Arrow Inferno
Chapter 29: Stanley ‘STAN’ Norris vs. Ian ‘WILL’ Williams ~Danger and charm… Sweet aura!

***

"Hey, spill," Stan demanded. "You can't just drop something like that and say never mind."

"There's this...compelling aura around him. I've seen that around some type of people. It's not much but it's there."

"What type of people?"

"Mostly witches." She looked lost in thought.

"Are you saying he's a..."

"He's not," Gaia said quickly. "I would have known. He just has this...I don't know how to describe it. Maybe he has a gift or something."

Stan snorted. "If being inquisitive is a gift, then sure."

Gaia laughed and turned so that they could resume their walk. "Wants to know everything huh?"

"More like...loves to ask questions. Wait..." It was Stan's turn to stop then. "He has a way of asking questions that makes me want to answer truthfully." "Really?"

"Yes. I thought it was weird."

"But if you're a supernatural being and he still has that effect on you, then..."

"Maybe that's because I'm his mate."

"Could be." They resumed their walk. "Just be careful you don't say something you're not ready to disclose then."

"I'm always careful with him." But something else seemed to occur to Stan. "Shit, his file did say his strength is interrogation."

"And you didn't connect that and the effect he has on you?" Gaia rolled her eyes.

"I just assumed he's good at torturing the truth out of people. I mean these Arrowheads are a crazy bunch so what was I supposed to think?"

"We'll talk about it later." The vampire focused on the neatly arranged men.

They'd gotten to where the recruits waited with Will. He stepped up to Gaia and dipped his head respectfully, "Ma'am."

"Aw come on, it's Gaia." She stretched out a hand to Will. "Hello Will." She smiled.

"Hello, Gaia." Will shook Gaia's hand with a surprised look. His first instinct had been to dislike the gorgeous instructor because of the level of familiarity between her and Stan but he could tell she was a very pleasant person. "We're glad to have you here. Allow me to introduce the team."

"How about you allow me to show off instead?" She grinned. "I've seen their pictures and names so allow me to quiz myself." That was a lie.

And from the scoff that came from Stan, it was obvious to Gaia her friend knew she was lying. She'd lost count of the number of times she'd watched the recruits train without anyone knowing of her presence. She could mention each of their names with her eyes closed.

"Knock yourself out," Will said, unable to suppress his amused smile.

"Thanks, handsome." Then she called out cheerfully, "Hello boys."

***

By the end of their training that day, Gaia had all the recruits eating out of her palm. They admired her so much they wanted to impress her by giving a flawless routine. And she wasn't even the one training them. She kept shouting out words of encouragement throughout their training and would go and stand by anyone who was having a hard time and do the routine with them until they got it. They adored her.

"That was...different," Will muttered after the training. Stan was still addressing the recruits. "You made it fun and interesting," he told Gaia.

"I enjoyed it," she smiled. "What do you guys do in the evenings?"

"The recruits eat, shower, and then relax in the video game room or the movie theater. I usually go for a run and then eat in the room after. Oh, and your boyfriend usually goes for a run too."

"Aw cut it out." Gaia chuckled as she slipped an arm around Will's, linking them together. "We both know he's not my boyfriend."

"How was I to know that?" He shot back. "So, you're just friends?"

"We are. I wouldn't touch that beast with a long pole," she chuckled and then asked softly, "Happy?"

For a moment Gaia thought Will wasn't going to answer. But then he smiled and nodded. "Hmmm." It was obvious that Stan had already told Gaia about them, Will thought. "Very."

The vampire threw her head back and laughed heartily at Will's response. "He's all yours, handsome."

"I could accompany you to the dining hall to eat before I go for my run if you want." Will offered.

"Oh, no please go for your run," Gaia said. "I have some unpacking to do anyway." She'd been assigned one of the suites.

"Alright, see you in the morning."

Will turned to go but stopped by Stan who had been headed for where he stood with Gaia.

"Have your gun?" Stan asked in a low voice.

"Yep."

"Good. Be careful out there." At Will's nod, he added. "Permission to slam you against a wall... sexily of course, when you get back," he breathed, gazing at Will with blatant lust. When Will stepped closer to him, his eyes widened in warning. "Don't tempt me," Will murmured. "You have a dirty mind you know that?"

"I don't have a dirty mind. Just a sexy imagination," He grinned. "You activate the naughty in me."

Will raised a hand and brought his thumb and forefinger close. "I'm this close to kissing you right now." His whispered words packed so much urgency Stan took a step back. The smile that split Will's lips at Stan's reaction was downright naughty.

"See you in a few minutes." Stan abruptly turned to go because he knew he would give in to the fierce urge and kiss his mate if he didn't put some distance between them.

"A few minutes?" Will called after him.

"You know what I mean. Later." Stan headed for Gaia who was shaking her head with an expression of incredulity on her face.

"How do y'all survive this sexual tension?" She gasped. "And I never thought I'd see the day Stanley Norris would get flustered by a human. Flustered to the extent of almost blowing your cover. Damn!"

"Shut up," Stan growled but Gaia couldn't hold in her laughter.

"I swear self-control left the chat for a second. I thought you were going to fuck him right there in front of everyone." She laughed. "Leaving?"

"Giving him a head start," Stan chuckled. "I'll walk you to your room." He threw an arm around her shoulder.

"He's so cute," Gaia moaned. "Those dimples..."

"They drive me absolutely crazy," Stan muttered.

"I could just eat him up."

"Don't even..."

"Figure of speech moron," Both dissolved into laughter. "I like him."

"I'm glad. But you've also told me how humans with any drop of uniqueness call to you."

"I'll never do that." Gaia stopped walking and turned to face Stan, all amusement gone from her face. She'd once explained to Stan the kind of humans whose blood was seen as a delicacy by her species. And she'd specifically mention those who had some aura around them. So she knew why Stan would insinuate that. "I love you, Stan. And I'll never do anything to hurt you. Besides, I love my life." She shrugged and resumed walking.

"You mean your dead life."

"Suck my nonexistent dick, fucker." She chuckled. "But yeah, I fear those nasty fangs of yours." Just a tiny bite from a werewolf could kill a vampire and Gaia knew it. And when Stan gave a deliberately wide grin, exposing his fangs, Gaia gave a mock shiver. "Cover them, boy."

"I'm so glad you're here." And his delighted smile showed just how glad he was.

"Glad to be here. Will I see you after your run?" They'd gotten to her door.

"Don't you think he'll be..."

"We've cleared it. He knows we're not like that." She laughed at the sigh of relief Stan gave.

"Then you'll see me."

"Great. Now go be an animal."

"Fuck you." Stan gave her a quick hug and then sprinted off.