Page 99 of Huntress

“You haven’t known me long enough, puppy. I work because I must, but I want what any girl wants. Comfy pajamas, a warm drink, and a good book on a rainy day. The longer I can camp out in my favorite chair, the happier I become,” she sighed. It felt like forever since she’d been allowed the freedom to relax.

“It seems to me that the people here don’t get those kinds of days either. They all have some kind of role to play. The farmers, craftsmen, and bakers all contribute.”

“And they all look content, don’t they?”

A group of kids ran by, playing a game of tag. One of them crashed into Saint, looking up at the demon with a grin.

“Sorry!” he yelled, running after his friend.

“Yeah, they do,” Saint agreed, watching the kids go. “Maybe it wouldn’t be terrible for a retirement community.”

“Ugh. Are you hungry? I want to eat whatever smells that good.”

“Finally, some real food.” Saint took the lead, following his nose to the restaurant they’d passed by earlier.

Perrie, Morgan and Riven already had a table outside, and they waved them over. There was a shopping bag next to each of the girls’ chairs.

“We haven’t ordered yet,” Perrie pushed the menu over to Elsie.

“Oh my gods, options,” Elsie moaned. Saint leaned over to read along.

“You guys have surprisingly terrible food at that compound of yours,” Riven complained.

“Some of the nests are worse,” Perrie grumbled.

The server came over with drinks, wine for the ladies, ale and water for Morgan. “Oh, we have extras! What would you like to drink, dearies?” she asked.

“Do you have herbal tea with honey?” Elsie asked.

“Sure thing, love, we have a house blend.” The waitress looked at Saint, crowded close to Elsie. “And you?”

“I’ll have the same.”

“All right, have you decided on your dinners?” She scurried off to fetch the tea once everyone had finished ordering.

“I get why they never told us about places like this,” Perrie said once the waitress left. “It’s idyllic. I’d rather be here than back at the compound, or fighting demons in some nest.”

“You could stay, if you wanted. You’re the only one of us who’s here voluntarily,” Morgan reminded her.

“So can I,” Riven laughed. “Though it would defeat the purpose of coming here.”

“Do you have demon problems in your village?” Elsie asked.

“No, we have a bug problem.”

“What?” Perrie laughed.

“Beetles are traveling down the coast, getting a little closer every year, and they’ve been destroying the trees wherever they land. We’re not taking any chances that our patch of paradise is invaded by the little nasties.”

The tea arrived, and Elsie peered into the cup; the fragrance was woody and spicy. She caught the scents of pine, ginger, and thyme. It would definitely keep her warm and awake through the night vigil. She took a sip and the ginger tingled pleasantly on her tongue.

Dinner arrived shortly after. Everyone except Morgan had chosen meat-free options. The sniper had a shepherd’s pie, while Elsie and Saint had opted for noodles with a mushroom sauce. Perrie had a hearty soup, and Riven had a heaping plate of roasted vegetables.

The waitress left two round loaves of bannock in the center of the table. It was fried bread with an almost glossy glaze on the top, and it smelled fantastic. Elsie took a slice and dipped it into the gravy, trying not to embarrass herself with a loud groan when she tried it.

Perrie perked up at her reaction, snatching a piece. “Oh my god,” she moaned.

Elsie grinned until she caught Saint watching her, his dark eyes hooded and focused on her mouth. She took a sip of her tea and looked away, praying that the heat in her cheeks wasn’t noticeable.