Page 117 of Alpha Power

"Who were the zombie twins talkin' about back there? Who hates when you're late?" Zamorra asked, trailing close behind him. That nosy side of her was making an appearance again.

"Oh, that's just daddy dearest. He doesn't like when I show up late and make an entrance. He might as well be a vampire with the way he sucks the fun outta my life." Thaddeus rolled his eyes, exasperation filling his features. "He's always been a ball buster."

"Is it true you could be Regent right now if you wanted to be?"

Amusement fluttered across his face. "Yes."

"Then why wouldn't you step up? All that extra power and authority? Ain't it tempting?"

"I've got enough power, and authority comes with responsibility. No thank you. I like my carefree life."

There were only a few empty seats left and they were right in the front row, which was exactly where they were headed.

Zamorra slowed her pace and eyed the empty chairs with disdain. Shehatedsitting in the front row. People who sat in the front row always got called on for shit. Countless times that happened to her, and she hated it. It happened at a stand-up comedy show, when a comedian asked her a question then turned it into a joke, embarrassing the shit out of her. At school, when the teacher would call on her for an answer to some stupid history question and she didn't know it, because let’s be honest, history put her to sleep.

She hated when the spotlight was on her. It made her skin itch like mad. She didn't do well with public speaking either. She always got the sweats and stuttered like a buffoon.

Void nudged her along. "Move it," he grumbled. "My legs are tired and I wanna sit down."

“It’s coz they're so fucking puny," she hissed and Void glared.

Thaddeus stopped at the front row and turned. "Come, come," he ushered, clicking his fingers.

Zamorra narrowed her eyes. "I'm not a dog." But even as the words left her mouth she trudged forward. Slowly. "How are there even any seats left anyway?" She grumbled.

"Front row is reserved for family," Thaddeus replied absently.

Void shoved past, frustrated with everything going on. He took a seat, moaning in delight at finally getting off his feet. "I can't wait to get my body back. Can you change me as soon as this shit’s over? I can't stand it."

"You're very ungrateful, you know," Thaddeus said, straightening his jacket. "There's a giant waitlist for my services."

Void waved at his face. "If this is what you're givin' em, they're getting cheated."

Thaddeus scowled. "I don't like you."

"I don't like you either."

Zamorra rolled her eyes and sat in the middle seat so they couldn't sit next to each other.

Who do you think would win in a fight between those two?Her werewolf asked.

Zamorra studied them.Probably the mage.

Her uncle was a badass, the toughest guy she's ever known - apart from her father - but mages had unbelievable power and their magic could be manipulated to do a thousand different things. She didn't think they could be beaten by a simple werewolf shifter. At least, not Thaddeus.

All of a sudden the room quietened. Conversation stilled. Tension built as everyone waited for what was to happen next. The silence was maddening.

Simultaneously, the two doors in front of her swung open and in walked the Regents of Australia.

Every supernatural jumped to their feet without an ounce of hesitation. Her eyes darted left to right in surprise, having not expected such an abrupt change in the room.

Thaddeus and Void each took one of her hands and pulled her to a stand, since she didn't get the memo about standing up when the Regents entered.

Power. That was the first thing she noticed. The sheer amount of power and authority lathering the air as the Regents walked in, demanding the attention of every single person in the room.

The demon and mage Regents entered first, one from the left door and one from the right, each shadowed by two of their own warriors. They wore long, flowing black robes that swished behind them as they strode in, heading towards the large wooden table centered at the front of the room.

She had no clue who the demon Regent was, not even his name. He was tall with broad shoulders and a thick, muscular, red-skinned body. His eyes were black and soulless, like all the other demons she'd ever seen in her short life. His sharp black horns sprung from his forehead, about six inches long and curved at the edges. Like most demons he had a terrifying presence about him, something to be wary of, to fear. A dark, primal warning was ringing in her head, telling her to run and run far as the powerful creature before her moved to stand behind the first empty chair on the left. His tail swished behind him and curled around his leg before coming to rest just above his knee.

---