Run

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"Ahh, finally. Took you long enough."

I jumped and spinned at the amused voice behind me. I got ready my battle stance, ready for a sudden attack. My claws had been protracted and my teeth had been replaced with canines. I let out a low growl, sniffing the air. The scent of a witch had suddenly appeared.

"Seems that you have grown into a hairy young man, well done." I looked at the witch from head to toe, confused but on guard. The witch grins at me. I've never seen this witch in my entire life. I ignored his comment, a feeling of weirdness washing over me.He isn't afraid at all.

When I realise he isn't going to attack, I slowly change back. Looking closely at his physical features decribed by Chief, I concluded that this must be the witch I was looking for. The witch who gave us the intel of a girl apparently important enough for Chief to relook the case over and over, in the complete belief that the girl does actually exist and isn't some hoax. Why he didn't tell us everything at one spot remains a mystery to me.

"Julius, by the way. Sorry." I give an apologetic smile.

"I know."  He passes me a folder, getting straight to the point. Guess I don't have to search aimlessly around this desert after all. "Take this. All the information for the girl."

I flip through its contents, running my hand through my hair. Damn, this is well-detailed.

"I'm Alex."

"Why did you only just show us this now?" I ask the question that jad been on his mind. I look up from the folder. "You could've given the whole thing at once back then."

"You ask too many questions that I don't want to bother answering." He yawns, waving his hands. "You've got help. Take it."

Hm. The witch looked a few years older than me, but I knew he was probably centuries old.  He is a being of infinite knowledge, and, probably like the rest of his kind, doesn't want to share that knowledge. Speaking of sharing...

"And what do I have to give in return?" I asked warily. Flipping through the folder earlier, I noticed and memorised her address in my head. Just in case this deal goes bad.

"Your soul." He grins, answering me without missing a beat.

I keep my face steady. Seriously? My soul? I know some witches ask for that but it is considered a bit extreme. Breaking through my figurative mask is my wolf, with a low snarl. Maybe I do have to fight the wirch after all. I'm ready, my wolf barks. My wolf's excitement for blood makes my blood hum in my veins. I haven't had my lunch yet so maybe this witch can help me get my blood pumping.

He cackles, tilting his head back a little as he sees my expression. "I'm joking. Just go."

My heart, honestly, jolted at his words. It's a witch I was facing, don't blame me. My wolf paces back and forth around at the back of my mind. Yet without much hesitation, I spun around and walked off. Play it cool... I've been in way too many situations before to be dumb enough to hesistate for even a second. If he tries anything, I will claw his eyes out.

"One more thing."

I still, slowly turning around. I gave a tight smile. Here it goes. Another dead witch. His face becomes serious.

"Wait till a month before her birthday."

I furrowed my eyebrows.

 In rescue missions, we always say them ASAP. The girl may not have good control over her wolf and shift earlier before her 18th birthday. She might have already and is dead as we speak. Either by not being able to survive because she's too weak, or because hunters killed her.

"But that's dangerous-"

His purple immediately eyes glows angrily at my doubt, stopping me from continuing.

"Are you questioning me? You know I could turn you into a toad for that."

"I'm sorry. " I rushed out, giving him a cheesy grin. "Just a little worried, i'll do what you say."

Shit. Witches ... get easily iritated by people questioning them. I heard that it makes them feel like people think they're dumb. I'll have to explain to Chief about the situation when I get back. It's good enough that he didn't even ask for anything in return.

He seems satisfied with my apology and waves it off.

"Good. Now shoo. I need some me time."