Hunter's Attraction

Trixie’s vision swam as she struggled to make out the world around her. The once-deafening shouts from the crowd faded, replaced by an eerie silence—she could no longer hear. Her body was shutting down. Get up, Trixie, she thought, rolling onto her stomach. She couldn’t feel her arms, her legs—nothing. Was it a good sign or a bad one when the body went numb? Silently, she laughed bitterly because she knew the answer. With a weak groan, Trixie managed to get onto her knees, facing her opponent. A wave of nausea hit her, and she retched, blood spilling onto the cement floor. Huh, she thought ruefully, is this what those other women went through? Guilt twisted inside her, sharp and biting, but it was far too late for regrets now. Her opponent’s growl broke through the haze, drawing her attention. Trixie watched as the wolf paced before her, its golden eyes locked on hers. Trixie knew there was no chance of winning, especially since she could no longer shift. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she closed her eyes, the weight of finality pressing in. She would never see her family again, and it was no less than she deserved. All the lies, the betrayal, the hurt she'd caused them—it all led here. And for what? For this? For him? I’m pathetic. When she opened her eyes, resignation turned to surprise. Compassion, regret, and sorrow flickered in the wolf’s gaze. The sight only made her heart ache more. This isn’t your fault, she thought, as though the wolf could hear her. This is mine. You’re innocent in all of this. The truth stung as she finally admitted to herself that she was at fault. With a faint, watery smile, she gave a nod—imperceptible to the audience, but enough that the wolf understood. A silent acknowledgment of what was to come. Trixie's death would be painless and swift. Her last thought wasn’t just for her family—it was a plea for forgiveness. And then the world went dark, and her soul slipped away. [6 months earlier] Lena pumped her little legs, sprinting as fast as she could. She could just make out the kitchen lights ahead. Just one more mile, she thought with a huff. Glancing behind her, she nearly tripped over her paws. Eyes forward, Lena, a voice reminded her in her head. Use your ears. The warning came just in time. Lena jerked her head left as a thwp—sound whizzed past her ear. An arrow! They were gaining on her! Lena pushed her legs even harder, weaving through the trees. Good job, her teacher's voice whispered in her mind, and Lena beamed, proud of herself. Lena! Look out! Too late. The branch slapped her right in the face, sending her tumbling down a hill. She rolled and landed flat on her stomach in the backyard. Ow, she thought, her ears catching the sound of boots and paws approaching. A moment later, a wet nose nudged her. Lena? She refused to look her mentor in the face. She wanted to disappear from embarrassment. "Is she okay?" Lena heard a male voice ask. "Is anything broken?" A whimper was her mentor’s only response. I’m fine, Lena willed her thought, as she had been taught. Just embarrassed. The older wolf huffed, sounding suspiciously like a snicker. A blanket was tossed over her body, and Lena shifted back to human form. She stayed under a few moments longer before shyly peeking out from under the blanket. Sirena sat in front of her, also covered in a blanket, smiling. "You okay?" Sirena asked. "I'm fine," Lena pouted, then looked around. "Where are Aiden and Lily?" "They went inside. You sure you're okay?" Sirena repeated. "I am humiliated," Lena sighed, "and my head hurts." "You ran face-first into a branch." Sirena stood and offered her hand. Lena accepted the help, wobbling slightly on her feet. "Careful," Sirena steadied her. "Let’s get you inside for a concussion check." "I think this should still count as a win for me," Lena said, following Sirena toward the house. "Really?" Sirena chuckled. "You ran face-first into a branch." "I still beat you guys, and I didn’t get hit," Lena said proudly. "You sure about that?" Sirena smirked and gently tugged a clump of Lena's loose hair, holding it in front of her eyes. Lena's smile dropped as she noticed the fluorescent yellow paint smeared across her hair. "Dang it," she groaned. "Come on," Sirena laughed, leading the precocious 8-year-old inside. "Concussion check, shower, pizza, then debrief." *** Sirena sat on the floor in front of the fireplace, gently stroking Monte. The large Saarloos had plopped his head into her lap, watching the flames with contentment. Aiden soon joined them. “Hey,” he playfully frowned at Monte, “that’s my spot.” Monte glanced at him briefly, then turned back to the fire. “I’m telling you, he hates me,” Aiden muttered, settling on Sirena’s other side. Sirena rolled her eyes. “You’re being ridiculous. Monte loves