I don't really like handing out my mobile number.

But when Rob asked, and Carla glared at me, I had no choice.

And now, I was stuck with a lunch date I agreed to literally the day after meeting him.

I sighed to myself, staring at my fake cheery texts about meeting him in about twelve hours for lunch before dropping the phone and looking around the full bar. Demons and angels had taken absolutely no time in returning. This place being bigger than the previous one did not help me in any shape or form. But I did see a lot of new angel and demons faces.

The familiar faces I was looking for were not here tonight. No Lou, and still no Mike. And since there was no Lou, no guardian angel either. Just a packed counter and seating area, with a cheerful demon buzz in the air and the usual silence from the angels. Just like old times.

"Human. Drink."

I gave the angel that called me a scathing look. "I have a name, newbie. Use it."

"I don't see the need for it."

"Then I don't see the need to give you a drink." I returned to sorting receipts.

"Isn't that the purpose of your job?"

I didn't reply, raising a finger to blindly point at the right of admission passage pasted above the drink shelves.

There was a short pause. "That applies to humans."

"It applies to anyone in my bar." My reply was dry. "Unless you can say my name while ordering, you can take a seat with your mute friends and leave."

"I don't see the point of it." She repeated. "I'll just take a drink myself if you won't provide."

My head shot up from the receipts at the same time there was a gust of warm wind. The new angel appeared a few feet beside me, reaching for a bottle of gin.

"Hey!" I snapped, dropping the papers in my hand and moving towards her. "You're not allowed back here."

"You can't hurt me, human."

"I can't." I admitted, my fingers wrapping around the wrist of the hand she stretched out. "But I'm not going to let you get a drink."

I felt the heat rise as she turned to look at me. "Let go of me, human."

"No. I'm not giving you a drink until you say my name and return to the other side of the counter." I narrowed my eyes back at her. "Get back."

"Let's start with you." I felt her hand flex under my grip. "And I'll take that drink."

"Go back to the other side. And I'll make you one." My hand tightened around hers. "If you're in a human vessel, you need to learn some basic niceties."

"I don't need to learn anything." She hissed back, leaning in with her eyes glowing. "Just because you have a bit of essence in you, you think you can order me around?"

"My bar." I growled. "My fucking orders. Don't drag my essence into this. I did not ask for it."

"And you don't deserve it." The hand I was holding onto closed into a fist. The heat was a physical being pressing against me now. "You're a weak, pathetic human. You should be grateful for our presence in your measly establishment."

"I'll start being grateful when your ass makes it back over to the other side." I held my ground. Newbies like these came around every now and then to stir up trouble. They usually stayed quiet when Lou was in the bar because they knew about his soft spot for me, but when he wasnt- it was open season on bullying me.

"Move." I hissed, breaking the tense silence between us.

"Like you can make me." She smirked, glowing eyes drilling into me. Her voice was starting to hurt my ears. "Let go, human. Or I'll break y-."

"Hey." My eyes shifted to the side, vaguely realising that the bar had gone silent during the confrontation. The angel who'd spoken up was sitting at the bar. "That side is Ryleigh's. Come back and here and stay civil. Or stop coming here."

The angel scoffed. Her skin was so hot under my hand. "You're going to take a human's side?"

"That's no human. That's the Weapon Bearer." That's a title, right? "She holds the treaty brand. Hurting her is a personal affront to the Elders." She cocked her head. Wait, I recognise her. "Do you want to chance something like that?"

I felt the angel's skin start to cool under my hands. It drew my eyes back to the fading glow of her blue eyes. "You hold the Weapon?"

I sighed. "Yes. I hold it." Not right now. I'm sure it's somewhere.

"Can't be." Her eyes flickered over me. "You're weak."

"Yes. I am. Again, I didn't choose it." Her hand relaxed under my grip. I jerked my head to the side. "Go back there. And say my name when asking for a drink. I will not be bossed around under this roof."

Her eyes moved over me. "You're... branded."

