Token Huntress

by Carrington-Russell, Kia

  When I thought of my team’s safety, I thought of James. An ill feeling stirred in my stomach. I wanted to know if they were safe and alive. Just because the Council had seen them escape, it didn’t mean they could survive so long outside the Guild’s wall. Why had they not returned and reported to Campture? Perhaps for precautionary measures. They would have known the Council vampires were following them. Maybe they were waiting it out a few days.

  Slowly I watched the shadows of night turn into the shine of day. Still I had not slept and my body craved for it. I was too aware of my surroundings. Could I demand from Chase to let me leave? Who was I kidding? He was a deranged vampire who thought he was keeping me safe from my own people. A kidnapper would not give his victim an explanation. I repeated these thoughts in my mind, but when I looked at his peaceful resting face, all of those thoughts receded. The hatred I built up for him had gone. And so I would have to fight myself internally again to raise the hatred. Why did I react in such a way to him?

  I could hear him stretching out of his hammock. For a vampire he wasn’t the quietest when he awoke. His yawning and stretching sounded like an animal roaring. I was amazed that he had slept within my presence, and more surprised that I hadn’t tried to dagger him during the night. Vampires didn’t require as much rest as humans and hunters, so I was unsure as to why he would risk it. He could have gone days, maybe even weeks without rest. It was reported that if a vampire tried to live without rest then the likelihood of them going silly in the head and slipping into a saber state was probable. Although they didn’t need as much rest, they still required it to protect themselves from such an outcome.

  “Good morning, beautiful,” he said merrily.

  I sat up with an evil expression on my face, unappreciative of his comment, only to find him checking himself out in the full-length mirror near his three-legged desk. He arched an eyebrow in my direction, now realizing I thought he had meant me. “Well, you too,” he winked. “I am going to get you some clothes so you aren’t walking around in my leather coats like a weirdo. You can have a bath while I am gone, everything you will need is in there,” he paused for a moment as if in thought. “Well, everything but me.” At my mute reaction he smiled. It was exactly what he wanted. He swept through the room and was already gone. I exhaled angrily once again at how my body wanted him, by his words alone could I lose my trail of thought. I hadn’t blushed in many years. It was such a rare hunter expression, being overcome with such a sexual intention.

  I did need a shower. And now that I was alone, I couldn’t help but feel the desperate pull to the sensation of hot water on my skin. The water at the Guild was often cold by the time I used to shower late at night. I became accustomed to it. But to now be able to bathe in it, well, that was something I did look forward to.

  Dipping my toes into it, the water scalded me, but I could not help but find relief in it as well. I peeled the dirty and sweaty clothing off of me. I undid my plait, washing my hair vigorously. I dipped my head under the water, trying to ease my train of thought. So many things kept trailing over one another. I was never like this. I was always so sure in both my thought and actions. Never did I feel such a trivial thing as doubt. If I wanted something I took it. But now it seemed as if I had no idea what it was I wanted. Chase made it very hard to keep a clear mind. This was never what I had thought would happen when I finally infiltrated the Council.

  Shortly after that Chase returned with some clothing, placing them near the door where I could collect them myself. He had lingered near the door for a while, unsure as to whether he should have walked into place them on the basin. I hadn’t told him not to, more so as a test. How odd for a vampire to be considerate?

  The clothing was not to my taste and reminded me of what Whitney wore. It was a long green flowing dress with long sleeves. When gathering it, something hit the floor. Chase had placed a garter and two knives in there. Three small sharp daggers were also a part of the package. He was serious about me not touching his bobble-head dolls.

  I walked out, uncomfortable in the free-flowing attire. Never had I worn such a thing in my life.

  “Aww, you look so pretty,” Chase commented, sitting on the edge of his bed with one leg folded over the other. “What? You need to tone down the ‘I can kick your ass’ attitude. There are only a few vampires here older than me. For the most part I know you can handle yourself with the rest. But it’s around those ones you have to act as human as possible. If they so much as guess your strength, they will drain you instantly. That is why I had to erase Gardar’s recollection of you being a Hunter. I gave you those weapons, but, just in case, please be smart about it.”

  “I wouldn’t be in such a situation if you hadn’t brought me here,” I said coldly.

  “Well, that is very true, but regardless, I know you are benefiting from this. You are thinking, ‘I will find out everything I can, and then I will go back to my Guild, where I stupidly think it is safe. I will tell them everything I know and they will embrace me as a hero and we shall eradicate the whole vampire race. I shall lead it with my very own sword,’” he said in a lady–like, mocking tone.

  Before I could swallow back my fiery words, he approached me, now very serious. I held my ground firmly. I had my weapons now. I could defend myself far more efficiently. Even against Chase. Then I stepped back. I couldn’t stand so close to him anymore, it was unbearable. I hated the pull he had over me. It must be a gift of enticement or something… he must be brainwashing me with his gift.

  “I just wanted to tell you, that you look beautiful with your hair out. You are like a golden bird. You are right in front of me, yet so untouchable and spectacular at the same time. Esmore, I will not let you return to the Guild. When I say it is not safe, I truly mean that. I have seen it all before.”

