wide smile on his wrinkled face. "Ian, how are you?" Wes asked as he and Val returned his smile. "I am good. I can't complain." They caught up with their old friend as more people flowed in. "Tonight is going to be real special." Ian said in his Irish accent.

"What's so special about tonight? You want me to sing again." Val asked taking a sip of his Hennessy and wiggling his eyebrows. "No, thank you. The last time you sang you almost started an orgy on stage." Ian thought back to the memory and shook his head. "No, I found a little songstress when I was out today and convinced her to sing a song or two tonight while Daisy takes a break." The Irish man smiled widely.

Damien simply nodded before sipping his bourbon. "She must be special if you're letting her sing here. Everyone knows Daisy is the best to ever do it." The Irish man nodded happily. "True. I love my granddaughter and she's quite talented, but I've never heard a voice like this girl's. I was transfixed and she's such a happy little thing. I'm not surprised she agreed to sing to be honest. She just looks like she was meant for the spotlight."

Val snorted. "Sounds like you're smitten." Ian chuckled at him. "You will be too when you see her, I'm sure." He wished them well before telling them to enjoy their night. Their waitress came by once more to drop off new drinks before taking their orders. She tried flirting with all of them, but only Val seemed to pick up what she was so desperately laying down.

Soon, Ian's granddaughter Daisy got on stage and began singing various songs that ranged from sultry to upbeat. It was low enough that you could still have a conversation, but loud enough that you could enjoy the music. Damien took in his surroundings. He wasn't a fan of being surrounded by people and would never admit it, but he did like the energy and atmosphere at Luci's.

They watched as Ian got on the stage with his bright red hair and large stature. "I want you all to welcome to the stage a very talented songstress. She's agreed to sing a couple of songs for us and I'm thrilled. She has one of those voices that just needs to be shared with the world, so please put your hands together for Miss Harlow Allen." The crowd erupted in applause. They felt it before they saw her. The moment their eyes landed on her they were goners. 

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