Hunter: Cursed

Chapter Ten.

Sneaking into the storeroom of Cain’s bar, I already had an idea where what I wanted was hiding. Shifting aside some cartons of imported beer, the hiding place wasn’t really a hiding place so if he didn’t want people knowing about what was here, he should have spelled it or-

“Elissse!” Alfie hissed.

“Ssh! We don’t want anyone to know we’re here!” I whispered, grabbing the bottle of whisky that was older than even V. “Got it!”

“Have you?” Cain asked calmly and spinning around, I nearly drop it. “What are you doing, Hunter?”

Alfie is cautiously watching the demon god creature, and I feel the tip of his tail wrapping around my ankle. I shake my head slightly, and he gets the message.

“Shopping?” It comes out like a question and internally I cringe.

“For?” He steps closer and inspects the bottle, wiping his hand over the dusty label. “Elise, I think you have a problem if you're now 'shopping' in my store room before opening hours.”

“I do not, and besides this isn’t for me.” Not a total lie. “Logan is back soon, and I was wanting to, celebrate, with him.”

Cains face goes blank, and as his eyes meet mine, I pray he doesn’t ask anymore questions. If he says no, I’ll go peacefully, and then plan to do an even quicker grab and go now I know exactly where this stuff is kept. Or maybe I’ll wait until he’s busy, distract him myself  while Alfie does it. I need this bottle, that part isn’t negotiable.

“And you chose that? I fear this would be wasted on you two.”

“I doubt it.”

“What are you up to?” He steps closer, so our faces are barely inches apart now and the warmth of his breath tickles my skin. I don’t back down, not even as I’m positive he is trying to somehow read every single thought going around and around in my brain. Too bad I’m desperate enough for this to work, I don’t give much else away; at least I don’t think I do.

“Me? Nothing. Just looking to have a bit of, expensive, fun with my boyfriend later.” I smile. "What other possible reason do you have for me to try pinching a bottle of the good stuff?"

That last question was slightly rhetorical, I just hope he knows that.

Frowning, Cain snatches the bottle and tucks it away, before reaching up to the next shelf and passes over some champagne instead. “Enjoy. Now get out.”

There is a warning there, and I can feel a storm brewing around us. It is time to go, but I’m not giving  up.

“Thanks!” I nod at Alfie and we’re back in the forest near my parents house instantly. “Ok, new plan. I need you to get what I want Alfie, drop me off out front first and I’ll distract him.”

Alfie nods, but I have no idea how to distract him. So, I get Annipe involved and tell her to go inside and play with the jukebox. She seems happy to be included this time and vanishes, while I get Alfie to drop me off out the front. Inside I already hear Cain cursing, so knocking on the door, I smile as he opens it ignoring how furious he looks.

“I actually came with two snakes, but one is a terrible look out if you came by. Have you-” The Spice Girls are suddenly screaming from inside the dark, silent bar and we both jump in surprise at the blast of music. “Seen her?”

“Get your demon and get out of here! Contrary to what you seem to think, this is still my business and I have shit to do!” He snaps.

“Okay, calm your farm.” But I’m not quite done yet. “But what are you going to do if I don’t anyway? Kill me? Doubt it. Make up missions to send everyone away again? Please do, that’ll give me and Logan some proper alone time.”