Once they finished with the arena the crowd shifted towards the bathhouse. Seeing the inside they were all astonished by its sheer size and the soothing effects of the water. Those still with doubts about their decision had them wiped away. They decided even if there was a hidden agenda with all the perks in Eden it was worth it.
Zack's group took their usual spot in the back corner. While he was settling into his spot with Ren at his side Cassandra walked into their booth. Even with a haze covering the top of the water she was very timid.
Zack glanced over noticing Cassandra and was captivated by her beauty. The way the pink hair rested on her porcelain shoulders was a sight to behold under the moonlight. Right behind her was Madison eagerly pushing her into the booth towards the empty spot at Zack's side.
Cassandra stumbled, and in the process went straight towards his seat. She braced for impact when Zack quickly caught her in his arms. She felt his warm embrace and could feel his heart beating as her head laid against his chest. Then a sensational aroma hit her as she looked up into his eyes. In his attempt to catch Cassandra she busted his lip, and a slight trace of blood was present.
"Are you okay?" Zack asked
"Y-yeah," Cassandra replied slowly leaning in instinctively.
"Never thought you would get that look. Why not sample I'm sure he won't mind." Madison teased.
Cassandra realized what she was doing as her porcelain face went bright red. She sat away from Zack nervous to look in his direction. It was the first time she was ever tempted by blood. In the past denying human blood was never an issue.
The smell was still causing traces of ecstasy as Cassandra struggled to calm down. Madison shook her head seeing Cassandra skulk away. Lilith saw the opportunity to meddle as she joined Cassandra's side.
"You won't make any progress being so shy. This is how it's done." Madison declared walking up seductively.
With a slight flick of her fingers, Zack was pulled towards her by a slight gust. Madison leaned in, and the second the blood reached her lips she shuddered. A wave of power hit her along with a strong sense of pleasure.
"That was such a rush. Should let me have more." Madison requested while kissing his neck.
"Is this kind of behavior acceptable now?" Andrea asked walking up with Amy.
"No, it's not. She just got excited about seeing my blood."Zack replied halting Madison as he took his seat.
"Scared of a little bite?" Madison teased.
Andrea quickly took the seat next to Zack cutting of Madison's advances. She seemed bothered by losing her seat but didn't wish to start any problems over it. Madison was turning around when a gust of wind similar to hers pulled Madison back. She landed in Zack's lap with a smile on her face. Zack lifted his arm displaying his wrist towards her.
"It's close to dinner time anyway so go ahead," Zack told Madison.
Madison looked back seeing the sincerity in his offer and took a sip. Cassandra watched her drink carefully seeing Zack unbothered. He became used to Destiny, and Mero biting him so it caused no pain.
The reason Cassandra never fed off people was to avoid hurting others. Even with her techniques, the animals would still feel a little pain. Seeing Zack without a shred of discomfort her curiosity to try his blood began.
Zack had an abundance of life force making Madison's feeding a simple sip from a deep well. When she finished the wound immediately closed over. She was breathing heavily as her body rapidly heated up. Madison closed her eyes feeling the power coursing through her veins.
"That could be addictive." Madison declared.
"Don't make a habit of it," Kaya stated.
"You know that could've been dangerous," Victoria told Madison.
"I did get a little hot for a minute, but it wasn't bad," Madison smirked.
Madison got up from his lap to join her sister. While they were talking Holly, and Tessa approached with a few friends. They all seemed nervous about approaching Zack.
"Mind if we join?" Holly asked.
"I don't mind most of you." Kaya glared at Tessa.
After watching Kaya's fight they didn't wish to upset her. Tessa was a little down preparing to turn around.
"Don't go act liking that again. At this rate you will spend all your time in the arena, and while your busy we can have fun with him." Savannah teased.
"She's still upset about the restaurant," Zack told Tessa.
"I'm sorry for interrupting your date. He has this aura that just draws you in, and I couldn't help myself. That's no excuse for my actions though." Tessa apologized sincerely.
Kaya crossed her arms pouting briefly before getting up. The women seemed cautious, but Kaya walked towards Zack sitting in his lap. Then she pointed at the seats glaring at Tessa before smiling at the other women. Seeing Kaya only upset towards Tessa the others relaxed sinking into the water. They decided to wait on introductions and settled for being in his booth.
"This place is wonderful," Tessa said laying her head back absorbing mana.
"Are you serious about us doing anything we want?" Holly asked.
"Did you have something in mind?" Zack replied.
"No, it's just a little hard to believe that's all," Tessa stated.
"We thought coming here would be better, but still expected to serve in some way," Holly told Zack.
"For some of us, it's the only kind of work we know," Tessa said while glancing at some of her friends.
"Take time to think about what you wanna do. Learning a new skill can be difficult, but if it's something you truly wanna do it's worth it." Zack replied.
"Keep in mind some people enjoy service," Lilith told Zack.
Zack knew that some truly wish to serve after his interactions with Olivia. No matter what he said or did nothing would stop her work. If they choose to use these skills he wouldn't complain, but he had high hopes they would find their calling.
"So what time do we start in the morning?" Ren asked.
"We usually get started after breakfast, but how you two train is up to you. Has he practiced much before?" Zack asked Holly.
"He can transform, but still has issues controlling it," Holly replied.
"You're a pureblood aren't you? It should be easy if that's the case." Victoria stated.
"He relies on his anger for strength. You should know how dangerous that is especially for a werewolf. My combat experience is lacking, and therefore I'm no help to him." Holly replied lowering her head in shame.
"That's not true at all. One reason he wants to be stronger is to protect you after all. Just be at his side, and he can overcome it." Zack smiled.
"Thanks," Holly replied
They continued to get familiar with each other until it was time for dinner. When everyone was off to bed Alexander had his people meeting in one of their houses. None of them expected him to lose, but it didn't bother them. It gave them hope for saving their families.
The reason they fled the neutral territories was due to slavers ravaging the area. They would often strike the neutral territories, but it was the first time they mounted such a large attack. Once reaching Ozen's territory they intended to raise money to seek aid, but with the time that's passed, they feared it was too late. The two arguing over telling Zack was Alexander, and his sister Nicole.
"You've seen how strong they are so why hesitate! Don't you care what happens to the others?" Nicole shouted.
"If I won I could've asked for a favor offering our skills in exchange. With nothing to offer, we have to find another way to gain their favor. I'll figure something out tomorrow." Alexander replied.
"It could be too late by then!" Nicole stormed out of the house irritated.