Hunters and Beasts

School and mystery

Faith walked into the school, dodging people as they passed. She started towards her first class, carrying her books in her hands. “FAITH!” she turned to see who had called for her and saw Caleb rushing towards her.

“didn’t I jusssst see you?” she said smiling. He removed her books from her arms and putting a protective arm around her shoulder to lead her to class.

“Yes, but I wanted to see you again.” Caleb looked down at the books, noticing his journal tucked into the mix. “You brought it with you?”

“Yes.” Faith blushed and looked down. “I wanted to be able to learn about you without the embarrassment of asking.”

“You don’t have to be shy, I really do like you and want you to be yourself with me.”

“I don’t know who I am…” Caleb stopped and pulled her to the side of the hallway with him. They were facing one another.

“Then I want to learn who you are with you.” Faith closed her eyes to stop them from tearing up. “Shhhh.” Caleb cooed, pulling her in with one arm for a tight hug. She curled into him, feeling his warmth against her.

“Thank you.” Faith whispered pulling back. “This is me.” She pointed to her English class.

“Have a good first class. I’ll be waiting right here when it lets out to take you to the next one.” Faith smiled and walked into the classroom. Tyler was already sitting down, staring at her arrival.

“Was that Caleb? The captain of the football team Caleb?”

“Mind your own business Tyler.”

“So it was? Guess you weren’t ‘just looking for information’ after all.”

“I was, but I’m also allowed to have a life that doesn’t affect my job. Look at it this way if it does you get my position. Bet that makes you hard to think about doesn’t it? Now f**k off.” Tyler smirked but turned his attention to the front where the teacher was once again slumped over in his chair. Damn drunk. A student set up the days video and everyone was carrying on side conversations. She pulled out Caleb’s journal and opened the front. The first date on the book was marked the first day of school.

August 8th, aftermath of the fifth first day of senior year for me. I once again live at my home. We left for a time but returning was, as always, a welcomed process. I hate to be away from the beautiful land I was born on. School started like any other year had, that is until I saw her. She was standing at the head of a formation of Spartan guard cadets. I knew what that meant but I could not take my eyes away from her. She had dark hair and piercing brown eyes, that bore into the cadets in front of her. The way she stood, the power, was alluring. She was shockingly beautiful, for a human. I knew she wouldn’t know what I was, and that was tempting enough to make me want to peruse her. I’ve decided to wait, but my eyes are locked on this girl.

Faith skimmed a few pages involving football and wolf business and found another section about her.

August 20th first assembly, introduced as the captain of the football team, learned the mystery woman’s name, Faith. Beautiful name fitting her beautiful self. I find myself drooling when I think of her. The attraction is almost as strong as hunger can get when left unsatisfied. I want to know this woman, unlike any before her.

Faith blushed before continuing another section.

August 25th I’ve done something stupid today that could have got me killed. I followed the hunters to their headquarters and followed faith through the woods on her patrols. We've been careful not to leave tracks, so I am not quite sure why they are patrolling. Practice maybe? Faith stopped and looked directly at me, and I thought for sure she had saw me. She smells familiar somehow, like a smell you can always recognize. I can’t hide in the shadows forever, I’m not sure if she will accept me as I am, but I want to try!

September 13th, I continue to find myself at Faith’s heels, I feel right there. I’ve seen the changes in her movements from time to time and a dark pain on her face. Who hurts her? I haven’t seen her get in any monster fights, I don’t know where the injuries come from. I wish I could heal her and make her feel better.

The bell rung and faith blinked away from the book. He’s been watching me for two and a half months! She left the classroom and Caleb immediately took her books from her grasp.

“I told you that I would be waiting.” She slipped her arm around his arm, and he grinned largely.

“Lead away, stalker boy.”

“you’ve been reading my journal then?”

“Yes, and I’m impressed I didn’t catch you. Also, you are so soft and innocent with your inner thoughts, its cute.”

