10: The Demizen Market

Straight out the door of Mystic Moon to the heart of downtown where an alley unseen to the human eye harbors the demizen market.

Just past midnight the market is in full force by the time I get there. At first glance it appears to be an alley overrun with the homeless, but after stepping across a blood red chalk line in the sidewalk you step into a very different world. The long alley winds down for blocks upon blocks, lined with tents and stands selling anything and everything supernatural related. From ingredients to cuisines.

Along with some honest denizens trying to make a living there’s just as many shady characters. Either they’re looking for recruits or calling in payment for past favors.

True to the homeless nature of the alley several trash can fires light the way. I stare at my phone trying to ignore the haggling of shop owners trying to lure customers in. I know what I need and I don’t do a little browsing along the way. I’ve always hated the market. Too many demizens in one place.

Vibrant colors of crystals and herbs stand out against the dark wardrobe most of the people wear. The aroma of food causes my stomach to groan in hunger. Food second, ingredients first.

I shoulder my way through a crowd of people that gather in the middle of the path, they sway to music that is unbearably loud. When I make it through the thicket, I see him. His back to me, but there’s no denying that its him. He’s at a tent selling blood goblets.

I mentally debate if I should head in the opposite direction or confront him. Thankfully, the logical part of me wins and I backtrack to take a less traveled path to the tent I need to go to. I probably look like some low level demizen as I sneak around from stand to stand.

But my stealthy skills are mediocre, because as I slip out of a tent selling cursed objects, an ice cold hand grabs me forcing our arms to loop together. In a pitiful attempt, I struggle to get out of his grasp, but he tightens his hold on me. Several eyes look in our direction, but I know better than to think that anyone would help me.

I twist toward him and punch him in the shoulder. It felt good, but with no reaction from him, he probably didn’t even feel it. “I thought we were done for today? The whole tomorrow is a new day, bullshit.”

Instead of annoyance or anger at me punching him, he smiles at me. “Are you always so physically aggressive or do I make you nervous?”

“Oh, don’t flatter yourself.” I play it cool...or try to even though tiny little butterflies begin to flutter in the pit of my stomach, but even though their tiny wings make me queasy, I still struggle against his hold.

“I’m surprised that your wolf isn’t bodyguarding you. He lets you roam the market alone?” His step carefully match mine. “He even lets you go to the trading post in the cemetery alone too.” He shakes his head in dismay.

I slap his hand aggressively, staring at him with disgust. “Do not bring Caleb into this. Our relationship,” the word gets stuck in my throat, “is none of your business.” Ugh. Caleb is right. I'm an awful liar.

He eyeballs me catching me in those so called lies. He no doubt finds my uncomfortableness entertaining. Although...thankfully he lets the subject slide. “I was just in the market retrieving some things for Phillip when I caught a glimpse of you.” He looks over at. I don’t meet his eyes, but I can feel them. “What are the odds that we’ll meet here unexpectedly. Although, I quite pleased it’s working in my favor.”

“Nothing is working in your favor.”

“Really, I’ve been told I’m quite persuasive. More persuasive than a wolf.”

“And that’s not creepy at all.” I mumble under my breath, but inside I’m a mess. My nerves become more and more jittery by the second the longer his bright golden eyes stare down at me. “Now if you excuse me I have things to purchase.”

“I’ll join you.” He offers. His free hand playfully slides through his hair sweeping it completely out of his face.

“No offense, but shouldn’t you scamper off and report to your master?”

“I won’t be reporting to him until I have you in tow. The only way to get rid of me is coming with me.”

My lips curl in a forced snarl. “Lovely.” Get a hold of yourself Hazel. It isn’t like he’s the first cute guy you’ve ever met. And he isn’t the first vampire you’ve dealt with. There’s been plenty that have come into the shop with their heavy charm trying to swoon me into giving them a discount or a taste.

I have no choice but to stop at a table I’m very familiar with. The old woman has her usual brightly colored headscarf on. Each finger is ringed with several silver bands and thin metal bangles layer her arms from wrist to mid forearm. Her white blouse rests off her shoulders and her skirt is many layers of fabric each with different patterns.

“Just the usual Madame Franceska.” I put the trade package on the table, which she quickly snatches.

Her cataract eyes go wide as she reads the label. “Where did you? Never mind.” Then her eyes travel to Gabriel.

She doesn’t make small talk as she usually does while she places several items in my bag. We’ve done business for so long that she knows my order by heart. “Since when do you enjoy the company of vampires?” She whispers as she hands the bag over.

“Enjoy? I don’t and let's not spread rumors.” I tsk her with my index finger, getting me a smile in return.

“Because your reputation is so perfect?” She snaps back as she lets a burst of laughter escape her tense lips.

“You are too wise for your own good.” I tip my head in gratitude. “Until next time.”

We weave back into the crowd, my nose leading the way.

“What’s in the bag?” Gabriel asks. Curiosity does not look good on him.

“Ingredients. You know us witches and our ingredients.” Thankfully, a small chinese man that’s half hidden inside a food truck type stand hollers my name and waves me down, keeping me from having to explain.

He winks at me the second I come to stand in line. The two people in front of me are served quickly and when I approach my food is slid onto the counter before me. “The usual for my favorite customer.” His black eyes dart over to Gabriel. “Would you like me to make up another order?”

“He can eat on his own time.” I slide a few bills in his direction before grabbing my food.

I plop down on an empty table. Gabriel still follows me. “Best fried rice in town. The only demon I’ll eat from. I would offer you some, but...you know, vampire.”

“Vampire.” He repeats.

My heart nearly leaps from my chest as a loud old school ring breaks the silence between us. I’m more than thankful for the interruption, because it was getting a little uncomfortable having him watch me eat.

He turns his back to me as he whispers into his phone. I know without a doubt that he’s hiding stuff, very important stuff. The only question is do I want to find out...or not. Seconds later he turns around with disappointment plaguing his eyes. “I have to go.” His acting is spot on. For a second I think he’s actually regretful about leaving.

“About time.” I mutter covering up my own disappointment that starts to nag at me.

“Don’t get too excited. We will be seeing each other again, tomorrow perhaps. Try to be happier about it next time.”

“It’s kinda hard to consider it’s extremely difficult to be happy about being harassed.”

“Harassment. Recruitment.” He pretends to weigh each word in his outstretched hands. The one that he raised with recruitment stays well above the harassment hand.

“Harassment.” I say putting an end to the discussion and this nonsense recruitment scheme.

He flashes me that sly smile of his and steps into the mass of people. I don’t watch him as he goes. In fact my heart slows its rapid pace with his departure.

I quickly finish eating because I have a long night ahead of me. I vampire and werewolf repellant to make.