"Yes. Also, not my choice." Leaving the city had been my only autonomous decision.

She pulled her arm back, I let go. There was a warm gust and she was back by the register within the blink of an eye. "Apologies." She nodded.

"I'm used to it." I nodded back, crossing my arms in front of my chest. "Now, what do you want?"

Her eyes turned down. I could see the pride she swallowed right before she spoke. "Gin and tonic."

I raised an eyebrow. "Gin and tonic, what?"

Her jaw tightened. "A gin and tonic, please... Ryleigh."

"There you go." I smiled at her as I turned away. "Not that hard. My name just rolls right off the tongue."

I took my own sweet time making the simple drink. After that debacle, the newbie could wait. But the angel who'd defended me was my next stop.

She looked up from her drink as I approached her. "Thank you for that." I smiled at her blank face. "Next drink is on me."

The angel nodded, piercing blue eyes a sharp contrast against her chocolate skin. "Thank you."

I didn't wait for her to elaborate on that. They weren't the most wordy of beings. "You're the angel who arrived once to back up Mike, right?"

She nodded. "I am."

"I knew I recognised you." I held up a two fingers at the demon waiting to order at the register, a silent request to wait "Are you and Mike close?"

"We're comrades."

"Good comrades, or like 'passing acquaintances' type of comrades?"

"We've fought together."

"Uh, good enough." I nodded witb no idea about what that meant. "Do you happen to have any news on him?"

The angel shook her head. "It's not for you to know."

"I knew you would say that, but please. He's my friend. I'm worried. He's been missing going on a week now."

She shook her head again. "You don't need to know."

"Yes... but I want to!" I couldn't help the frustration leaking into my voice. "Please! I'm genuinely worried for him!"

The angel looked over my agitated form, shifting in her seat. "I'm no-"

"Just anything basic." I continued my pleading. "Anything. If he's alive or dead. Or if you don't know anything. Or his last whereabouts. Or even like a hint about what he was looking into." I exhaled harshly at the end of my tirade. "Anything."

She sighed, shaking her head slowly. "Do not worry. The angel you know as Mike is not deceased."

I knew that. But it felt nice to be reassured. "Thank you. Now, do you know his status if he's alive? Injured, or busy, or... just ignoring me?

"If you are asking me whether the angel you know as Mike is alive and well, I cannot guarantee the latter." Her eyes dulled a bit. The roiling essence gave away her concerns too. "I also do not have any idea about what was being investigated. He does not report to me."

"Ah, shit." I bit my lip, looking down at the floor. "That's a shame." So, he wasn't ignoring me. He really was just missing, or staying quiet. "Thanks for the help." I turned away, heading to the register to take down more orders.

I was back within a few minutes. "I've got another question." The angel looked up with barely hidden irritation. "It's quick one- I know you guys keep tabs on Lou as well. Any news on him?"

"No."

"So, is he missing as well, or did he just slip out from under you guys?"

"It's hard to keep track of the demon." She replied curtly. "We haven't heard any recent news."

"And is that... normal?"

"It's normal."

"Right." I raised my head to yell at the demons over the angel. "Any of you guys know where Lou is?"

There was a short silence as they all acknowledged the question before erupting in conversation. All I got from it was that they knew nothing. I sighed. Time to up the ante. "Free drinks for a week to whoever can provide latest news on him."

Silence again as they acknowledged the reward. The noise that erupted this time was louder. Random demons yelling over each other with news I could barely make out. I could see it irritating the angels further. I was getting nowhere amidst this cacophony.

"Hey!" I called out, hoping to get them to quiet down. "Hey!" Louder this time. "HEY! SHUT UP OR ONLY ANGELS DRINK FOR THE NEXT WEEK!"

Silence yet again. A more betrayed kind.

"Good." I nodded. "The offer is a standing one. I'll reduce a day on it for every day's delay. And I want recent news. Like literally since he's stopped coming to the bar."

