The Hunter

Chapter 5

I turned on the shower, and while it was running and catching up to the heat I wanted it at, I undressed. Peeling off my jeans and removing my shirt, I saw myself in the mirror for the first time in a few days. Newly formed scars were scattered on my body. A large yellow bruise on my ribs was healing from my mission two days ago. I let down my hair and watched it fall past my butt. My scalp itched from the tension of the bun I had put my hair in. I took a good look at my face in the mirror, grimacing at the sight. My dark brown, almost black, hair stood out from my pale face. Working at night, I was never able to keep my slightly tan almost caramel skin color. My hazel eyes were dull and sunken in from the lack of sleep. My long lashes, which I coated with some mascara, was running and giving me raccoon eyes. Guess I’m going to try and find a better mascara. With one final look of my body, I stepped into the blazing hot water. I stood there for a while, letting my muscles relax.

Once I was done showering, I placed my dirty clothes on the seat, knowing a maid was going to whisk them away to be washed, or trashed. They did have blood on them. I stepped out into the room and padded over to the closet. I grabbed a burgundy tee and gray sweatpants; I knew I wasn’t going to go anywhere for a while. Daniel always allowed me to rest and heal after a lone mission. Plus, my main concern was a certain vampire, who I knew wouldn’t want to leave the comfort of her home until the next big party. I walked over to the vanity and grabbed the brush and began to detangle my hair. For now, I left it down so it could air dry. I got some slippers from the closet and made my way downstairs to Daniel’s office. I knocked quickly and walked in when the door opened. I saw Daniel looking over some paperwork that was in his desk. He turned once I was getting closer to him.

“Feeling better?” he asked giving me a once over.

“Mm, much. A shower was very well needed.” I answered. He nodded briskly, turning to the papers. I heard the door open once again, allowing another vampire to come in.

“Smells like wet dog in here.” The dark-skinned man said, a grin plastered on his face. I rolled my eyes.

“Owen, please don’t degrade yourself like that!” I exclaimed, placing a hand over my heart. “You’ve got to love yourself more.”

Owen was Daniel’s number 2 in just about everything. He commanded the warrior vamps, but also held his seat in Daniel’s political party. Owen was a tall man. Well over 6’5” with broad shoulders and muscles to accompany him, he walked with such ease. All vampires did, it was almost like they were weightless. He gave me a giant bear hug as I felt his chest move as he boomed with laughter.

“Hey there little pup, missed your sarcasm. Everyone here is so stiff.” He proclaimed, plopping his giant body on one of the seats in front of Daniel’s desk. I giggled like a school girl at his compliment. Owen took over my training when I came into employment with Daniel. He pushed my human body to its limits more times than I want to remember. He wasn’t afraid of my wolf form either, as he also trained me to utilize it as a weapon. He always wants to race me, and always losing miserably. He loved to f**k with the new recruits by pairing me with them. He knew they would underestimate my size and get a giant kick to their egos when they lost. It was almost like he was a sadist. Daniel cleared his throat. I looked at him, taking a seat myself.

“So, tell us about the mission.” Daniel stated. I took my phone out for them to see the pictures while I spoke.

“There were five vamps hanging out in the abandoned building. Taking them out was a piece of cake. The Maker was nowhere to be found, as I suspected. They were barely past their fledgling stage. I staked out the building for a couple of days hoping The Maker would return, but it was no use. The cleaning crew came and wiped the area and disposed of the bodies that were still uncovered from the human media.” I spoke, Daniel nodding. “It was the same thing as the other vamps in Florida. Whoever this Maker is, they are bad news.”

“How so?” Owen asked, handing the phone back to me.

“I suspect they are trying to build an army of some sort. But they’re not putting any effort into actually training them. I think it’s some sort of f****d up way to test the waters.”

“Did you catch a scent?” Daniel asked.

“It was weak, definitely not one I can trace. But it was the same scent as all the other places I’ve been to clean this assholes mess.”

“Fuck.” Owen whispered. Daniel put his elbows on the desk and interlaced his fingers together. It was in these moments that you could see just how old Daniel was. A frown formed on his face as he was in deep thought. “What do you think, boss?”

“I think it’s time to bring in the council in this matter. I don’t want anyone assuming we have any part in this. I sure as hell don’t want another war.”

“Understandable, when and where should we set the meeting?” Owen asked, producing his own phone.

“A week from tonight, here.” He announced. “The new Alpha is taking over in a few days. I want that to be settled first before we have a meeting like this. He needs to be looped in. Genevieve, contact the humans, I want them aware of this as well. Have them send a representative.”

“I’ll call them first thing in the morning.” I said, Daniel nodded. Owen was already typing away on his phone, probably taking down notes. Although I wouldn’t show it, I was surprised Daniel asked for a human representation at this meeting. He would always send an email of the situation, so he must really be worried about this Maker.

“One last thing,” Daniel spoke, gaining our attention. “I want Luna to be at this meeting as well. She needs to learn what is going on. You will accompany her.”

“Sir, if I may speak freely?” I asked. Daniel only looked at me, giving the silent go ahead. “Luna is not one to enjoy these things. I can always loop her in after the meeting.”

“No.” He declared. I nodded, knowing it was no use trying to change his mind. Luna wasn’t going to like this, but I’ll mention to her that I tried. If that was even considered trying.

“We’ll talk about security detail at a later time?” Owen asked.

“Yes, day is coming soon and we need to rest.” Daniel stated, getting up from his chair. Owen and I followed suit. We were dismissed, and I made my way out the office. Owen sighed behind me.

“Penny for your thought?” I asked him. He shook his head and walked away. I headed up stairs. I knew Luna would be told by Daniel that he requests for her to come, I wasn’t going to touch that drama with a ten-foot pole. Once I was in my room, I pulled out my phone and dialed the number of the human hunters.

“Gen, that you?” I heard from the phone. I smiled.

“Hey, so we got a situation over here.” I stated.

“Have Daniel email us.”

“Yeah, uh, no.” I said drawing out an exasperated sigh from the other side of the phone. “He is requesting human representation. A week from tonight at the mansion here in Washington state.”

“s**t,” my caller cursed, I heard rustling of papers. “I’ll inform the Commander.”

“Cool,” I said quietly. “I appreciate you answering me.”

“For you, anything. See you soon.” And the line went dead. I sighed, setting my phone on the charger. I pulled the blankets over me and allowed myself to sleep.