“You're right, I'm not an Angel or Nephilim, I'm not sure what I am,” Luxor said. She didn't want to divulge Ayla’s ridiculous theory on her being a Demi-Goddess. “Did you hear about The Red Lake, how it's now black?”
Becky nodded slowly. “Pollution, isn't it? Or so they say.”
I wish.
“There was a fight there where I met my father,” she shuffled her feet, nervous on whether to divulge any information or not. “Lucifer.” Becky gasped but quickly regained her composure. “I think you're on the right path, he's responsible for these deaths. I’ve been suspended because I might be putting others at risk.”
“It's not a possibility. He has his helpers doing his dirty work, and I would know. They offered me a tempting deal,” she said. “And it was to kill you.”
Luxor froze and stepped back.
Becky chuckled. “Relax, if you wanted you dead, I would have done it already. Do you think I love my stinking life? Living in a caravan with the low-lives of Brighton Falls. How easy would it be to get everything I wanted, but I’m no killer,” she said. “It’s time to take precautions, and protect ourselves against evil, and swiftly. And I have just the tools for it.”
“So, I’m supposed to trust you after your little revelation?”
“Don’t be daft, trust must be earned. But give me the benefit of the doubt. It might not seem like it but witches and demons are intertwined in the same circle, and despite folklore, I have no inclination to veer towards the darkness.”
“You’ll do this out of the goodness of your heart?”
Becky snorted. “Define good.”
Luxor send off a quick text to Evie saying Meredith needed her and she would catch up with her later. She strolled around the Village Bowl on the lookout for a store which could offer protection, unfortunately, all she found was Kingsley's Sports Warehouse. She wasn’t even sure they sold weapons but she had to give it a try.
Maybe I can get a baseball bat?
A few minutes later, Pandora slunk on close by in feline form and nudged Luxors’ ankle.
Luxor crouched. “I don’t need a babysitter,” she said simply, and walked off.
Pandora meowed and padded along on her heels before pouncing on her sneaker. She peered up with her with those wide persimmon eyes and meowed again.
She shook her head and wiggled her toes to escape, and entered the double storied warehouse. Inside was the mecca of all sports stores, with large sections dedicated to all kinds of sports; football, soccer, golf, with clothing near them. She quickly surveyed the store on a mission to find any suitable weapon available, but she didn’t have the faintest clue on where to start, she just hoped what she needed didn't require ID.
Luxor headed over the footwear, picking up a pink and purple pair of runners. It would be perfect if she decided to work out for Dr. Lawson's brother again. Exerting her energy and kicking ass had been therapeutic which allowed her to vent in a seemingly violent manner.
The sweet aroma of the forest wafted from behind, and electric currents had the hair on her arms to stand up. She sensed his movement and knew he was close.
"Hello Angel, fancy seeing you here.”
She counted to ten before she spun around to face him. She frowned and smoothed her hands down her arms.
"Planning a trip?" Hunter inquired, his hands slung deep in his pockets, with a trademark flirty smile.
“What do you want now? Another dose of apple and Skittles? Or wait, share an apple?”
“I must admit, I love your tenacity,” he said. “What are you looking for? I can help.”
“Have you forgotten we’re not on the best of terms?” she said and skipped down the steps.
“How can I forget, your ability to hold a grudge is epic.”
Luxor narrowed her eyes. “Hold a grudge? You left. Then you break into my room with this grand gesture which by the way sucked because what the hell was up with the apple and Skittles riddle. I get it, we don’t belong together.” She rose her voice garnering tuts and head shakes from people around them.
“That’s not what it meant.”
“I don’t care. Whatever feelings I had they’re gone. I don’t need your toxicity in my life, I’m dealing with enough.” She swallowed the rancid lie, and kept a neutral face. Luxor approached a pimply teen stocking shelves. "Excuse me? Do you know where I can find pepper spray?"
“You don’t look old enough to buy.”
“That’s my problem.”
"Is that what you're looking for?" Hunter said, raising an eyebrow. "Let's go check out the variety."
