by K E O'Connor
“That’s where we’re going now. I’ll look in later when the place gets livelier.”
“This is as lively as it gets. I like it that way.” I shook my head as I watched them saunter away, a picture of cocky arrogance. There was no room for idiots in my life and definitely no room for Dewey Lavern and his dodgy friends.
“That guy is a jerk,” Wiggles said.
I nodded. “You always were an excellent judge of character.”
“I bet he’s not had a date in years. He stinks of desperate loser.”
“Does not dating make you a loser?”
“Absolutely.” He tilted his head to look at me. “It’s why I keep telling you to marry Brogan.”
Suki coughed into her hand, and I saw a smile on her face as she looked away.
“Brogan Costin is part vampire.”
“So?”
“So, he might like a plump little hellhound to nibble on at night. If we start dating, he could mistake you as a snack.”
“Who are you calling plump?”
I laughed. “You don’t mind being a vampire snack, but you mind me pointing out your pot belly?”
“I do not have a pot belly. Besides, I bite back. If Brogan decided I’d make a good hot dog, I’d soon change his mind.” He gnashed his teeth together.
“Come on,” I said to Wiggles. “Less talk about marrying me off. I need to get rid of this demon goo.”
“Then we can have cake.”
“Only if you want a bigger belly. I was thinking we can do some work behind the bar. And I’ve got a stack of paperwork to go through.”
“But first cake,” Wiggles said. “And no more talking about my belly, or I’ll get a complex.”
I grinned as I opened the door to Cloven Hoof and let Wiggles in. He might have a little belly, but I adored it. I did not adore him trying to hook me up with Brogan, although Brogan did make the best breakfasts in the whole of Willow Tree Falls.
I had enough on my plate without dating. Paperwork beckoned, and it seemed, so did cake if Wiggles had anything to do with it.
That’s what occupied my time. Demons, paperwork, goo, and the occasional cake. That was fine by me.
Chapter 2
There was a lovely chilled vibe in the bar as I wandered around. I’d taken a shower, found some cake to keep Wiggles happy, and was settled in a seat at the bar as I watched my two new bar staff, Ginger Gibson and Blaze Dubrovnik, serve customers.
They’d only been here a few weeks but fit right in. They were new to Willow Tree Falls. Ginger was a Green witch, gaining her powers from Mother Nature. Blaze was a mixture of warlock and human and had a handy fire trick he used to entertain the staff.
Business was good, profits were up, and the new staff meant everyone got to take time off and not get over-worked and think about quitting.
Merrie Noble walked over and placed a lemon drop in front of me, alongside a bowl of dried mushrooms. “These are our freshest batch. I thought the boss might like to taste test the produce and give it her seal of approval.”
I dipped my finger into the bowl and sampled a mushroom. It fizzed lightly on my tongue as the magic slid through me. “Perfection.”
Merrie grinned. “We aim to please.”
Merrie was an amazing bar manager. I could rely on her to ensure Cloven Hoof ran smoothly. I never worried when I had to leave on my demon hunting duties.
I gave a contented sigh as I downed my lemon drop. I loved Cloven Hoof when it was like this, lots of happy, chilled-out customers. Music played in the background, but it wasn’t overwhelming, so people could have a decent conversation without yelling. Equally, they could slide into a booth at the back of the bar, relax, and not be bothered by anybody.
This had always been my plan with Cloven Hoof, create a chilled place where people could come and forget their worries.
The sound of raucous laughter had me turning in my seat. I groaned when I spotted Dewey, Serath, and Bart walk through the doorway. They looked like they’d enjoyed themselves a little too much at the Ancient Imp. Serath appeared unsteady on his feet as they headed to the bar, and Bart and Dewey leaned on each other for support.
“Are they friends of yours?” Merrie asked.
“I wouldn’t call them friends. The tall one with the overly styled hair is Puddles’ nephew. He’s visiting for a couple of days.”
Merrie nodded. “He’s been here before. Do you want me to keep an eye on them?”
