The Broken Seal - Chapter 1

They met in secret, in a place known only to them, the instinctive distrust they had for each other forgotten in the light of a much greater danger, a danger they hadn't faced in several millennia.

*****

When she entered the bar, Jacob Stone barely noticed her. He was spending the evening with his friends Mitch and Tyler, and was having a fun time hearing them discuss the pros and cons of the latest models of Ford trucks. It was good to know some things stayed the same, when he was saving the world every week, twice before friday.

He was in good company, with a cold beer, and listening to good music, what more could he ask for ? Of course a woman came to his mind, but celibacy came with being a Librarian, so he pushed the idea to the back of his mind.

« My round ! »
Jacob finished his beer and got up. He walked to the counter and waved three fingers at the barman who was occupied at the other end. Then he turned his head to check the girl that had walked in earlier. She wasn't stunningly beautiful. She was pretty, the girl-next-door type, with grey eyes and dark red hair curling almost to her shoulders, and a fair skin that was probably burning in the sun.

She turned her head and smiled. Jacob smiled in response, pushing his hat back. She had a lovely smile, and he thought there was a lucky guy somewhere waiting for her.

The barman put three beers on the bar, money exchanged hands, and taking the three glasses, Jacob turned to leave. The girl moved at the same time, and what was to happen, happened. Beer everywhere, broken glasses.

« I'm so sorry ! »
« No, it was my fault ! »
They both spoke at the same time while the barman sighed heavily.
« Three beers for the gentleman and another one for me too, please. »

The girl had a soft voice but Jacob had the faintest idea it could ring like a horn if she wanted.

A waitress came quickly to mop up the mess while the barman aligned four beers on the counter.

« Thanks a lot. I'm Jacob. »
« I'm Sasha. Nice to meet you, despite the circumstances. »
« Would you like to come join us ? »
« Why not ! »

Sasha followed Jacob through the crowd, holding two beers. He explained what had happened and they sat down. After a few minutes, he noticed how his buddies talked with her, like she had been part of their circle for years. Easy conversation, laughs, there was a weird familiarity that made his Librarian sense tingle.

« I have to go to the bathroom, if you'll excuse me. »

Jacob got up and left the table. When he came back, Mitch and Tyler had left. Sasha was sitting alone, in front of three half-empty glasses. She was sipping her beer with a slight smile.

« Where did they go ? »
« They told me you saw me first and they didn't want to step on your toes. »

The smile got larger, and sexier. She had a way of flirting with him that was both subtle and explicit. Jacob shook his head, thinking his friends had sent the message loud and clear : to get laid as soon as possible. And this girl had obviously nothing against it.

He sat back on his chair and wondered where this night would end.