The Hunt

The Pack

Alina

I remember watching the Hunters descend on our warriors, how we had to flee our home. Our home. The thought floated through my mind. Our home was gone. They found it. They destroyed it. I mentally flinched and moved on to the next thought. The insane pain in my chest. Why did my chest hurt? Oh, that’s right. The arrow. I remember Erik carrying my to the woods, hearing myself mutter some nonsense right before the darkness took over. I heard Erik talking to someone but I couldn’t make out any words, everything was muffled and the darkness was inescapable. I could feel myself slipping further and further into it, I wasn’t resisting. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t ready to die. I’ve lived a very long life, I have no regrets, no home anymore. Erik. His name drifted through the darkness I was drowning in.

Erik would miss me. I know it would shatter his soul if I was gone. My thoughts started to drift to that first time we had met.

*************************************

I gazed up at the beautiful full moon as I strolled along the peaceful beach, loving the way the water sounds as it laps against the cool sand. I closed my eyes and let out a soft sigh as I let my other senses take over. The sweet, salty smell of the ocean, the wonderful sound of the waves as the crash ashore and the sound of the nocturnal creatures. That woman made me into something terrible but my heightened senses were pleasant. My mind quiets as I take in the peacefulness that surrounds me.

Just as I start to enjoy my tiny bubble, a new scent fills my nostrils. I inhale deeply, taking it in. It smelled like snow mixed with a campfire; icy yet warm and inviting. And it certainly didn’t belong on the beach. My eyes fly open as I turn on my heels and face the direction of the smell, crouching and baring my teeth at the intruder.

My eyes land on a figure lingering in the tree line. Thankfully the night is bright with the help of the full moon and cloudless sky, I can see his features. His straight nose, sharp jawline, his full lips turned up into a smirk, and his piercing blue eyes. Instantly I know I’m in the presence of another vampire.

I keep my position, not trusting this person. The last time I trusted a vampire, I became one. I will not make mistake again. I snap my attention back to the man and hiss as I hear him walking closer, his arms raised up as his deep, beautiful voice hits my ears, “Easy, little vampire, I’m not here to hurt you.”

He takes another step toward my direction. Big mistake. Shifting to the balls of my feet, I bolt in his direction. Aiming my hands at his throat, I make contact with his flesh as I knock him to the ground. I see the surprise in his eyes as I tighten my fingers and dig my nails into his skin “who are you?” I spit as I pin him down. His sparkling eyes met mine and I swear I see a flash of amusement in them. He reaches up and grabs my wrists, and easily frees himself from my grip.

“You are quite fast, little vampire. I didn’t even see you coming until you were right in front of me,” he chuckles as he picks himself off the ground and dusts some debris off his clothes. “Strong too, despite your looks.” He laughs again as I scowl at him. He stretches his hand toward me and I take a step back. He rolls his eyes and smiles, “its a handshake. I’m not going to bite.” He laughs again and its like music in my ears. I take his hand and eye him suspiciously, he might be beautiful but I’m not dropping my guard.

“I’m Erik Flores”

************************************

Just as the dream ended, I knew I couldn’t leave this earth just yet. The darkness still surrounded me but instead of giving in, I started to push against the darkness. I will not leave him! Thoughts of Erik kept flooding my mind, urging me to fight through it and to make it back to him. Just then, a searing pain had my eyes flinging open and I heard a blood curdling scream escape my mouth. My eyes rolled back as I gave into the darkness once more.

This time, I tried my hardest to focus on Erik. Instead of feeling as though I was sinking, this time felt like I was dreaming. Erik’s icy eyes kept flitting through my mind. I swore I could hear his voice, feel his hand on my skin. Sighing softly, I felt a small tickle on my forehead. My brow creased and groaned as I twitched away from the feeling.