She darted her eyes about, on the lookout for Scarlett, and eager to leave. The possibilities were endless on what she would inflict on her. Or vice-versa.
"Relax, Scarlett's not here," Hunter said, eyeing her actions.
"Not looking out for her."
"Again, with the lies. You need to be punished for your sins."
Luxor rolled her eyes and willed herself to ignore him. Any signs of attention towards him would add unnecessary fuel to a flickering flame. “What would your punishment be?”
“I’ll let you decide,” his said, his voice low and husky.
"How are you so sure she's doesn't help out?"
"Please, the only thing Princess Scarlett works on is herself." With quick precision, he passed Luxor a large silver can with the image of a red capsicum on it. "That should do the job. For mortals."
Luxor replaced the can back on the shelf alongside the other varieties. The sheer size would be impossible to hide, and no matter what she wore a bulge would protrude. She moved along to a glassed oblong cabinet, with a selection of firearms, stun guns, and whistles were firmly padlocked.
“Why don’t you load yourself with our weapons? You’re always welcome at the Blazin’ Bakery,” he said. “Or I could be your self-appointed bodyguard.”
“I’d rather try my luck at pepper spray,” she said. "Why would a sporting shop need all these?"
"To hunt animals." Hunter rifled through a basket of small tubes. "The real question is why are you here?"
"Protection for when you have the urge to sneak up on me. You have a bad habit of it."
"Urges, interesting word." She shot him a filthy glare, but he brushed it off. "Lipstick?" He produced one and held it out.
"I don't wear it."
"Your lips are sweet and plump, you wouldn't need it." Hunter laughed wickedly.
Luxor clenched her fists. The urge to maim him, or disfigure his pretty boy face was strong. Or even better sew his lips closed so he couldn't smile or talk. If only there weren't witnesses. Or illegal.
Settle down, this is his typical style.
Hunter placed a sparkly silver tube with pink hearts, in the palm of her hand. It was identical to lipstick, but when she popped the lip it had an aerosol nozzle, just like mouth spray.
“You will listen to me, this has gone along for far too long.”
"What for? You’re so full of shit you might as well live in the sewer." She paid for the runners and pepper spray, leaving before Hunter could come back with a reply.
Hunter exited not long after and blocked her path. “Follow me.”
Luxor debated whether to join Hunter or not, his demands weren’t appreciated and if she wasn’t desperate to know the answer to his whereabouts she wouldn’t have followed. He headed over to the Blazin’ Bakery and waited as if he knew Luxor would join him.
A female figure exited, dusting her hands on her pristine apron. “Luxor, hello, I’m not sure if you remember me. My name is Maya.”
There was no forgetting her, with her lithe frame and clear bronzed complexion. She hadn’t changed from the time Luxor and Evie had entered looking for Castor and Theo, except to find it empty.
And not completely a bakery.
“Hunter, a pleasure to see you, it’s been a while.” She puffed the long wisps of dark brown hair from her dark brown eyes, turning towards Luxor. “I apologise for my rudeness and if I caused you
trouble in the past, things would have been easier if you were told sooner.”
Luxor nodded. A great deal of heartache could have avoided if the honesty is the best policy logo was employed.
Maya stepped forward, the aroma of blueberries wafting off her, and gifted Luxor with a white box. “A peace offering to eat at home,” she gave a small smile.
“Thank you.”
Maya turned towards Hunter. “Lock up before you leave, and for heaven’s sake stop being an asshole.”
Luxor pursed her lips to stifle a laugh.
Hunter clicked the door and closed the shutters. He didn’t hesitate and promptly exposed the wall, and waited for her in the metallic elevator. She stayed a distance away tucked into the corner, as he tugged down on the ropes.
The cage rattled, her fingers gripping the cold, hard steel bar on the side.
“What’s first, explanation or gather weapons?”
Luxor chewed her bottom lip, the obvious thing would be gaining answers, but then again if she had a weapon and wasn’t satisfied with the answer, she could use it.
