Page 12 of Hunt Me

“You are correct. Belzar wouldn’t do anything like that to you, but others might. You have all of your teeth, and you’re untouched. You’re highly desired.”

Matilda instantly sobered and stared at her reflection in the booze of her tankard. Yes, it was true. She had all of her teeth, but she couldn’t say the same for the rest of Belzara’s statement.

“Actually… I think I will call it a night. Thank you again for your hospitality and talking some sense into me.” She dropped her last couple of silver pieces onto the tabletop.

“It’s on the house, Matilda. It’s always on the house for you.”

Matilda furiously shook her head, flinging curls left and right.

“No, it’s not right. I can’t keep taking advantage of your kindness. My poorness is my own issue. I gave too much of myself and put all of my faith in humanity. It was silly of me, but a lesson learned.”

“You know… I think there is a position we might have for you.”

“Truly?” Matilda gasped.

“You may hunt for us. Belzar always returns from his hunts with the most pitiful-looking game. Some days, he arrives empty-handed. It’s a win-win situation for all of us. Room and board will be included, of course.”

“Do you need to clear this with Belzar first?”

“I already did, two pints ago. Do you want the job or not?”

Matilda didn’t even have to think about it. Hunt for food for the tavern or become a vagrant? It was a no-brainer. She’d still hunt vampires on the side, but she’d keep all of her coins this time around.

“In that case, I’ll take a congratulatory pint! Give me that back,” Matilda demanded, reaching for the tankard.

“I had a feeling you would change your mind,” Belzara sang before taking her leave. “I’ll get you another bowl of boar stew to soak up the alcohol.”

“You’re a doll, Belzara. Keep it up, and I’ll make an honest woman out of you,” Matilda teased with a wink.

“Keep dreaming. You couldn’t afford me! You’re a vagabond. No offense,” Belzara loudly relayed, returning to the kitchen.

Matilda scoffed. “Well, damn. Tell me how you really feel.”

“I think she did,” a grave voice rumbled above her.

“It’s impolite to eavesdrop,” Matilda chided, refusing to let her unwelcome guest interfere with her plans to get thoroughly drunk tonight and leave reality for the morning.

“That is a difficult feat considering how incredibly boisterous the two of you were,” the man smoothly answered. Matilda declined to respond and continued sipping on her brew. Seconds ticked by, and the man refused to state his purpose for bothering her newly-found serenity.

“You’re still here. If you stay any longer, I’ll have to start charging you by the minute.”

“You’re an expensive whore.”

“The best ones usually are,” Matilda said, wishing the man would get to the point.

“I’ve heard about you, but… perhaps the stories don’t do you justice. I want to see you in action. And trust me… I’m willing to pay.” Matilda’s eyes widened when he dropped a heavy sack of coins on the table. It wobbled slightly under the weight. “It seems I have your attention now.”

“Barely. You have five minutes,” she replied nonchalantly.

“I’ll need a little more time than that,” he expressed, sliding two gold coins onto the table.

“Since you’ve heard what an expensive whore I am, then surely you know this isn’t enough.”

He wordlessly slid another gold coin in her direction. As much as Matilda wanted to gleefully swipe the coins off the table, she knew a meeting with a cloak-and-dagger character would come with a cost.

“Say your peace and leave me be.”

“I was present for your speech. You’re very passionate about vampire hunting, Tilda.”