you.” “No, he doesn’t,” Aiden insisted, shaking his head. “He sees me as a threat.” “Not this again,” Sirena sighed. “He can smell the werewolf in me and perceives my masculinity to be a threat.” “You’re only ¼ werewolf,” Sirena muttered, but Aiden was on a roll. “He smells me on you and is threatened by my dominance,” Aiden said. “Again…you’re ridiculous,” Sirena said, shaking her head with a soft smile. “I’ve marked you, and he hates it.” “Just ignore him,” she told Monte. Then, more seriously, she asked, “How’s Lily?” Aiden’s tone shifted. “Happy to be away from he-who-will-not-be-named. She’s excited about college.” Sirena nodded slowly. “And Lena?” She hesitated, her voice softer now. Aiden studied her, his face serious. “Well, she’s not concussed. She said the only thing bruised is her ego.” He smiled faintly. “I’m always impressed by how intelligent she is.” Sirena’s hand faltered for a moment, but she said nothing. Aiden leaned closer. “She told me she wants you to be her mom,” he continued gently. Sirena tensed, her hand freezing in Monte’s fur. “I’m not her mother,” she muttered, shifting uncomfortably. “Sirena…” “She has a mom…a dad…a-a family.” “Sirena, it’s been two and a half years. No one’s looking for her.” “You don’t know that,” Sirena insisted, her hand moving faster over Monte’s fur. Aiden placed his hand over hers, stilling the motion. “Talk to me,” he urged, his voice soft. Sirena’s eyes flickered with a blank stare, her mind retreating. Aiden frowned. He hated when she shut him out like this. “Please, Sirena. What’s going on?” “There’s…” She paused, biting her lip. “I’m 29, Aiden. I only became mentally stable two years ago. And even now, I still question myself. I can’t be a mom. I’m not ready.” Aiden’s gaze softened, and he sighed. “So, what are we going to do?” “What’s wrong with us being sisters with different fathers?” “What do you have against adoption?” “N-nothing,” Sirena stuttered, her voice betraying her uncertainty. “Lena is a very intelligent and perceptive eight-year-old,” Aiden said carefully. “She can sense you pulling away.” “I’ll run with her more,” Sirena suggested weakly. “She doesn’t want to spend time with you as a wolf, Sirena.” “That’s all I can offer right now. Please, Aiden, I don’t want to argue.” She sighed heavily. “This place… it’s already stressing me out.” Aiden frowned. “Are you sure you’re okay moving back here? Knight Mountain—” “Cortez Mountain,” Sirena corrected. “Right,” Aiden smiled softly. “Cortez.” “I’m fine,” Sirena said, though her voice wavered slightly. “It’s good for me. And Lily appreciates the distance.” Aiden nodded in agreement. “It’ll be good for us.” “Us,” Aiden repeated with a smile, brushing a loose braid behind Sirena’s ear as he leaned in. “I like the sound of that.” “You’re so cheesy,” Sirena whispered as her lips brushed against his. Grrrr. Sirena looked down at Monte, who was staring at Aiden with a glare. “See? Told you he hates me,” Aiden said with a smirk. “Shush. Monte, go to Lena,” Sirena commanded softly. Monte gave Aiden one last sulky look before standing and slinking away. “I told you,” Aiden repeated, laughing. “Come here,” Sirena smiled, pulling Aiden into a deep kiss that banished their worries—at least for the moment. *** Lily slid the last item into her messenger bag, a surge of excitement bubbling inside her. Tomorrow was her first day at a new community college in Virginia. The old Lily would have spent hours obsessing over her outfit, carefully curating every piece to match. But that was two years ago. That Lily had been through some things—had grown, lived, and learned. Now, did that mean she didn’t still plan her outfits? Absolutely not. She already had her looks sorted for the entire week, Monday to Friday—work uniform not included. And yes, she was definitely going to wear her favorite open-toed heels. It was still August, after all, and Virginia's weather was as unpredictable as ever—unbearably hot at the moment. But this time, beneath her cute dress, she’d be wearing several silver-tipped daggers and throwing stars, their weight a reassuring presence. A compact folding survival bow was tucked cleverly in her messenger bag—a bag that, two years ago, she would have hated because it didn’t match her outfit. Now, she couldn’t care less. Her focus had shifted. The bracelets stacked on her wrists? Not just for show anymore. Retractable garrote wire coated in silver—her own design built by her father. She smiled, letting out a contented sigh. She felt prepared, ready for anything. Her parents would be pleased—proud, even. With a quick text to them and Rose, she settled beneath her covers; the excitement making it hard to relax. Tomorrow was going to be a long day, but the beginning of something new, something better. Her heart fluttered. She couldn’t wait!