June Summerfield

Chapter 16

The next day was filled with more practice. June was starting to suspect that this was Hunter’s way of keeping them together.

“I’d like to keep practice short today.” Hunter announced during their first break.

“Oh? Why?” June responded, not caring.

“It rained last night and the flowers in the garden are beautiful. I’d love to take you on a walk and show you. ”

June just sighed. At least she didn’t have to dance anymore.

Hunter led them out to the gardens, where a thin layer of rainwater lay atop each flower petal.

“This is really pretty.” she had to admit.

Hunter smiled as he walked over and picked a light blue rose, handing it to her. “It compliments your dress.” he explained as they continued walking. Eventually, they came across a field of trees.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

“I could eat but I’m not starving. Why?”

She watched as he picked a fresh apple from one of the trees. After inspecting it and cleaning it with his shirt, he handed it to her.

“They’re always better right from the source.” he winked.

June didn’t understand. She had given this man no reason to like her, not even the slightest bit. And yet he still tried his best to win her over, giving her small gifts and even throwing a party in her honor. She almost felt guilty for being so mean to him all the time, but then she remembered that he kidn*pped her.

Emotions battled for dominance in her heart and mind as she followed Hunter around the gardens, taking it all in. She had seen it from afar and from the windows, but never up close like this. At least, not since that night.

“Hunter,” she paused by a fig tree, watching the bees fly around.

“Yeah?”

“You seem to know everything about me. But how am I supposed to like you if I don’t know you?”

“Good point.”

“So, start with the basics. How old are you?”

“23.” He smiled at her question and waited for more.

“But I thought vampires were like, hundreds of years old.” she mentioned as they kept walking.

“Some are, but not a lot. I have a feeling you’ll understand why soon enough.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she stopped in her tracks. She might actually tolerate him now and it sounded to her like he just announced he was dying.

“You see, vampires and werewolves don’t exactly get along. We’ve been at peace for a while, but I have a feeling they’re going to make an appearance once they catch wind of your presence. They love humans, you, in particular.”

“So what? They’re just going to show up and kill you?”

“They can try. But they’d meet a lot of resistance. Also, I hope by then, you’ll like me more.”

“What does me liking you have to do with anything?”

“June, do you remember your childhood?”

“No? The earliest I remember is around 10. What’s that got to do with anything?

“I’ll explain it all later. Just know that there are things that you don’t understand yet.”

“You’re being extremely vague.”

“That’s the point, dear.”

They finished their walk and he led her back to her room.

“I assume you want to spend the rest of the day in your room, relaxing or whatever.” he looked her up and down, noticing how nicely the color of navy blue suited her.

“And if I don’t?” she crossed her arms, being defensive simply because she liked watching him struggle against her.

“Well, you’re free to do whatever.”

“And what are you going to be doing?” she asked as he turned to walk away.

“Going to my room, to relax.” he turned his head over his shoulder to answer before facing forward and walking down the hall again. “You’re more than welcome to join me, darling.” he called as he turned the corner.

June thought for a moment and something inside decided for her. She rushed to catch up with him and met him at his door, leaning against the doorframe and smirking at her rushed appearance. June’s face turned beet red as soon as she discovered that he already knew what she’d choose.

“I just don’t want to be alone.” she argued, avoiding eye contact.

“Very well.” he threw open the doors and the two walked in, sitting on the bed.

They sat beside each other for a while in silence, each one waiting for the other to speak.

“Do you still hate me?” he finally asked, adjusting the pillow behind his head and folding his hands on his chest. June thought for a moment before answering.

“Not as much as I once did.”

“So there’s still some hate?” His voice wasn’t angry or sad, just curious.

June thought even harder. The more she thought about her feelings toward Hunter, the more she realized that the hate was gone.

“I guess not.” she finally answered.

“So how exactly do you feel about me?”

“I don’t know.” she admitted with a snappy tone, not liking where this conversation was headed.

“That’s okay. You’ll figure it out soon enough.” he rolled over to face the wall.

“What are you doing?” she looked over at him.

“I think I’m going to take a nap.” he told her, but in reality, he was just laying there. Thinking.

He had succeeded in making her not hate him, but now he had to win her over. He was hoping that would happen over time, and it seemed to be working. June was laying in the bed next to him right now by choice.

Hunter had been watching June for years. Keeping an eye on her. Getting to know her. He knew more about her than she knew about herself. His only goal was to make her happy, even if it was at his own expense.

That’s why he allowed Montana to come along with her. He wanted to say no, but then she would actually hate him. Hunter felt if he had said no to Montana, he would have been practically k********g her. That’s not what he wanted. He wanted to give her the life she deserves. The life she’s owed.