  “In a premonition?” I mocked. I did not take kindly to flattery, yet my breath became uneasy at his words.

  “My sweet Esmore, I cannot prophesize things, my gift does not work in such a way. I have, however, lived for four hundred and thirty-one years. I am far more accustomed to the world of hunters than you with your short eighteen years. The hunters are not a loyal breed. If they have an inclination that a hunter is treacherous in any way, they kill them on the spot. Most of the murders are unjustified, and whatever information tipped them off was usually later found to be incorrect. I guess in a way the hunters are very similar to us, but I wouldn’t allow them to do that to you. I intervened that night when we first met because I already knew of the mistrust that Guild mistress, Campture, had in you.”

  “Why did you follow me? You shot a dart of paralysis at me. You were planning on taking me as hostage,” I said sternly. I felt very unintimidating with my long-flowing dress, so I crossed my arms for added effect.

  He laughed lightly to himself at that. “I did and I had every intention of bringing you to Fier. We were to take the Token Hunter. And I had every intention of doing so. But then, well, it is probably going to sound corny…You demanded for your arm to be burnt, which I was very impressed by. You felt me, as I did you. You knew of my exact location and when you looked at me, I looked at you like I do now. You were like a golden bird: so close yet untouchable. I was intrigued and followed you, only to find out how close you were to death, so I had to intervene. So I meddled, and you should be grateful for that.”

  “I was not near death,” I said angrily. I could protect myself from anything.

  “Esmore, let me explain to you what would have happened, because I have seen it far too many times in my lifetime. Your kind is a very predictable kind and very untruthful. Even though you hold so much hatred for vampires, you are so very much like us. So very much like humans throwing around their power and strength.” Chase shook his head as he realized he had rambled on to another topic, and refocused on telling me what he predicted. “Campture had you locked up. Within those next days she would have created a conspiracy about you: how you are involved with vampires, misleading your Hunter Gui
ld. She would have used the deaths of your fallen members as proof of that.”

  I shook my head, but he continued, unperturbed. “Your boyfriend, whom you pretend to love so much, would not be loyal to you. When I watched you both, it seemed like your relationship was a label. I know you can feel that same desire. Do you know how hard it is for me to control my urges around you?”

  He now looked at me lustfully. I couldn’t help but feel empty, as if those words he spoke were very true. I did not love James; I was just so used to the attachment. Maybe at one point I had loved him, but not anymore, and I could not deny by body’s pull toward Chase.

  “My relationship has nothing to do with you,” I said. “And you ran off subject.”

  After a moment of silence, he continued. “Your boyfriend would have pleaded your case for about half a day, but then would have been convinced of the same conspiracy. He has an unnatural want for you, Esmore. It is not love he holds, but a very deep sense of entitlement. Whatever happened to him a long time ago has made him now believe that he owns you.”

  I thought of his childhood. He was taken away from his mother. He always begged me to live with him, to leave my position as Token Huntress, to wed, to have children. Could it be as severe as Chase let on? But I was fine; I could always look after myself. But to have an outsider’s perception of what I already feared sent me deeper in to those dark thoughts. Did James really believe he controlled me?

  “He would have pleaded with Campture for, say, a day at most. By then he would have been convinced that you were a traitor. He would have come and offered you an ultimatum: to live with him as mother to his children, under his protection, or you could choose death.

  By then your best friend, Dillian, would have been outraged. Despite the low emotion levels of hunters, you had a few who would stand up in your defense. The woman who can control flames would have been first. She would seek out Campture on her own. On her next raid this huntress would be ‘accidently’ killed by her own kind, but they would claim it to have been sabers.

  Unfortunately the little apprentice, Tori, I believe it was, would be witness. They wouldn’t kill him, but he would never be allowed on a raid again in punishment. Your best friend Dillian, would face a decision: defy them and die, or say nothing and stay with his fiancée. Of course he loves her very much, but he would still fight for you. He would openly be killed in front of all. He would be an example to other hunters not to interfere. You would then be killed.”

  Still with my arms crossed over my chest, I thought of this. In truth, I could understand his thought process on the matter, and although I wish I could have dismissed it as a lie, I couldn’t. I already had my doubts about Campture. I did not trust her after my mother’s death. I suspected she had made me Token both because I was one of the best warriors, but also to keep me close. I wish I could laugh in Chase’s face at the words he spoke. But all of it seemed true.

  “And this is what you suspected would happen?” I asked dryly. I did not want Chase to know that I considered his words to be true.

  “Esmore, I would not lie to you. I brought you back to protect you. For now this was the safest place I could bring you. I know it seems unlikely because of the enemies around you. But the difference is, if they only think you are human, I can protect you from both the vampires within this wall and the hunters who want to execute you within your own home. I cannot protect you within the wall of hunters. Although I would have tried it in a heartbeat, if my manipulation did not work.”

  “I cannot be kept as a pet.” Eventually I would have to return. A place of vampires was not a home for me.

