Hunter: Begin Again

Thirty Three.

Considering I was used to having a shadow or three, adding Penny to the mix wasn’t a big deal. Alfie was having a great old time in the water while the rest of us were freezing our butts off. The rain had stopped, but the cold that came with it hadn’t eased up. Logan had Anippe around his neck and under his jumper as she didn’t seem to appreciate the cold or even the water like Alfie currently was. Anytime I tried to cuddle closer against him, she’d poke her head up from under his shirt and give me what I’m calling her death stare.

Ani was a bit of a bitch.

Zane had Penny sparring with him in front of us, and after a morning of his torture, I was impressed she was still going. If she’d only do it quietly, I’d be happier. Each move had her sounding like a tennis player, grunting and groaning as she blocked Zane or swung at him.

“I’m so cold.” Ignoring Anippe, I wrapped my arms around Logan’s chest as his fell lazily over my shoulders.

“Control your snake then so we can go inside. Look at this one. What an angel!”

“Remember that time you put Alfie in a pillowcase, try doing that now.” I mumble.

I miss Alfie being that small, and as I get lost in sentimental thoughts, Anippe is sliding down the back of my neck and under my hair. Apparently I was warmer now I had Logan’s attention and she didn’t.

“Think that’s why he’s never really liked me?”

“Probably. That and the tequila episode maybe?” Yeah, we’d had some fun times.

“Oh I forgot about that! If I bribe him enough with junk food, I’m sure he’ll come round.”

We go quiet as Zane and Penny finish up and come to sit by us.

“You’ve got the abilities, you just need to rely on your instincts a bit more.” Zane throws her a bottle of water and she eats up the praise. “Are you guys staying out here for much longer? There is going to be a shift change in twenty and need to debrief them.”

“Go. We might be home by dinner if I start trying to get Alfie out now.” I tell him.

He nods and glances back to the water. “It’s going to rain, could be an idea to leave soon.”

He starts the four wheeler and takes off while I reluctantly leave Logan to work on Alfie’s obedience. The pair of them follow. See, multiple shadows.

“Alfie. Come, it’s time to go!” I can’t see him.

The water just flows steadily south and as if it’s there to only mock me, a duck stares at me as it lazily swims by. I hate that duck. It focuses on something just under the surface and snaps at it with a quaking sound and I hear Logan try to hide his laugh. I hate him too. It’s then Anippe emerges, her head coming out beside mine as she looks over the water.

“Got any ideas?”

She sways side to side; no.

I hated saying this, but if anything I usually got him to at least look my way while he thought of his options. “Alfie, as your Master, I command-“

I went quiet.

Logan moved a step back while Penny stepped forward as a something was charging up stream at a rather quick pace. I half expected to see a shark pin pop up and the Jaws theme to start playing as we all watched what I hoped was Alfie come towards us.

Anippe disappeared down the front of my shirt, which didn’t bother me as much as the pressure of her going around my neck. She was scared. I stepped back, and again and then bumped into Penny.