Louie led Rosa out the construction site. She trailed behind him still amazed at what she’d seen. The way Louie had fought, she didn’t think possible, he moved with speeds that no human should be able to reach and wielded a sword as if he’d been training for decades.

However, what alarmed her more was how little fear and disgust she felt. Even when the Direhound had tried to rip her part she hadn’t flinched and its corpse made her feel nothing.

“How come you left the car?” Louie asked, “you seemed quite content with staying as far away as possible earlier”.

Instantly embarrassment coated her face. “I got scared” Rosa admitted.

He turned to her with her curious glance. “Scared of what?” Louie asked, “did you think I’d let the Direhound get out and attack you?”.

“No its not that” Rosa said, shaking her head, “I just remembered -”

“Not bad Huntor! Good to see you’ve not lost it” a voice spoke from behind. Startled, Rosa practically jumped to Louie’s side. He already had his firearm trained on the voice. Standing beside a lamppost was a woman with silvery blonde hair and a long white dark grey coat. She reminded her of Sam.

“And why would’ve I have lost it?” Louie asked the newcomer.

“Old age” the woman shrugged.

Louie grumbled. “What are you doing here Audrey?” he questioned, holstering his pistol.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“Didn’t you hear? I’ve been recruited into the Liverpool division” Audrey explained.

“Great” he grumbled again.

“Who is she?” Rosa whispered.

“Audrey Lelan” the woman informed, “Close friend of Mr Louie Huntor”.

‘How did she hear that?’.

“Close is a strong word” Louie stated, tilting his head, “we went to school together”.

“The best of friends. With me, you and Zack the old gang is almost back together” Audrey said grinning at Rosa completely ignoring Louie’s remark. “But that is enough about us, who is this?”.

“Rosa Elacti” Rosa responded.

The woman’s eyes turned soft. Audrey took a few steps towards her, suddenly Louie moved in front, as if he was guarding her. Audrey stopped in her tracks, she then raised her hands and backed away.

“Baby steps it is then” she mumbled, “The hell you are being so protective for?”.

“Why are you actually here?” Louie questioned.

“Heard you were hunting and I thought I would come see if you needed help” Audrey told them. Louie’s face remained blank. She sighed. “Well I’ll see you two around” she said and waved, “oh and Rosa, my deepest condolences for your loss”. After that she was gone.

“That woman” Louie muttered.

“So is she your friend or not” Rosa asked, “she said something about the old gang getting back together”.

“Yeah, she is” Louie admitted, “it’s been years since I last saw her though. Showing up at the blue like nothing, I see she’s not changed at all. Did Audrey say Zack is coming back?”.

“Erm Yes I think so. Do you know him?”.

Louie nodded.

“Who is he?”.

“I’m sure you’ll meet him soon enough” Louie stated however, showed no interest in elaborating. That was becoming an annoying habit of his. “Come on then let’s head home. I’ve already called this in” Louie said headed back to his car. However, Rosa didn’t move.

“Do you not trust her?” Rosa asked. His behaviour had her baffled. If she was an old friend and fellow hunter why did he guard Rosa from her?

“I’ll always trust her with my life” Louie said confidently, “just not with yours”.

Rosa’s face creased but Louie just turned and carried on towards his car.