The hunter

Chapter 17

Finally dressed I walked back into my room and found Josh sprawled out on my bed next to my teddy bear with his hands rested behind his head, “Um you comfy their Josh, can I get you anything at all” he laughed “Nah, I’m good for now, so you missing the tall dark and handsome Akechetah yet”. Picking up a pillow I smacked him in the face “oh give over already with that you it’s not like that at all”. Josh then pulling the pillow out of my hand “bollocks you two act like loved up teenagers together, and you cut the s****l tension like a knife between you both” rolling my eyes at this I then sat next to him “hardly the case at all now pass over the goods or you can leave”.

“Oh, you can be such a demanding diva Riles” he then opened the popcorn and took a handful before passing the bag to me so I could help myself. Going in and taking another handful “well how do you feel the first training session went, bet your muscles are aching like a b***h right now, but you can’t say I didn’t warn you about Elliot” Shrugging “to be honest with you I’m shattered and starving I’m sure he found be a total disappointment as he was a right hard ass on me, yes and I know he has to be like that”. Josh finishing of his mouthful of popcorn “nah you have him wrong, he’s not a touchy-feely guy, but he never said anything about you being a disappointment, actually he was actually impressed by your determination and that you didn’t give up”. “He thinks you have great potential you just need to put the time in so coming from him that’s actually a huge compliment believe it or not”. Well, I didn’t see that coming but I tried not to dwell on it to much as the guy was a hard person to read and for all I know Josh could be exaggerating slightly but Josh didn’t seem the time he was very say it how it is.

“Anyway, Riles wait till you see what fun and games I have in store for you” he then wriggled his eyebrows up and down. “Yeah, I so can’t wait to start your training sessions not” he just laughed at me “Well you could always use the image of Akechetah as motivation where you got it bad for the guy”. Slapping him on the arm “Josh drop it for crying out loud” rubbing his arm I rolled my eyes yeah as if that hurt him his arms are rock solid “no chance I’m going to dine out on this for as long as possible girly”. Trying to change the subject “so are you going to spill the beans and actually say what Elliot said about my tragic first day of training”. Raising on eyebrow up at me “you so have the guy wrong he’s a hard ass on training but actually he was impressed with you and the fact that you didn’t give up, when a couple of the guys and girls here have actually stormed out on him before because they are light weights” wow didn’t see that one coming. I was then pass ed an opened bar of chocolate I broke off a couple of squares looking at Josh “do you think Scott will be away for long?” he then wrapped his arm around me and drew me into a big side hug “nah, he will be back before you know it, but till he’s back you have the pleasure of my amazing company”.

He then reached over grabbed my iPad of the side and passed it to me “come on Riles unlock it and how about we chill and watch some cheesy American tv show till dinners on?” unlocking the device I handed it to him “as you’re a guest in my room I will let you choose something?” he grabbed the device and he went straight to Friends wow didn’t see him choosing that but it was easy viewing so he wasn’t going to get any protest from me.

It must have dropped of asleep as I was startled awake by Josh “wakey, wakey sleeping beauty its dinner time” begrudgingly I woke up “okay, I’m awake” before I knew it I was literally dragged of the bed by Josh and as he unlocked the door pulled through the door, once locking my door he handed me my key and we headed downstairs. As we made our way to the ground floor, we were nearly knocked over by the children one of which was Emma, he turned on her heel and ran straight to me and literally threw herself at my legs and hugged them tightly. She was so beautiful and had her hair styled in pig tails and her ringlets looked so beautiful and slightly reminded me of the ribbon that I would curl with scissors when helping um wrap up Christmas present where they were so perfectly formed in that spring shape. Without thinking I pulled her up, so she was now clinging to my chest. Then an older lady I hadn’t met before came out of nowhere “Emma I hope you’re not disturbing them”. “Lisa, I don’t think you have had the pleasure yet of meeting Riley” she walked in front of me “ah the newbie, it’s nice to meet you Riley, I’m Robbie’s wife” she then brushed her brown hair out of her face and was dressed very much like an old art teacher of mine that screamed boohoo hippy. She then went to reach for Emma “Come on and join Sam and Sally for dinner” however Emma was clearly not wanting to budge and instead clung on tighter to me. Josh patted her on the head “I don’t think she wants to, it’s okay Lisa she can sit and eat with us tonight you have your hands full with the mischief twins so don’t worry”. Then Josh tried to look at Emma however her face was nestled tight to my chest “what do you say Emma want to sit and eat with us tonight” and there was a nod of her head “awesome now that’s settled lets actually go and grab some grub”. Lisa looked at me “You don’t mind do you, I don’t want her to be in your way”, shaking my head “nope it’s all good with me, come on missy lets go and eat”. “Just a warning Riley she hasn’t got the best appetite lately after what’s she been going through” putting my hand so she didn’t finish her sentence “don’t worry about it I’m sure I can get her to eat, any problems I will let you know sound like a deal” nodding her head in agreement “Emma if you need me you know where I will be okay, now let me go and see what mayhem my darling little terrors are causing”.

