Alpha's Mate : Daughter of the Moon (Book 2 of The Outcaste Series)

Chapter 19

If I had a cloak, I would've long covered my hair with the hood. Apparently ashen gray hair is still a rarity among the folks here as it is in Wolf Territory. It always seemed to attract unnecessary attention. Maybe one of the merchants lined up here may have something that can help dye my hair to a more common shade. But it wasn't like I had any currency to buy myself anything, not even food to fill my stomach.

Thus, the only option I have is to find transportation to Argid and some food along the way. I have a few ideas in mind, but I'm at a disadvantage being a human and a woman and all. It's hard to drive a decent bargain around here without selling your soul.

My eyes dart around the area, scanning for anyone who seemed to fit the criteria in which I deemed reasonable enough to approach. Unfortunately, they were mostly vampire males flaunting their wealth. The few females I saw were all halflings—half human and half vampires—following or clinging onto their masters I presume. Of course, this place wasn't much for anyone aside from those who had power and money. Just as I remembered.

"Hey beautiful, aren't ya a bit lonely wandering by yourself?" a man from my sidelines said with a small accent.

I didn't acknowledge him. If I did, I would give him room to approach so I gambled and simply walked forward and ignored it. Luckily, he chose not to pursue any further. Figured he was probably drunk.

Walking a little further down the bustling street, I spot a partly closed off street. There were a few brawny looking vampires leaning their backs against the wall behind the particular area keeping watch over the lovely beings sitting obediently at the tables set up there. They were mostly all girls.

There was one in particular who stood out—a man with black hair and equally dark pupils with a hint of gold. He was simply holding a quill and scribbling something down on a long piece of parchment paper.

If I remember most of anything he had taught me on our short travels, it was to be able to identify any potential threats and steer clear from it. Each district had their danger zones and red light districts that he absolutely forbade me to enter even with entourage.

This was definitely something he would tell me to never get myself tangled with. So I take a step towards that blocked off path which was only intended for authorized guests.

Immediately, one of those vampire guards on duty towered over me, using his massive body as a barrier to prevent me from intruding into their turf. I look up at him with a passive expression before slanting my eyes in the direction of the man with the quill in his hand. He was unaffected, still scratching away at his paper.

"I only wish to speak with the master of the business," I state calmly.

The guard in front of me snarled, obviously displeased with my demand.

"Good sir, if you don't move, I might have to push past you," I say with a smile this time.

This got the other vampires present to let out a few laughs. Only then did the golden-irised vampire look up to see the small commotion his visitor created.

"Let the lady in," he permitted.

I walked past the guard and stopped about six feet from the head. At first he didn't bother to look up, but with a few more glances, he seemed to have changed his initial impression of me and actually put his quill down.

"What have we here?" he asked, standing up to circle around me. "A halfling?" he asked with interest. "No," he decided with further speculation. "A human with the beauty of a halfling..."

The last part surprised me. To think that I would ever be associated with that term.

"Your next batch will be for Argid?" I ask, hinting at the girls by the tables. If you look closely enough, all of them had chains around their ankles and were connected to each other. There is always a reason for obedience.