Sinfully Spellbound

by Cassandra Lawson

  Chapter Five

  The Hunter

  I could practically taste her fear. This was one of the best parts of the hunt. Don’t get me wrong, the kill is still better, but anticipation has its advantages. My prey’s pace increased, meaning she sensed the danger. Foolish bitch shouldn’t be walking around at night, but demons often have an over-inflated estimation of their ability to protect themselves. Pulling the black hoodie up so my face was better hidden, I quickened my pace. She was new to this area and was about to turn into one of the many alleys that lined the streets of San Francisco. Unfortunately, this one didn’t let out onto another street. Once she reached the end and turned right, she’d find herself trapped.

  I watched her scurry around the corner like a little mouse, trying to find a hole to hide in. My heart was beating so hard from the excitement that I could hear the blood pounding in my ears.

  “What do you want?” she asked from the end of the alley, her voice shaking with fear.

  “You,” I said in a quiet voice that would barely make it to her ears.

  Reaching out my hand, I watched her brow furrow in confusion. She likely didn’t understand her fear, which probably seemed irrational considering I wasn’t really threatening her. My calm demeanor likely added to her confusion.

  “There’s no need to be afraid, little demon,” I assured her and watched as she relaxed some. The fear didn’t completely fade, which made sense since she’d just been followed into an alley by a strange man she couldn’t fully see.

  “You seem familiar,” she said, and I was surprised she hadn’t noticed that before, especially considering how much time we’d spent together earlier that evening. “Have we met at SpellBinders?”

  Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the first of two ready-made spells. Tossing the spell pod on the ground in front of me, I watched as a bubble of magic formed around the alley. It was my spell, made especially for me, so only I saw it. My prey had no idea the trap had just been sprung. No one would see or hear us now.

  “Don’t come any closer,” she said, taking a step back, pressing her slinky dress against the filthy dumpster.

  “Or what?” I asked, laughing at her bravado. “Are you going to hit me with your tiny little purse? Perhaps, you’ll scream for help. Nothing will save you now.”

  Her eyes darted to the ground, which was littered with trash, bird feces, and possibly human waste, and then they looked back at me as I continued my slow approach. I was close enough to catch the faint scent of sweat, but it was muted by the filth of the alley. Suddenly, I was furious with her for leading me here where I’d be forced to endure these putrid smells.

  “This could have been much easier for you,” I lied. “Now, I’m going to have to make you suffer for your defiance.”

  That pushed her into action, and she quickly slipped off her shoes and held them as if she’d use the pointy heels as weapons. “Don’t touch me!”

  I couldn’t decide if I wanted to laugh or beat this bitch into the sidewalk until she begged for mercy. Both options were tempting at the moment. Of course, beating her would waste precious blood, which I needed for the ceremony.

  “Poor little demon,” I said in a sing-song voice before pulling out the second spell and blowing the dust in her face. Her mouth opened as if she might scream, but no sound came out. This spell was the most fun to watch. Her eyes remained open as she collapsed to the ground. She was still conscious, but her body would no longer obey even the simple command to remain standing.

  I let out a sigh, annoyed that I was going to have to carry her. Oh well, I’d make her pay soon enough. That thought had me chuckling all the way back to my car.