The Alpha's Jewel

The Game of Power

In most cases, people would like to ignore the big elephant in the room. It's big, and certainly takes up a large part of the room, but if you manage to ignore it, then maybe you can convince yourself that it isn't there. However, having all heads and eyes turned towards the elephant does not help to ignore the situation. In fact, it even catches the attention of our guests, trying to see what has caught all of the vampire's gases.

Everyone was dressed formally for the occasion, except for the Lycans. They had shown up in jeans and t-shirts. Honestly, they could have at least put some effort into making it interesting.

With the only chatter coming from the two leaders in the center of the room, the room had come to somehow be even quieter than before, making the atmosphere more intense. All eyes were on me, but I walked through the parting sea of vampires as if I was used to it. Honestly, I was by now. With all the contradictions over the past few centuries, this was merrily the appetizer.

The real prize meal hasn't even been announced.

Evander's and Alpha's chatter had stopped. Though Evander didn't bother to turn around, his back stiffened as the eyes of the pack leader turned my way. I matched his stare as I came to stand by Evander.

Though I had never met this man, I had come upon many Lycans before him and knew very well that you were never to have a stair down with a wolf or any apex predator, for that matter. It signified a challenge. But I did not care, I wanted this tall handsome man to know what he was up against. It wasn't the clan he was looking at, it was me.

The man must have been six and a half feet tall, slightly taller than Evander. His hair was short and brown, with eyes that were almost forest green. His build was strong and proud, but with a soft smile that rested on his lips.

A warning growl came from the man to his left. I noticed and smirked at him, managing to break my stare from his alpha.

"You must be the woman that everyone speaks about," stated the alpha, his smile now becoming a grin.

I looked away from the man, "I was not aware I had become so famous."

Evander quickly cut in before I could say more. "Alpha Silas Black, this is Mila, one of our strongest. Mila, this is Alpha Black and his pack, the Turans," he waved a hand at me for Silas to shake.

I reached forward and met his hand. We shook once and I held fast, keeping my eyes on his the whole time. I tightened my grip just a fraction. Another challenge.

He smirked, and then matched my grip with his firm ruff hands. I felt his power then but kept my face neutral. A game of power and a game of weakness.

Evander must have noticed what I was doing because he snatched my hand away. The sound of a couple of lycans stepping forward to interfere was noticed. Fortunately, both parties stood firm.

While Sila's grip was strong and sure, Evander's was tight and almost painful. A warning.

He sighed, "Apologies for any rudeness and disrespect she inflicts in advance, Mr. Black."

I snatched my hand away.

"No harm done, Evander. I was warned of Mila's kind choice of words before." Silas grinned at me.

"Yes, Evander dear," I patted his shoulder, "don't be so dramatic. I have a very kind soul."

Evander didn't laugh. I did, however, hear a couple of snickers and scuffs from behind.

I was about to acknowledge the sounds from behind me when my eyes finally noticed the little girl to the right of Silas. She could not have been older than ten years old. Her cheeks were covered with a rosy red blush. It showed the blood flowing under her skin. The bloodlust must not have worn off yet. I could hear the thump of her heart pick up. She noticed my gaise. And I noticed how very human she was.

Now, why would he bring you?

"Hmm" I bit my cheek. "Not very wise for an Alpha to bring a little girl to the home of a vampire clan, is it? Especially with her being human."

"Mila," Evander said with a calm tone, though I knew it was anything but calm.

The Alpha softly grabbed the shoulder of the little girl, bringing her to stand in front of him. "This is my daughter, Sandra Black. I brought her as a sign of good faith," he stated sternly.

"Oh yes, I feel the tension being lifted already," I said with sarcasm.

This was the first time I saw the leader of the pack without a smile. He did not take that well.

The little girl jumped at the sound of Evander's loud clap echoing around the great hall.

"How about we all sit down for our breakfast," he waved a hand at the clan, "and your dinner." he waved a hand to the Lycans. His voice grew loud when he said, "I know you all like your meat fresh, but trust me when I say we have chosen a variety of meat for you all to choose from." He spread his arm wide, almost slapping me in the face. "We welcome you to our home!"