He hadn’t  seen Retta stare towards the rowdy group, as he had given his own look towards them. A low growl  emanated from his chest.  One patron looked pale before turning quickly away.  Erebus hadn’t thought the growl loud enough for anyone other than Retta to hear; what he didn’t realize was that the man was fleeing Retta and not him.<br/><br/>As Erebus turned back to her, for just a fleeting moment, there was something else, then it was gone.  It didn’t frighten him, but only further intrigued him.  As her hand played on his, he brought his other  up to her neck. His fingers  unthreateningly curled about her throat. It was a lovers caress, but could quickly change. He gazed at her again and asked, “Do I want to know what you are?”