“I don’t hide who I am, that is the me you would receive. I can’t explain my attraction to you, but I wanted to show you it was realistic with my journal.”

“You definitely don’t seem to be hiding it. You let me read werewolf secrets. I could destroy your entire clan with this information.” She teased and nudged him.

“You could, but you wont, you want to see where this goes just like me. I’m glad you would put aside other options for me.”

“Options?” faith spit out a laugh. “What options do you think I have?”

“You aren’t romantic with that guy in your squad? Tyler isn’t it?”

“No. Absolutely not. I’ve never really been romantic… I’ve only loved one person and she’s gone.”

“Oh, I’m sorry faith, I didn’t know. If it makes you feel better, you are the first girl I’ve perused.”

“I find that hard to believe considering your age and looks.”

“I’ve been involved in arranged marriages, but I’ve turned them all down. I didn’t have a connection to any of them.” They arrived at Faith’s next class before she could respond, and Caleb walked away before she could say anything. “See you after class.” He called over his shoulder.  She huffed before walking into her class and settling down in her chair. She half-heartedly listened to the teacher as they talked about history and waited for the bell to ring. She skimmed more of Caleb’s notebook, eager to read more.

September 16th there is a change in the wind tonight. I feel a heavy pressure around faith as I follow her. Something else is here watching too. Vampires are starting to come back to town again. There is definitely something changing in the world.

Faith paused. The vampires have been coming back for almost a month and we just now got Intel? What the fuck

September 23rd a vampire came close to the packs home today, he came to ask to conversate with me on behalf of Vladimir. I told him I wanted to hear nothing of it. Since I took over from my father, I have tried to keep us safe in the mortals world. He would only threaten this. I learned of Faith’s involvement in the middle school trip. I’ve made up my mind, that is when I will introduce myself and hope that she doesn’t kill me on the spot.

September 25th, I walked behind faith in the hallway, her body caught my eyes but not as much as her jacket. It smelled wolfish. She was wearing an alpha wolf skin, my lost uncle. I am truly the only alpha left.

Faith touched her jacket. Oh Caleb... she looked at the bell, it was almost time to go to the next class. She carefully closed Caleb’s journal and got ready to go. The bell rung and she slipped out of class to where Caleb waited.

“How was class?” she said taking his arm.

“I don’t know, I wasn’t paying attention.”

“How do you expect to pass for the hundredth time if you don’t pay attention?”

“hey, its only my fifth time.”

“Only.” he smiled as he parted the crowds of people with her in tow. She could feel jealous eyes boring into her. “So how many girls have you dated? You could have your pick I’m sure.”

“Honestly? None.”

“You lie!”

“When have I ever lied to you?”

“you’ve charmed me.”

“that’s different. I told you before, what you see is what you get.”

“Why have you never dated?”

“Why have YOU never dated?”

“i have... once...” Faith looked away. “i was young and I didn’t know about this life yet. But its in the past now.”

“well, we can always figure things out together.” 

“Yeah, maybe we can.” Caleb dropped her off at her class before smiling and heading towards his own. She sat down looking at her phone, no message flashed across the screen. She zoned out in the class and before she knew it it was time for her cadet class. The bell rung and she walked out Caleb was waiting “you probably shouldn’t walk me to this class. They might think too much on the subject.”

“What do they think about me this far?”

“Nothing that I know of. I said I vetted you in connection to Brandon. I said that you weren’t involved.”

“Well then we should go together. They will have to get used to your boyfriend being around.”

“You aren’t my boyfriend.” Faith cut her eyes at him with a playful smile.

“Yet. I’ll charm you if I have too.” He smiled and she frowned. “I’m only joking.” He followed Faith’s stare to a large, bearded man standing outside the cadet classroom. My father. What the f**k is he doing here?  

“Ahh sergeant thank you for actually showing up today.” Her father gave them a cold glare. “And who might this young man be?” faith tried to grab Caleb but he moved past her and grasped her father’s hand for a firm shake.

