Page 13 of Hades

Drevi’s and Frank’s faces are those of shock and awe. “What? You turned them down?”

“Well,” I explain, pausing long enough to get their attention and drive them crazy, “Warrick and I both have an overwhelming attraction to a new guest. War here was stuck in an elevator with her, and I had the pleasure of meeting her at the pool. We will both have to utilize every trick we know to keep our distance.”

War heaves a sigh. “We’re sure she’s more than a mortal, but it’s complicated. She has to be a supe. I just have no clue what kind.”

“How is that possible?” Frank cuts in. “We know all the supes. What do you mean by unknown?”

“We suspect that you two will cross paths with her today at some point. I’m not even going to tell you who she is. You’ll know her once you lay eyes on her. I want to gauge your reactions to her and decide what steps we take from there. Stay strong, brothers. If she has the same effect on you that she does us, it will not be an easy task. Send a group text after you’ve encountered her. As Pyro said to me before, we may be in trouble.”

War’s eyes are serious and it has both of our brothers sitting on the edge of their seats, hanging onto every word. They know this isn’t a joke… he’s not the joking type.

“Good luck, brothers.”

My nerves are eased a little after the drink by the pool. Reluctantly, I stand up and stretch, ready to head inside. I never realized how much I loved the sun until I got out of the underworld. The eye candy didn't hurt, either. But it’s time to find out what the draw to the casino is.

I head inside and glance around at the other women that are milling around. I don’t know much about the style here topside. Half of them are dressed in barely there dresses, the others opting for something more modest, but no less revealing. Sexy and classy? That I can do. Searching, I locate the bathroom for a quick change. My outfit for the pool isnotappropriate for the playing floor

After ducking into the bathroom, I do a quick check of the stalls, giving a flick of my wrist to lock the door when I find them empty.

My reflection in the mirror smirks at me. “Oh, don’t you start.”

With asnap of my fingers, my pool outfit is replaced with a black gown. Simple and elegant, with a line of crystals along the sweetheart neckline.

My flip flops are exchanged for shiny black pumps. My clutch morphs to match. Even without looking I know it will be like that old movie humans loved, the bag magical enough to have endless space. Just call me Mary Poppins.

That thought has laughter bubbling out of me and it takes a second to realize that it’s been too long since I’ve laughed so freely. What is happening to me?

My outfit may be perfect, but my hair looks like I’ve been at the pool all day. With another wave of my hands, beach curls appear framing my face. Another twitch of my fingers, and my makeup is glammed up.

My smirk only grows wider at the sexy goddess staring back at me. Damn, I clean up nice.

Satisfied now, I unlock the bathroom door and make my way onto the casino floor.

The first thing I notice is the bright flashing lights coming from the row of machines with older ladies with blue hair at each one. The smell of smoke and perfume is strong here.

The carpet is wild mix of white, green, red and black swirls. Behind the machines are tables with uniformed people standing beside each of them. People already occupy the stools surrounding it, exchanging tokens and cards, stony expressions on their faces.

The women in front of me each clutch giant cups and feed their coins into the slots before pulling a giant lever.

My feet carry me closer. I’m in awe of the screens that seem to have captured their attention. Bright colors and lights spin as they pull the lever, whispering words of encouragement as they bounce nervously in their seats.

The lady in front of me starts jumping up and down as the machine she sat in front of rings loudly. At first, I’m unsure what is happening, but then she shrieks, “I won, I won,” and frantically starts scooping her winnings back into her cup only to feed it again.

I stroll past the line of machines and discover there are different tables set up, each for a different game.

“Hey beautiful, will you blow on these for me?” A gentleman in a cowboy hat asked as I was about to pass

I blew on the dice that he is holding out and he then proceeds to throw them down the long table. I watch as the dealer calls a six. The man excitedly yeehaws and throws his cowboy hat in the air.

“You, little lady, may just be my lucky charm.”

“Oh, that was all you.” I tease. As I start to step away from him and the table, he grabs my arm, stopping me in my tracks.

“Where do you think you’re headed?”

“To find my date, I’m meeting him at the bar,” I reply, yanking my arm from his grasp. My magic threatens to spark up and meet the threat but I swallow it down, holding onto my well-honed control.

“Why don’t you forget about him and stay with me? We can rack up so much more dough at this table,” he countered with a wink and a smirk.

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