The Alpha and His Huntress (ON HOLD)

“I'm taking the mission.” I announced. My father's hand stopped from cutting the steak my mother had prepared earlier. “What was that?” His eyes narrowed at me. We were in the middle of dinner, but there was no better time to tell him the news now since I'll be going tomorrow. My three brothers; Levi, Raymond and Von stopped eating too. Mom, on the other hand was eating like there was no upcoming storm. “I'm going to Europe. I took the Ross mission.” I explained calmly while still eating. As a hunter, it's my job to do missions no matter what level it is but then, I cannot help but aim for the highest and Europe is home to a class S mission. The fact that I am a Walker only adds to the need to aim higher because people expect me to be as good as my father and those of the line amongst Walkers. We are known as the best of the best, the most lethal and highly knowledgeable about the shape shifting creature. My ancestors made it their life's cause to protect humanity from those vicious animals. Werewolves are not known to many, only a few such as us, the Walker's Association know about them. They were long forgotten as time ticks by and humanity advanced into a more civilized one. While we humans learned to live out of the forest, they didn't—couldn't because of their heightened senses that is sensitive to the public. However, it did not stop them from improving on where they are. In fact, they even managed to create their own little cities that are hidden even from the map. Their kinds are better hidden than revealed to the world where their existence would likely cause a public panic. So to speak, they are better a myth until they are nothing, not even a history. Dad slammed his hand flat on the table, hard enough to shook its contents. From my peripheral vision, I saw my mother flinch and my oldest brother, Levi cast me a look of disapproval. He was, of all my brothers, is the one that's like dad the most. “You are not going anywhere.” Dad said it like it was a decree. He went back to eating as if everything has been solved. What he said irked me. Still, I remained calm. I want his support on this— I needed his support of I want to have another mission on Europe. “I'm going. It's tomorrow.” The table shook again when he slammed his hands down on the table once more. “Lilliana!” Convincing him was never easy, specially on things like this. Dad is just... Dad. I looked up and met his furious stare. The veins on his neck looked as though it will pop any minute now. It happens every single time I try to tell him something like this. I could have gone and sneaked out without his knowledge, Wyatt will always have my back, but I knew doing that would risk my career in hunting. Dad has always been particular about my not going to Europe. He absolutely forbids me to go there. “You are not going anywhere.” His eyes warned me to defy him, but I won't let him stop me. No, I am simply not being a rebellious child, having fun in disregarding her parent's will. I am curious. Ever since I started to hunt, my goal has always been Europe. It was where the strongest and largest pack resides, hidden beneath vast forest. I just needed to go there. For some reason, I felt like I should. The Ross mission is a definite ticket to Europe, but I need my father's approval. He runs the whole Walker Association, something he inherited from my grandfather who inherited it from his grandfather—oh, you get the idea. It has been passed down from hundreds of years if not a millennium, starting from a messy feud between hunters and werewolves. “Dad. Please. I'm ready. I can take on Europe. Besides, it's not like I am going for the Lucan Pack just yet.” I said, hoping that he would listen. My brother, Levi snorted. “Europe is not a playground, Lilliana. It's a damned wilderness filled with the most vicious animals there is.” I glared at him. “I can take the mission. You know I can. I'm well-trained. I've gained my rank if you are not well aware.” That was true. As a hunter, there are ranks such as; tier 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and the highest, tier 6. I am a tier 6, despite my young age of 24 compare to others who reached that tier at thirty and above. In fact, I am a candidate for the commander position already, but I declined, seeing as I prefer to work alone without a team. “You're being reckless. I agree. You must not go.” He was dismissing me. My eyebrows knitted together. “You are underestimating me.” Levi's features softened. I know what he was going to say. “You're my baby sister. I won't let you risk yourself over some need to prove yourself. You're strong, sure, but what if something happens, and you got cornered? Those bastards will tear you apart.” I appreciate their concern for my well-being, I really do, but I am not a baby anymore. I'm a grown woman who had a reputation that exceeds even my father when he was my age—everyone told me so. Not only that, but I'm not called the 'alpha killer' for nothing. I earned it. I worked hard for it and it paid off. I won't let my overprotective family stop me. Dangerous yes, but I am ready for the risk. I kept a straight face, refusing to let his words affect me. “I don't need protecting.” “Lilliana—” “Your brother is right. You're not going and that's final. I don't ever want to hear about this anymore.” Dad went on to eat as if the conversation has ended. “Why?” I demanded. Dad acted like he didn't hear me. I could see Raymond and Von shaking their heads. Now, I'm angry. He needs to give me more explanation than that if he wants to keep me from going. “Why are you so against with me going to Europe?” I am starting to think that there's more to this than what he's saying. My hands curled into a fist. “Is it because you don't think I could ever do it?” This time, Dad looked up and met my eyes. Everyone was waiting for his answer. Even Mom was now looking in between us both. I saw her put a hand over my father's, as if trying to placate him. “Yes.” Mom put a hand over her mouth, unbelieving that he'd said it. My brothers gasp and even Levi looked in shock with his answer. Of course. Only my father could render every effort, every training that I've aced, and every achievement I've earned useless. When everyone was congratulating me for every success, Dad was just watching. He never once told me he was proud. He's said it. He really said it. Well, at least now I know where to stand. I know now what he thinks of me. It hurts. More than any bruises or cuts or even every failure that I've experience. Dad had always been my idol, the one person I admire the most. I aspired to be like him. Why can't he stop and see me too? Resigned with the fact that my father will never see me more than a little girl, playing guns, I took the napkin off my lap and threw it on the table. With more courage now more than ever, I met my father's eyes—ones that are so much alike my own, only it was a lighter shade of green. “I'm going whether you like it or not.” I say. I stood up, ready to leave. Dad stood up as well. He was a tall man. I am not short at 5'8, but I still have to look up to meet his eyes. “Have you no respect of your father anymore?” His voice boomed. “I'm done trying to make you see my efforts—to make you proud. I know now that I can't, but I'm not going to let you stop me just because you think I'm not good enough.” I lifted my chin higher. With what he said, I feel stronger, and more determined than ever. I will make him acknowledge me. “I'll come back victorious.” ... As expected, Dad ordered for me to be banned from doing missions. Almost immediately, I was suspended from my position and is on probation until further notice. I knew he'll do it, and I was prepared. Now, I sat inside the private plane sipping wine. I stare out the window where I could see nothing but trees. We were almost there. “Hey, you've had that poker face since we took off, and now we're landing, and you still got it. Care to share what caused it?” Wyatt, my best friend since diaper days bumped my shoulders with his. I look at him. His curly auburn hair, was a messed and covers the entire of his forehead and his eyebrows. He looked fresh from the bed, and yet he looks as handsome as ever. No wonder girls fall on his feet wherever he goes. His dark brown eyes narrowed when I didn't answer. “You good?” He tilted his head. I nodded. Wyatt raised an eyebrow. “Let me guess, you and your dad had a fight again?” I can't help but chuckle at his precise guess. “You sure is my best friend, Wy.” He grinned. “Let me guess again, it was about this mission.” I shook her head and smiled. “Yeah. Dad was being ridiculous again.” Wyatt laughed. “Ray Walker was always ridiculous whenever her daughter is in concern.” He joked. “Anyway, care to explain?” Suddenly, the flight attendant announced their landing. I smirked at Wyatt. “Guess we'll have to save that for another time.” ... An unexplainable feeling hit me as soon as I stepped out of the plane. The cold air hits me in the face and like I always do, I lifted my nose and breathe in the fresh air. For some reason it was calming my nerves and somehow, oddly enough I felt a connection with the place.