With that Lisa ran off, and we could hear her shouting out no I could only assume that the twins had started causing mayhem as she had predicted. “Riley, you go find a table and I will see what the food is and let you know”. Doing as instructed I found it slightly challenging where I had this little cherub clinging tight to my waist, holding her tightly to me I found my way to the table we sat at breakfast. Turning around so that my back was facing the table I sat down with her still holding on tightly “You, okay? I’m not complaining here as you give the best hugs but what’s up you can tell me maybe I can help”. My question was met with a shake of her head “well, you know I have ways of making you talk, you see I have this thing that happens to me, and my hands turn into ticklish mice, so if you don’t tell me what’s wrong, I can’t be held responsible if they take over me to try and get you to talk”. After this she removed her head from my chest and just looked up at me with those big, beautiful doll eyes “Emma, you can tell me what’s wrong I promise you can trust me okay” her eyes where so wide and reflected so much sorrow, I couldn’t believe what then happened “I miss them, Lisa said there not coming home but she’s wrong they have to come home”. Tenderly stroking her head, the way my mother would have with me I thought very carefully of how best to reply “I’m so sorry but Lisa is right but it doesn’t mean that they have left you, it’s just there here with you in a different way now” she looked so confused so I carried on “You see I lost my mum and dad to a couple of years ago and as much as I can’t see them it doesn’t mean they aren’t here anymore, they are still here with me do you understand”. Shaking her head, I took a moment to think of a way to explain this in a way a child would understand “Emma, its magic and that’s why you can’t see them anymore, but they are still here by your side, and they will give you signs to let you know there still here have you ever seen white feather appear next to you”. She nodded her head “well there you go that’s feathers from there angel wings and that’s their way of saying there still right here and as they are now angels, we can’t see them clearly because our eyes can’t take on so much beauty, does that make sense?” “Does that mean they are angels now”. Hugging her as tight as I could “yes sweetheart, that’s what happens to us all when it’s our time so I promise they are still here, and they will always be with you, and I know for a fact they love you so very much and always will do”. She then just nestled her head back “I miss them” kissing the top of her head “I know you do; I miss mine to, but I promise they will always be with you like my parents are”.

I was then pulled out of the moment we were both sharing together to see Josh standing by us he knelt and hugged us both “Riley is right Emma and want to know something else in a way everyone here is like an extended family for you and we will also be here for you”.

Even though Josh was a complete goofball at times he also got be such a big softy and was a very much living proof to never judge a book by its cover. I mean even though the guy is ripped to shreds and give off this image of a tough guy he was also quite sweet and sensitive. “So, tonight is roast chicken with all the works and bonus Yorkshire puddings is there anything you won’t eat or allergic to?”. “Nope no allergies so all good, I will grab some in a minute” getting up and waving his dismissing what I just said “Riles, chill I will bring food over and grab us some drinks think of me as your personal waiter for this evening” he then aimed his next statement at Emma “and as for you trouble I hope you eat what I bring over because there is pudding in it for you and the same applies to Riley, can you say deal”. That beautiful tinkly voice had now become silent again and he was given a head nod instead in agreement.

So while he walked off to get the food I just held her, it killed me so much inside what she has witnessed the things she has lost. All I know is I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe and make sure that she never has to lose anyone else, and whatever evil may come for her they will have to go through me first and that was a promise I vowed to keep.

