The building architecture modernized as we traversed away from the ballroom. Large landscape paintings hung from the walls framed by rich mahogany wood. Sophisticated archways with twirls and beautiful etched lines sectioned off the hallway into miniature chambers. The path merged into an open, circular, lobby with an elevator controlling the central space.

"So Erwin, are you going to tell me why I'm an exception to your set of laws, or do I need to drag it out of you?" I tapped my foot against the black speckled granite flooring, waiting for an answer.

He chuckled. "A woman with beauty, confidence, and a strong family backing. Add a little effort and your desires are achievable."

"True, but that makes life too easy, don't you think?"

Erwin tapped the elevator button. "Understandable, I take it your current endeavors are far amusing?"

The question sparked the image of a stubborn and irritating man. "You know it." I smiled.

The elevator rung loud through the quiet foyer. The doors opened revealing an elegant emerald cloth interior with silver lining and detail. Erwin's signature icon of a jaguar ready to pounce its prey was inlaid on the cloth.

"After you." He stood to the side, holding the elevator doors open.

I walked in and leaned my back against the plush surface. He followed and keyed in his pass code then the floor level.

"Amusing at first sight, but how long till they become dry and mundane. I hear you've been contracted with the police ever since the awakening. A coarse and unrefined bunch with outdated tactics wouldn't you say?"

I tapped my chin, searching for the best way to divulge my antics to him. "Depends. There's a mixture, I wouldn't say all of them lack appeal. They do need to work on their tactics for approaching Supernaturals." I giggled at the memory of Trevor at the club. His cop mode would have instigated the dangerous crowd if I hadn't stopped his foolish plan.

The elevator shifted to a stop, reaching the highest floor. We exited onto another designed time period, coming closer to the present. The walls were a crisp white with black paneling meeting halfway. Columns protruded from the walls with straight black trim. Unlike the prior floor, the walls were bare and held an identical nature perfect for subterfuge. Add a little mystic energy, and the place became impenetrable.

"They don't know the real dangers of dealing with Supernaturals. I hope they learn from current events," Erwin commented.

"Their expectations are too high. They expect us to follow the laws of Normals. Those with power follow their own rules."

We stopped before a door and Erwin turned towards me, opening the door. "Equality does not exist amongst Supernaturals and Normals. We are far too different. But that makes me wonder why you put up with it? Why waste your energy to assist such small minded people?"

I laughed at his accurate description, but stopped in place taking in the dark and inviting room. Sleek black curtains folded back to give a panoramic view of the star scattered sky. Erwin moved behind his desk, picking through a stack of papers.

"My, a beautiful sight. Do you always bring the ladies up here?" I moved to the window and saw the glittering landscape intensify with the light riddled Etheria skyline.

"Only the lucky few."

"Well, it feels good to be one of the lucky few."

He chuckled coming up behind me with his arm resting on my back. "But to be fair, I wish you would tell me why. Doesn't it get irritating when those around you fail to see your greatness?"

Again, he made me think of Trevor. A man at the lowest point of the Supernatural food chain—a Normal. He had a poor paying job and no status in the world. Besides his looks, what did he have to offer?

"It does," I conceded.

The warmth created by his hand disappeared. I spun around to stare at him with his hand outreached.

"Then why don't you join me. Big changes are coming, don't you want to be in the middle of them?"

"You sound like a con artist persuading innocent girls."

"Innocent?" He smirked.

"I never said I was."

Erwin swung his head away, a glimpse of a wide smile foiled his face. "What's your answer?" He returned his full attention to me. "Care to dally in the unknown and intrigue, or return to the mediocrity that continues to flood our world?"

I tilted my head at him. "What do I get? If it's coming from you, I expect something unbelievable and grand."

"Excitement." He moved closer and lowered his head beside my ear, his hot breath caressing my ear.

His provocative attack had me one step close to swooning, but the vibrating interloper in my fur purse made me growl instead. I placed a hand on his chest, pushing him away. "I'm sorry."

I reached into my purse, fumbling for the plastic case. How could my phone be vibrating? I turned the damn thing off before coming to the party. It had to be her.

The screen had a stark black background with the answer call icon bleeping continuously. But the phone didn't register a number.

"Is something wrong?" Erwin asked.

I looked up into his mesmerizing eyes, the darkness failed to conceal the shine they held. "I need to take this."

"Go ahead."

I swiped right and placed the device to my ear. A death march orchestra played in the background and grew louder as I waited.

"What do you want, Witch?"

The music ceased. "Which grave did you crawl out of this evening?"

"Yours."

"Of course it would be mine. Right next to your Fathers. You always did cry to him."

I snorted from her statement. "Please, I was keeping the spot warm. I'm sure you'll thank me. It shouldn't be long now, your age is catching up to you."

"And age hasn't made you wiser. How ever will I leave this world knowing my only daughter can't hold a job nor a man? A black stain on the family history."

"What the hell do you want?" I yelled into the phone.

"Such anger." She laughed, but continued. "Charlie asked me to check in on you. Weren't you supposed to be working tonight?"

"I'm not a cop, I don't work twenty-four seven," I growled. "Since when were you on a first name basis with the Chief."

"Didn't you know Charlie and I were friends? Ignoring that, why did you turn Trevor down? You aren't getting any younger you know. It's about time you find something useful to do with your life. But that isn't why I called." Her tone darkened and the lighthearted joke cracking voice disappeared. "Don't make a fool out of me."

The line cut.