Hunted

by DJ DeSmyter

  “You won’t break me, Lils,” he said, chuckling.

  “Sorry we’re a bit late. Your dad insisted on stopping to buy some Christmas lights,” Alex said, holding up a plastic shopping bag.

  “Christmas lights?” I asked, eyeing the bag in confusion. Was it the holiday season already?

  “Don’t tell me you forgot, Lils.” Dad plopped down on the living room couch. “The dance was last night, which means you don’t have school this week.”

  Right. How could I have forgotten? The dance always signaled the end of school for the holidays.

  “Huh, I guess all the werewolf stuff distracted me.”

  “Guess so,” Dad replied before sniffing the air. “What smells so good?”

  “Oh, that’s your breakfast. I’ll go get it for you.”

  Dad stood up. “Nah, I’ll eat it in the kitchen.”

  As soon as Dad was out of sight, Alex kissed me. “So, what would you like for Christmas?” he asked.

  I shrugged. I didn’t need a gift and besides, he didn’t have any money to spend. “Nothing.”

  “Really?”

  I nodded. “What do you want?”

  “To spend time with you.” His smile sent tingles up my arm.

  “You already do. We’re practically attached at the hip. It’s kind of gross.” I laughed.

  He laughed too, but his laughter quickly died and his gaze fell to the floor. I knew what he really wanted was something I couldn’t give.

  “I wish I could find your family for you,” I said.

  He looked up and tucked loose strands of hair behind my ear. “So do I.”

  “You haven’t talked about them in awhile.”

  Alex sighed. “I know. I’ve just been so happy with you.”

  I smiled and cupped his face in my hand hoping my touch would comfort him. “Don’t worry, we’ll find them.”

  25. Lily

  “Ouch! Stupid tree.” I scowled and continued hanging the ornament. “As much as I love Christmas, I hate how prickly the trees are.”

  Alex laughed and handed me another ornament. “Would you like me to take over?”

  “Sure, why not. You’re taller anyways and can reach the higher branches.” I sat on the edge of the couch and watched Alex as he gracefully hung ornaments on the tree. No matter what he did, I loved watching him, studying his every move as if he would vanish at any moment.

  “What?” Alex asked with a grin, noticing the way I was staring.

  “Nothing. I just like watching you, as creepy as that sounds.”

  He leaned down and kissed me. “It’s okay, I like watching you, too.”

  “I guess that makes us one creepy couple,” I joked. I would never admit it, but I liked the way he looked at me, the way his eyes memorized my every feature, my every move. Under his gaze, I felt beautiful, safe, and loved.

  “Is this the last one?” he asked, gesturing to a hand carved elf ornament.

  I looked around the floor and the rifled through the various boxes. “Yeah, I think so.” Just as I answered, the doorbell rang.

  “You got it, Lils?” Dad called from the kitchen where he was busy cooking.

  “Yep!” I scrambled off the couch and made my way to the front door. I peered through the peephole and found four people standing on the porch. Oh! Carolers! I unlocked the door and swung it open with a smile. I was expecting them to burst into song. But they didn’t. They regarded me with caution.

  “Can I help you?” I asked.

  Before any of them could respond, Alex pushed past me and threw his arms around the woman in the group.

  They weren’t carolers. They were Alex’s family, his pack.

  “Mom!” Alex cried as he buried his face into her shoulder. He let go and then turned to an older man I assumed was his father. “Dad!”

  Alex hugged him and then let go to embrace the young woman and man who were standing patiently behind Alex’s parents.

  “Don’t look so excited to see us,” the young woman said with a grin. I couldn’t help noticing how beautiful she was. Her red hair fell in tight curls just past her shoulders and the bright color brought out her blue eyes. She had a complexion any girl would be jealous of; with her vintage-looking jeans, fashionable boots, cardigan and scarf, she was definitely a trendsetter and probably looked great in anything.

