Hunted (Scarlet Dawson Book 1)

by Nicola Chadwick

  I bring the sword up high and go straight in for a head shot; he blocks and arches down for my side. Our swords scratch against each other before I push him away. He circles me again and then steps forward swinging his sword in a similar downward arc as I’d previously used. Seeing an opportunity for a little unfair play, I duck to the left and kick his feet from under him.

  He lands on his back with his arms out. I stand over him and point my sword at his throat, the cheers from the girls growing louder. He grins and says “I don’t think so” and rolling to one side he takes me down with him in a tangle of limbs. Pressing me to the floor he lets a lazy smile spread across his face until he feels the point of my sword pressing in his arm. I move him using the pressure of the tip then shift the point to his side. “Drop the sword.” I tell him.

  Still using the pressure I get him to his knees and then up onto his feet withdrawing to a safer distance. “You won’t be getting me to the floor again.”

  “I doubt that, I quite liked you beneath me.” He replies grinning, advancing on me with every word.

  That insufferable man is enjoying this. I could feel the anger bubbling inside me as I jab my sword forward, he jumps out of the way and bends to retrieve his sword. I swing repeatedly at him, moving forward and pushing him back further, thinking I have the upper hand the entire time. Then he drops to the side and catches my hand and using a vice like grip makes me drop the sword.

  I twist free and kick his sword arm, he instantly drops his sword. Circling each other once more I jump propelling myself at his upper body knocking him down to the floor. I land on top of him, my knee pressed into his privates. I feel his parts jerk in reaction to me. Startled I start to move away from him. I don’t get far as he grabs my arms and shifts me so he’s on top. Again. My arms are pressed into the floor above my head, his muscular body holding mine in place, I could feel he was getting aroused and unfortunately and against my better judgement I was reacting to him as well. I look up into his eyes.

  Suddenly he pulls me up still holding my arms, his face no longer smiling but extremely angry. You could feel his wrath vibrating in the air. I felt like if he went for me now I’d be dead seconds later, I was actually afraid but I couldn’t understand why. “What the hell are you?” He demands his voice low and harsh.

  “I don’t know what you mean.” I reply confused as to what had happened in the last few seconds to warrant this change.

  Shaking me he says “Don’t play with me your eyes have gone completely black and I don’t just mean the irises. You’re Fae!” He practically spits the words out like it was some sort of disease.

  Damn the Fae’s emotions, when they feel strong emotion their whole eyes turn black whites as well, it was a tell tale sign that someone was Fae even if they were using another form. The only people that couldn’t do it were Humans whose Fae blood had been diluted down the generations.

  “What the hells your problem with that, none of you bothered to find out exactly what I was, did you honestly think a human would have been able to handle the beatings I took from The Demons, let alone hunt for The Guild, or that I healed quick because I had an immortal somewhere in my family. It doesn’t work like that” I shouted back removing my arms from his grasp.

  “What other lies have you told us? There’s not a single Fae alive that doesn’t manipulate or deceive everyone into doing exactly what they want.” The others were now silently watching the display their faces no longer happy and playful.

  “I haven’t lied or manipulated anyone, I did see an opportunity to get help when I needed it but the only thing I kept hidden was my identity, I have ever since I was old enough to control the shifting. Just because some of my people are like that doesn’t mean we all are. If you don’t want my help because I’m part Fae then fuck you.”

  With that said I shifted and stood before them all in my Nymph form. My hair turned from long, dark and straight to blonde waves that had streaks of forest green throughout. My eyes were a very vivid green and a vine like tattoo appeared on my skin curling down one arm and up into my hair and disappearing into the top of the vest. “You want to carry on working together we do it with me like this or not at all. I may be Fae but I’m also Nymph and Human and I shouldn’t have to hide who I am just because of dick heads like you that think even though I’m a half breed I’m like those Fae bastards.” Turning I walk out of the gymnasium leaving them all gaping. I’ve had enough to deal with and for the first time ever I was finally sick of hiding my true self.

  Chapter Fourteen

  I had a few hours to kill before my appointment at The Guild, so I thought I’d go steal a car from The Pack and get myself some clothes. I was angry enough to not give a damn about the consequences.

  Hopefully The Guild would set me up with a team to get in and out of the caves. I didn’t need The Pack’s help, especially not if they were this prejudiced. Then again, could I risk them running their own operation and screwing mine up. I’ll talk it over with Delaney later.

  I walk down to the bottom level and out into the court yard, the truck was still parked there. I open the door, the idiots didn’t lock anything because most people where to afraid of The Pack to steal from them. I bent down and striped two wires from under the steering column, using my teeth I strip the outer coating off and touch the bare wires together until I get a spark and the engine starts purring. I twist the wires together, jump into the seat and throw the truck into gear.

  I really am annoyed that the wretched brute could be so prejudice. Most Fae did have a tendency to think only about themselves and use any means necessary to get what they want, however I had been brought up this side of the Vale. My morals were different to theirs and I hated being lumped into the same category, I’m not like that. I don’t play with Humans just because I can. I’ve spent most of my life helping other people. I’m not going to let that idiot stereotype me. It was like being a child again, unwanted because of my heritage.

