Page 10 of Hunt Me

“Thank you as always for your generous welcome,” Matilda replied before following her into the warm tavern.

“There is no need to thank me. I am simply showing hospitality to my future sister-in-law.”

“Oh? I wasn’t aware you had a human brother.” Matilda chuckled as she removed her leather gloves. She stopped when her eyes met Belzara’s. It was clear she was not in the mood for jokes. Matilda quickly apologized, not wanting to bite the hand that fed her. “I apologize, Belzara. Please forgive my crassness.”

Belzara released a heavy sigh before shooing Matilda towards the bar.

“All is forgiven. You know I couldn’t stay mad at you even if I tried. Sit while I fetch you some soup.”

“Ah! I hope it’s your infamous boar soup.”

“It is,” Belzara replied with a grin, knowing her boar soup was to die for. There were a few other taverns in Night Falls that weary travelers would frequent, but most came to B & B Tavern for the good times, strong ale, and hearty food.

Matilda almost pounded her face into the steaming stew once Belzara set the bowl in front of her. She inhaled and released a pleasured groan, instantly attracting the wrong attention.

“Belzara! Why didn’t you tell me my wife had made her arrival?” Belzar exclaimed, tugging her hood off to reveal her crown of curls.

“I’m not your wife,” Matilda mumbled while simultaneously attempting to sample and blow on her soup.

“Yet!” he bellowed.

“Can you just leave her alone for one moment while the poor girl eats?” his younger sister snapped.

“You’re more bitchier than usual, Belzara. Is it because that merchant wisened up and ended your engagement? Hm?”

“I see you want a bowl of hot stew to the face,” Belzara growled, challenging her brother.

“Calm down. I only jest.”

Matilda wanted to pipe up and remind Belzar that jokes should never be made about matters of the heart, but she also wanted to make herself as invisible as possible and not bring more attention to herself.

“I find nothing funny about it,” Belzara huffed before storming away to service another patron.

Now that his sister was gone, Belzar returned his attention to Matilda.

“As much as I would love to believe you’ve returned for my company, I’m assuming you’ve graced us with your presence to attend the town hall meeting regarding the donors?”

“You would assume right,” Matilda swiftly answered, tucking back into her stew without missing a beat.

“Very well. How many bounties did you collect in your absence?”

“Eight,” she huffed.

“Eight? In four days? Either the vamps have become unusually crafty, or you’re losing your touch.”

“I rather believe they fear me and are cloaking themselves.”

“How surprisingly optimistic of you,” Belzar cooed. “I will have an attendant draw you a bath,” he informed before rising from his stool.

“Wait!” Matilda said, grabbing his wrist to keep him from leaving.

“Yes, my love? What is it that you require of me?”

“Hypothetically… if a young maiden needed a stable-paying, non-whorish job, where might she find one? I am asking for a dear friend of mine.”

“Of course, of course,” he said with a knowing chuckle. “Does this friend of yours happen to have curly hair, a breedable body, and an attitude as prickly as a porcupine?”

“I’m not sure how any of that matters. Do you know where I-my friend can gain employment?”