Thanks to...
booklover1598 for reviewing.
And Kira Tsumi for reviewing.
Sorry its been a while. Staying in an extended stay hotel and just had some heavy snow that caused trees and powerlines to go down so now my laptop wont work with the internet. Have to type on my phone again:( well anyway, enjoy:)
"I'll shoot you where you stand." He growled.
"Hey, now!" Ben interjected.
"Sit down!" Azazel commanded, using one hand to push Ben into an empty chair." I got this."
"Not another step, Mutt!"
She spread out her arms, still looking him straight in the eyes.
"Give me your best shot."
Ben had been worried the second they walked in, but now he was scared he was going to have to fight all these people because of Azazel. Nobody moved and the intense silence went on for what seemed like forever, until the bartender threw his head back and laughed.
"Wait, what?" Ben asked, confused.
He turned to see Azazel and everyone else laughing along with the old man.
"What?" He asked again.
"Get your skinny hide over here and give me a hug."
"Hug?" asked her.
"Come on." She rolled her eyes motioning for him to follow her "Ben, this is Marcus, he took me in when I was younger, when I didn't have a home after I..."
The two noticed she trailed off and was now behind the bar, pouring herself a drink.
"Found her playing with my hunting dog, the damn thing isn't good to hunt anymore! Damn girl turned it soft." Marcus teased.
"Yeah, old age had nothing to do with it." Azazel retorted with a smile.
Ben couldn't help but stare at the two. Marcus was nowhere near scared of her, despite her name and reputation. Did that mean that Azazel was different before she became a witch for hire?
"Here." she poured some ale into a cup and handed it to Ben.
He nodded and took it.
"How about you stay here and drink while I go have a chat with Marcus?" Azazel said." We have catching up to do."
"Okay." He nodded again, watching her as she and the old man walked up the steps by the bar counter.
"Are you mad, girl?" Marcus asked once they were behind a closed door.
"Not since I last checked." Azazel replied.
"Of all the things I hear about you, I had hoped this one wasn't true. Is he really a hunter?"
"Yes." She replied." Who'd you hear that from?"
"Samuel." He hesitated.
:.:
while waiting, Ben lightly drank his ale and looked around, trying not to make any eye contact with anyone. He wondered why she was acting nicer than usual. Maybe it's just a girl thing.
:.:
"That damned apple picker needs to keep his nose out of my business before it is no longer his." She hissed." What all does he know? Where is he?"
"Where do you think?"
"Look, the next time you see him..."
She trailed off when she heard footsteps on the stairs and heading their way. There was a knock at the door.
"What?" Marcus called out.
"Hey, it's Samuel, is she here?"
With a glare, Azazel stomped over to the door and threw it open.
"You!" She pointed at him.
"You are here!" He said, pulling her into an unsuspected hug." I've missed you so much! I have good news..."
Before he could finish his sentence, he was being thrown down the stairs. It was only five steps but he still hit his head on the ground.
"Azazel wait!" He started scooting backwards on the ground, holding a hand up as she walked closer and closer.
By now the whole tavern was once again in silence.
Ben noticed it was the guy who told him about Azazel in the first place. What did he do to get her so angry?
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you now you nosy bastard!" She told him angrily.
"B-because, those books you left, those journals, Marcus let me read them." He said." And remember Meredith, the woman you wrote about? I found her, she's here in the village. Please, Azazel, you know I love you. That's why I told him about you.." He pointed to Ben." I hoped that you would come back so I could tell you, I found out how to break your curse, she knows how."
"Shut up! Just...shut up!" Azazel shouted.
"Now, now, Azazel." Came an amused voice." Where are your manners.
Ben looked at Azazel and thought he caught a glimpse of fear in her eyes.
She turned around and before her stood someone she wished she never had to lay eyes on again.
"Meredith."
cliffhanger. Sorry, but you gotta admit you knew it was coming. Thanks for all the reviews so far and why not tell me your thoughts or questions? Until next time:)