Page 91 of Beneath the Starlight and Storms

Ryland bends down and checks the Hunter's clothing. “What should we do with him, Boss?”

Hook’s grip tightens on me as he leads us out of the alley. “Take him with us. It’s about time the Hunters became the hunted.”

* * *

A couple of days pass as things start to settle back down. I don’t hear much from Hook, Cash or Ryland, but the small glimpses I’ve seen of them tell me it’s not going too well.

The Hunter has apparently found a way around any truth serum or potion they have and is making it extremely difficult to get anything out of him.

I slowly make my way towards the kitchen, ready for another silent morning by myself when I walk in to find Hook and Cash already there.

My sliver of happiness shrivels up when I spot the stare down going on between them again. I roll my eyes at them and head to the fridge to get some water.

On my way back I join in, staring them both down with narrowed eyes.I bet I can beat both of them.

They turn to me, looking at me likeI’mthe crazy one here. But I’m still not willing to lose this little game. I hold my stare and wait for one of the weaklings to break.

Mirrored smiles make them both blink, crowning me the winner.As it should be.

They shake their heads at me and the tension in the room evaporates, disappearing immediately.

I open my bottle of water and take a sip. “Are you going to tell me what’s happening now, or do I have to beat it out of you both?” Just like I beat them seconds ago.

Instead of fearing my threat—like they should have—they laugh at me. A big boisterous laugh that has Cash wiping the sides of his eyes.

It’s notthatfunny.

Once they’ve calmed down. Hook starts talking.

“We haven’t got much out of our little captive. He seems to be immune to everything we've tried so far. We’ve got bits and pieces, but nothing makes sense. It’s not going to be as easy as we thought.”

“That’s why you both looked so angry?” Things never usually work out the way you plan. They should have taken that into account well before they came up with whatever they thought was going to happen.

Hook shares a look with Cash. “No. It’s the bits and pieces he’s revealed that have us both on edge. There’s talk of an attack of some kind, but we can’t find a location or what they’re looking for.”

Hook frowns as he looks at me. “We also looked into the whereabouts of the Fae girl you mentioned.”

I straighten up, hoping Hook or Cash has some good news about her.

Cash sighs. “I asked around the market. Those that were willing to talk told me she’s been showing up there on and off for about a week with no sign of parents or family.”

Has she been alone all this time? What if the Hunters find her?

“We have to find her,” I tell them.

“We did. Sort of.” Cash gives Hook a look before turning back to me. “But she said she’ll only talk toyou.”

I glance between them both. “Then what’s the problem?”

Hook’s frown deepens. “Think about this for a minute. Why you?”

I raise a brow and give him a look like it should be obvious. “Probably because I’m also Fae and a lot more approachable than big scary men like you two.”

Hook’s frown disappears, suddenly replaced by an amused smile while Cash covers his chuckle with a cough.

“She’s just a child, Hook. She doesn’t look like she has anyone around her to help.”

Hooks sighs. “Something just doesn’t add up.”

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