Still silence. I cocked my head. "Got it?" One demon raised his hand after a moment. I stifled a sigh. "Yes?"

"What kind of news?" He asked.

"Recent." I replied curtly. "Past few days. And preferably about his activities within this town."

"I know a human girl he slept with." Another demon drawled, eliciting hoots from their side and disgusted looks from the angels.

I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Not the news I'm looking for."

"You need to be specific then." The demon who'd raised his hand spoke up.

"Uh..." I shrugged, dropping my hand from my face. "Location, information on what he was looking into, and... anything that might relate to Mike too." I nodded to myself, satisfied with what I'd asked. "It needs to be solid leads. Something I can look into myself, preferably. But even if I can't, it's going to be much appreciated."

"Is this a deal?" He asked.

I cocked my head, thinking it over. "More like an open contract. First come, first serve."

One demon in the corner stood up suddenly, cracking his knuckles. "You guys should just give up. Those free drinks are mine!"

"Hey! Over my fading essence!" Another snapped. "Those drinks are mine!"

"Oh, yeah." I piped up again before they all started up again. My eyes moved to the blue-eyed side of the bar. "This is open to the angels too."

The cacophony of disgust erupting from the demons was louder this time. I grimaced, raising one hand to block the ear on their side as I turned to move away. They continued voicing their anger about it being open to angels quite a bit into the night. I heaved a sigh of relief at the silence once they all left. It's been a long day.

I hadn't really had a chance to rest after the hike this morning. I prepared a tub of warm water to soak my feet in. Spent the night watching a movie and snacking. I didn't generally go to the gym on the weekends, which meant I could help Henry out in the kitchen.

We worked in silence. He was a man of few words anyway. But I knew he was graetful for the second pair of hands. Maya and Sienna arrived sometime before noon. I left them to handle the customers as I headed upstairs to change and get ready for my date with Rob.

Carla texted me her third apology slash thank you text as I called for a cab. I left it on seen this time. I'm tired of reassuring her about this. It's really no big deal. If he pays for this lunch, it's a free meal and some time with a friends. He's honestly not that bad to hang out with. A bonus would be if he's great in bed, but we'll see if it gets to that.

Rob was already waiting when I pulled up to the cafe. I sighed to myself before thanking the driver. I waited for him to confirm my online payment before stepping out of the car. My still-sore calves weren't happy about me wearing heels at the moment. Man, I feel old. I used to be able to wear stilettos for the entire night when I used to go clubbing. This sucks... they're just wedges.

Rob stood up as I walked up the table, a smile forming on his face. His grey eyes got a bit of a mushy look I recognized from when I was testing that guy to replace me back at the city. I should ask an angel if too much grace exposure could actually turn a human brain to mush.

My future dating prospects were alteady crippled, that news would really set me back. Maybe ignorance is bliss.

"Hey." I smiled at him as he grinned goofily at me. "Been waiting long?"

"Yeah, kind of." His eyes roamed over me as I pulled my chair out. "A few hours actually."

Surprise crossed through me. I let out a nervous laugh before sitting down. "Was this supposed to be a breakfast date?"

"No! No." Rob gave me a sheepish smile as he sat back down. "I just didn't want to go home after swimming so I just... came directly here." That smile suited him.

"Didn't want to go back to an empty apartment?"

"Yes, and I was really looking forward to this." He leaned back in his chair. "There's just something about... I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since yesterday."

"Ah." I laughed at that too. Another grace thing? "That's weird. No one's said that to me before." I leaned in, lowering my voice to a stage whisper. "And it is kind of creepy."

Rob turned red, letting out a chuckle as he broke eye contact. "I didn't mean anything like that by it. You're just... captivating."

'Glowing'- was how Axel put it yesterday.

"Thanks. That's a sweet thing to say."

"No problem. It's the truth, really. And uh, by the way, you look great."

I cocked my head. "Thanks again. Are you going to keep complimenting me, or are going to progress this conversation?"