  The young man standing next to her was just as good-looking and had the classic looks of an all American boy. Reddish-brown hair and blue eyes, a lean build, and an air of confidence. He playfully punched Alex in the arm. “I wish I could be as happy to see you,” he joked as he and Alex embraced.

  Alex’s mom grabbed a hold of him and hugged him again. “I’m so sorry we left you. We wanted to stay and make sure you were okay, but we couldn’t risk being seen until everything died down.” Her voice shook as she spoke and tears began streaming down her face.

  “It’s okay, Mom,” Alex said, “I understand. Really, I do. I’m just glad you guys are here now.” He pulled away and stared at them with wild joy.

  The cold winter air was beginning to turn my skin blue. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but would you guys like to come in?” I asked, hugging myself. My bare arms did little to protect me from the harsh cold. I took a step back and motioned for them to come on in. After stepping inside, they stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do.

  “Lily, who’s at the door?” Dad called from the kitchen.

  “Uh, Dad? It’s Alex’s family.”

  Dad clanged around in the kitchen before emerging, wiping his hands on a rag. “You’re here,” he said while throwing the rag over his shoulder. “How did you know where to find us?” He asked, mirroring Alex’s curiosity.

  This time, Alex’s mom spoke. “We followed your, uh, oh, uh—”

  “My scent?” Alex finished. His mom glanced at Dad and me nervously, unsure of how much we knew.

  “Alex,” his dad warned quietly.

  “It’s okay,” Dad said with wave of his hand. “We already know who you are. Well, what you are. My wife was a werewolf, too. I’m John, it’s nice to meet you.”

  Alex’s family still looked apprehensive, but they seemed to relax as they each shook Dad’s hand.

  “Why don’t we all go in the family room and sit down,” Dad suggested, motioning for all of us to follow him.

  I smiled at them as they passed me and before he could join them, I grabbed Alex’s hand. “Merry Christmas.”

  A bright smile spread across his face. “Thank you.” He leaned down and kissed me. His soft lips sent a warm tingle through my body. With hands intertwined, we joined the others in the family room. His whole family zeroed in on our hands.

  “Mom, Dad, James, Summer,” he paused and turned his eyes on me, addressing me with adoration. “This is Lily, John’s daughter and my, uh, girlfriend.”

  His mom’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “It’s very nice to meet you, Lily.” She stood and gave me a hug. Her embrace was full of warmth and felt motherly. I didn’t know how else to explain it. Is this how other girls feel when their mom hugs them?

  “You, too, Mrs., uh—” I looked at Alex for help. Unbelievable! We’re dating and I don’t even know his last name?

  “Moreau,” she answered. “But, please, call me Amelia.” She was beaming at me.

  “And I’m Peter, Alex’s father.” He reached out and shook my hand. Alex looked a lot like his dad. The resemblance was scary.

  The redheaded beauty stepped forward to give me a hug. “I’m Summer, Alex’s sister-non-sister.”

  Huh?

  “James and I are actually brother and sister. Peter and Amelia took us in after our parents were killed.”

  “By a hunter?” My voice shook. I didn’t want to be invasive, but I had to know.

  Summer shook her head. “Fortunately not.”

  “Car crash,” James interjected. To my surprise, he hugged me. He squeezed me so tight I thought he’d crush my lungs. In a way, it was endearing.

  “O
h.” I didn’t know what else to say.

  Peter cleared his throat and sat back down. “So, I believe we have some catching up to do.”

  While Alex sat with his family and explained everything, Dad and I retreated to the kitchen to give them privacy.

  “What a Christmas gift, huh?” Dad poured me a glass of water. “Alex sure looks happy.”

  I nodded and took a sip. “And they seem to like me, which is good.” I paused and stared at my water. “Dad? What was it like for you?”

  “I need a little more than that, Lils.”

  “Being with Mom. A werewolf.”

  “It was easier after she told me. Before she did, I thought she just liked to go downstairs and eat a midnight snack. Little did I know she was actually out running free in a skin she eventually trusted me enough to know and love.”

