Page 116 of Alpha Power

A smelly, dirty crocodile shifter shoved past her, making a beeline straight for the vampire selling his intoxicating blood. With shaky hands he pulled out a 50 from his back pocket and tried to hand it over.

"Price has gone up," the vampire barked.

"H-how m-much?" The shifter stuttered, scratching at his wrist. His right eye started to twitch.

"100."

"That's double!"

"You want a taste? Pay the price or get the fuck out of my face."

The shifter growled, his eyes flashing gold. Olive green scales started to sprout over his skin, his creature starting to break through the surface. He shook his head and the scales disappeared. He scowled but moved on, looking for another vampire selling his blood.

They continued walking, passing all the merchants selling their goods and the haggling supernatural’s trying to get a lower price. The kids zooming around playing games with one another, while their parents chased them from behind. It all really did remind her of Carrara Markets.

A large commercial building came into view and Thaddeus steered her towards it, Void following in tow.

"Wha-where are we going? I wanna check out the other stalls," she whined.

"We'll have a look after the meeting. It's about to start."

Zamorra huffed but didn't fight as Thaddeus pulled her through the entrance. Void's little legs worked hard to keep up with their longer strides. She looked over her shoulder, snickering and he scowled.

Two females stood behind a small reception area in the foyer. They were mages like Thaddeus, with long, flowing black hair and hazel eyes. They were identical twins and both pinned their gazes on them the second they walked through the door.

"Cutting it close, Thaddeus," the one on the left said.

"You know he hates it when you're late," the other said in the same monotone voice.

Thaddeus waved a hand, unaffected by their words. "Novaria, Vesina, always a pleasure my loves."

"We did not-" one began,

"-say it was a pleasure," the other finished.

They both raised an arm in complete synchronisation and pointed to the left. "Best take your seat-"

"-before the meeting begins."

Thaddeus was already ushering her over to where they were pointing, straight towards a set of double doors. She kinda felt like she was just along for the ride at this point, what with Thaddeus directing her body wherever he bloody wanted.

"Alright. Was I the only one creeped out by those two?" Void asked.

"No," she answered quickly, "they definitely had creepy vibes."

"The D'Nofrono twins take some getting used to. But just between us, that frosty nature really comes in handy in bed," Thaddeus winked. He clicked his fingers and the double doors shot open.

A room filled with supernatural’s greeted Zamorra and unease quickly filled her. She'd never been surrounded by so many powerful and dangerous beings before. It freaked her out a little. They spoke quietly amongst themselves, making idle conversation while they waited for the meeting to begin, time slowly trickling by.

At the end of the room were two sets of doors, one on the left and one on the right. On a raised platform was a large, wooden table and four chairs overlooking the rows of supernatural’s sitting in their seats.

Warriors lined the walls, their backs ramrod straight and faces hard as stone. It was obvious by the way they stood, like sentries in the night keeping watch of everything in their vicinity that they were warriors, soldiers. The ones who planned to keep order if supernatural’s stepped out of line. Demons, mages, shifters and vampires, there was at least one of every species, including Darius, Maddox and Axel.

They stood with their feet shoulder width apart and hands clasped in front of them. Their eyes continuously scanned the room and she couldn't help but tense up when their gazes travelled over her. Could they tell it was really her beneath this façade?

They moved on just as quickly, eyeing the others in the room with suspicion and she breathed a sigh of relief. She shouldn't have doubted the mages magic or his power.

Thaddeus strode down the aisle, past the rows and rows of chattering supernatural’s, magic crackling around his powerful body with each step he took. People turned to look at him, to watch as he walked with such confidence, like he owned the room. Women swooned and men scowled.

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