The Hunter Chronicles : The Beginning

Chapter 3

I notice more like feel Jared is returning, he carries a tray in his hands with ten shot glasses on it. I immediately regret my decision but I have to shake it off. I should have some fun for a change.

I spot Michael on the dance floor talking to a group of women and I shake my head almost laughing, of course he wouldn't think of me more than a friend I take the shot and tap my glass twice on the table, my throat burn and I feel dizzy. Yuck tequila.

“Is he your ex?” Jared asks following my gaze.

I nearly choked, “No. Just a friend. My best friend Melissa’s brother and the owner of this club.” I giggle nervously taking another shot from him. I drink it. Crap! Three more to go.

“For a second I thought that there was something between the two of you, especially since he acted so protectively earlier.”

“Trust me, there has never been anything other than friendship between us.” I reply hoping my disappointment doesn’t show.

“Good.” He smirks. There goes the butterfly invasion. I have never gotten this much attention from a man before although what happened earlier still bothers me.

“How do you know Michael and Dean?” I ask but Jared doesn’t reply and  I think maybe he didn’t hear me before I can ask again he replies, “We have known each other for years but we can’t get along.”

I sense that this is all I am going to get out of him so I change the subject, “Where are you from? I haven’t seen you here before.”

“Maybe you just haven't been paying attention until now.” Jared replies looking into my eyes as he speaks, it feels like the whole world stops when he looks at me, a tingle runs down my spine and I can't decide if it’s a good or bad thing.

 “We need to talk.” Jared says completely serious.

“Aren’t we talking now?” I reply a little confused.

I see a faint trace of a smile run momentarily across his face then he says, “We just want to be left alone, we don’t hurt anybody.”

“What are you talking about?” I ask surprised.

Jared puts his hand on my knee and I can feel the coldness spread over my entire body, I try shifting but his hand doesn’t move, he leans in closer, “Do you want to kiss me?”

Yes! I scream in my head but I pushed his hand off of my knee with all my strength, “I barely know you.” I say a little taken aback.

“I just want to spare you for what is in store for you.” He says brushing a strand of hair out of my eyes. We move closer to each other lips almost touching. I am drawn to him. I have no control over it.

“What do you mean by that?” I whisper but I do not get a reply. Jared is thrown back, he knocks over the remaining glasses. A split second of relief washes over me that I don’t have to drink it. I look up and see Dean standing over him, “Really Jared, the only way you can get a girl to kiss you is by forcing her?”

“I didn’t force her to do anything.” He spits.

“It’s true.” I squeak. Why is Dean acting like this.

“I think it is time for you to leave Jared, you are not welcome here.” 

“You really want to fight me over this?” Jared laughs standing up.

“I will if I have to.” Dean replied calmly.

“Stop it, Dean, you’re overreacting.” I plead standing up. I don't want anyone to fight.

“Don’t worry Jessica, none of this is your fault, I will make sure this thing doesn’t come near you ever again.” Dean says glaring at Jared.

“What the hell, Dean!” I yell but get no response. Dean punches Jared in the face. I gasp but it doesn’t look like he felt it, Jared punches Dean back and then it seems all hell breaks loose.

I want to get in between them to make them stop fighting but I’m grabbed by my waist, I snap my head around and see Michael. “Come with me.” He orders.

“No!” I scream trying to break free of his hold. Dean grabs Jared by the neck and forces him through the emergency exit. I manage to wiggle myself loose then Michael grabs me by my wrist and holds on so tight to the point where it hurts to struggle, he drags me upstairs to his office and I grab the railing to try and give myself more leverage to break his hold. I have no idea what’s happening but I do know that I don’t want to go upstairs. I want to go and help Jared. Why is Dean hurting him? Michael takes my hand off of the railing and pulls me up further to his office.

“What about Jared and Dean?” I stutter.

“Don’t worry about it.” He replies as he opens his office door, he pulls me inside then locks the door, his grip on me loosens and I yanked my arm free from him and move into the corner of his office away from him. My head is spinning.

