I stepped on the gas and took the curve to the club on squealing tires.
The parking lot was almost empty, except for Zoe’s station wagon and Jake’s gray van. I parked in the shadows and slipped out of my car, searching the barren lot for any sign of them. A motion light had turned on along the side of the building, and I cursed. They must have already gone around back to the staff entrance.
I jogged toward the loading dock and spotted the open side door where we used to enter to clock in for our shift. It led down a short, narrow hallway and then directly into the massive kitchen. I went in after them, walking softly over the linoleum tile.
“Where’s the book?” I heard Jake’s angry shout echo through the kitchen. Only a few lights were on overhead, blanketing most of the area in darkness. I didn’t catch Zoe’s answer, only Jake’s reaction as he dragged his arm across the metal prep station, knocking everything to the floor with a booming crash.
I peered around the corner. He grabbed Zoe by the throat and shoved her against the wall. Her feet scrambled for purchase in the air. She flailed her arms, searching for anything within reach, but her fingers couldn’t grab hold of a thing.
Reversing the spell on my demon bracelet, I approached from behind. My palms grew damp around the hilt. The antacid had barely done its job; each step closer made my stomach twist.
Zoe’s choking gasps for air echoed throughout the room. I had to act fast. Grabbing a large metal spoon, I threw it as far as I could into the kitchen. It clattered to the floor, making Jake’s head turn toward the sound. He loosened his grip on Zoe, and she slid to the floor, coughing and trying to catch her breath.
“Is someone there?” he asked, angling his head to get a better view of the darkened kitchen.
“Behind you,” I said, raising my blade to make the first strike.
Jake was much faster than I’d anticipated. He turned and lashed out with his arm, blocking my blow. His other hand struck me in the chest, sending me backward into a metal rolling cart.
I regained my balance and moved into a defensive stance. Jake was about six feet away. He crossed his arms over his chest and cocked his head back. A laugh burst from his throat.
“Well, this is fun. Elle Graves. You figured it out, didn’t you? What gave me away?” He smiled, but the features I’d always found boyish and handsome now appeared gruesome. His eyes flooded with a black film, and a thick, metallic scent wafted through the air. He’d covered his true nature before, and I felt like a fool for not noticing.
“Ironically enough, your obsession with cherries. Professor Roberts could smell them on you. Those were her last words.”
He made a surprised sound in the back of his throat. “Wow, I wouldn’t have guessed that. That’s some good detective work from Spellwork’s newest hunter. Bet they give you a medal. Posthumously, of course. Tell me, how are you finding your promotion?”
“It’s all right. The hours kind of suck, but they gave me this cool blade, and it’s already killed one demon, so it’s off to a good start.”
“You didn’t kill him though—your partner did. There are cameras in that alley. But don’t worry. I deleted the footage of your almost impalement. How embarrassing for you.” He waved his hand around the room. “And where is your heroic partner, by the way? Did he ditch you already?”
I didn’t answer. Maybe he’d think Caden was waiting around the corner or hiding behind the flour rack.
“Look, this is fun and all, but I have a ton of homework to finish tonight, so maybe we could skip the banter.”
Jake stretched the muscles in his neck, twisting his head from one side to the other. “Fine by me. I am so sick of this town. After I’m finished killing you I’m going to get that book, hand it off, and collect my money, then get the hell out of here.”
Hand it off?This was a job for him. Another minion working for someone higher up the food chain. Jeez, if this were my video game, he wouldn’t even be the final boss level. How many freaking levels were there?
“So, it’s basically winner takes all then?”
“Yeah, sure, Elle. Winner takes all.”
He crossed the distance between us in a few quick steps and jabbed with his right fist. Unable to block the punch, it connected with my abdomen, sending a shooting pain across my middle.
Air rushed from my lungs, and it took a second before I could pull another breath back in.
Grabbing my arm, he flung me up and over the rolling cart. I landed on the other side, facedown on the linoleum. A fiery ache throbbed through my limbs, and I tried unsuccessfully to climb to my feet.
Not off to a good start, Elle.
His boots pounded over the floor as he rounded the cart. I scrambled back on my knees.
“This is shameful. I thought they were training you. Here—I’ll let you get one in on me. We used to be friends after all.” He crossed his hands behind his back and angled his jaw toward the ceiling. When I didn’t attack, he gave up and shrugged. “Don’t want to go for the cheap shot? It’s beneath you, I get it.” He picked up a metal frying pan and hefted the handle between his fingers.
Then, darting forward, Jake swung the pan, clipping me in the shoulder when I tried to dodge out of the way. The metal slammed into me, rocking me forward and forcing my blade from my hand. It skittered across the floor, out of reach.
Jake twirled the pan’s handle in his fist and swung again. I ducked, and this swing missed me by a hair. A gust of pan-induced wind rushed past my face. I choked back a cry, dodging another vicious swipe. Pain radiated up my back, and I limped across the floor.
