Wolf Hunters

A howl resounded across the air, shattering the prevailing calm in the forest. Before Kathleen could turn around to see what was making the scary noise behind her, a long sharp claw pierced through her heart making her gasp painfully. Kathleen immediately woke up, gasping for air as she held her throat before a loud scream was torn from her lips. The air grew sickeningly thin around her room and she knew deep down that something bad was going to happen soon, it wouldn't be good but rather too painful to bear, and recollecting the dream, there wouldn't be a way to stop it from happening. She sat upright, sucking her sharp breaths as she rapidly pulled the duvet off her trembling body. With her hands on her hair, she made use of a blue band to tie up her hair properly again and started towards the door till she got outside the house without disturbing anyone who was fully asleep. The moon which she gazed at was full, and it was also the right time to go wolf hunting. Some of the beasts might not be able to control their powers today and some might hurt trying to shift too. They were new to this neighborhood and her father had picked a place closer to the woods in order to make their hunting easier. This wasn't where they lived, but she was certain something would keep her family tied up here for a longer time than they expected. She turned back and gasped when she realized she had left her phone behind and she needed to make a quick call to check on her boyfriend Curtis. "Why are you still up and what are you doing out here this late my darling. It could be so dangerous out here at a time like this".That was her mom. She turned and signed in relief when she recognized the voice. She folded her arms against her breast and walked toward her mom. "Here darling, I figured out you'd be here. Cover up you might catch a cold".She collected the small-sized coat and used it on her body. "Are you uncomfortable with something, or the place?." Her mother held her shoulders "Baby, I know it's your birthday tomorrow and I'm sorry we had to move here so quick." Though Kathleen felt sorry for herself, but there was nothing she could do about it. It was for the best and she agreed too. "Thanks mom. Believe me when I say I'm completely fine. Going wolf hunting with you, dad, and my aunt has always been my dream since I was 14. Tomorrow I'll be 20 and it'll be my first hunt". Kathleen whispered with a smile and her gaze on her mom. "you'll do just great darling, I believe in you" She hugged her warmly and walked back into the house with her mom. Pretending to be asleep, Kathleen opened her eyes immediately after she heard the sound of her door. That meant her mom was already out and she wasn't ready to fall asleep again. She stood up and sauntered towards her window unlocking it to have a peek outside the house. Taking in a deep breath, she tried relaxing and the thought of becoming a full hunter tomorrow made her lose her interest in going back. She felt she was becoming a whole new being and to make her family proud was all she wanted most. Her gaze drifted towards another direction spotting a creature in the dark, it had a tail. Taking a closer look, she gasped when she spotted a Wolf. It wasn't in its human form but had shifted and its sapphire blue eyes made it look unique. She made to turn and grab her arrow when it felt her abrupt movement and took to its heels on all four. So fast the creature ran into the woods to hide and it did amaze her with the level of speed it used in running. She couldn't go out to look for it, so she remained calm and closed back the window still feeling uneasy. •••• "Ryder, I was worried sick about you, where the hell have you been?" Mira called out when she spotted him behind a tree. Turning back to her human form she was now completely naked as she walked toward him. She leaned and hugged him tightly."You could have been in danger Ryder, the hunters are back so we need to be careful. Let's go back and inform our people". Their relationship which would soon be two years, Mira leaned again and deeply kissed him, while his hands went to her waist. Deep in the kiss, Ryder felt confused. The young girl that had seen him needs to be quiet for their safety. He was certain she was also a hunter like the others who had attacked them years ago and by sunrise, they would be in danger again. "Mira, someone saw me and I think she's a hunter" "What! A hunter? How could you be so careless Ryder, enough to let a hunter get a glimpse of you in your wolf form? Were you followed?"Mira asked with trembling voice. Ryder frowned at the thought of his mistake before speaking again. "After the mating ceremony tomorrow, we'll inform my father about it. It could be dangerous" Mira looked at him and her eyes immediately turned yellow holding his shoulders "You need to come with me, Ryder your mother's condition has worsened, she needs to see you immediately". Within seconds, he shifted with his eyes turning yellow. His claws dug deep into the soil, and his fangs exposed while he snarled in anger standing on all four before running with speed back to his home. The cold wind followed, and as he sped dry leaves scattered from their places following him. "Ryder, wait up" Mira yelled and shifted back immediately following him behind. As Ryder came to a halt, he raised his head and transformed back to his human form with parts of his clothes torn into pieces. He was greeted by the council of the Red Moon pack as they surrounded his mother's deceased body. His father, Alpha Jagger, stepped forward with deep brown eyes as he watched his son cry out. "Ryder, there's nothing we can do. Please get up" " Try, at least try father. Try and bring her back for I believe she isn't gone just yet" He was fully aware he had just uttered total gibberish and knew a dead person wasn't capable of coming back to life. Ryder sniffed as he was handed a long wooden stick burning with fierce fire and immediately threw it to set his mother's lifeless body on fire. "Father, we need to leave tonight, immediately father. The hunters are back again and our pack would be in grave danger if they find our home". A hard slap swept across his face by his father when he uttered such, startling everyone present, especially Mira. "Did you leave the woods again? Did you let them see you?" His father's furious voice yelled rendering Ryder speechless. "We can't leave till after the ceremony. Because your ignorance I can't stand by and watch you endanger my people Ryder. Therefore, you shall be banished and leave this pack for good never to return". A loud gasp escaped the stunned lips of those who were present, especially Mira. "But father, he..." Mira tried to interrupt but was stopped from speaking further. "Not another word Mira. He leaves tonight" Alpha jagger said and hurtfully walked away shifting his gaze to avoid the gaze of his son.