  Why was I even letting him get to me?

  I turn off the road The Manor was on and onto the main road, heading into the south side of the city. Port Vale was great, it had everything you could possibly need from a city and the country was just next door. At the centre of the city was The Guild building and the tear in the Vale. To the north was the more cosmopolitan and rich half of the city, favoured by the famous and The Guild Politicians. For now though I’m going to stick to the south, it was full of old shops that had been there from the beginning. Café’s and street vendors lined the busy streets. It was great, rustic and just what I needed to calm down.

  The truck was easy to drive compared to my beat up old truck, I pushed on the accelerator and it smoothly went faster, my vehicle generally just spluttered and got jerky, I really needed to get a new one.

  I saw my bank approaching and pulled over, parking a few shops away. I get out and hoped I wouldn’t get towed, not that it would matter I reminded myself, the truck belongs to an ass. I walk in the bank and join the queue. It was so much easier when I had my card with me I could have just gone to the nearest machine and grabbed some quick cash. One good thing though was I’d be able to claim the clothes I bought as an expense, if The Guild gave me a case I’d charge them and save my clients the extra charge, The Guild could afford anything, then again so could my clients.

  I only had a short wait, which was quite shocking really, the young man at the desk motioned me over. A glass sheet separated us and a microphone and speaker were stuck about mouth height for communication. “I’d like to withdraw some cash please; I haven’t got my card though.”

  He looks at me talking in my green streaks and looking at the vine creeping down over the top of my breast and into my top. His attention was totally riveted on me, well my breasts. I tap on the glass to get his attention, blinking as if I’d woken him from a dream he finally focused on me and said. “Erm, do you know your details then?”

  His attention back on my breasts, I thought to my self, no I’ve come
to the bank without a card and any details. Instead I say “Yes here they are.” I scribble the account details on a piece of paper and hand them over, with a false smile.

  Entering the details he asks “How much?” I tell him and ask for half in big bills half in small. I’d asked for a little extra thinking that I’d probably be sleeping in a hotel for the next few days.

  He hands the cash over, I pocket it and walk out. I grab a drink from the nearest street vendor and go to put the change into the meter for the truck. Then I walk off down the street perusing the shops as I walk past, I find the store I was looking for about five minutes after I started looking around. It was called Devil Designs or DD’s, it sold durable clothes that not only looked good and were fashionable but they were made of fabrics that were hard wearing. The perfect clothes shop for someone in my line of work.

  I walk in and walk through the racks picking up, two pairs of combat trousers, a pair of normal trousers, a gorgeous skirt that I couldn’t resist, five vest tops in different colours and a couple of shirts. I take them over to the cashier without trying them on. I never needed to try anything on from here it made shopping so much easier. Especially when you tended to do all your clothes shopping on the interweb. While the cashier was ringing up my purchases I grab a couple of belts that would be perfect for when I had a sword again. I also picked up a pair of knee high boots that I could wear on top of the trousers and with the skirt and a pair of biker style boots to go with the combats.

  I walk out of the shop after twenty minutes of shopping laden down with my purchases. I think that was a record even for me. I can never be bothered with buying clothes normally but I still liked to look good. I usually compromised and did a couple of big shops every now and then.

  I load the truck and get in deciding to head to The Guild early, I’d go to the armouries and get a new sword and then to see Delaney, hopefully he wouldn’t keep me waiting to long.

  The Guild was the biggest and most beautiful building in the city, the stone was mined over in Faerie, and it had an almost pearlescent look to it. The architecture was stunning and very gothic in look. Real gargoyles lived on various edges guarding the building from attack. Not that anyone sane would attack The Guild. The Guild were a conglomerate of the most powerful people in our world.

  I walk in through the main entrance and go to the reception to pick up a new identity badge and phone. Which I was told if they went missing again it would have to be deducted from my salary. Once that was sorted I could walk freely in the building, so I went down to the armouries.

  The place was dark and very hot; The Guild forged all their own weapons so supply was easier plus they could control the legalities and the import export trade better. I saw someone bent over an anvil, his body naked to the waist, his strong muscles rippling every time he swung his hammer. A slight sheen dampened his skin accenting his muscles further. Now this guy was dreamy.

  I could watch him forever but instead I shout to him. “Hey Adam, long time no see.”

  He looks up at me, smiles and straightens. “Hey Scarlet, how are you? What are you doing here?” He walks over to me and I feel a little stifled from his proximity, he was a full blooded Fae and he had the power to charm both metal and women, he always tried it on and I always turned him down. He was way to loose with the women from what I heard.

  Stepping back I say. “I’m fine thanks, want to turn off the charm because I need a new sword and if you’re trying to seduce me I’ll be distracted into getting a sword that doesn’t work right for me.”

  The air in the room gets instantly lighter and he grabs my hand, drawing me towards his stash of newly made goods. “I have the prefect one for you, its short in length and a perfect mix of bronze silver and gold, the colouring would look perfect on you.”

  “This is why we have never gotten together, you don’t charm me for long enough.” I sigh and give him a look of longing, then laugh. “Only joking lets see this beauty then.”

