Chapter 13: Unexpected Ending

"Don't worry," Garett added, when Raul's mouth was hanging open with shock. "There are a few beautiful, ordinary humans here as well."

Raul was so shocked by what Garett was saying and implying, that he just wanted to get away from them all and be by himself. It felt as if he was surrounded by traitors.

"Hey, did you hear what I just said?" Garett asked with his face close to Raul's. He studied Raul's eyes with concern.

"Things are not making sense, Garett," Raul replied. "Is this a setup?"

"Whoa wait, Raul!" Garett exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief. "You think that I would pull a trick on you with him, of all people?" he said as he gestured in Percival's direction with his head.

"Well, didn't you?" Raul asked, still feeling betrayed. He looked at Melinda for an explanation.

"No, Raul," Melinda responded with a confused expression on her face as she turned to Garett. "I had no idea that this place existed."

"Why are you guys looking at me like that?" Garett said defensively. "I just wanted to surprise you as well, but Percival was ahead of me in introducing you to this entertaining and very interesting place."

"You knew about a place where werewolves and eagle clan members willingly socialize with one another?" Raul asked, just above a whisper.

"Well, don't you agree that it is an interesting way to learn about the other side of your identity?" Garett asked in sincerity. "We can go home now and I will fill in some of the blanks which Percival apparently left out. What do you think?" he asked, as he picked up his blue leather jacket from the back of a chair and rose to leave.

"Actually, I was thinking about being alone for a while. I have learned enough today to last me a couple of weeks," Raul responded sullenly.

"You can't just leave on your own," Melinda said as she rose and picked up her purple leather jacket. "I'm coming with you, wherever you're going tonight."

Raul looked at both his friends and felt suddenly very tired and too old for such frivolities. He felt as if he was so much more mature than everyone there.

"Alright, Melinda," he sighed and rose from his revolving bar stool. "You may come with me, but I will still decide where."

Percival came gliding over to them swiftly then. "Don't say you're leaving just before the Egyptian dancers come on stage!" he protested with a look of immense disbelief on his face. "Raul, I am still busy with my list of surprises for you!"

"It is enough for one night, Percival," Raul responded firmly. "Remember, we already went to the movies and watched that intriguing movie and then I met your wild lady friend, now this," he gestured with a sweep of his hand at the entire club. "I need to rest, so that I can digest it all, please," he said as he ruffled a hand through his dark hair.

"Well then, let me at least walk you guys out," Percival said jovially.

Raul was surprised to see Percival so completely happy because he was usually just so focussed on competition. He almost felt guilty about letting the guy down.

Outside when they reached his vehicle, Raul looked around the parking area and did not spot Garrett's sports car. "Don't tell me you guys flew over here on wings?" he asked ridiculously.

"But, of course we would not waste money on fuel when we know that you are here with your Jeep and we have no travel limitations ourselves," Garett teased with a broad smile.

"So, you planned on hitching a ride when you've had too much to drink," Raul joked before he unlocked his vehicle.

"I knew you would come around," Garett responded with a playful knuckle rap on Raul's head.

As they drove away in the direction of their village, Raul looked behind him in the rear view mirror. "Who would have thought that something like that existed in such an unassuming place," he commented, still feeling very amazed. "Am I to assume that the nightclub is a secret?"

"Actually, an ancient looking temple is rather remarkable," Melinda argued.

"That's not the point now," Raul responded quickly. "Is this a secret, Garett?" he repeated.

"It is just an exclusive place, like any other best kept secret venue," Garett responded with a yawn. "The secret element is that young people of the eagle clan and the wolf clan sometimes party together even though they never compromise their values. They remain wary of one another even when they dance together."

"So then, they are just psyching each other out?" Raul asked, intrigued by Garrett's nonchalant attitude.

"Indeed," Garett agreed. "They are always ready for battle."

"That's hectic," Raul said, shaking his head in disbelief.

"These things always are,"'Melinda agreed. "But there are exceptions to the rule of course, because some of them become friends with the enemy."

"Their parents don't agree with this kind of activity though, because it can become dangerous," Garett added.

"Can we go to your house and pretend to study?" Raul asked, because he still did not feel like going home. Especially not tonight.

"You know you're always welcome," Garett responded, just as Raul's phone rang. It was his mother.

"Raul, you're still out studying and it's getting very late," his mother said in an upset tone.

"I'm sorry Mom, but we're still busy and I was just about to phone and ask if I could sleep over at Garrett's home, so that we can finish up?" Raul asked tentatively.

"Well, you dad and are busy signing your permission form for you to go on that trip to the north," his mother continued. "Are you still interested in going?" she asked.

"Yes, definitely. Thanks Mom," Raul said, relieved. Something about that call made it feel like old times.

"I am definitely not joining you tonight," Melinda announced as they reached Garrett's home. "Raul, Garett is with you now, so you are not alone. I just remembered that I have some notes to study with regards to my council meeting this past afternoon. So, will you be alright if I leave now?"

"I will be okay," Raul responded as he gave Melinda a quick kiss.

"Cool. He will be alright," Garett said with an inquiring look at Raul.

"I must say I suddenly feel left out as far as the two of you are concerned," Raul announced.

"What do you mean?" Melinda and Garett retorted, almost at the same time.

"You just have so much in common and I am just a spectator," Raul declared, feeling as if a weight had lifted from his shoulders suddenly.

"Don't entertain foolish ideas," Melinda admonished with a firm kiss on Raul's lips. "You know you and I share so much more."

"People, just get out of that vehicle because you are already in a lot of trouble," Garrett's mother said loudly from behind the vehicle where it stood parked in the driveway. She came walking through the garden, as if she had been outside for an evening walk. The moonlight was shining on her blonde hair, giving it an extra pale appearance.

"Hi, Mom, where have you been?" Garett asked with concern.

"I should be asking you that question, shouldn't I?" Garrett's mother asked with a fierce frown at all three of them.

"Do you know where we were, Mom?" Garett asked, guiltily.