“Sure, I’ll do the same. It looks like they’re not here for a relaxing time. We don’t want them scaring away the other customers.” I watched them as they reached the bar.
Izzie Argan, another member of my bar staff, was unfortunate enough to serve them. Her smile faded, and a tightness appeared around her eyes as they spoke to her.
“It looks like they’re off to a bad start.” I stood from my seat, but Merrie waved me back down.
“Stay there. I’ve got this. You’ve had enough idiots to deal with for one night after working a shift in the cemetery.”
I sat back down, but my attention remained on the group. Merrie waved Izzie away and quickly served the three guys.
Whatever they’d said to Izzie, she was not happy. She was speaking to Ginger and scowling at them from the end of the bar, her sunny disposition gone and deep frown lines lacing either side of her mouth. Her behavior was unusual. Izzie handled difficult customers easily, even when they got excited, but the way she glared at this group made me think they’d said something inappropriate.
The guys downed their drinks and ordered more. They might be good for business, but I’d rather have less money and fewer troublemakers.
The door to the bar opened. Suki poked her head through. She looked at me and nodded at Dewey and his friends.
Now, there was a good idea. Suki was sweet-natured, but rile her, and she turned into a lethal, unstoppable fighting machine. She could even knock an angel on its feathery butt when she had a mind to do so.
I nodded at the group. It was time for Dewey and his friends to calm down or take a hike.
Suki strode in, her hands fisted as she approached the group.
I watched in amusement as they turned and all stared up at Suki, their mouths open.
Whatever she said to them worked. They grabbed their drinks and left the bar, scurrying to a booth at the back.
I nodded thanks to her, and she shrugged before heading back outside. Suki had been one of the best hires I’d ever made for Cloven Hoof. She fit right in, and her size and intimidating presence meant trouble stopped before it even started. Nobody wanted to be on the wrong end of Suki’s fists.
Even though the group had disappeared and stopped bothering my bar staff, I’d still keep an eye on those three idiots. They were not going to ruin everybody’s night.
“Hey, Tempest.” Axel Shadowsoul strode over, dressed in a tailored gray suit and open-necked white shirt.
As a half-demon, Axel came with a nifty set of skills and a side order of serious smooth, which sometimes slid into sleazy. He was always well turned out and charming and often directed that charm at me.
“I hope you’re not here to buy any produce.” Axel had a small addiction issue when it came to my mushrooms. He’d been off them for months and was doing well, but the temptation would always be there.
“I’m being a good boy, as always. I’m here for a drink and to soak up some fun. You’ve got a good crowd in tonight.” He settled on the stool next to me and ordered a drink for us both.
I nodded as I looked around the bar. “I’ve no complaints.”
“Your new barmaid is cute,” Axel said. “I love the red hair.”
Axel was always looking for a new conquest. It was why I never took his interest in me seriously. I was fond of him, but it was more like a fondness you have for an annoying big brother. Even though he tried to convince me otherwise, Axel was a player. He always would be.
“That’s Ginger. Be careful of her. She’s got a great connection
with Mother Nature. You mess with her, and you’ll find your home attacked by angry giant triffids.”
“Sounds interesting.”
“No, direct that interest elsewhere. She’s great at her job, so don’t go messing around with her.”
Axel’s smile turned sly. “Would you like me to direct my interest at you?”
I shook my head. “No, thanks.”
Axel raised a hand and pressed it to his heart. “I never mess around with gorgeous women. You should know that.” He winked at me as the drinks arrived.
I turned at the sound of raised voices. Dewey stood by a booth, glowering at Serath and Bart.
“What’s with that lot?” Axel asked.
“They’re three enormous pains in my backside,” I said. “I should have kicked them out as soon as they came in.”
“I know that one,” Axel said. “Isn’t that Puddles’ Lavern’s nephew?”
“That’s right,” I said, “and his two idiot friends.”
“Calm down, man,” Serath said. “I didn’t mean anything.”