“Why not both?”
Hunter smirked. “Don’t get any ideas.”
Luxor bypassed the glass cubicles used for archery practice and headed to the very end to the kitchenette, where she placed the box on the bench. The last time she was there it was frantic, bloody, and her whole world collapsed in one foul swoop Now she had clarity and was in better control.
Hunter opened up a sturdy cupboard, a light switching on immediately, illuminating the deep rich colour of the calamander wood. He trailed his finger over numerous weapons ranging from lengthy spears, samurais, swords, curved knives and daggers. On the other side, truncheons, wooden handled flails on chain links, the spikes sharp and crusted with ash.
“I like this one,” Luxor held up a long rod which had a ball attached, with large spikes extending from the top with little one around them.
“How very apt.” Hunter plucked it from her hand and re-attached it. “Let’s start small.” He picked up the smaller, less-deadlier looking one and twirled it between his fingers. Luxor watched in fascination. “Are you going to play or pass?”
“Do you know how many weapons I had to carry on me when I went away?”
“Nice intro.” She crossed one leg over another and wiggled.
Hunter moved from one side of the room, cracking his knuckles. “Do you really think I’d leave without a goodbye?”
“I don’t know what to think anymore. I was sent away and you didn’t bother to call or text,” she said and swallowed the rock threatening to choke her. “Every day I called and everyday no answer, not even a voicemail to hear your voice. You must think I’m pathetic.”
“No, never,” he said. “There was a struggle with the Nephilim and you could say he froze my phone.”
“Froze? As in Snow Queen style?”
“Yes, I almost lost my fingers.”
“Why did Theo say you left without a word.”
“Because I did. After Cane I needed time away, to clear my mind and get into the right headspace.”
“Do you regret how it ended?”
“Of course. I was supposed to do my job, that’s my only aim in life, but then being around you—”
“Ummm sorry?”
Hunter gave a short laugh. “I don’t regret anything, how could I? The apple and Skittles—”
“That we don’t belong, message received,” she drawled. “What about breaking into my room?”
“I had to get the message across somehow.”
“What extent will you go too? Watch me sleep?”
“What? No. That’s creepy! It was meant to mean we don’t mesh, not we don’t belong. I have no idea where you got that idea.”
Ayla.
“Of course,” he said.
Ooops, I forgot about the mind reading.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that the same thing?”
“It could be perceived that way, but no. My father once told me my mother had a craving for fish and figs…mixed together. The fish being my father’s favourite food, figs were my mother’s, and in an insane way when she ate them…the next part is too much information.” He screwed up his nose. “His love for her was unwavering, he created a shrine at our home in Arcadia and prayed every night for her to give him a sign she was still with him. I have no doubt he continues his tradition.”
Hunter assessed her deeply. “I don’t expect you to believe me, or even forgive the way in where I went about it, but this,” he waved his hand between them, “is new. For hundreds of years I’ve avoided emotion, kept myself busy in the great fight, and females are a mystery.”
“So, you’ve never fallen in love?”
“Never had the opportunity. There’s always somebody that needs me.” Hunter rubbed the back of his neck, and cleared his throat. “Okay, I think that’s enough of This is Your Life.” He rummaged through drawers and retrieved a handful of silver items, and dropped them on the table.
“Knuckle busters?” Luxor raised an eyebrow, and picked one up juggling it from one hand to another.
“It’s a classic, and easy to carry around,” he said. “Ready to use them?”
“Now?”
Hunter straightened up. “Hit me if you don’t forgive me, and then I’ll leave for good, as promised.”
“You’re crazy.” She rose from the table, and unzipped the front pocket of her backpack.
“Wait.” Hunter plucked it from her hand and slipped it through her finger. He pressed the buttons on each side and spikes projected.
“Shit.” She peered in close.
“Holy water coated so don’t touch it.” He pressed the buttons again and the spikes retracted.
Luxor removed the heavy knuckle busters from her fingers and plopped them into her backpack as well as the sheathed daggers. “I should hit you,” she said.