“Alina..” Erik.. He made it. I let out a slow sigh and inhaled deeply, gathering information about my surroundings. It smelled clean, sterile and a bit earthy. I must be in a hospital somewhere, but where? I sniffed again and still the only scents I could make out was Erik’s and that earthy smell, like fresh mud and moss. The wolves. He brought us to the wolves. I mentally shook myself and furrowed my brows. Why are we in a wolf hospital? Finally, I let my eyes open, squinting against the harsh lights and searched around the room. Admittedly, it was cozy. The walls were a soft lilac color and the bed was definitely comfy. There was a large tv hanging on the wall, along with a couple pieces of abstract art. In the right corner, a big black leather couch caught my attention but it was empty. My eyes widened and I tried to sit up but a sharp pain in my chest stopped me. I gasped softly and groaned.

“Easy love, not many can survive an arrow to the chest, let alone one that was coated in dead man’s blood” I heard Erik soft voice and looked in the direction where it came from. He’s alive, he made it. I smiled softly as I gazed into his eyes, but they weren’t his usual icy blues. There were darker, like the deep ocean. I furrowed my brows as I studied him; he had bags under his eyes, his usually tidy brown hair was messy and tangled, he had a five o’clock shadow that he never let get this bad. His clothes were wrinkled and looked as though he hadn’t changed in a couple days. I frowned and looked up at him.

“Erik..” I croaked then coughed hard. The pain was indescribable. My throat felt as though it was on fire and my chest, dear god it hurt worse than any pain I have ever experienced. I felt tears leak from eyes and I forced them shut to try to stop from crying. I felt Erik’s hand grasp mine and opened my eyes once more, meeting his gaze. His other hand rested on my cheek and I felt his thumb wipe away the tears that managed to escape. There was nothing but sadness in his eyes as he dropped his hand from my face and reached for something I couldn’t see.

“Don’t talk, my love. I’m sure your throat is aching. Here, you need a drink.” He spoke softly as he handed me a small, translucent bag with a sticky red liquid in it. Blood. I licked my lips hungrily and snatched it from his hand. I paused briefly and giggled softly at the sight of a bendy straw poking out from the top.

“Thank you” I whispered as I took the bag and sipped it. He was right, of course. He’s always right. The red liquid cooled the fire in my throat and eased some of the pain I was feeling.

“Good thing the wolves have transfusion bags handy.” He chuckled lightly. I sipped again, watching him shift in the corner of my eye. As I studied him, I noticed that he seemed tense, almost uncomfortable. Maybe it’s from being around the wolves, I thought to myself. We have always had an uneasy relationship with them. But that wasn’t it. The dogs didn’t need blood, they heal like we do. They might need a couple for transfusions but they wouldn’t use human blood, and this was definitely human. Wolf’s blood is bitter and musty, the universe’s way of keeping them safe from us. I keep studying Erik, watching as his eyes kept darting around the room. He was avoiding something.

“Erik? Why do the wolves have blood bags? Why would they need them?” I croaked, eyeing him as he shifted around again, like he was physically trying to avoid the question. I watched the expression on his face change, from concerned and loving to neutral, emotionless. I hated that face. It always comes with bad news. Slowly, his response came, but it felt forced or maybe even scripted.

“I had the same question. See, the wolves tend to get into a lot more fights, especially between other packs or rogues who just don’t agree with the alpha. They can heal rapidly, but deep wounds or life threatening one’s slow down the healing process and lately, a lot of wolves have been needing blood transfusions to live. So they formed a pact with some of the local human hospitals. Blood for protection.” The last part came out as rushed and I just stared at him as he ran his hand through his hair and scratched at the back of neck. Erik is lying to me. Why? What is going on that I need to be lied to?

I slowly blinked and just nodded, dropping the subject for now. It still didn’t sit right with me. I understand that they’ve been getting hurt but why a pact with the humans? That seems much more like a vampire type of thing. Especially since the wolves need transfusions from other wolves. Human blood just doesn’t have the boost they need to start healing themselves. I don’t know why he thinks he can lie to me, I am the leader of a vampire coven, I’m going to have knowledge of anything that might possibly be a threat to my people. I guess I will just have to do my own digging into this.

