Celebrating a Successful Hunt

After a short drive, the two SUVs pulled into Andra's Cauldron. The quint restaurant looked as though in a former life it had been the setting of one or two of the Brothers' Grim stories. The gray stone wall exterior and burgundy shingles gave it an upper class cottage feel, like Andra had wanted. They followed the granite stone path lined with every color of pansie to the door. The scents of steaks, barbecue, and many sweet aromas beckoned them in.. As soon as the group walked in, Selphie rushed over to them with her beaded braids bouncing right behind her. " Hey! Cel! Your Wolfman's back!"

"Do you have to call me that?" Said Mike. He covered his face with his hand as a tall and lean dark skinned woman walked up to him.

"At least you don't get reduced to a Biology term." She said before wrapping her long arms around his neck. He met her halfway for a kiss. "My little sister and her nicknames. "

"Hey! I don't give everyone nicknames." Protested Selphie. Her face was puffed up like a blowfish (and in her yellow sundress she could've passed off as one). "Last time I tried one on Elizabeth, I got pummeled by pillows. The Purple Princess thought a Golem was in her garden."

The hunters snickered except Violet, who rolled her eyes. It was time to change the subject. " Thanks again for staying with her while Grandma Rose was at her Salsa class."

" No problem. You covered my shifts during exams. Besides, I missed having pillow fights." Selphie laughed. Even without magic, Selphie was trying to lighten the mood. None of them had the heart to tell her only Husks were destroyed tonight. "So, we've got the Sergent, Wolfman, the Amazon, Dr. Ninja, the Purple Princess and Ghost Pepper. "

"Ghost Pepper?" Mike looked at the teen funny.

"Aiden. You know," Selphie pointed at Aiden. " Ghost white skin, ghostly white hair, red eyes . . . You got a better nickname for an Albino who can't get enough spicy food?"

"I'm not arguing that logic. Besides, I've been called worse." Sighed Aiden. It felt good that someone cared enough to think about him, even though he though Selphie had only done it since he'd taken the busboy job while he was in town. . . And covered her shift a few times.

"You guys go ahead on up to your usual table." Celeste said. She motioned to the ebony staircase that was roped off. "I'll come get your usual orders in a few minutes. Help yourselves to some drinks. "

"Thanks, Celeste." Violet unhooked the crushed velvet rope for the other hunters before closing it behind her. The upper floor was divided into two spaces by a folding mirror to hide the chalkboard and desks. On the other side, wax the black metal table and bar next to a refurbished jukebox. Mike walked to the bar and pulled out a bottle of whiskey from underneath. Sam had seven tiny shot glasses ready with ice as Mike filled each. Jim place one glove ass at each chair sitting at the table. Each took their chair as Chase raised his glass.

"To a successful hunt, where two lives were saved this night and to remember those no longer with us." He toasted. Chase and Violet stared at the empty chair as they downed the drinks. It has hard not to imagine Hunter there. It was still a sore spot for both of them. Chase paused a moment. His eyes moved from the empty chair with the untouched glass to Aiden. "Tonight is a rare victory. We're used to recovering remains, investigating sightings, and fighting monsters. Not only were two civilians able to return home alive, we all came back in one piece as well, save one torn jacket that I'm sure will get fixed soon."

"I've got the time. The parts for Violet's crossbow still aren't back yet and the repairs to Jim's rifle shouldn't take too long." Sam confirmed. She looked at the tear in Aiden's coat. Sam slyly smiled; she knew what Chase was thinking. "Still, it might be time for Aiden to consider upgrading his wardrobe. "

"I agree, which is why I'm announcing that I'm putting Aiden up for review in one month to become a permanent part of our local guild." Chase announced. Aiden's eyes widened-- this was the last thing he expected. "He's shown that he is skilled, knowledgeable, dedicated and most impressively, Violet hasn't chased him off yet."

The rest of the group laughed, except Violet and Aiden. Both had a slight blush on their cheeks as Celeste ascended the staircase carrying a large tray. " Mike, remind me to budget for a dumb waiter next time we update the restaurant."

"No problem, but I wouldn't call your brother dumb. " Joked Mike Celeste giggled. " You did add the extra scorpion peppers to Aiden's wings, right?" Mike took the tray from her. He started passing out the plates.

"Yes, I tripled them. I can't believe someone can actually stand the Death valley heat and brush it off like it's nothing. " Celeste said. She stretched and started back down. "Be back with the rest, guys. It's been pretty busy for a Thursday. "

Violet got up and started filling glasses with crushed ice. "Let me grab some sodas."

"Make mine a diet." Said Sam. "Alice has been getting on to me about my diet. She's on this new health food kick."

"Plain water for me." Jim added. "You know what happened to the last person who came into work with alcohol on their breath?"

"Anyone else?" Asked Violet. She started pouring Sam's drink and passed it to the older woman.

"Anything is fine with me." Aiden answered. Violet caught his crimson eyes. It was hard not to smile back.

Celeste returned with the rest of the food. She put her hands on her hips and scolded, " Violet, what are you doing?"

"Helping with drinks. We've been working here since we're 15 . . ." Started Violet. Celeste took the glasses from Violet.

"Tonight's your night off. Let Mike and me handle the service." Celeste cut her off. "Mike's part owner. He doesn't get a night off, especially the way he eats."

"I transformed three times tonight. THREE TIMES! I've got to feed the Wolf to keep him under control. Besides, Celeste, your cooking is so good it's hard resist wanting seconds and thirds." Mike protested. Celeste gestured at Violet and Aiden with her eyes. Mike understood and pulled out the chestnut wooden chair next to Aiden. "Well, you heard the Boss Lady, Miss Thorn. Take a load off. You don't see Aiden sneaking downstairs to wash dishes."

"Alright." Violet sat down begrudgingly. "Can I at least get some ice cream? I can feel the heat off his wings."

"As you wish, Miss Spicy Apple. " laughed Mike. He put her wings and Summer salad in front of her."You want that as a parfait, sundae or banana split?"

"Surprise me." Sighed Violet. She took a bite out of an apple flavored wing.

"Well, I've got to get to work." Jim got up. " Those patients won't look after themselves. See ya in the morning, Aiden."

"I've got to go too." Said Sam. "I need to start prepping for inventory. Take care."

Chase got up as well. "I hear you. Eva's got an early doctor's appointment. Aiden, do you mind walking Violet home? "

"No, I would be honored, sir." The younger man answered. Chase gave him a glare. Violet giggled under her breath as the others left. Aiden slapped his own forehead. "He hates being called 'sir.'"

"Don't worry about it. He's never held it against anyone before, but , Aiden, do you have the feeling we've been set up?" Violet asked.

"I'm still trying to figure out how you run anyone off." Aiden laughed. "I haven't seen you get angry once since I've been here."

"Pray you never do." Violet said as Mike bought them a huge banana split with two spoons.

"One sweet treat for two. On the house."