The Elemental Huntress

Chapter 3 - The Landon's

RHYDIAN'S POV

It was just over an hour before Willa and I finally got the answers we were looking for. The rogue offered us all the information we needed.

I was very good at the verbal side of persuading, words were my ultimate weapon. Whilst Willa preferred the more physical approach. Willa is much more of a bad ass than she looks. She is far better than me at hand-to-hand combat. She also doesn't shy away from causing physical pain if necessary. I have always admired her courage to not shy away from the hard stuff.

I was silent with Willa, as we headed back into the cabin, both of us thinking about Elira but neither of us saying anything. She had been off all night, and I was worried something was wrong with her. I had no idea how to approach this with Elira and hoped Willa had an idea, but I couldn't quite bring myself to ask her.

I was responsible for a lot when it came to these sassy, vibrant women, but sometimes I had no idea how to speak their language. I found it easier when they just bounced off each other. I could do sarcastic banter for sure, but when it came down to something more serious, I was not the guy to turn to.

I was raised by Moonlight Technology from the age of 5 years old. I had access to all the knowledge and books I could possibly need, and a great tutor. I learned self-defence and never really cared much about building relationships with others, as I didn't trust easily. That was until I met Willa and Elira. Their bright smiles and their "f**k the rules" kind of attitude gave me a whole new way of looking at the world.

It was the first time since I had come to Moonlight Tech that I really connected with anyone. We became an inseparable trio and to this day nothing has changed.

But I am anxious most days now. I worry something is about to drastically change. I can sense it, and with Elira's behaviour today, I am only more certain of what I am already fearing. Mix this uncertain fear with the truth that I haven't been completely honest with the girls, I am hanging on each day, just waiting for the shoe to drop.

I have a secret that only authorised officials at Moonlight Tech know. The two most important people in my life certainly don't know, and I hope they never will. I don't think I could handle it, because they would never forgive me.

I was born a werewolf and Moonlight tech saved me!

When I was 5 years old, my pack slaughtered an entire village, they killed so many innocent women and children. During the chaos, Moonlight tech came in and started fighting off my pack. They rescued me from turning out just like them. History books have shown me exactly what my kind have done, again and again, to both humankind and their own alike.

I want no part in it, so now I help kill rogue wolves and rid the world of evil.

This anger I carry on the inside, is what drives me. Moonlight tech assigned me to Elira and Willa when they scouted us for the Werewolf division. Although they know I'm a Werewolf, my skills and knowledge of books and history have made me a major asset. Paired with the undeniable combat and strategic skills of both Elira and Willa, they didn't have a choice but to put us all together.

As I'm heading to the bathroom to take a shower, I hear Willa say something that caught me off guard. "She's going to get worse you know!" Willa looked very serious as she made her statement. "I'm not sure how I know but I do, I can feel it. There is something going on and it's much bigger than any of us realise." Willa looked me right in the eye, as she made it clear that she was certain something was happening. How could she sense what I could?

Willa is only human and yet she could feel what I was feeling. I couldn't let her see in my eyes, that I could also feel something was happening. "Ok Willa, I won't question your hunch. I do agree something is up with Elira. Let's just wait and see what tomorrow brings before we turn it into something it's not?" I had to play it cool so that the girls wouldn't worry too much, before I could figure this out. I needed to speak to Elira's parents. Maybe they had some answers for me from Moonlight Tech?

"I'm serious, Rhydian, we need to make sure we get on top of whatever is going on with her, before it's too late!" Willa was strong willed when it came to Elira. She was fierce and never backed down. They shared an unbreakable bond and anytime that Elira needed saving or protecting, Willa was right there to do the honours. "I promise you Willa, we will. Let's not cause more harm by worrying her until I can get some answers from Moonlight Tech. They might already know something we don't. I want to cover all of our bases, ok?" I could see in her eyes that she wasn't going to let this go, but she was willing to follow my lead for now.

WILLA POV

I sigh and although I felt dead tired, I want to make sure that whatever was going on with Elira was top priority. Rhydian headed into the bathroom to wash up before finally getting some sleep. I headed to my room, and whilst I was waiting for my turn to shower, I couldn't stop thinking about Elira and her glowing eyes during the interrogation. After we got back to the bunker and Elira was fired up ready to interrogate some answers, we saw it. Her eyes glowed and that was when we suggested she get some sleep. I couldn't bring myself to discuss it in detail with Rhydian and wasn't sure if Elira was aware of what was going on with herself. I sensed it was the beginning of something big. I wasn't sure how I knew and couldn't worry about that right now.

