The Hunter

Chapter 4

I slowed my car a little as I reached the 6-foot iron gate. The guard posted out front came into view. I rolled the window down so he could take a look inside. He huffed when he saw me.

“Turn around, wolf.” He spat. I felt Luna shift beside me and come into view of the guard. I knew she had a grin on her face without having to look back.

“Now, now. You don’t want me telling Daddy, your King, that you turned away his favorite daughter and pet?” Luna said, humor thick in her voice. The guard straightened out his back when he realized who else was in the car. I gave him a coy smile; he knew he f****d up.

“No please, Princess. Accept my sincere apology.” He replied bowing lower than necessary. She giggled.

“Don’t apologize to me, you offended my friend. Go on,” she told him. I rolled my eyes. The guard looked up slightly. I shook my head.

“Open the f*****g gate.” I spoke. Ah, and the cursing began. He bared his teeth at me, showing his distaste in my statement. I gave him a low growl. Luna only laughed harder; she knew I was messing with the guard. After six years of this treatment, it only annoyed me. He turned and walked into the little booth. A second later the gates began to open for us. “Honestly, they should know who I am by now.”

“It’s a power play, don’t mind them.” Luna said, haphazardly waving her hand. I let off the brake to start the drive up to the house. I parked my car in front of the house, Luna jumping out the car before I could even put it in park. I followed her quickly up the stairs and into the foyer of the very large mansion. Daniel really lived lavishly.

“I'm home!” she exclaimed loudly. A maid came out of nowhere and took the bags I was carrying from my hands.

“One of them has an empty blood bag and sheets!” I yelled after the maid, who at this point was off to do whatever it was she did. Daniel appeared at the top of the stairs, a giant smile on his face. For pushing 200, that man had not one wrinkle on his face. Being a vampire meant being frozen in time. He was a good-looking man, if I do say so myself. Standing at almost 6 feet, his appearance was nothing short of intimidating. He had sandy blonde hair that he wore in an immaculate crew cut. His pale skin was peppered with light freckles, from before he was turned. I knew he was a farmer in his human time, sent to war to fight for the Union Army. His blue eyes, ones that captivated people around him, were rimmed with think blonde eyelashes. I won’t lie, I had a crush on him when I first started working for him, but he became more of a father figure as I stayed in his employment. Now, I find myself threatening women who fawn over him. Not because I’m jealous, but because he wouldn’t want the attention.

“Mi amor!” he proclaimed, large hands coming to rest gently on Luna's face. I saw her lean into his hands as he peppered her face with kisses. I felt the tinge of jealousy watching the scene. I looked away, to give them their moment. It has been a long ten years since the last time I felt my own father’s calloused hands on my smooth face. While I was happy for them, it only saddened me that I would never have that relationship with my father. The last memory I had of my father giving me his love was plagued with the images of his dead body, and those of my family. I shook my head slightly, not wanting the tears that threatened to form, to show in public.

“Genevieve, my dear, how was the drive?” Daniel spoke, gaining my attention. I looked up at him giving him a small smile.

“Exhausting. I had this one as my co-pilot.” I said jabbing a thumb in Luna’s direction. A low laugh grumbled in his chest.

“Well, I’ll have the cook make you something to eat. Freshen yourself up before we meet.” He stated. I gave him a brisk nod. Although we were close, and he showed favoritism towards me, I was still his employee and I showed him that respect. He began to walk away before pausing and turning on his heel, which I noticed was without shoes. “Guards give you any trouble?”

“As always. They’ll show me respect when hell freezes over.” I laughed. He sighed and snapped his finger. A vampire dressed in all black came from nowhere to stand beside Daniel.

“Do I really have to tell my people, again? Genevieve is to be treated with respect.” Daniel commanded. The guard stood even straighter, giving me a small glance. Daniel waved him off and the vampire disappeared without a final look at me. Although Daniel, once again, said something things will never change. I didn’t expect to. Even though they would talk down to me, the vamps in his employment never acted on their words. They were scared of me, which only made me smile more. I was deadly in my own sense. I’ve trained, and continue to, just to become strong enough to kill The Vampire. Everyone else in my way was just another casualty in my long rap sheet of kills. Confirmed and unconfirmed. I watched as Daniel and Luna walk away, with the peppy vamp telling him yet another story. I walked towards the kitchen, already knowing the cook had begun to prep a large meal for me.

I stood at 5 foot 3 inches without my boots on, but my body demanded large quantities of food to uphold my physique. I was 120 pounds of muscle and wolf. I already required large meals because of my incredibly fast metabolism due to being a werewolf. My work and workout regimen required me to intake more than usual just to allow my body to keep fit. Meat was a requirement, not only for my animal part, but for my muscles. I followed my nose to the dining area where large portions of meat, veggies and carbs waited for me. I looked at the maid, who was waiting for me start eating. Oh, I did.

My last meal was well over 10 hours ago, and I was starving. I didn’t stop for food on the way here because I knew Luna would become impatient any second longer in the car. But man, was I happy for Daniel having loads of money. He only kept food around for the human staff and for me. This is the only reason I put up with fluffy beds and a high maintenance best friend. Food. Anything for the food. I inhaled my food faster than I anticipated. When the dry bread got stuck in my throat and causing me to hiccup, did I slow down. Everything that was set out for me was nearly empty before I gave up and sat back, content. The maid made quick work to clean up after me as I sipped my juice. I looked around the grand dining room, laughing internally at the thought of the vamps coming to sit down for their meals. Daniel would only put on a show of sitting around, sipping on blood in his wine cup when he had food eating visitors.

“Ma'am?” one of the maids asked quietly. I look at her, noticing the slight bow.

“Please, don’t be so formal. I’m not royalty.” I dismissed. This maid was new, I could tell. Not only did I not recognize her face, she treated me as royalty. All the other seasoned staff members treated me as normal human being. I saw a blush creep up on her face.

“Apologies.” She stuttered. “I’m just wondering if you’ll like some more juice.”

“Oh,” I looked down at my cup. I set it down. “I think I’m ok. I feel like taking a hot shower anyways. Thank you.”

“Yes.” She squeaked out. She hurriedly grabbed my cup and took off in the direction of the kitchen. I sighed and got up from the table. I knew where my room was when I stayed at Daniel’s, so I walked myself there. Once I entered the room, I noticed my black duffle bag. I grabbed it and placed it on my bed and took out all my guns, knives and swords. I did a head count, and when once satisfied, I replaced them all back into my bag and tucked it away in the large closet. I turned to the bathroom, ready to get clean again. I knew I smelled, and I was grateful that no one said anything, especially Luna.