The Witch's Devil (Complete)

Chapter 6, The Hunt

Alastor POV~

Following the directions I received from the pleasant petrified man child so kindly gave me. Each step I took got me closer to the mysterious lynx with the hypnotic pools of ivy tea green. Licking the tips of my fingers as I began counting the money the poor bastard graciously freed from his wallet. Thinking over all the information he had given with great detail during our chat.

Old bastard painted a doleful image about the witch with an arresting smile. How both she and her mysterious mother moved to the town some time ago. Known well for their impenetrable way of giving people what they asked for in terms of wants. Coming to own a bookstore out right, in an historical two story brick building. With funds no one understood how it was possible.

Along with the most intriguing fact of all. That her mother has been missing for about a decade or so. Though some answers were now found. Even more sprung up in their place.. With every new question ever so slightly more delectably mouth-watering than the last.

"Three hundred and fifty. Four hundred. Four hundred and fifty." Counting aloud to ease something I couldn't understand. Fear. The bills making a flick sound against my fingertips. A numbness had taken hold. I couldn't resist thinking about her.

How she must be so lonely in a town like this. That's filled with an evilness to the area. "And that takes me to five hundred dollars. That should be a good starting fund." Finished as I placed the wad of cash in my back pocket. Eyes trailing up from the stone beneath my feet.

There it was. A two story exposed brick and plaster building. The plaster was painted soft gray. Black accents for the windowsills, and door. Large shop windows that would bring in great amounts of natural light if they weren't blocked off. Adding a little extra to the mystery that lays ahead.

Flower boxes out front on either side of the door. Dark natural wood benches to sit. The bookshops sign being dark stained oak read, Amethyst Tomes, in elegant script. This is where I wanted to be.

Peering in briefly out of curiosity. One ground level window had a platform for displays. Yet it was used as a sitting spot. With rugs laid out across it. Small pile of pillows sat nicely next to a short table. A vintage floor lamp and another matching table lamp on the floor. Just surrounded by books in varying size stacks. The other window didn't have much but a large curtain hanging in it. On its platform were so many plants. It was a mini jungle on display.

My heartbeat quickens like a jack-hammer to the earth. Frozen in my tracks as the strange feeling of nervousness builds. What should I say when we see each other again. Beginning to panic as I cross the road. Trying to force time to pass as I collect my thoughts and motives. "Hello again Miss Witch! Don't mind me! I just followed you and possibly terrorized the locals a bit to find you." Using my hand to pull down on my face. No. No this is all wrong. Anything I come up with just makes me sound like a damn creeper. "Fuck me." Internal screams rage locked away in my thoughts for this stupidity.

As the wind blew by it carried the scent of a beast. Eyes narrowed with fierce rage. Scanning the surrounding area for the dog that was near. Locking onto a young man carrying containers. Brows furrowed more forward. Watching closely to see what he does so close to a witches place. What are you up to, wolf? Seeing a mutt outside its own pack was unusual. Almost concerning. If they were, it meant they were a danger to others. Where could you possibly be going?

Refusing to take my eyes off the beast before me. Casually walking this close to the witches shop. Made an uneasiness wash over my body. Wolves didn't get along with others. Packs were mostly isolated communities, kingdoms really, with tons of infighting amongst themselves. How strange indeed.

The young wolf looked no more than early twenties, and untrained at first glance. Letting out the breath I was holding in. What am I freaking out over? There is no way he is here for the little witch. It was as if the gods were watching me. Punishing me. I watched on as the tan wolf walked into the bookshop.

"Fuck."

Eyes widened while I felt my jaw fall open. Everything around me goes blank. Mind flows on what to do or think for the next move. Heart racing against the cage it resides in.

Then without conscious thought I swung open the door. Entering the shop in a blind panic. Stories of werewolves murdering trespassers had crossed my mind. My legs had moved on their own. Frozen in place as I process what the hell just happened.

Bells chime behind me.

Hearing a gently worried, "Hello? Can I help you?"

Turning in the direction of the question asked. To see a tall blonde in a state of agitation. Her brow raised above her glasses frames. Arm crossed over her chest.

"Uhhh... Yes." Relaxing into the situation I've gotten myself into.. Coming back to my senses. Burying those looming emotions of anxiety down.. Noticing all eyes were on me. Watching like hawks with annoyed curiosity.

"Well what can I help you with then, sir?" The blonde asked with narrowed eyes.

"I, uhh, you see, umm, I was looking for the owner of this fine establishment." Force a smile across my lips. Needing to cut through this unwanted attention. "By chance would she, or he, be in today?" Asking politely as I look around. Taking all in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the quaint little shop. Everyone seemed to lose interest going back to their own business.

Just before the stern blonde could answer. "Yes, I am." Her voice sang, replying with a sharpness i her tone. We both snapped our attention to look in the direction her answer came from.

I felt my heart beat rage wildly. Like the flames of the wrath ring burned endlessly. She stood tall, looking down to me from atop the steps. Our eyes locked on one another. I was finding myself unable to breathe. A single word crossed my mind.

Beautiful.

~~~End Of Chapter~~~