He laughed. "My bad. I just had to say it. How's your day been?"

"Busy." I replied easily, leaning back in my seat. "We get a lot of breakfast patrons today. I usually get up early to help Henry prepare for the day in the kitchen. And then I take a break around this time because it's when Sienna and Maya arrive." I raised my hands above my head to stretch. "It's some of the only free time I get during the week."

"I see. Just hold on- who's Henry?"

Green coated the edges of his aura. I smiled to myself. "The cook. We work together."

"Oh, right." The green didn't go away, but it did lessen. "Oh yes, I remember you mentioning him yesterday. Must have slipped my mind."

"Can't blame you." I smirked. "My captivating presence probably distracted you."

"You know what?" He nodded, badly hiding a laugh. "That's exactly it."

I rolled my eyes, finding it rather easy to maintain the smile on my face. He wasn't bad company. "So, what's good here?"

The place was an upscale cafe with matching prices. I usually liked to go halfsies on the first date, but yikes. I think I'll let Rob take this one. The next bill- I'll pick it up. I'll also decide the place next time.

The conversation was light-hearted and fun. We kept it fairly flirty. And by the end of the meal, I actually wasn't feeling bad about my prospects with him.

As expected, Rob picked up the bill. I suggested the gelato place down the street for dessert, where I could pick up the bill and not feel the effects of it.

"Have you ever been here before?" Rob asked as he held the door open for me.

I nodded in thanks before replying. "I've passed by it, but not really. I don't get out much."

"I figured as much."

I laughed, smacking his shoulder as he stepped up beside me. "Don't say it like that! I'm not a loner by choice, I swear."

He laughed, raising his hands in a sign of peace. "Sure, Ryleigh. Whatever you say."

I rolled my eyes, walking over to the glass display to select a flavour. "What are you feeling like?"

"My favourite is Milk Chocolate and Hazelnuts."

"Hmm..." My eyes roamed over all the labels. "I want Dark Chocolate and Dulce de Leche." I looked up at the waiting server. "One of each, and a Milk Chocolate Hazelnut."

"Two?" Rob chuckled as he followed me to the register to pay. "Feeling adventurous, are we?"

I shrugged. "They both looked really good."

"I can help you finish it up."

I threw him a dry look over my shoulder I held out my card. "Thanks, but no thanks."

His grey eyes twinkled with mirth. He knew what he was doing. "I'll get a table then."

"Go ahead." I replied easily, eyes wandering past him to where they were scooping out the cold, creamy goodness. "I'll get the cups."

"Hands off of mine."

"Ha-ha." I let out a real chuckle once he walked away.

The gelato looked really good in the standing waffle cones. Rob laughed as he saw me eye the flavours I'd chosen in anticipation as I sat down.

The Dulce De Leche flavour was actually really good. So was the Dark Chocolate. "I can't believe I never came to place before." I mumbled slowly as I rolled the ice cream on my tongue to avoid brain freeze. "This is amazing."

"If you like it that much, you can buy their tubs online." He pointed behind me. I turned around to look at a poster with a link on it. "They deliver."

"These aren't kept here?"

"No. It's only on demand."

"That's a shame. I wonder if I can place an order now and carry it home." I turned around to face him. "You seem like you come here a lot."

"You got me." Rob placed a spoonful in his mouth. "It's my guilty pleasure. I go through one of their tubs every week."

"Guilty pleasure?" I pointed my pink, plastic spoon at him. "That's an addiction, my friend."

"It's not doing me any harm." He shrugging, chuckling at my accusation.

I smirked. "I'm going to tell on you to Carla."

Rob burst out laughing, placing a hand on his chest and leaning away dramatically. "No! Please! Spare me her punishment!"

I joined his laughter, straightening up and scooping up the flavour he'd chosen. His eyes flickered to my lips. "That's unfair. You said your flavours are off bounds."

I shrugged. "I'm a first time customer. I need to try the goods." I swallowed. "That really is good- oh my god."