Josh was trying to lighten the mood as he came waltzing back with a plate in each hand and balancing one on his wrist and pretending that he was nearly drop the plates. I couldn’t help but laugh and I could tell Emma was also watching and was giggling the way her body was shaking from the laughter. Stroking her head “come on munchkin let’s sit at the table properly” she slowly pulled away from our embrace and moved onto the bench beside me then we both turned around so that we where now facing the table. We were then greeted with our plates of food the smell of the roast chicken was so enticing I could feel myself drooling from the aroma of it. “Girls see I told you look at the size of these bad boys” josh had stabbed his Yorkshire pudding and was holding it up as if it was a trophy, but I couldn’t lie they were gigantic and even rivalled the size that you see at carvery restaurants, and they looked crispy but fluffy. Even the vegetables looked cooked to perfection they weren’t over cooked where the broccoli florets start to turn to mush. Emma just stared at her plate with a look of hesitation of her face “Would you like me to help you cut it all up” looking at me very nervously in a very hushed tone “yes pease” even the way she spoke was just so angelic. Grabbing the smaller sized cutlery, I passed it over to her and then place my hands gently over hers as I helped guide her movements the way a mother would with her child. Josh had already demolished his plate full of food and went straight back for second helpings. I started to tuck into mine whilst I was watching to make sure little miss ate and was relieved to watch as she ate without any protest of having vegetables I was amazed. I was pulled from these thoughts from a clatter, and we were now joined by Tyler.

“Hey princess, how was your first day of training?” I just stared at him gobsmacked with the fact he has completely forgotten that last night he got to close for comfort. “Wow first off pack it in with the nickname princess and secondly how about I’m so sorry about last night”. He instantly saw this as a challenge as this impish grin appeared “it’s not my fault that you can’t resist me or my charms, sorry I got you all hot and bothered that you had to leave the room, so you don’t give into your desire for me”. What room was he in or does he just live in fantasy land “Tyler, get bent I can assure you I did not get all hot and bothered by you, and if that’s what you want to believe you’re a bigger mug than I realised”. I really don’t get it the first real day he seemed so decent, but he acts like a teenage boy what is his issue. However, before I could even say anything else we were interrupted by Elliot he was still in his training clothes. “Tyler, Josh and Riley get your weapons now, Scott has advised there is several of a pack making their way in this direction”. Josh waved Lisa over as if summoning a waiter for the check whilst Tyler looked annoyed “you’ve got to be kidding I’ve only just got my food why isn’t Scott and artist boy going after them or are they just to lazy?”. Elliot then clipped him at the back of his head “take your head out of your ass Tyler, you damn well know they will be tracking the other part of the pack now stop your bitching and get your weapons” then looking at us all “move it now you three”. Emma just looked up at me and I gave her a big hug and kissed her forehead “I’ve got to go be good for Lisa okay” and then I rose from the table just as Lisa showed up I then waved at Emma and made my way out and went straight to my room. As I started to descend the stairs, I could heat two other footfalls behind me and Elliot’s voice where he must be in the hallway “Get a move on all three of you, Oh Riley and change into normal trousers and not jeans and make it quick” man he was bossy. “You heard the man Riles, chop chop” knowing that was Josh I just put my hand up in the air and flipped him of and I could hear him laughing “well that’s not very lady like behaviour”. Arriving on the landing that led to my room I rushed to my room grabbing the key out my pocket and pretty much slammed the door behind me where realising I need to get my ass in gear as I didn’t fancy getting pulled for daydreaming yet again by Elliot. So quickly I changed out of my jeans and chucked them on the bed and went to the wardrobe and pulled out a pair of cameo combats and pulled them on and then reached for my weapons and picked them up placed them gently on the bed and grabbed a belt that was conveniently hanging up that the weapons tucked into. Unzipping my hoodie, I fastened the belt around my t-shirt and slid the dagger in and then zipped my top up. Picking up my axe I headed out the door locking it and pocketing the key I ran across the landing and down the stairs.

Once I made it to the ground floor, I could see Elliot standing there looking rather impatiently s**t was I holding them all up “well nice to see that you’re the first one down, if there not down in the next ten minutes they can run some training drills with me for a week”. Feeling relieved that I didn’t take my own sweet time I let out a sigh of relief. I was then suddenly jumped on “no stay don’t go pease” and there looking up at me was Emma picking her up and soothing her by cradling her in my arms “It’s okay I will be back; I promise you’re not getting rid of me that easily” Elliot strolled over whilst I could hear Lisa shouting out telling Emma to get back in the dining hall. He pulled her out of my embrace very gently “you have my word that she will come back now go back to Lisa before she blows a fuse lil one”. Gently putting her down he gently tapped her shoulder and she just looked at me and I just nodded signalling for her to go back into Lisa and reluctantly she did as she was told and the look on her face just tugged on my heart strings. However, I couldn’t linger on my thoughts for too long as Elliot had this not amused look on his face. “Finally, you two ladies decided to grace us with your presence, move your backsides and get down the stairs pronto”. I could make out Josh “Yeah sorry about that Elliot wasn’t sure which dress to wear out” I had to fight the urge of snickering as I could feel Elliot’s gaze and even though I had my back to him I could tell he was pissed “Josh zip it, and Tyler what’s your excuse you needed to put your make up on”.