“What is going on Michael?” I ask surprised by the steadiness of my voice. I rub my wrist waiting for him to answer.

“I can’t tell you.” 

I am getting fed up with everyone telling me that they can’t tell me anything.

“Then I’m leaving.” I say sternly and stomp to the door, Michael blocks me by gently placing his hands on my hips and pulls me closer, “I can’t take it anymore. I want you.”

I push him away hard. He doesn’t resist. I am angry. “Why when another man shows any interest in me you all of a sudden want me too?” I am more than angry I’m furious. Is that why Dean is fighting with Jared?

“It’s not true, I have wanted to tell you for some time now.” He says softly.

“I can’t deal with this now!” I yell throwing my arms up in the air, I take a split second to decide to make another break for the door.

Michael blocks me, “I am sorry, Jess.” He apologizes.

The door flies open suddenly knocking Michael into me and we both fall on the floor. Jared walks in his handsome face covered in blood. Snap out of it Jessica! There are more important things to think about right now.

“Sorry about that.” Jared says spotting me on the floor. Michael helps me up then stands in front of me, “Leave her alone.”

I remember Michael locking the door and it doesn’t make any sense to me that Jared could have broken the lock that easily.

“Shut up you filthy mutt! Jared exclaims walking over to me. I am not able to stop myself from shaking. I take a few steps back.

“I won’t let you touch her again!” Michael shouts.

“You are no match for me.” Jared grins. I shiver it looks like he could kill.

“But I most certainly am.” Dean says leaning against the door frame. I close my eyes, the night has gone from bad to okay to interesting to crap. I can hear glass break and feel Michael take me into his arms, “Everything is going to be okay.” He whispers over and over.

I can Jared curse and promise that this isn’t over. I open my eyes when things go quiet and look at Dean, he is covered in blood and has a few open wounds on his face.

Dean says to Michael, “Sorry when I got outside he had some friends waiting so I had to deal with them first and by the time I was done he already made it up here.” 

“Jess, are you okay?” Micheal asks holding me at arm's length.

“I don't understand what happened?” I reply shaking.

“There is so much to explain, but just know that none of this is your fault.” Dean reassures me.

I look up at Dean and the marks on his face, all the open cuts from the fight are gone, as if it has never happened.

“Why is your face healed?” I ask more confused than ever.

“I’m sorry.” He says turning his back on me. I walked over to him and turn him to face me. I touch his face at first I think I’ve lost my mind but neither stops me so it has to be real. Something is happening that I can’t understand, it makes me want to scream and cry and everything in between.

Dean takes his hands off of his face and looks me directly into my eyes, “I’m not alive.”

I frown and I’m pretty sure Michael stopped breathing.

“Of course you are alive, if you weren't how could I be standing here talking to you.” I say but even as I do doubt starts creeping in and it feels like I’m having one of dreams. My eyes widen, “I know what you are, but that’s impossible. How could I know when you didn’t tell me?”

“Because my dear, you are a very special girl.” Dean smiles.

“It can’t be true.” I mutter shaking my head as I walk towards to door on auto pilot. I hear Michael call my name and I run as fast as I can, dodging everyone as I go I push open the employees entrance door and a cold breeze hits me in the face. All evidence of the murder is gone, I shiver and wrap my jacket tighter around me. I walk around aimlessly and find myself next to my car, I take the keys out of my pocket and get in. I wind down my window. I need air. I start my car and drive to nowhere in particular, I check my rear view mirror and spot a car whoever it is is speeding up until its parallel with me, I can’t make out who is driving. I swerve to avoid a collision then brake hard as the other car speeds off. Maybe driving in my state is not the best idea. I headed back to the club and parked the car, I sat there for a while. I feel like crying but the tears won’t come. I sigh and climb out then I hear a gunshot my instincts take over and I hit the ground hard. I faintly hear my name being called out before I black out.