Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)
Chapter 103 - Betting With A Small Purse

Chapter 103: Chapter 103 - Betting With A Small Purse

The search results for [ATM highest withdrawal limit Vossden] produced several articles and forum posts about maximizing cash access. Casinos topped every list, with mentions of [Silver-Like-Water Casino] appearing repeatedly.

According to one user review...

[SLW has six cash machines near the high-stakes room, always stocked and much higher limits than bank ATMs.]

I scrolled through more information about the place while learning more than I really needed to about the betting habits of humans. The business needed to accommodate ’gamblers’ who required substantial cash.

Without hopping between different bank machines across the city, I could potentially complete my task in a single morning stop. It almost sounded too good to be true.

Perfect felt like too simple a word - and the internet with smartphones to access it is quickly becoming my favorite part of this world. Do these people even understand how much hassle it is to talk to ’smart’ people who know what you need to know?

> They never just let you get out with the single piece of information you wanted. And judge you for not having yet read another thick scroll just to find a single sentence of proof. <

"If I leave now, I can be there when they’re less busy."

That black dress from the spa boutique hung in the small motel closet. I’d originally thought it might never be worn after that night, but its elegance would help me blend into an upscale casino environment without drawing unwanted attention.

I slipped it on with a sudden sense of haste, appreciating the unrestrictive material once again. Examining myself in the mirror, especially the sheer neckline in a different lighting... I frowned as I thought of the color and quality bags I had.

The incongruity between them and the dress was as jarring as walking out of the shop that evening in that utilitarian jacket. Anise, that seamstress, seems to have a thing for pocketed dresses so I can at least carry my card and phone without a bag...

"This won’t do. I need something more appropriate."

⧖ ☾ ❄ ☽ ⧖

Eventually a department store window display caught my eye as I meandered toward the casino. A collection of small black clutch purses arranged artfully around a metallic sculpture.

I checked the time on my phone and the opening times listed on the door before waiting at a nearby cafe. Three kinds of muffin, two scones, something called a caramel macchiato, and achieving level 8 again in Fox Run - finally - the store was opened.

Inside, I quickly selected a simple design, with the cheapest price tag, that had clean lines and minimal embellishments. The salesperson assured me it was versatile enough for day or evening wear.

Not that I cared about such distinctions, right now. What mattered was that it could hold the thirty more fifty dollar bills I needed without drawing attention.

> Will you stop looking at the ones with more color? It’s fine, I don’t intend to exactly use this all the time. <

"It works with your dress beautifully."

The ’associate’ with a name tag offered as she rang up my purchase. I was too busy looking important to do more than nod politely.

After paying, I slipped the card into one of the slots inside because of some new information. RFID blocking materials lined the backing of the item - and the woman on the sales floor was all too happy to explain the dangers and ease of card information theft.

> Your Alpha could have given me something to deal with that, did she think I would just know?! What if it’s already been stolen... <

Vrika didn’t seem that concerned, but then again it never has been when it comes to money. The magnetic clasp clicked shut as I twisted it to rest in front of my stomach - and as tempted as I was to test its secure state again, I chose not to make a ’world tourist’ of myself twice.

That saleswoman had already snickered once and apologized when showing it to me before. When I shook the example piece up and down and side to side with some force.

City architecture changed as I moved toward the entertainment district. Buildings became much more deliberately stylized to attract attention, with flashier facades and larger-than-life advertisements.

Brunch time or not, the area pulsed with an energy different from any other part of the city. More of the foot traffic smiled, less cars honked incessantly, and everywhere seemed to be doing brisk business.

Following the system map, [Silver-Like-Water Casino] appeared on a large sign as I turned the corner of the main road. Waterfalls cascaded down either side of the main entrance, the flowing liquid captured behind transparent glass panels.

A surprisingly tasteful design compared to some of the gaudier establishments nearby. It somewhat reminds me of the Crystalline Spa... though I hope I don’t spend nearly so much time here.

I squared my shoulders and approached the entrance, noting the security personnel stationed at the doors. One stood by a sign that said they would check IDs of those entering, though the process seemed perfunctory given the early hour and sparse crowd.

"Good morning, miss."

The guard greeted me before opening the door - and while I was confused at not needing to show the proof of identity, I chose not to let it show. I just nodded, thanked him, and kept walking.

> Do they only check when they have doubts on age? I feel conflicted about this, as I thought I looked fairly... young... <

About the same time Vrika sneezed, I looked down and realized that my ’assets’ on display likely place me out of - or at the tail end of - my teenage years to any observer. Confusion turned to a conflicted feeling, but I just sighed.

"I can’t lie, I would assume much the same about any other woman with a large chest."

The casino interior was all carefully designed opulence that reminded me of the royal halls - if not in complete design, than in the intended evoking of impressions. High ceilings with subtle lighting and lots of ’busy’ art, symbols, displays, drapes... all kinds of things to make the place look important.

Elegant areas to take a seat were interspersed among gaming tables and slot machines, likely for people taking breaks while enjoying drinks... or waiting for tables to clear. Most sat empty this early, with only a few dedicated gamblers already hunched over their games of choice.

I inhaled deep, expecting recycled air and perhaps the lingering scent of alcohol and cigarettes. Instead, my nostrils flared and my posture changed over something pretty alarming.

> Werewolf scent marks. Everywhere. <

Not just passing visitors, but deliberate, permanent signifiers of territory left there by an Alpha. Different from Kyrie’s crisp snow and iron signature, these carried the smell of rushing river water over stone.

| Chosen Has Entered The Moonwater Pack’s Territory! |

Vrika grew more alert within me as my eyes darted for signs of being watched. I hadn’t anticipated this - and of course the online tips about this location had neglected to mention such a critical detail.

> Humans wouldn’t know or recognize werewolf territorial markings. Even hunters only get a sort of feeling by sight when they see our kind. <

As far as I can guess, it is a hereditary trait for them. Probably passed down by a line of humans steeped in what passes for this world’s genuine old magic.

My vision focused on my own ’false’ magic - the system map, with blue glowing lines of mist forming the city topography. Last time I saw that sort of territory message, I had been well and inside the edges.

And like now, it had also been the moment I ’realized’ I could smell a certain scent. According to the map, only the Casinogrounds are surrounded by some obvious line markings... not a very big area at all.

But the weird part is how it is right here. Surrounded by Rimecoat pack, in such a conspicuous location that there is no possible way it has gone unnoticed by the white wolves.

> Also Helene has never heard of a Moonwater Pack. More ignorance of the world... sometimes it’s almost like I gained nothing but language from her! <

While my wolf barked complaints about what I’ve ’stolen’ of her photography knowledge, I considered retreating from the building. But that might draw more attention than simply proceeding.

I was already inside, my scent already likely to leave a trail. Abruptly exiting, like I had a reason to flee, might trigger more interest in one of them following me than just staying.

"Plus, it’s not like I’ve backed down from a talk yet. Just find the ATMs, complete the transactions, and leave."

Whispering a plan myself, I begin to scan the expansive main floor for any indication of where the cash machines might be located. I’m sure there should be a sign or something that might tell where the ’high-stakes’ area is.

Yet, the casino’s layout proved disorienting... all the lines and directions seemed designed to draw the eyes and feet to lead patrons deeper into the main gaming areas rather than efficiently toward any other services.

"First time at Silver-Like-Water?"

> And there’s the werewolf. <