The Hybrid & The Hunter

17 year old, Avery Phillips, sat beside her friends pool as the late Spring sun burnt her honey skin. This was her routine everyday since Spring Break started. She and her best friend Amanda would wake up early, go to the mall and hang out with their other girlfriends then cool off at Amanda's house until it was time for Avery to go home for dinner. It was the fourth day into their break and Avery took advantage of every peaceful moment the day would bring. She couldn't quite put her finger on it but she needed time away from the circus show called high school. As a senior, she was coming to terms that her schooling career would be over in a few months and that there was a possibility that she wouldn't be accepted into any of her first choice universities. This thought weighed heavy on her shoulders and combined with the usual teen drama, Avery needed a break mentally. She got up off the pool lounger and stretched her arms above her head. Amanda looked up and whistled, teasing Avery and watched as she blushed and covered her face. She knew her friend was self conscious about her appearance no matter how many times Amanda told her otherwise. Avery was just over five foot tall and had the perfect hourglass figure. Her native American features were unique and delicate, showcasing an innocence within her. But there was also a coldness within her dark eyes that matched her long raven hair. Many people complimented her, some even saying she looked like a dark angel. "Did you get any sleep last night?" Amanda asked as she twirled her blonde hair around her manicured fingers, her concern was evident in her voice. Avery shrugged, "Not really. Its the same every night. It's like, I'm asleep but someone is calling for me." She looked into the distance as she recalled her strange, vivid dreams that she'd been having for the past week. She confided in Amanda the night it began. Even though she knew she was asleep, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was someone in her bedroom watching her. It terrified the life out of her but the strangest part, was the burning sensation she felt on her birthmark. Absent-mindedly, Avery ran her hand across her collarbone where the birthmark rested. Amanda got up and walked over looking at her sceptically. "Do you have a rash? Your skin is so red." she said pointing at Avery's birthmark. "No ... I don't know" she said shaking her head. "You know Ava, you've got the strangest one so far" she said in a teasing tone. Avery scoffed and rolled her eyes. "You've said that a million times". But Avery knew it was true. How many people could say they had a birthmark that looked like a permanent fingerprint? Amanda smiled, "So I was thinking that tomorrow we could go shopping for dresses to wear to Chase's party this weekend? Maybe we could go to the salon after and get our hair done?" she said almost panicking, "I want to look my best." "You always look your best." Amanda was obsessed with Chase, the captain of their schools football team. Avery couldn't understand why her friend was interested in that jerk. Amanda was beautiful, intelligent and had a lot going for her. But her taste in guys was questionable. It was hard to imagine how Avery and Amanda even got along since they were two completely different people. Amanda was into makeup and fashion and her social life was her main priority whereas Avery was more reserved and didn't like to be the centre of attention. She didn't care about her appearance and she'd prefer staying indoors watching movies or reading books over teen parties. But somehow, these two just clicked and they've been inseparable since grade school. "We can do that, my hair needs a trim anyway." Avery said picking up a piece of her hair and inspecting the tips that had began to split." "Yeah, and make yourself look good for Matty. Maybe the two of you will finally kiss" Amanda teased, sticking her tongue out. Avery picked up a towel and threw it at her, blushing hard. She had a crush on Mathew Jacobs for almost two years. He weren't exactly the type of boy you'd expect her to fall for. He was always in trouble with his teachers, skipping classes or being suspended for getting caught with drugs. But she thought his hazel brown eyes were the kindest. Even though he was a bad boy reputation, he had respect for girls and always spoke up for the quiet ones when they were being pushed around. To Avery, he was a dark knight. The problem was that he knew she liked him, but he never acted on it. He didn't reject her nor did he chase after her. In all honesty, Matty wasn't interested in Avery. But, she was beautiful and so there was an unspoken promise that she was his and no other guy could go for her. He treated her like she was his property. Avery was too naive to see the truth - he had her in his web and he was just stringing her along. Suddenly Avery's cell phone buzzed. "It's my mom. I need to go, my dad's home." she said as she began collecting things and threw her olive green dress over her bikini. Amanda got up and walked her out to the front of her house, "I was thinking, you should ask your parents if we you can sleep over at my place next week and we can celebrate your eighteenth birthday the right way." Here we go again "Amanda, there's no way my parents would let me celebrate my birthday away from home. You know how they make a big deal out it every year" "But it wouldn't hurt to try." Amanda insisted, "You only turn eighteen once, Ava." she said then pulled Avery in for a hug. "Text me when you get home" Avery sighed, "I will... and I'll give it a shot with my folks." she said already knowing that her parents wouldn't agree to it. In her opinion, her parents were the best. They made every effort to spend time with each other even though her father was a defense lawyer and was always caught up in work. Her mother however was a stay at home mom and made it her duty to attend to Avery' every needs. From PTA meetings to extra curricula activities, her mother always went the extra mile to make Avary feel loved and appreciated. Her mother always described Avery as her miracle baby, since she almost miscarried her at seven months when she and Avery's father got into a terrible accident. Today, her mother is unable to have children and she's grateful for Avery's life. Every night it was a family tradition to eat dinner at the table together since it was the only time her father wasn't caught up in work. Holidays and birthdays were of high importance in their home, so Avery knew there was no getting out for Amanda. She waved at her friend as she walked down the street. Her house was only two blocks away from Amanda's so she walked slowly taking in the fresh air. The sound of birds