I finished off the rest of the bag, placing it gently in the trash can beside my bed. The ache in my chest cooled to a dull roar, thanks to the blood. Vampires can usually self heal instantly, no matter the wound. But dead man’s blood? That s**t gives us a run for our money. It slow us down, slows down our healing. Not by much, maybe a few hours to a day that I’ve witnessed. A full vial of it and we’re knocked out for a couple of days, leaving us extremely vulnerable. We are not deathless creatures. Outside forces can kill us, but there’s only one way: beheading. It’s nasty and brutal but it’s the only way to end a vampires life. Most people don’t get the chance, we’re too fast, too strong and far to clever.

I gingerly started to stretch out my limbs, not wanting to cause myself any more pain. I felt stiff, way more than just a couple hours sleep. How long have I been in this bed? I looked over at Erik and narrowed my eyes

“How long have we been here? How long have I been in this bed?”

Just as the words left my mouth, Damian came bursting through the door, looking just as tired as Erik. His mouth was open like he was going to say something, until he looked at me. He closed his mouth and smiled so wide, I thought he was going to tear his cheeks open.

“Alina, oh my god, your awake! How are you feeling? Do you need anything? Oh, we’ve all been so worried about you! Alana is going to be so relieved!”

I looked over at Erik in bewilderment and anger. Why is my sister here? After everything she has done to me, it wouldn’t surprise me if she was the one who told the Hunters where to find us. Damian must have seen the reaction on my face and started to rub the back of his neck “I guess you guys haven’t talked about that..” He said meekly. I brought my eyes back to Damian and motioned for him to sit.

“Damian, I’m happy to see you, as well” I smiled warmly. “Erik and I were just talking about the pact that the wolves seem to have with the humans” I studied Damian closely, watching his eyes widen slightly in surprise then dart to Erik before he settled on looking down at his hands. “I heard about it, but I don’t know much”, he practically whispered as he met my gaze with a forced smile. I narrowed my eyes and looked back at Erik. He was staring back at me and I could see the guilt in his eyes. Why is he lying to me, he even had Damian lying to me.

Feeling the anger bubble inside me, I sighed lightly and focused my energy on trying to get out of this bed. Erik and Damian rushed my sides and offered their help. “Babe, I don’t think you should be getting up. What is it that you need?” Erik asked softly, concern in his voice. I waved away their hands, annoyed at both of them. I put my hands onto the bed and pushed slowly until I was upright. My body was so stiff, it was like I hadn’t moved in months. Standing hurt all of my muscles and I could feel the pain returning to my chest. I groaned lightly but pushed through, waving the boys off as they rushed to try to help.

As I steady myself, I slowly turn to look up at Erik, “I need the truth, Erik. And seems that you two aren’t going to give it to me.” I snapped, putting more anger into my voice than I had intended. “I’ll just have to ask one of the dogs, I know they will tell me. They have no reason to lie” I growled as I grabbed the pile of fresh clothes from the couch, not noticing that they were there at first.

Erik and Damian shared an uneasy glance before Damian excused himself and left in a hurry. I set the clothes on my bed and crossed my arms, wincing as I brushed against the wound. I arched my eyebrow and stared at Erik. I sighed in frustration as he refused to meet my gaze and give my the answer I’m looking for. I love this man to bits but I refuse to be lied to.

“Well? Are you going to tell me why my b***h of sister is here? Or how about how long we have been here? Better yet, why do the wolves have blood?” I raised my voice slightly, letting the anger stain my words as I threw them at him. “Why are you lying to me? You even have Damian lying to me! I deserve to know what’s going on. I need to know the truth so I can figure out how to keep us safe!” I yelled as I wiped away the tears that ran down my cheeks. Erik walked over to me, placing his hand on my damp cheek. I pushed away his hand and wrapped my arms around myself, “You promised to never lie to me..” I whispered, sniffling softly and looking up to meet his gaze.

His blue eyes met mine and could see the sadness in them. He pulled his hand away from my face and sighed. “Would you like to sit?” He chuckled softly when I scowled at him. “No, you talk and I’ll get dressed. Actually, on a second thought, I feel like I could use a shower. You can sit here and figure out if you’re going to lie to to me again. We can talk after.” I narrowed my eyes at him and felt slightly bad that I let my anger taint my words as I saw the sadness and guilt in his eyes. I sighed lightly and stared at the ground for a moment before I slowly made my way into his arms and held him tight.

