<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">The Hunter’s reaction wasn’t surprising. In fact, it was her exact reaction upon mention of a Grunch. That same incredulous tone, disbelief thick in his response. Even his laughter was saturated in it as he turned, a hand moving through his blonde hair as he paced. She leaned against her door, watching while he battled frustration to come to decision. Each time he neared his truck she thought for sure he was going to leave, and it was obvious that he was tempted to. But, something brought him back again and again. Be it the offer of a bed, a hot meal, or simply being one step closer to the Coven leader, he distanced himself from the car. Though he was still warring with doubt, and likely mistrust, he seemed to be entertaining the idea. “Well, if you’re asking me if I have a plan, then the answer is ‘yes.’ And if it makes you feel any better, that plan isn’t to feed you to a Grunch or use you as bait.” There was a flicker of something in her eyes and a tug at her lips as she resisted the urge to tease, add some smart remark to wind him up. Ultimately she decided against it, able to see that the internal struggle he was going through hadn’t quite ended in her favor. <br/>
<br/>
He finally ceased his pacing, moving to the door beside hers. The Hunter agreed, but he had conditions. And, <i>that</i> she wasn’t expecting. “Alright. I’m listening.” Her posture mirrored his, arms folding across her chest. The first request was simple enough. Ava could easily confirm that she was serious, that she wasn’t intentionally attempting to waste his time with old folktales. She nodded along, her agreement conveyed in her demeanor until he got to his second condition. His tone shifted and his gaze sharpened, turning grave and humorless. There was no sign of the lighthearted jest, the kind of smooth and easy way he had about himself in casual conversation. The stare he leveled at her was severe, so stern and determined that she couldn’t help but be defensive in response. It was knee-jerk, an impulse or instinct that emerged with little to no thought or consideration for reason. Another rule embedded in her from the time she entered the ranks of her Order, she had to quell the urge to tell him to fuck himself; dismiss him and stomp off to complete the mission herself. His audacity was as astonishing as it was offensive, and yet through the red that colored her vision from anger she could see that the Hunter had a valid point, and the sentiment behind his words resonated with her enough for her to at least consider his terms.<br/>
<br/>
There was a stretch of silence between his demands and her response. Ava really had to evaluate just how much she trusted the lone Hunter. Telling him the details of her Order was no easy ask. He could use the information to his devices, against her or for his personal vendetta. It was exactly why members of the organization didn’t associate with unaffiliated Hunters. They were often duplicitous, out for themselves with no consideration for the greater good. Wes had all the indicators, all the signs of an opportunistic Hunter. He didn’t have roots and he didn’t have anything to lose, and <i>that</i> made him dangerous. He made it clear that there was nothing in the world for him, nothing but revenge and once exacted he was fine to go out in a blaze of shameless glory. It was quite the opposite for her. She had a family, hopes and dreams. There was still so much she wanted to do, so much she wanted to see-- and she’d be damned if she was going to let some vengeful man ruin things for her. And yet, she could sense that there was more to him, more depth than all her assumptions and judgments allowed for. <br/>
<br/>
She sighed, and the challenging look in her green eyes began to fade away little by little. Ava ran a hand through her hair, trying to let go of her apprehension. “It’s . . . It’s not that easy for me to just talk about that. My family and the Order; they’re one and the same. I’m trying my best to put trust in you, and give you the benefit of the doubt when I can, and I understand if you’re trying to do the same. It would be a good gesture if I let you know a few things, might make it easier for you to see why I have to do things this way . . . So, I can only promise to tell you what I feel comfortable with you knowing. If that’s not good enough, that’s fine. I can hunt the Grunch all by myself.” Ava turned, using her key to unlock the door to her room. “If you’re good with that, I’m leaving in thirty minutes. If not, enjoy the free cable T.V.” She stepped into the room and shut the door behind herself. Walking across the horrid green carpet she made her way to the bed. She set her bag down on the tacky plaid bedspread, pulling out clothes and toiletries to stow them in the drawers. Her jumpsuit went on next. She pulled it over her clothes and zipped it up, before she readied the small arsenal she managed. Shells went in the rifle, and the scope was attached. Ava did a quick, preliminary check on the sights, making adjustments as she needed to with the knowledge in mind that she’d have to test the night vision when they got out to the woods.<br/>
<br/>
After reviewing the information Ben provided her, familiarizing herself with the helpful details he disclosed, she carefully tucked her things back into her bag. Grabbing the keys she took a look at the alarm clock on the nightstand. The Hunter had a couple minutes, but she stepped outside, content to wait if she needed to. </span>