chirping and kids giggles were carried by the breeze, and a sense of calm came over her. However as she got closer to her house, that calm began to break. From far everything looked normal, but something about her home woke her sixth sense and the burning on her collarbone started once more. Avery walked up to her front door and hesitantly turned the doorknob and entered. The house was silent - absolutely still like no one was there but there was also a strange, foul smell. "Mom?" she called out as she made her way down the hallway towards the kitchen. "Dad? Where are you guys?" The only answer she got was silence. Putting her bag down on the accent table, she made her way cautiously towards the kitchen. Something felt wrong, each step she took sent shivers down her spine. Where the hell is everyone? Finally she reached the kitchen and took a look around. The foul smell was much worse and Avery found it difficult to breath. Covering her nose and mouth she noticed the pots on the stove, along with the chopping board and vegetables on the kitchen island. Her mother was definitely here not too long ago. But where was she now? Avery then turned and her heart stopped as she noticed a limp shape laying on the floor in a pool of blood. The flowers on her apron were unrecognizable and her black hair was mattered and stuck to her face. "Mom!" she cried running towards her mother's lifeless body. Kneeling in front of her, Avery turned her mother over and noticed a single claw mark slashed across her chest. She pulled her closer and cradled her mother in her arms, "No, no, no! Please wake up" she pleaded as tears ran down her face. She was unable to comprehend how any of this was possible. "Mom please!" she whispered as she cried into her mother's hair. A sound then startled her, making her alert once more. Slowly and gently Avery put her mother's body down and crawled in the direction of the sound. Crunch The sound was coming from the dining room. On her hands and knees, Avery peeped in and almost threw up. Her father was on the floor, his face turned upwards towards the ceiling and he had a lifeless expression his eyes. But he was not what caught Avery's attention- it was the animal that hovered over him, ripping his flesh apart. It had dirty, thick black fur and spikes sticking out of its back, along with long, razor sharp claws and a long heavy tail. She then realized that it was this animal that was smelling awful. The pain and heartbreak she felt only seconds ago was replaced with pure terror. I need to get out of here now! Slowly, Avery got to her feet and began walking backwards, never taking her eyes off the beastly creature. She was almost out the kitchen when she accidentally walked into the breakfast table causing a vase filled with flowers to drop. The world seemed to move slowly as she watched the vase crash onto the floor, the sound of glass shattering echoed through the house followed by silence. The crunching sound stopped and the only thing she could hear was her own breathing. From the corner of her eye, she saw red glowing eyes staring at her from inside the dining room. She turned to face it, red eyes staring back at her own dark eyes as a low menacing growl grew from deep within its throat. It's long sharp canines that were covered in her father's blood were now snarling in her direction. Without thinking Avery turned on her heels and ran out the kitchen, down the hallway towards the front door. But the beast was faster, he was right on her heels. She was nearing the door, stretching out her hand to open it. She thought she was going to make it ... but then she felt the weight of the beast on her back pushing her face first onto the ground. She let out a high pitched scream as she tried to get away from the beast, kicking at it but it was stronger than she was and extremely vicious. It was like wrestling with an untamed dog. The beast bared his teeth in her face, growling and the foul odor that followed was too unbearable that she almost passed out. Each growl sounded like he was talking, she tried to make out what it was saying but she couldn't. If she weren't crying and screaming hysterically, she probably could have pieced it together but it almost sounded like the beast was saying "chosen one". Avery cried out, praying someone - anyone - would hear her as the beast pinned her down. Then the beast spoke much clearer, "Must take you to the Morning Star." it growled, "But your blood - so much power. Maybe, just one taste". The beast threw it's head back and Avery closed her eyes hoping it'll be quick and painless. Her body was still, her mind clear and she found that sense of calm once more. In that moment she had accepted her immediate death and smiled knowing she'd be reunited with her parents soon. Just then, the sound of three gunshots rang in her ears, followed by an incredible weight that fell against her body. Slowly she opens her eyes and looked around in confusion. Just then, a young man crouched beside and lifted the beast off her body. Tears continued running down her face and she was breathing hysterically. The young man kneeled in front of her and pulled her into his strong arms, "Hey, you're okay now, your safe" he said wiping the tears off her cheeks. He then began assessing her body, "Are you hurt?" Avery didn't answer him, she was too busy staring at the dead animal that almost killed her seconds ago. "You seem fine to me. Nothing broken?" he asked looking at her with a serious expression and he raised his brow. Shit I should answer him , she thought then shook her head. "Here, let me help you up." He lifted Avery up bridal style without any effort and placed her down on the couch. "Okay, how many others are there?" he asked, his tone full of authority. Avery looked at him confused, not understanding his question. She was still in shock, trying to take in everything that occurred. She couldn't understand how this man just happened to run into her house at the right moment. "That thing right there-" he pointed towards the beast, "-is a hell hound. How many are in the house?" he asked impatiently. Avery swallowed, still in shock. "It's just that one" she answered with a cracked voice. The young man looked relieved and Avery could've sworn she saw the tension leaving his body. "I didn't think my day would go this smoothly." he said brushing his fingers through his hair. He was handsome with kind hazel brown eyes, short wavy dark blonde hair and a deep jawline. He was muscular and his entire left arm was covered with tattoo's. Judging by the scar on his neck, Avary could tell he was dangerous but this man was also her hero. "Who are you? " She finally asked. He looked at her and smirked, "My name's Daniel. I'm a hunter".