"Told you." He snickered, leaning in.

I shrugged. "You got me th-" I was cut off as Rob kissed me. His lips pressed against mine, catching me off guard enough to pull away a few moments later.

He grimaced, regret crossing his eyes. "Sorry. Too soon?"

I did like Rob. Today's date had been fun. But it was exactly what I'd been expecting. There was nothing in my chest when he kissed me. No reaction in my belly. No butterflies. No little flutter.

But I had to take that in my stride. It's my life now.

I shook my head, smiling at him and leaning back in. "You just surprised me." I replied easily, pressing my own lips against him this time. I held the kiss for a few moments longer this time, pulling back and licking my lips. "Mmm, tasty."

Rob laughed, looking slightly red. "So, that's the reason you kissed me?"

"One of them." I snickered.

"Oh, really?" He reached for the dark chocolate. "What's the other?"

I smiled. "I like you. You're fun."

Those five words seemed to have made his day after that. He didn't stop grinning right up until he placed me in the cab I drove off. Looking at him was starting to make my cheeks hurt in some kind of a second-hand pain. I massaged my cheekbones, updating Carla on all that had happened on the way home.

Night came, and my previous night's concerns weren't alleviated. Neither the angels nor the demons had any news. But the few who'd spoken up yesterday weren't here for drinks. I hope those guys are safe. I can't go around worry about every demon or angel going missing.

Two more days went by like this. No more new information. No more Lou. No more Mike. And the same demons still missing. The angels were getting anxious about this as well. One of their own was gone. And it was hard to ignore a few more demons going missing, if it meant they went the same place that Mike might've gone.

I was distracted the following morning. Distracted enough to make Henry send me out on a grocery run to take my mind off of things.

It wasn't a bad idea. Ryland was there.

I walked into the store, spotting him immediately with a clipboard in his hand standing by some boxes. I waved at him, he waved back holding up two fingers that meant he needed time as he returned to work.

Pulling up the list on my phone, I grabbed a cart and started going through it. It was relaxing. A simple task that just required me following the instructions provided. Felt like a heavy load being raised off of my shoulders for a short period of time.

I massaged my forehead as I headed to the checkout after fifteen minutes. I need a break. And a long drink. It's definitely not a coincidence I need a break from these guys within two weeks of them showing up. They seem to have this effect on me.

"Hey, Ryleigh." Ryland walked up to me as I joined the line at the self-checkout. His eyes roamed over my cart. "Henry?"

"Yup." I shook the lit up screen of my phone at him. "I'm kind of distracted today, so he sent me out for an errand."

"Something on your mind?" He asked, turning around and looking up.

"Just one of those days."

"Ah, I feel that." He jerked his head in the direction he was facing. "Have you seen the news today?"

"No. I don't get time to." I turned around to face the same direction he was, realising he watching the news on the screens hung from the ceiling. "What's happened.

"A murder." He replied. "They said it's a mugging gone wrong."

"Just because I don't watch the news, doesn't mean I can't read." I replied dryly, my eyes scrolling thread at the bottom. "Why is this big news again?"

"Small place. Murders are rare."

"Huh."

"Almost daily in the city, right?"

"Yeah." I snickered, eyes rising to the headshot displayed beside the newsreader. "Don't miss...  that..."

One demon in the corner stood up suddenly, cracking his knuckles. "You guys should just give up. Those free drinks are mine!"

"Oh, shit." It's that demon. It's his...

It's his vessel that's been murdered.

"Shot through the head. Huh." Ryland shook his head to himself. "Atleast it was painless and quick."

Shot?

**************

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Hmmm. Shot, you say?

Wonder who did that.
What's going on.
Huh.
Sure would like to know.
Curious stuff indeed.

Anyway, the character Q&A's are still up! Ask your favourite demons and angels, and their favourite, reluctant bartender, anything you want!

I'll publish them in next week's chapter!

Have a good week!

Vote and comment! Hope you enjoyed the chapter!