Unfortunate robber

Greg’s POV

“That’s quite a lot,” Alex finally said, trying to regain composure. “I didn’t realize wine could be so expensive.”

“It’s a rare vintage,” Anna explained smoothly. “We thought it would be a nice touch for the evening.”

“Also, I couldn't help but notice that your name is Alex?” I said to the man who nodded.

“I gave the name to my son but he prefers Daniel.”

I smiled. “Your daughter isn’t here.”

Lydia smiled. “Oh she’s back to school. She’s in her final year at the university.”

“Alright.” I said as the evening wore on, the conversation grew more relaxed and jovial.

The initial shock of the wine price faded into the background as the focus shifted to our stories and experiences.

By the end of the night, we had built a genuine rapport with Alex’s family, and the dinner had turned into a pleasant evening of shared laughter and camaraderie.

When it was time to leave, Alex and Lydia expressed their gratitude for the dinner and the company. We said our goodbyes, and I could tell that the initial tension had eased.

As Anna and I walked back to our house, the city lights sparkling outside the window, she turned to me with a smile. “That went well, don’t you think?”

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. “Yes, it did. I think they liked us.”

Anna reached over and squeezed my hand. “I think so too. And we managed to impress them with the wine.”

I laughed softly. “Yes, that certainly made an impression. But it was your storytelling that really won them over.”

Anna’s smile widened. “I’m glad. It’s nice to know that we made a good impression and had a good time.”

As we made our way back home, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this little pocket of peace, even though I knew it wouldn’t last. I glanced at Anna, who was smiling, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights.

“I think they really liked us,” she said, nudging me playfully.

“Yeah, it was nice. A bit awkward at first, but it turned out okay,” I replied.

We continued to chat about the evening, laughing about the kids' funny questions and Alex’s shock at the wine’s price.

We were lost in our little world, just enjoying each other’s company, when suddenly, a figure leapt out from the shadows of an alleyway ahead. The man, tall and burly, wore a black ski mask that obscured most of his face, and he held a handgun pointed directly at us. His voice was gruff, laced with desperation.

“Give me your wallets and jewelry! Now!” he barked, his grip on the gun unsteady but threatening enough to make most people comply without hesitation.

I couldn’t help but let out a small, amused laugh, which seemed to confuse and irritate him. “Really?” I said, raising an eyebrow. “You’re trying to rob us?”

The man’s eyes narrowed, and he waved the gun more aggressively. “You think this is a joke? I said give me your money! I’m not playing around!” His finger twitched on the trigger as if to make his point clearer.

Anna, standing beside me, tilted her head and sighed. “You know, this really isn’t your night.”

The robber’s face twisted with impatience. “Are you two idiots? Give me the money or I’ll shoot!”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. “Listen, buddy, you’re about to rob a werewolf and a werefox. You sure you want to do that?”

He stared at us, clearly unimpressed and even more annoyed. “Stop talking nonsense! Do you think I’m stupid? Just hand over the cash!”

Anna glanced at me with a smirk. “Want me to handle this one?”

I shrugged, pretending to think it over. “I don’t know, it’s been a while since we’ve had some action. You sure you’re up for it?”

Anna’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “Oh, I’m definitely up for it.”

The robber, now visibly furious, raised his gun higher, shouting, “Stop messing around! I’m not kidding—”

Before he could finish his sentence, Anna moved. One moment she was standing beside me, and the next, she was a blur of motion.

She closed the distance between herself and the robber in the blink of an eye. With a single, powerful punch, she sent him flying backward, his body soaring through the air like a rag doll. He crashed into a nearby dumpster with a sickening thud, his gun clattering to the pavement. Blood spattered the alley walls as he crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain. He was alive, but just barely.

Anna dusted her hands off, her expression nonchalant as if she’d just swatted a fly. “Well, that was fun.”

I looked at the robber, sprawled in a bloody mess, and couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’ve still got it.”

She winked at me. “I never lost it.”

We continued our walk, stepping over the unconscious man without another glance. The adrenaline rush from the brief encounter only seemed to heighten the sense of freedom we felt, and as we neared our house, we found ourselves laughing uncontrollably.

The absurdity of it all—the masked man trying to rob us, Anna’s effortless takedown—felt surreal.

As we reached our front door, the tension from the day melted away. I unlocked the door and pulled Anna inside, our laughter fading as we were enveloped by the quiet darkness of our home.

The city outside seemed worlds away, and it was just the two of us again. I could feel the electric charge between us, the thrill of the evening lingering in the air.

Without saying a word, I pulled her close and kissed her deeply.

Anna responded with the same intensity, her hands gripping my shirt as she pulled me closer.

We stumbled backward, bumping into the hallway walls as we kissed passionately. It was as if every ounce of fear, excitement, and love we’d felt throughout the night had fused into this single moment.

The world outside didn’t matter. The past, the threats, the lurking dangers—all of it faded away as we lost ourselves in each other.

We finally made it to the living room, collapsing onto the couch. Anna straddled me, her fingers running through my hair, and I could see the fire in her eyes. “We’re quite the team, aren’t we?” she whispered, her breath warm against my ear.

I nodded, my hands wrapped around her waist. “The best,” I said.

I pulled her close to me and we began to deep kiss.