“My name is Caleb Petters, captain of the football team.” They released one another. Faith watched as her father removed a thin silver charm from his hand. He tested him!

“Ah Caleb. My faith has mentioned you.” Her father eyed her, and she moved to his side. He clasped her shoulder, digging his fingers in to cause discomfort. The corners of her mouth twitched, and her eyes pleaded with Caleb to leave.

“You are her father?”

“That’s what her mother told me!” they laughed softly at his ‘joke.’

“Well sir it was nice to meet you, I hope to see you latter, faith.” She nodded as Caleb slowly turned away.

“Get in the f*****g room.” Her father hissed shoving her forward. “He passed the silver test. I suppose you were telling the truth then. I guess Tyler was wrong to doubt you.” He grasped her arm roughly. “But my warning still stands. Do not try to shed off your responsibilities for some teenage boy.”

“No sir. I will not.” She inwardly sighed in relief, wondering how Caleb’s skin did not burn to the silver. “Take control of your cadets. I will take my leave.” She watched as her father walked out. She turned to her team who waited, just witnessing her interacting with her father.

“Alright teams change out. We are heading outside.” Everyone hurried to get changed and met faith back in the hallway leading towards the football field. “We are running drills let’s go!” she led the team from the building setting the pace with a level jog. Faith could see the football players and conditioning class getting ready to run as well. They got to the starting line and waited for the first group of runners to go to try and ease the congestion. “Alright GO! Two miles!” faith took off at a face pace, setting herself up for seven-minute miles. She saw Caleb up ahead keeping a blistering five-minute mile pace. Good lord. She watched as he slowly caught up to her as she ran the track. He caught up, and smiled at her, slowing it pace.

“Only two miles babe? I’m going for five.”

“Babe?” she coughed. “I did ten yesterday and my patrol.”

“I did twenty.”

“On four legs?” he grinned.

“Maybe?” Caleb’s face went serious for a moment. “Your dad hits you. I could read it on his face.” Faith slowed down and Caleb slowed with her. “You don’t have to live under a man who does that.”

“Caleb…” she pleaded softly. “Not now… not now.”

“I don’t like it.” His jaw was tight, and he took off without another word to continue his miles fast. She kept her own pace and finished strong. Caleb was the only one left on the track, continuing his miles.

“Alright cadets time to move back in.”

“Wait.” The conditioning coach walked over. “Would your cadets mind playing a round of flag football with my class?” the cadets looked at faith with grins.

“Uh, yes sir I suppose we would.” The cadets cheered. “Get water then return here for flag belts!”

“Hooah!” the team took off like a tidal wave.

“I assume you are captain, miss Blackheart?”

“a fair assumption sir.” He smiled and patted her shoulder, her hair standing on end. “You can face Mr. Petters.” He’s a wolf. She eyed him as he walked away. Caleb walked over, drenched in sweat.

“So, you are going to play against us? Good luck. I won’t go easy on you.”

“I’d never ask you too.” She poked him in the chest. “Ready to be beat by a girl?”

“I’m ready to win.”

“Well see who wins.”

“When I win, I'd like a kiss.”

“Oh? When I win I want dinner.”

“Fair enough.” Faith walked to where her team waited and put on her flag belt.

“Alright you all know the rules! No flags and your out, play dirty and your out! Let’s go Spartans. Cadets can be shirts; conditioners can be skins.” Caleb grinned and took off his shirt. He wore a tight black tank top that cling to him like condensation on a cold glass. Oh f**k. Faith bit her lip but turned her attention away from Caleb.

“Alright team. Non-verbal, hand commands. Alpha formation. James, you throw.” They clapped and lined up in front of the other team ready to start.

“Ladies first” Caleb said handing faith the ball. She took it and tossed it to cadet James before taking her position as a wide receiver. Caleb was smiling at her, but she was in the mood to win. The ball was snapped, and her team went to work. She quickly made it out and open for a pass. James spotted her and threw her a perfect spiral. She saw Caleb charging up on her quickly. She caught the ball and cut around him hard to the left. He grabbed her in a bear hug around her midsection and pulled off one of her flags. “Got you.” He whispered in her ear, still holding her off the ground in his arms. She giggled and he put her down on her feet.