“One and only opportunity.”
“Until the next stupid thing you do.”
“An almost certainty,” he said. “Want to get some fresh air?”
Luxor offered her hand as a non-verbal apology, and a sign of good faith to apologise for her gross overreaction.
“Pass.”
“I can get a dog bone if that pleases you?” she smirked.
“Witty, witty, Angel,” he said, locking up.
Hunter headed towards the water fountain and sat on the edge. “I forgot how stuffy it gets down there,” he said. “It’s still early, stay for a bit.” He tapped the spot beside him.
“You’re pushing your luck,” she said, but joined him anyway. “Should I adorn my fingers, just in case?”
"How about something less violent,” he said, standing up. He dug his hands into his pockets and produced two shiny gold coins. “Want to make a wish?"
"I'd need more than one coin, more like a fistful...or two," she said melancholically. What would she wish for anyway? The past wouldn't change the present, and the present was in such disarray it had already cemented her future.
"It can be arranged, hold out your hand." He smiled, and stood up. His knee grazed her bare knee as he dug deep into his back pockets and retrieved a few more, and dropped the coins in the palm of her hand. When he stepped back, she wanted to yank his knee back.
Get a grip!
She closed her eyes and allowed her mind to run wild with possibilities, if she let herself to believe, maybe, just maybe it would come true.
I want to know about my mother.
Luxor kissed the coin and flicked it in, watching it fall with a plop.
Hunter followed suit minus the kissing action. "What did you wish for?"
"I'm not telling you, it won't come true!"
Not like it'll come true anyway.
He laughed. "It'll never come true. This fountain doesn't deliver the wishes."
Luxor rolled her eyes. “Well, duh.”
"It's not a wishing well." He chuckled, as if that was the legitimate truth.
&n
bsp; Okay then.
"Then why sa-"
Luxor jumped. Without warning, he thread his fingers through hers and pulled her upright. She didn’t resist. He was deliciously warm, sending her body into a chemical reaction.
Hunter moved closer, and pointed in the direction where behind the row of shops, a leafy trail begun, the trees overlooking the shops. "I want to show you something. Let's go make a wish. A historic wishing well is down a path over there, it's as real as you can get."
"I really should get going home. I'll see the wishing well next time." She pulled her hand away, distancing herself. If she didn't leave, whatever was happening would only get worse as she’d cave into him.
"Promise you'll come? It's amazing." His toffee eyes lightened up. There was an eagerness, almost childlike, that was hard to ignore.
"Yes, you have my word." She made a cross on her heart.
She sat back and on the edge of the fountain, but couldn't make herself leave...not yet. Her palms lay flat on each side, and she tilted her head up to the sky, little diamonds of hope sparkling away. Right now, she wished she was at home viewing them more in detail through her telescope. Removing her backpack, she made herself comfortable, the small gesture unwittingly lowering her guard.
Luxor studied Hunter as he picked the skin on the side of his thumb, his eyes glazed over staring into the sky, into an oblivion.
Who was this guy and why was he only making an appearance now?
"What are you thinking about?" she asked, crossing her fingers and toes for him to not say nothing. She wanted an insight into that beautiful mind.
"Cassiopeia," he replied casually.
"The constellation?"
Studying stars was almost an obsession, and the story of why she was placed in the sky was one of intrigue. Back in Hampton Cove, Verity would tease her about being just like Cassiopeia. It couldn't have been further from the truth, Luxor never boasted about her beauty, and sometimes found it a curse. It was a backhanded compliment and the more time she spent with her, the more "compliments" she endured. The accident being the very last one.
"You kind of remind me of her," Hunter said, his voice soft and calm as he looked wistfully at her. "Except for the arrogant and vain bit of course. You walk around and don't realise just how...unrivalled you are to those around you. Why do you think trouble follows you? And like Cassiopeia in that aspect, it will ultimately be your downfall."
Betrayed: The Chronicles of Luxor Everstone Book Two Page 14