I needed a hot shower, and some sleep, before doing my own research tomorrow. I knew that Rhydian had asked me to wait until he had investigated it himself, but I wasn't one to rely on others to get my work done for me. I had an intense sense of loyalty towards Elira and would stop at nothing until I knew that Elira was going to be ok.

By daybreak, Elira's parents, Angie and Richard, had already arrived in town. Elira and I were up and ready for morning training when Rhydian told us the news; "So I just got off the phone with your parents and they've arrived at their residence here in town. They said to continue with this morning's training session while they prepare, make sure you have everything ready for your first day tomorrow, and we will have a debrief meeting tonight after training. Apparently, the head of the Moonlight Tech Handlers board is also here, he wants to make sure we are all prepped on what's happening in town so we can have correct strategies in place moving forward." Rhydian explained briefly what was happening and that after the debrief, we would get some early rest in preparation of our first day tomorrow morning. Elira and I would head to school after our usual morning training, and Rhydian would be spending the day working with Moonlight Tech.

ELIRA'S POV

Knowing that I would have to see my parents tonight was bittersweet to say the least. My dad was great, he always knew how to make me smile, no matter how I was feeling. Mum on the other hand, not so much, I loved her for her strength, confidence, and drive. I learned all of that from her, but it was hard to relate to her, when she treated me like an asset to the company, more than her own daughter. I don't ever remember feeling any kind of love from her. She had never really shown any emotion, so I guess I got my poker face from her too.

We didn't train too hard this evening, as we were still a bit on edge from last night and had already had a training session earlier this morning. Willa and I also have our first day of our 'new' high school tomorrow morning. I needed to keep some energy, to deal with my mother's antics.

Once we had tidied up from this evening's training and Willa and I had gotten everything ready for the morning, we headed over to the main house. Richard, Angie, and Chief Handler Marco were all there awaiting our arrival. It was clear to me that Rhydian had obviously briefed them on Club 88, even the parts he wasn't present for.

I was a little put out, but also grateful, Rhydian knew that if the information had come from me, Angie's reaction would have been different. She always reacted differently when it came to me.

Angie began to go over what had been discussed "Ok, here is what we know so far, the Vampires recruited some rogues to help them overtake club 88. We believe the Vampires may have wanted to use it as a lair given the fact its a popular venue with plenty of options to feed on. In exchange for the rogues help, the werewolves were offered land, a place to call their own so to speak. What we know is that the land in question is none other than Wolf Creek Park. That small patch of land that lies between the Red River pack and what used to be the Spirit Moon Pack." My mother seemed frustrated by this turn of events.

"We need to find out if these vampires are part of a bigger clan and which clan it is, we need to know what their next plan of attack is and if it's going to continue involving the rogues that are trying to overtake this town or if we have two separate issues on our hands". My mum spoke calmly but you knew she meant every word and if we didn't get started on our investigation asap, she wouldn't remain so calm.

"Not to worry Angie, I will get started right away and once the girls are back tomorrow, they can help me continue investigating." Rhydian re-assured my mum that we had it under control. "I would expect nothing less Rhydian, girls make sure you stay under the radar at school, scope out the pack wolves and come straight back here for your training when the day ends." Mum was serious and firm. Willa and I both nodded as we answered simultaneously "Yes Mam".

WILLA POV

After last night’s meeting, I couldn't help feeling pumped for the day.

Being at school was something Elira kind of hated but I loved it.

I thrived in this pack environment and couldn't help but always take the lead when it came to finding groups for us to socialise with. Once we were in the thick of it, Elira loved to be social, and she wouldn't be able to help herself.

I knew her well.

I knew she felt she was different from the rest of us, and it had played such a part in her relationships with others at Moonlight Tech. Their own behaviour adding to the feelings she already had. That's why she never really liked school, that pack mentality made her feel vulnerable, and she couldn't stand being amongst a pack of wolves. She loathed dishonesty and something about them made her feel she couldn't trust them.

I wish that she could see, that being different wasn't a bad thing, it was why I loved her so much. Why I was loyal to a fault when it came to her.

Not one other person that I knew could care the way she could. Of protecting or doing what was right. She was fierce when it came to doing what she thought was right. She was funny and knew how to take care of herself, a true leader that I would gladly follow to the end.

I was Elira's safety blanket in a way. As much as she was a bad ass Huntress with a bow and arrow, deep down she was soft and sweet and found herself always second-guessing situations that felt unfamiliar when it came to normal life type things.