Once they had both joined me on the ground floor Tyler got this smug look on his face “nah but some of the girls begged me not to leave saying they couldn’t cope if something bad happened to me”. Josh just snorted whilst I could tell I had rolled my eyes “Well Tyler let your adoring public know you’re on training with me from five am pretty boy” Elliot raised his eyebrow and just gave of this look to say reign it in “Josh before you start laughing one more remark out of your mouth and you will be joining Tyler”. Instantly Josh put his hands up as if to say I surrender “Now all of you get your ass to the van move it”.

Without hesitation we all marched out as per his order all three of us clutching our axes is if we were heading out to war. Elliot then moved to the front of us all and he had his axe already sheathed to his waist the blade head was slightly bigger than mine. Instantly he raised his hand up as if telling us to halt and before I knew it he had picked up his phone and pressed a button “Scott which direction do you say they were heading In” he had paused for a moment “right he’s on the trail with them now and you’re sure it’s the same you saw earlier”. He then hung up on my uncle my heart almost fluttered as I knew he would be calling as my head showed his image in my, with his well-defined cheek bones, his half smile that would show his teeth and his deep hazel eyes. Clearly, I had gone into dolly daydream land as I now had Josh’s face in front of mine “by any chance where you just visualizing a certain man” he wriggled his eyes very suggestively at me I was so busted, but I decided I wouldn’t respond as otherwise I would not hear the end of it. “Akechetah, Scott says your trailing them, you’re sure its seven of them okay I will load everyone into the van” he turned to face us right move out now. As soon as he had given the order, we all now ran to the back of the house to where the vans where stationed and i was stunned leaning up against the van was none other than Chris.

Tyler was the first one to speak “Chris f**k off and pose elsewhere man” and the lights on the van door mirrors flashed signalling that the van had been unlocked which I could only assume was done by Elliot who looked off on seeing Chris “what are you up to Tyler is right now sod off your worse than a bloody zit showing up” At this statement he just sneered at Elliot, what the hell was his problem with Elliot “mate, I heard your phone call to Scott and thought I’d join you all I thought another pair of hands would be welcomed”. Josh and Tyler both looked gobsmacked so clearly this was something not in this guy’s normal behaviour.

Elliot went and grabbed the van door sliding it open and his face was just so unreadable he then looked Chris up and down “Since when do you actually volunteer to come out and fight, usually your more concerned about breaking a nail or which girl to shag next”. If looks could kill I think Elliot would have been dead as the pure hatred radiating from Chris was not hard to miss he replied through gritted teeth “listen up dinosaur I have come to help so why don’t you zip it and say thank you after all you know it makes sense, besides your taking a newbie out with you so you’re going to need as much help as possible”. What I would give to smack Chris, okay I may not be the best but if Elliot has given me orders I’m not going to wimp out on him, and he told me to gear up. Mind I’m sure Chris was right these guys have been training for years they live eat and breathe this lifestyle whilst I’m nothing special. I’m sure Elliot would agree with Chris but he just had his back to me and even if he didn’t I wouldn’t exactly be able to tell the guy had one serious poker face “Riley your riding up front with me, Chris shut your mouth she may be new at this but at least she follows orders you on the other hand can’t even meet that one basic task” Elliot then turned to face Chris and got right in his face and was just slightly taller than him but it looked as if Elliot was eyeballing him the way a drill sergeant would with a solider “if you must come then shut that mouth of yours and for once do as your damn well told to do and you will buddy up with Josh and Tyler, Riley’s with me” he then looked at as all “everyone get in the bloody van now or do you need a personal hand written invite from”.

At this order I did exactly as I had been told and went and got in the passenger side of the van without even looking at the others. If they wanted to argue the point with him, they could I still had training with him every day so there was no chance I was going to push my luck and end up paying for it then. Having to step up into the van I used the inside handle of the door to give me a boost I proceeded to sit down buckled up and laid my axe across my lap. The van door then slammed shut and I could feel the draft come in where Elliot opened the door his axe now in his hand, which he then passed to me. Once he was in in and buckled in, he put a headphone in his ear which must have been so he could answer any calls on an update and clipped his phone into a holder that was stuck to the windscreen. As he turned the engine his screen lit up “what you got for me, right ok, there is an old, abandoned restaurant that sits on a waterfront, yeah that’s what I’m thinking give us thirty minutes and we should be there”. I just looked at him rather perplexed what significance would a disused restaurant have to do with wolves.