  “I would never treat you as a pet, Esmore. For now, please understand my reasoning.” He stood again, reaching out for my hand. “For now let us stay, for only a while longer while everything calms down. If this is not a place you would want to be, then we will find a way to leave. I will follow you if it’s something that you so desperately want. But know there will be consequences if I do such a thing.”

  I considered this for a moment. I had comments to make, remarks to shoot him down. But I could not say them. For what reason would he sacrifice all he had for me? The thought of him following me sent a warmth through me which was scary. His hand slowly intertwined with one of mine, unlocking the firm grip I had across my chest. He simply held it and leant down to kiss my forehead. A shudder of warmth spread over my forehead and like I had noted before, I actually felt something when Chase touched me. It was almost overwhelming as I had not felt such a feeling in so long. His other hands stroked my cheek and trailed down my neck. He lifted his necklace away from my throat so that it was no longer tucked into my dress, out of sight.

  “There is so much I want to share with you. But I will wait until you want that,” he promised. I could feel the heat radiate between us. It was like a swirl of tension, pushing us together. I could feel my legs wanting to give way to him, sensations trailing up my legs and desire heating me.

  I stared at his lips longingly before pulling away. I could not, even to James. I could not be unfaithful until I could tell him my feelings were no longer true.

  “Tythian and Whitney are the only other two who know your true identity. After much arguing with Tythian, he has agreed to say nothing. He is older than me, but we have lived together for a long time — he is someone I can trust. But as I said he does not take well to those who threaten Whitney. I have also been informed she will be showing you around. It shocks me that you found her so quickly. But be careful around her. Tythian and I are close but if you insult her in anyway or push her for too many answers about the Council, he will not take it kindly. He is very protective of her.”

  “Because she is his familiar?” I asked.

  “She told you about familiars?”

  “Well, no not as of yet, but…” Before I could demand the answer from him, he cut me off.

  “I will tell you soon. But for now let’s go out and I’ll show you the big bad vampire lair,” he suggested, his fingers waving in the air spookily. “And, if anyone asks, you are mine,” His tone was so sharp that his sudden mood swing had even me intimidated. “I know you don’t belong to me, Esmore. But please, if anyone asks, you must state it. It’s the only way within the walls I can keep you protected… you must be bound to me.”

  I already had a taste of what his speed and strength was like. I was now growing very aware that I was no longer as strong as I had thought, well, not in comparison to the older vampires. Especially Chase.

  W alking out into the white halls, I saw that already Whitney and Tythian were in front of the water fountain. Whitney favored water features immensely, it seemed. This was her favorite spot to sit and simply stare. Tythian noticed us first. Chase went tense and stood in front of me. Tythian was the only other vampire who knew my identity and it was obvious he didn’t like it that I was within the Council. It did bring me relief to know that no one vampire recalled my face from the battle. Too much was happening during the fight and I was taken in after the explosion of the grenade.

  Whitney then noticed us, patting Tythian’s hand lightly in a reassuring manner. “Don’t you ruin my friendship for me,” she said playfully with a light smile. He looked down at her, his hand tightening around hers. His eyes glistened in adoration. His blonde hair was slicked back smoothly, seeming very golden against his tanned skin. He was wearing black pants and a white buttoned shirt.

  Chase was standing next to me as we had come to a halt in front of them. It gave me a moment to admire the difference in not only Tythian’s and Chase’s style, but age as well. It made me question why Chase seemed to be the only one who never wore a shirt, only a leather jacket. My eyes fixated on his hard chest, my eyes lingering over his hard stomach. His hip bones made me go hazy in thought. He found my eyes, a cocky smile twitching at his lips. Although my expression was bland, he knew I had been staring at his perfect body.

  When I compared the style of both men, you could tell there was a very large age ga
p simply by the way they dressed. Although Tythian looked to be in his mid-thirties, there was an atmosphere around him. He was much older than Chase, possibly the oldest one here. I would have to ask Chase later.

  “I am sorry about the attire,” Whitney said sheepishly. “You see I always have to wear long dresses. It is more comforting for me but I get very cold, very quickly. Chase asked me to find you clothes as we look the same size. It was all the clothing I had in my wardrobe.”

  “Do not apologize, Whitney. She should be grateful,” Tythian interjected sharply. A low growl erupted from Chase in some form of warning. His fangs were already bared, and Tythian followed. His were much larger and fiercer.

  “I said not to, Tythian,” Whitney said, slapping him on the arm lightly. The exertion of it forced her to cough into her hand. Chase caught and held my hand so I would not run to her aid, simply letting me watch.

  “Whitney,” Tythian said, dropping to his knees in front of her. He rested one hand on her back, the other holding her hand tightly. “Let me ease the pain for you, please.” His tone was begging. She continued coughing hoarsely. Tythian’s eyes scattered over her, he was suffering himself.

  “I’m okay,” she panted. She looked back at the water fountain. It was as if she had forgotten what she was doing. She looked back at Tythian, placing her hand on his smooth jaw before stroking it. Her eyes were filled with such love that I was suddenly reminded of Chase’s hand holding mine and I let go. Never did I think in this lifetime I would see such a display of affection between human and vampire. I wanted to deny it but as they stared into one another’s eyes, I knew their feelings were true.