The Hunters Heart

Theo Fog clung to the alleys like a shroud, and I moved through it like a predator born to kill. Because I was one, and my prey would not be getting away another time. I held the knife in my hand close, so close it began to nick my hand as I moved with precision, not a single footstep to be heard. It was late at night, where half of the city were asleep while the other half, the dangerous half filled with blood and vengeance and a need for war, were wide awake and ready to strike the night. I grinned at that, knowing there was enough bloodlust curdling inside me to drive me forward, to find my mark and take them down. My eyes adjusted well to the fog of Aetheria, I could see right through it. And before me was exactly what I was hunting. A rogue wolf gang that had been causing havoc around these streets, spilling blood they were not supposed to to touch. Even in a crooked city like Aetheria we have rules. As shabby and thorn through as they are, those rules protect the innocent, they bring peace and ensure we do not cause more harm that is absolutely necessary. And these rogues are crossing that precarious line. I felt my skin prickle as I approached them from behind, not because of the sight before me but for something else. I have senses as sharp as a wolves, I knew when things weren’t quite so. And tonight, I felt that stronger than anything. I could not shake the feeling off even as I struggled to concentrate on the mission before me, and then return to the Hunter Guild. “Seems like you boys are being naughty.” I smirked as I was ran towards the rogue wolves who were seemingly feeding on a human carcass, flesh torn apart and chunks of human meat discarded all over. I cringed at it. “Bloody savages, it’s a good thing I enjoy hunting you down.” The wolves cried aloud a war cry, before charging at me, claws out ready to slit my throat. They knew who I was. I could smell the fear on them. Four against one. Hardly a fair fight but I could take them down. Hunter and wolves. I drew my blades, closed my eyes, and let my body move to the rhythm of the fight. I slashed, unrelenting, hitting my target, and I laughed as I fought, as I slay ever single one of them. ••• Wolves blood matted my hair, some of it found its way under my nails and I didn’t bother cleaning them up. It felt like a trophy walking around like that, and my heart thrummed knowing what I did, feeling pride at yer another successful hunt. I returned to the Hunter’s Guild, in a tall dark imposing building that towered over me, the people inside were as intimating as the building looked if not more. But I wasn’t afraid, because these were my people. I was another of them. I was, if anything, the hunter. “Delta Vane.” Someone called as soon as I stepped into the nest, and I turned around to find Dan, my handler, called for me and I waved him over. He jogged up to meet as I headed towards the elevator. The feeling was returning, the one that told me things weren’t right, something was thrumming in the background. This didn’t meant something was particularly wrong, it just wasn’t right. “Do you have anything else for me?” I asked Dan, thinking it was the possibility of another assignment that was making me feel this way. But Dan shook his head no, “Only that the commander wants to talk to you.” “Oh, I was heading right to his office anyway.” I said, increasing my steps. Commander Thomas Hale probably needed to brief me on something, and I needed to tell him it was a job well done. Dan looked like he was going to say anything else, but I was by the elevator and he had said nothing, only giving me a curt nod before walking away. Odd. I shrugged it off and got into the metal cage. Commander Hale sat behind his large mahogany desk, looking somber. I knew something was definitely not right, and Dan knew more than he was saying. It was an unsettling feeling, and I can’t help but feel drawn to it. I want to get to whatever it was that was making me feel this. “Operative Vane, Sit.” He ordered the moment I walked in. I did as was told, the quiet of the office almost too loud. He didn’t bother looking up from the papers before him, until I had settled into the sit before him. “You have been sought out for this case personally, as this case requires precision and stealth. The assignment is to be carried out discreetly, and immediately effective.” I nodded curtly as he slid me a manila file fro across the table, and I saw the name printed boldly on it. DAMON VALENTE I knew exactly who he was, and it made my heart skip. CEO Damon Valente, notorious and know all across Aetheria. “Is the mission to take him out?” I asked, my voice calm and betraying no emotion. “No,” the commander responded, “Quite the contrary. You will assist him by finding his son who is missing.” Well, that was odd. That wasn’t usually my job. My expertise goes beyond just finding missing persons. But I did not judge the commanders decision, I knew it was for the good of all. And being a hunter, I don’t work with wolves, not even alphas like the likes of Damon. He was an enemy, and I knew there was more to this before the commander even spoke. “And if he poses a threat, however little, I order you to take him out.” I nodded once more in understanding, finding his son was only the primary task. After all, you keep your enemy closer than your friend. “Is that all, commander?” I asked, holding the file close to my chest, ready to spring into action. But before he could say anything else, we were interrupted by a third presence. “Surely you’re not leaving before I get to meet you.” An unfamiliar voice booms from behind me and I turned around to find a tall man standing there, his face dark and his eyes darker than night. It was a starting onyx that had so much depth into it, and so much steel too. He clearly did not fit in here, and yet there was no where else be should be. I felt it again, that feeling that had been nagging at me all day. It drew me closer to him, and I found myself walking towards him. My insides felt like it were on fire as I stared at him, at the slight smirk on his face, and the way he held himself high and mighty. “Damon Valente” I whispered his name to him, and his smile grew. Quite an ego. “At your service.” I didn’t look away from the man before me, eyes locked in a battle only I could feel. Only I knew. I finally knew why I felt so off balance now, it finally settled. Damon Valente was my fated mate. He was also the enemy, and I killed my enemies.