  “So her being a werewolf wasn’t an issue.” It was more of a statement than question.

  “Not at all, and, now that you know the truth, I have no problem with you dating Alex, if that’s what you’re getting at.”

  “Really?”

  “Lils, are you happy?”

  “Yes.” That was an understatement.

  “Then that’s all that matters.”

  26. Alex

  “Have you guys been back to the house?” My eyes floated from Mom to Dad. As far as I knew, the hunter hadn’t burned it down or anything. Images of my guitar and cello flashed in my mind.

  Mom sighed. “Not yet.”

  “It’s too risky,” Dad said.

  “So where are we going to stay?” Summer interjected.

  “Don’t worry, Summer, you’ll get your beauty sleep,” James teased.

  Summer rolled her eyes, but couldn’t keep from grinning.

  “Where were you guys staying before you came back?” I asked.

  “Up north at some cheap hotel, but we’ll probably find a small apartment for now,” said Dad.

  “How did you pay for it, though?” I asked. “Everything’s at the house.”

  Dad pulled out his wallet. “I managed to grab it before we escaped. Running while carrying a wallet in my mouth was not an easy feat.”

  We all chuckled before letting a comfortable silence settle in.

  Ever since Lily opened the front door and let my family’s scents waft in, an insurmountable amount of joy filled me. I hadn’t realized just how much I had missed them until I saw their faces. Smelled their scents. Heard their voices.

  “Alex, what is it?” Mom asked with concern.

  “Nothing, Mom. I just got lost in thought.”

  James eyed me with a goofy grin. “Thinking about Lily?”

  Before I could answer, Summer chimed in. “You guys make one hell of a cute couple.”

  I chuckled. “Thanks, Summer.”

  “Are you happy?” Dad unexpectedly asked.

  I answered without hesitation. “Yes.”

  “Thank the lord she knows what we are,” Summer said.

  I nodded. “It does make our relationship easier.”

  “Well, I can’t wait to get to know her and John better. We should have them over for dinner once we’re able to return to the house,” said Mom. There was no doubt in my mind she was already planning the dinner.

  Suddenly, red and blue lights flashed past the front window as a police car passed with its sirens blaring. Lily emerged from the kitchen and pulled back the blinds. When she turned around, she caught my eye and blushed. She waved at me before heading back into the kitchen.

  “I wonder what happened,” Dad said.

  “Someone found a dead wolf,” John said as he entered the room carrying drinks. Lily followed close behind.

  “Why do the police care?” James asked.

  “It was a pretty brutal killing and since wolves are endangered, it’s illegal to kill them in general,” John explained.

  I shuddered and tried not to think about the hunter killing my family— or Lily. “And the hunter just left the body lying around?”

  “Looks like he’s getting lazy,” James added. “What are we going to do about him?”

  “Well, I can keep patrolling,” John offered before taking a sip of water.

  Lily sat down next to me and having her beside me was enough to make me smile. “Dad, do you have any idea who he might be?”

  John shook his head. “I wish I did. If we knew his name, we could find him and, try to stop him.”

  “He’s not the same hunter who killed Mom, is he?”

  “No.”

  “Oh.” Lily sounded uncomfortable. She had learned so much about her mom and werewolves in such a short amount of time it was amazing how well she digested it all. I took her hand and gave it a squeeze. The look she gave me was one of gratitude.

  John cleared his throat and looked directly at Dad and Mom. “I think it’d be best if we all just relax for a while. Right now there’s no need for us to go searching for the hunter.”

  Dad nodded in agreement. “Maybe he’ll think there’s no more werewolves left to hunt in Victor Hills and move on.”

  “But he’ll still be killing other wolves wherever he goes,” Lily added.

  “True, but it would be easier to learn more about him if he’s not around,” Dad explained. “And then we can take some action. But for now, John’s right. We should all lay low.”

  “So no shifting?” James sounded heartbroken. Telling him he couldn’t shift was like telling a kid they couldn’t open their Christmas gifts.