“Still had a good drive. Suck it.” she stuck her tongue out and walked away putting extra sway in her hips. She heard him take in a sharp breath. The next snap landed them a touchdown and faith smiled and waved to Caleb. They got a first down. He took his position as the quarterback. Faith set herself up to defend. She watched Caleb fake a pass and start to push his way forward. She broke from the formation and took off after him. He glanced at her grinning and picked up the speed, scoring once more. The game went on until it tied again, faiths cadets having the ball. “Looks like we are going to win.”

“Not if I can help it.” Caleb smirked, digging his feet into the turf. faith told her team to get it to her deep and they would end it. They took up position and prepared to go. Faith tapped into her energy and when the snap happened, she took off like a rocket. Caleb was on the other side of the field and noticed her full sprint and took off after her. She turned right as the ball was coming for her and she jumped to catch it. Only thirty yards from the touchdown. She saw a blur and hit the ground, hard. f**k. Her head was spinning. She saw a large man with the ball in his hand heading back down the line. She tried to sit up but could not. How hard was I hit?

                        Caleb pov*

Caleb stood in his last huddle. “Alright team, it was a good game, lets bring it home. They are probably going to go deep; I expect it to be Tyler.”

“Its probably going to be faith.”

“they’ve used her a lot today; they want us to expect that and throw us off.”

“if you say so.”

“even if they do I can catch her with ease. Ill cover Tyler. Michael, watch faith.” the team broke and took position. Caleb eyed faith, watching her eyes flash. Is she using powers? Oh, that’s not fair. They ARE going to throw it to her. Caleb looked at Tyler who was eyeing him. The ball was snapped, and he ran out to cover Tyler who went deep as well. Caleb watched the ball go towards Faith and broke free from Tyler to rush towards it. He saw a flash of red in Michael’s eyes as he charged her. What the hell? Michael isnt a monster. Michael rushed faith right as she jumped to catch the ball. Michael slammed into her, dropping her hard to the ground as he caught the ball. Faith! Caleb ran to her, but she was already out. He turned his attention to Michael, feeling a rage coming on. He stopped in the middle of the field, the game going on around him. He was breathing heavily, eyes darkening.

“Caleb!” the coach ran over to him. “Sir now is not the time. Take a breath before you expose yourself!” Caleb turned away from the game seeing faith trying to sit up. He rushed to her and dropped to his knees to check on her.

“What happened?” she shook her head.

“You got hit.” a small amount of blood ran from her lip. She smells like... home. What is it about her that makes me lose myself? 

“By what? My head hurts.”

“I don’t know what he was.”

“Sir the cadets are coming.” the cadets were walking to faith, disappointment on their faces. The conditioners were cheering and hi-fiving a dazed looking Michael.

“That was a bullshit play Coach!” Tyler said looking at faith who was sitting up.

“I didn’t see what had happened, I cant be sure.” the cadets were outraged.

“Head back to class and get cleaned up.” faith stood up on shaky feet. The cadets grumbled but walked off. They were left standing on the field alone. Caleb turned to faith who was staring at him.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah... I think so.” she stepped closer to him. “But I have something I have to do.”

“Oh? What’s that?” Faith hooked her hand around his neck and pulled him down to her lips. He felt his lips contact hers and a jolt of energy passed through him. He put a hand on her lower back and pulled her against him. She pulled away and tucked her head into his chest.

“To the victor goes the spoils.”

“I didn’t win fairly. You would have scored if not for what happened.” Caleb kept his arms around her feeling his heart race in his chest. He looked down at her. She had her eyes closed and her head against him. She is beautiful.

“We should go, class is almost over.” she pulled away slowly and walked towards the school. He watched her walk, a hunger growing with every step she took away.