“You’re a jerk.” Dewey lunged at Serath and grabbed him in a messy headlock.
I jumped off my seat and raced over. Fighting was not allowed in Cloven Hoof.
Axel ran alongside me. “Need a hand?”
“It’s okay. I’ve got this.”
“I will never let a woman go into a fight on her own, even if she does have your incredible skills.”
I shrugged. It was up to Axel if he wanted to risk his own neck.
“Hey, that’s enough!” I grabbed Dewey by the shoulder and pulled him off Serath.
Dewey turned and shoved me away, fury coloring his cheeks scarlet. “Keep out of this. It’s not your business.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. This is my business. You’re standing in my business. You all need to leave.”
Bart jumped up and joined Dewey and Serath. “We’re having a bit of fun, Tempest. No harm done.”
“Go have your fun elsewhere.”
“You’re throwing us out?” Dewey grinned and nudged Bart.
“Yes. All three of you are out of here.” I gestured at the door.
“No, we’re staying,” Dewey said. “Tempest, chill out. We’re old friends.”
“No, we’re not. Get out of here.”
Dewey and Bart shared a sharp look.
“What are you going to do about it?” Bart asked.
“He did not just say that,” Axel muttered.
“Yeah, little witch,” Dewey said. “You’re not so tough now there are three of us.” He glanced at Serath. “Are you in or still wanting to bitch at me?”
Serath shrugged and moved to stand next to Dewey, not meeting my gaze.
Oh, this would be fun. “It’s time you all left. You’re not welcome here.”
“You’re banning us,” Dewey sneered. “Like you could stop us from coming in.”
“You’d be surprised what Tempest can do,” Axel said as he squared up to Dewey.
I placed a hand on his arm to stop him from getting involved. “I don’t want trouble. You’ve all had enough for one night. Why don’t you go to your aunt’s and sleep it off?”
“Why don’t you come with us?” Dewey jabbed me on the shoulder. “We could have quite a party, the four of us.”
“You couldn’t handle me,” I said. “And I don’t associate with morons.”
“You’re hanging out with this guy.” Dewey pointed at Axel.
“I make an exception for Axel.”
Axel glowered at Dewey. “Can I punch him yet?” he asked me.
“No punching. These three are going to walk calmly out of the bar.”
“No, I don’t think we are.” Dewey whacked Axel around the head. It was a clumsy punch and showed he had more skills at talking tough than acting it.
“Suki!” I yelled as I dodged Dewey’s fist and jumped backward.
Axel was doubled over by the booth. Dewey’s punch was more effective than I’d realized. Bart jumped on Axel’s back and pummeled him.
Dewey turned his attention to me and gestured at Serath. “Come on. Let’s take this smug witch down a peg or two.”
Frank stirred inside me as the tension grew. I pushed against him. I didn’t want him emerging inside Cloven Hoof. Whenever he made an appearance, Frank always left behind a heap of expensive damage.
The floor shuddered beneath my feet. Suki flew past me and sucker-punched Serath and Dewey at the same time.
They flew backward and hit the ground.
She stood over them, her face a picture of fury. “You do not harm Tempest.”
They lay there, staring at her, dazed expressions on their faces.
“Thanks, Suki. Get these idiots out of here.” I patted her arm.
I glanced over to see Axel still struggling with Bart. I dashed over and yanked Bart off his back. “You too. The only person who gets to mess with Axel’s pretty face is me.”
Bart staggered backward. He made a move toward me, but Suki’s hand wrapping around his throat made him pause. He glared up at her and then raised his hands in submission. “Fine, I’ll go.”
With Suki’s help, we herded the three of them out the door and slammed it shut behind them.
“Is everything okay, boss?” Suki asked. “They didn’t hurt you?”
“I’m fine. Everything is fine, thanks to you and your incredible fists.”
She ducked her head and blushed. “That’s what I’m here for. I’ll head outside and make sure they don’t come back.”
I turned to see everyone in the bar watching us. “The show is over, folks. Business as usual.”
