Free Change by Keeley Smith

bigger the flag, the higher the hotel rating. The flags flapped
crazily in the wind, the noise sounding like harsh slaps on bare
flesh. Large, swirling green bushes in ruby red pots were placed
either side of the entrance. They could do with something like that
back at the shop. It would add a certain something.
    As they
approached the hotel, a man wearing a bright kilt and dark
waistcoat accompanied by a much needed thick coat, smiled in
greeting and opened the door for them. Jack and Cora stepped in
first and were quickly followed by the rest of their group. He
heard Tabitha and Cora gasp as Ayden whistled in appreciation. He
was just happy the heating worked in this place.
    The reception
area was decorated in a simple manner, yet it screamed elegance and
money. As they slowly made their way in, he glimpsed the sparkling
chandeliers that hung low from the ceiling. Each beautiful teardrop
threw soft light into the spacious area. The ceiling was high and
separated into big square chunks that were carved with intricate
designs. White columns stood tall and dominant, making the ceilings
look unreachable.
    Foliage and
flowers strategically placed on marble surface tables added soft
touches. It almost came close to the welcoming smell of The Broom
Cupboard. Almost. A huge bouquet of flowers, a splash of white, purple and pink,
stood tall within a vase on a low black table that sat in the
middle of the reception area.
    The reception
area, washed in soft purple, created colour. As well as the
welcoming fragrance from the flowers and the whole look of the
place, Jack had to say it was the nicest hotel he’d ever stayed in.
His eyes followed the elaborate staircase that spread out directly
in front of them. It swept up and above the reception, he assumed
it led to the first floor rooms. It was carpeted in soft beige with
green and ruby red stripes. The staircase, in his opinion, was very
Titanic-esq.
    Tabitha
stepped up to the glass reception and started talking to the
receptionist.
    “ This is too
expensive,” Cora complained as her eyes swept the area.
    Jack turned to
her and pulled her around the waist, bringing her smoothly into his
body. It was a move he’d certainly perfected. He grinned, knowing
that she was a simple girl at heart and didn't like all the thrills
and fancy things life could sometimes throw at you. He brushed his
lips against her nose and sighed, simply loving the feel of her
against him. All woman, all his.
    “ You, my
lovely, are our High Priestess, therefore you deserve the
best.”
    She grinned at
him but still managed to pull a face.
    “ Right, we are
on the sixth floor.” Tabitha walked up to them handing out door
keys. “Cora and Jack are sharing a room. You weren’t to begin with
but I made sure she changed it.”
    Jack looked at
Cora and smirked when a fresh explosion of pink filled her cheeks.
He loved it when she blushed. Her face, strong lines and
mesmerising eyes, transformed from extremely pretty to beautiful as
the pink blush swirled with the delicate soft cream.
    “ Everyone else
has their own rooms and we are all next to each other, just in
case.”
    Jack knew all
about the ‘just in case’ scenario. Tabitha had given him a warning
before setting off on this little trip. He didn’t like Alastair and
he didn’t like Tavish. He hadn’t liked the way Tavish had
confronted Cora about her abilities early. If only Tavish knew what
she was capable of. That would definitely wipe the smirk off
Tavish’s face. This meeting would only result in something bad, and
as a coven, they had to face it together.
    Jack pulled
Cora with him as they headed towards the lifts. They waited a
second, two at the most, before the lift came to rest with a soft
whoosh and a bing as the doors opened. They all stepped in to the
sound of boring classical music. The sixth floor, he found once the
doors opened, carried the green, ruby red and beige colour
theme.
    They looked at
door numbers as they walked silently