Besides.
She’s always been nice to you.
“Anyway, I gotta go. But just remember,” she says, tapping her right pocket. “If someone—or something—gives you trouble, be sure to use my gift.”
“Your gift?”
“You know. Your birthday present,” she says with a wave, opening the back door.
Before you can ask for clarification, she vanishes into the night, the door swinging shut behind her.
It isn’t until she’s gone that you reach down and touch your pocket, feeling the familiar shape of the tiny sword in its sheath.
Hang on.
Did she know you were carrying it there?!
It barely makes a bulge in your pocket, so you’re pretty sure she wouldn’t have seen it. Maybe it was a lucky guess.
You shake it off, glancing at the unlocked back door as your mind wanders again to the shadowed figure you swore you saw watching you at the bus stop. Chills slide up your arms at the thought.
Is it really safe for you to be here alone on such a quiet night?
Since no one is around, you pull out the tiny sword, feeling it warm to your touch.
At least you’re armed.
Sy
“And you’re certain they’re dating?”
“Absolutely,” says the greasy-haired young man in front of me, nodding way too eagerly. He’s still wearing his polo from theconvenience store down the street, and the jealousy on his face is way too obvious as he answers. “I’ve been keeping careful watch over her, just like you asked.”
I don’t bother to hide my disgust, frowning at him from where I lean against the shadows of the alley wall.
“I don’t recall asking you to watch her.”
“You asked for information.”
“I thought I made myself clear. You were to watch the manwithher.”
“I did.”
“Fine. Here,” I drop a crisp hundred dollar bill into the greasy-haired man’s hands. “You may go.”
He stares down at the bill, then back to my face. “I thought you said you would deal with herboyfriendfor me.”
“Ha! I will. Oh, I will deal with him. But not foryou. Now leave. Before I decide you’re in my way.”
I don’t like this guy.
Maybe that’s what I get for hiring a random human to do my dirty work, but I still don’t like him.
I’m all twitchy, heat sparking under my skin until he leaves.
I don’t feel better until I’ve got a fresh flame in my hands, flickering against the cold night air.
“Boyfriend, huh?” I laugh, shaking my head.