Axel staggered over, groaning as he did so. “I almost had that guy. I just needed to get his hand off my throat and he’d have been history.”
I shook my head as I patted his shoulder. “You’re my hero.”
His smile was rueful. “More like Suki is our hero. That wood nymph has some moves.”
“That’s why she’s here.” I let out a sigh and leaned against the wall, my pulse racing from the fight. So much for a quiet night. I’d trust my instinct the next time I encountered Dewey and his buddies. Steer clear. Their money was not worth my trouble.
Chapter 3
I rolled over and my nose bumped Wiggles’ tummy as he lay sprawled next to me on the bed.
I groaned as I heard the incessant whirring of my snow globe in the lounge, alerting me to an incoming message.
“It’s too early,” I grumbled as I stuffed my pillow over my head.
“Biting the dark handsome parts.” Wiggles sounded like he was having an interesting dream.
“I’ll bite whoever is calling me this early in the morning.” I let out a sigh as the noise stopped. It began again a few seconds later.
I rolled out of bed, stuffed my feet into my slippers, and stomped into the living room. I grabbed the snow globe and shook it to activate the call.
“Oh, Tempest! I’m so glad you’re there.” Puddles Lavern’s pastel blue hair filled most of the image.
“Are you calling to say I’m being evicted?”
“By the witch’s hat! Of course not.”
“Has there been a family emergency?”
“Well, now that you mention it. My—”
“I meant my family.”
“Oh! Of course. Well, I hope not.”
“So, what’s the problem?” Puddles was a realtor who ran Gnome Place Like Home. She was also my landlady, something she reminded me of if I was ever overdue on the rent for the apartment.
“I know I’m going to sound like an overprotective auntie, but I’m hunting for my boys.”
“Your boys?” I rubbed my eyes. Was this some kind of terrible nightmare?
“Yes, Dewey said he was taking his friends to Cloven Hoof last night. I was hoping you’d seen them. They’re such good boys, and I thought they deserved a night out to enjoy themselves. I told them to be back by eleven, though. Growing boys need their sleep.”
/> I muttered several rude words under my breath. Dewey and his idiot friends were more than capable of looking after themselves. “I saw them.”
“That’s such a relief. I was getting worried. You see, they didn’t come home last night.”
I grunted. “And you think I have something to do with that?”
“Oh, no. But I’d hoped you’d seen them.”
“They were at Cloven Hoof. They caused my customers trouble, so I got them to leave.”
“My Dewey can be a little boisterous. He’s been so looking forward to his visit. They had to delay their arrival by several weeks, so they’ll all be excited.” Puddles giggled. “I expect Dewey was showing off for his friends.”
“Most likely.”
“He’s truly a good boy. It was high spirits. I expect he’ll be around first thing this morning to apologize.”
I shuddered, doubting that very much. “Is Dewey in trouble?”
“No, not that I know of.” Puddles’ face grew closer to the globe. “Do you think he’s in trouble?”
“No, but I wanted to know why you’re chasing him.”
“Oh! Well, I’m worried.”
“Puddles, he’s a grown man. He most likely found some company to enjoy last night.”
Puddles tutted. “Not my Dewey. He’s an upstanding young man. He wouldn’t go off with some floozy who caught his eye.”
I resisted the urge to laugh. If he got the chance, he would. I’d watched him sleazing over several women in the bar, including my bar staff. “Well, then he must be having a sleepover somewhere else. You don’t need to worry. There was nothing wrong with him when he was evicted from Cloven Hoof.”
“You evicted him! What for?”
“That’s a conversation to have with your nephew. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a comfy bed to get back to.” I shook the snow globe and dismissed Puddles.
“Talk about an overprotective aunt.” I stomped back to my bed and flung myself on it. With a bit of luck, I would return to the lovely dream I was having that involved melted chocolate, some toasted cheese sandwiches, and a huge tub of triple chocolate ice cream.
“Tempest, wake up!”