  He bends down and from an oil cloth slowly withdraws the prettiest sword I’d ever seen. It was the palest gold and perfectly balanced, the hilt and handle had a vine scrolling around them onto the edge of the blade, a vine that matched mine perfectly both in colour and style. “You made this for me didn’t you?” I asked utterly amazed.

  “For you petal, anything. She is called Neria. She has been spelled with our greatest magic so that if you call her name she will return to your hand wherever she is, you are her master and she belongs to you. This way I know you won’t lose another one of my creations.” He smiles and sends me on my way before his current project cools down to much and was ruined. I sometimes wondered why Adam worked in the armouries, something in his mannerisms made him feel like a caged animal. I put it down to the after effects of his sexual charm.

  I go back to the truck and grab a pair of plain trousers, knee boots, vest and belt and go to get changed in the washroom. The trousers were black and so were the boots but the vest was a pale grass green which made all my features stand out more. I fastened the belt low on my hips and attached the swords scabbard. It was perfect.

  I leave my other clothes with the receptionist telling her I’d fetch them on the way back down. I get in the elevator and push the button for Delaney’s floor. He’d be amazed that I was walking around like this instead of hiding behind my usual human exterior.

  The elevator pings and I get out. I walk through the bull pen filled with overflowing desks, one of which I think was mine, I never used it though. I knock on Delaney’s door and walk in. I can’t believe my eyes, deep in conversation with my boss is Bastian.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” I demand.

  Delaney motions for me to sit. I stay put and fold my arms over my chest with just a little more defiance than was necessary. “Dawson sit, there are a few things we all need to discuss, the fact that you stole a Pack vehicle being point number one.” He looks at Bastian and asks. “Do you want to press charges for the unlawful use of your vehicle?”

  Bastian shakes his head. “I was only concerned for its whereabouts.” He looks at me and I glare back, it was really tempting to stick my tongue out, I barely managed to hold it in.

  “Mr Night I would like to thank you for coming here and stating your intentions to find your missing men, for the moment though I need to go over a few things with Dawson. There’s a bench outside, if you would please wait a moment for us.”

  With his hearing that was just an invite for him to listen in on the conversation.

  He gets up and walks over to me as he passes he leans in and says in a low voice. “He knows nothing about what’s happening and until you know whether you can trust him I suggest you keep your mouth shut, don’t forget I’ll be listening in.”

  Bastian bows slightly to Delaney and walks out closing the door.

  The door had been shut a fraction of a second before Delaney starts with me. “You stole a Pack vehicle then proceeded to be an ass to the Lycan King, what are you stupid? Not only that you disappear off the face of the Earth. I need explanations Scarlet and those explanations best not include you going to England looking for family because I can tell you right now your job and your connections will be gone, Pft.” He motions with his hand.

  “I logged my case six and a half weeks ago you should know exactly where I’ve been. It’s just that while on my case I happened to run into a little bit of misfortune.” I can’t believe I’m actually doing what that asshole said but he did have a point I didn’t know who was in who’s pockets.

  “You’re either lying Dawson or not telling me something.”

  “Fine, there were a few Demons causing me some grief, I haven’t a clue who they are or why they where gunning for me.” I lie. “But I hear they were going to be watching my office and apartment. That’s where I’ve been all this time lying low for a while. I know they have something to do with Brook’s disappearance, I just don’t know what yet.”

  “I’ll put an off duty rotation on yo
ur office and apartment block, if they notice anything I’ll let you know.” Delaney sits back down at his desk visibly calmer, satisfied with the answers I’d given him.

  He grabs some papers from his desk and shoved them at me. “I want your report filed ASAP.”

  Delaney gets up and pokes his head out of his door, a second later in walks Bastian, his smug smile fixed on his face and I scowl at his back. Delaney sat back at his desk, with Bastian sat opposite. I perch myself on the corner of the desk furthest away from them both.

  “Now Mr Night I’d like to point out that the mountains are not in Pack territory and therefore you will not be able to arrest or police those areas unless what has made your Guardians go missing is in fact another member of your Pack or of Lycan society. From what you have told me you are still unsure what has happened to your Guardians and the threat could be a non Lycan therefore I would suggest you both work together on this. Scarlet can act as your liaison and make any necessary arrests and keep The Guild informed of your activities, whilst in effect doing community service for stealing your car. Also it would make this easier for Scarlet if she could find lodgings at The Hotel. It would mean she was on hand if anything cropped up urgently.” He looks at my horrified face takes a breath. “That was an order Scarlet.” He smiled at his last comment. Delaney was a sneak, he was doing this on purpose, punishment, it was pure punishment.

  “I trust everything’s in order now.” Delaney asks whilst getting up and motioning for us both to leave.

  As I head for the door behind Bastian, he says. “Oh one last thing Dawson, I want you to work with Aylesbury on this, you know he’s already working with The Pack, so I’m making him your partner.”

  Oh well that was just great, he’s a good Hunter, but I just have no patience for him. I scowl one last time for effect as I head out the door and not watching where I was going I walk straight into the solid wall of Bastian’s chest. He grabs my elbows to support me. I look at him and scowl before I break free.