  “I’m afraid so,” Dad said with regret. “For a little while at least.”

  “What am I supposed to do for fun then?” James folded his arms.

  “Read a book, watch T.V., or play board games with me,” Summer suggested with a smile.

  “You always cheat.”

  Summer rolled her eyes and grinned at Lily and I. Glancing up, I saw Lily return the gesture. Maybe she and Summer could be friends, I thought. Lily would like that.

  “It’s only temporary,” Mom said. She paused and stared at Lily, who was now staring at the ground. I wished I could read minds because they both looked as though their heads were filled with heavy thoughts.

  Dad sighed and stood. “It’s late and we still need to find a hotel.”

  “Can’t they stay here?” Lily asked.

  John got to his feet and faced Dad. “Of course. We have plenty of room.”

  Dad raised his hand to stop John. “That’s very kind of you, but we don’t want to impose.”

  Lily looked at me with a frantic and sad expression.

  “What is it?” I asked her in a quiet voice.

  “I don’t want you to leave,” she whispered back. Closing her eyes, she smiled lightly to herself. “That sounds so selfish and pathetic. I’m sorry.”

  Still holding her hand, I raised it to my lips, not caring that every pair of eyes was on us. “There’s no need to apologize, Lily,” I said with a smile, hoping to give her some assurance. “I won’t leave if you don’t want me to.” I met Dad and Mom’s eyes, and hoped they would understand.

  “Of course you can stay. We won’t be far” Dad said.

  “Just behave,” Mom added.

  John chuckled and waved her comment off. “Their rooms are on opposite ends of the hall.”

  Mom and Dad both laughed and said, “Good.”

  “Can I at least convince you all to come over in the morning for Christmas breakfast?” John asked while he escorted us all towards the front door.

  “That sounds lovely,” Mom said, still keeping her eyes on Lily. She finally looked away to shake John’s hands. “Thank you so much for all you have done.”

  I could tell John felt uncomfortable; personal interactions probably weren’t his favorite. “Oh, it’s not a big deal. I was just glad to help.”

  “Well, we’ve not only found our son, but we’ve found new friends as well.” Mom let go of his hands and I almost laughed at his look of relief.

  After everyone exchanged goodnights and ‘see
you soons’, John went up to bed, leaving Lily and I alone sitting on the couch. As soon as her dad was out of sight, she stretched across the couch on her side and rested her head on my lap. I stroked her hair while we spoke in hushed voices.

  “My family seems to really like you.”

  She sighed. “I would like to think so.” I couldn’t quite see her face, but I knew she was smiling. “I’m so glad they found us.”

  “Me, too. I guess I got my Christmas wish after all.”

  “I’m good, aren’t I?” Lily‘s laughter was cut short by a yawn. Covering her mouth, she sat up. “I guess I’m more tired than I thought.”

  “Want me to carry you up?”

  “I think I can make it,” she answered with a grin.

  Close on her feet, I followed her upstairs and waited outside her room while she changed. When she opened the door, she was surprised to see me still standing in the hall. Her cheeks turned a rosy color as she smiled. Turning from me, she climbed onto her bed and slid under the covers.

  “I wish you had your guitar,” she said.

  I went over and stretched out next to her. “Why is that?”

  “Then you could play me a song while I go to sleep.”

  “I’ll play for you as soon as I find a guitar, I promise.”

  “Good.” She rolled away from me and stared out her window. An almond-shaped moon hung in the sky, outshining the stars that burned near it.

  I kissed her shoulder. “What are you thinking about now?”

  “The moon,” she murmured. “Does it affect you like in the movies?”

  Resting my chin on her arm, I followed her gaze out the window. “We can shift whenever we want, except on the night of a full moon.”

  “How come?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m not sure any werewolf knows. It’s not something we think about; we just accept it and continue on.”

  “Maybe the moon’s gravity pulls the wolf out of you and brings it out to play.”

  I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her closer. “Maybe.”