“I’m sorry, Erik. I-I just.. it upsets me when I’m not in the loop. And-and you promised me.. the one person who isn’t supposed..” My sentence interrupted when his lips met mine. I stiffen for moment before I return his kiss, my anger and annoyance melting away as I wrap my arms around his neck. I try to deepen our kiss but he pulls away and cradles my cheek in his hand.

“You have nothing to apologize for, my love. I should be the one saying sorry for keep things from you. I just didn’t want to overwhelm you after what you just survived.” I place my hand on his face as he casts his eyes downward, pulling him back up to look at me. His gentle eyes start to well up with unshed tears as he places his hand on the back of my neck and presses his forehead to mine.

“I thought I was going to lose you.. Alina.. I was so scared that you weren’t going to come back to me. You were injured so badly.. I don’t know what I would do without you..” His voice was shaky as he spoke, tears spilling from his eyes. I wiped away his tears and placed a light kiss against his forehead.

“It’s okay, baby. I did come back. I came back to you, I’ll always come back to you. I’m okay now,” I whispered gently as I nuzzled against his neck, taking in his scent. I felt his arms wrap around me as we sat in silence together, enjoying the small amount of peace.

After a few minutes, I pull away from his embrace and smile softly as he tried to pull me back. “Erik, I wasn’t kidding when I said I need a shower,” I glanced down and smiled playfully, “but you are more than welcome to join me.” I purr in his ear, nipping gently at his neck. I looked up at Erik expectedly but he shook his head and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead.

“As tempting as that sounds, you know what happens when we shower together,” he purred in my ear, making my breath catch and knees go weak, “and you are in no shape for that. Yet.” He smiled seductively before shooing me off in the direction of the bathroom. I smiled up at him and grabbed my clothes, slowly making my way to the rooms bathroom. I glanced back at him and smile, “Do you think you can find some more blood, please?” I called over my shoulder as I walked through the doorway of the bathroom.

I sighed lightly as I heard him pick up the phone in the room and I closed the door. My smile vanished as I caught glimpse of myself in the mirror as I undressed. My silver hair was in knots and matted all the way to the bottom, my face was paler than when I had first turned. My usual emerald eyes were a deep forest green. I glanced down at the wound and gasped loudly. Instead of a neat pink scar, it was red and angry. It puckered out and still looked fresh. I leaned over the sink to get a better look at it and realized just how close to death I was. The scar was directly over my heart. Beheading is the only way anyone knows how to kill us but dead man’s blood directly to the heart puts us into a death-like coma. If untreated, a vampire can be ‘killed’ this way. We stay in a permanent coma until the poison is worked out of our system. The only beings that know this are vampires. So how did the Hunters gain this information?

I pondered this thought as turned on the water. The Hunters are great warriors and well educated but the vampires agreed years ago to burn all writings that pertained to us and our weaknesses. How did they find out about dead man’s blood? Even with this knowledge, I thought they would be too dignified to defile a corpse.

I climbed into the shower once the water got to the perfect temperature and sucked in a sharp gasp when the warm water hits my wound. I groaned softly and bit down on my lip, trying to breathe through the pain. I looked to the tiny shelf in the shower and smiled as I saw that Erik had brought my shampoo, conditioner, and pomegranate body wash.

I grabbed the shampoo and gently massaged it into my scalp, wincing as the pain shot through me again as I raised my hands to my head. I finished up my shower and grabbed one of the fluffy towels that was seated on the sink and started to pat myself dry. Just as I wrapped the towel around myself and grabbed another for my hair, I heard the room door open and someone walked in.

I opened the bathroom door as I towel dried my hair “Erik? Is that the blood I had asked for? My throat is on-“ I stopped mid sentence and growled at the scent that flooded my nose. Oranges and vanilla. A scent that I will never forget. I turned toward the source and narrowed my eyes into slits.

“Alana.”