I drove us to school in signature style. My car was a black Maserati. It was the type of car young girls weren't often seen driving but damn was it sexy. Both Elira and I drove sexy black cars, it was part of our bonus from last year.

I loved old school rock and as I turn on the ignition, I realise Meatloaf is still playing 'Wolf at your door'. I grin to myself as we pull out the driveway and head to school.

I look at Elira and she is smiling "Is that a smile I see on your face this morning Miss Landon?" Since she was usually nervous on days like today, I found it a little surprising that she was all smiles.

She looked at me from beneath her sunglasses with a twinkle in her eye I had not seen before. "I am feeling on top of the world today. We had a hell of a fight the other night and rose to the challenge. We know a decent amount of information already and I am confident that Rhydian will make progress today.

Something tells me this year is going to be our best yet! Don't you think so, Willa?" Elira was almost excited it seemed. Very strange coming from her, but who was I to mess with her vibe?

ELIRA POV

We arrived at school just as the first warning bell rang.

Right on time!

We headed to the office to collect our schedules and be given the grand tour by none other than the girl I had made out with a couple of nights before at Club 88. The one who was in fact a werewolf.

Shit!

Willa wasn't aware of my little rendezvous with this she wolf and her mate. I was unsure of how she would react if she knew, but I would have to tell her eventually.

"Hi girls, I am Elaine, and I will be your senior guide for this week. Please follow me, while first I take you to get all the required textbooks and then we will see each important place within the school, before starting your first class for today." She explained clearly as we walked towards what I assumed was the library. She took one look at us and then a second knowing look at me as we set off down the hallway.

So, Elaine was her name. Not a bad name for a she wolf, I couldn't help but notice the way her hair sat around her shoulders, blonde and a little wavy. Blue eyes looking into mine while she spoke with soft lips. It had been a while since I'd had a girl crush but something about this Shewolf had my mind buzzing.

"Your timetable has been setup so that this morning you have a free period. This allows us to go through everything and not be late for your first class of the day. Do you have any questions?" Elaine looked at us both to see if we needed to know anything further.

"No, I am good, please continue." I answered Elaine without blinking as I looked her straight in the eye.

She seemed to blush a little at my direct eye contact. That made me giggle on the inside.

I could sense Willa knew something was up and hoped she wouldn't say anything so soon.

Instead, she surprised me with an important question that I had been too distracted to think of.

"So, what's the ratio of human to werewolf students here?"

Elaine gave me a quick look before answering, "Good question, there are about two werewolves to every human student if that helps."

Willa smiled further before adding "I'm going to take a wild guess and say that Elira and I are the only hunters in the school, aren't we?"

Elaine suddenly looked as though she didn't quite know how to answer. She simply stated "yes, that would be correct!"

I started to smile now and sarcastically added my part to the conversation "Don't worry, we only have fun. If there are rogues or demons around, you're safe around us."

Elaine seemed relieved that I had made a sarcastic remark which seemed to lighten the mood a little.

Usually, I was not a fan of school, but something about this place felt different.

This year was going to be fun.

WILLA POV

I couldn't help but notice something occurring between Elaine and Elira earlier this morning. It was almost borderline flirting. Something was definitely up, and I was looking forward to bringing it up with her during our lunch period.

Elira and I had agreed to meet near the cafeteria, before heading into town where the human population mostly resided, so we could feel a little more normal while we ate.

As I was heading down the corridor, a cute boy around my age bumped right into me. He didn't knock me over, but my books went flying out of my hands as he took me by surprise. I could tell from the look on his face that he was surprised as well.

"I am so sorry; I was completely distracted, and I didn't even see you. My mistake. Please let me help you."

He began to lean down and help me with my books as he apologised.

I couldn't help but smile at his politeness and admire his good looks while he helped me retrieve my books from the corridor floor.

"I'm Otis!" He introduced himself with a nervous handshake. "Nice to meet you Otis, I'm Willa." I couldn't help but smile in an obvious way at how nervous he was about speaking to me and standing this close to me.

"I'm new here, this is my first day and I am running late to a catch-up meeting during the lunch period. Please excuse me." He tried to excuse himself with a polite and nervous smile. "Today is also my first day here, I understand completely. Maybe I'll see you around sometime?"

I couldn't resist posing the question as he was about to walk away. He blushed and gave me a polite nod before continuing to rush back down the corridor.

I didn't know what to make of our meet cute and wondered if I would see him again? For now, I was also running late to lunch with Elira. Boy did we have a lot to talk about!