The Hunted

by C.J. Hart

  Kat appears in the doorway.

  She notices him. “Especially you, handsome.”

  Is he blushing? I stifle a giggle.

  “You should invite your other friends.” Sarah passes me a muffin.

  It’s still warm. “Okay. Will do.”

  Kat’s eyes widen as he leans against the doorframe. Maybe he hasn’t been around this many humans at once.

  “What do you think?” I say to him, trying to gauge whether adding more delicious humans to tonight’s guest list is something he can cope with.

  He nods. “Sounds fun. What’s for dinner, Mrs. A?”

  “Jack’s bringing pizza.”

  “Awesome.” He taps my shoulder. “I’ll swing back a bit later. Gotta speak to Sebby.”

  “Sure, thanks for walking me home.”

  “Anytime.” His disappears into the hall.

  Jess wipes a dish towel over a plate. “Strangest yellow eyes, that one.”

  Sarah’s gaze meets mine for a moment, and then she turns away. “Jess, sweetie, can you grab me the good silverware? It’s packed away in the garage.”

  My finger traces the flower pattern on the placemat as we wait for the eldest sibling to venture outside.

  Sarah swivels to face me. “How are you coping with everything, Cassie?”

  I shake my head, not knowing what to say. My father left me here; he doesn’t care. I’m worried Seb won’t come home one day. I’m terrified of losing someone else. These thoughts come easily, as they do every night when I’m lying in bed, but I don’t know how to voice them.

  Sarah offers me a wad of tissues as Jess comes striding back into the house. I hadn’t realized I was crying, but I’m choking back sobs now and trying to rub the sadness I feel from my eyes.

  Sarah reaches for the wrapped bundle in her daughter’s hands. “Thanks, darling.”

  “Excuse me.” I push back my chair as my eyes continue to fill with salt water and feel my way to Seb’s room—my room. Our room. I hear someone follow me.

  “Leave her, Jessica.”

  The footsteps halt. I shut the door and lean against the back of it, allowing the fear and searing misery to overcome me. I’ve lost everything. And gained so much I forgot I was missing.

  That night, Mr. Alder arrives home with six pizzas. “Hi everyone,” he says, his face worn. “I trust you all had an okay day?”

  We each mumble our answers, all still affected by Eve’s departure. Miley, Xay, and Whitney have joined us; Whitney took a bit of convincing to get here—from Miley and myself—once he found out that Seb and Kat were going to be there. The ten of us cluster around the six-seater dining room table.

  “Good, good,” he says as he sets the pizzas in the middle.

  Liam drags one box to his end of the table. He and Kat grab a slice each. Seb flips open another, hands me a slice of supreme. Miley stares at us, probably wondering, How can you eat? I don’t know how, but for me, it’s better than sitting around doing nothing. Or thinking about things I shouldn’t.

  “We should send flowers,” Miley says, “or something. I can’t imagine what the Murpheys are going through.”

  Sarah squeezes her shoulder. “None of us can, dear.”

  “Maybe Cassie can,” Liam says.

  My eyes snap to his. “I doubt losing a parent is the same as losing a child.”

  His mouth twists in agony, and I wonder if I was too harsh.

  Xavier selects a slice, hesitant. “Poor Riley.” He offers the pizza to his girlfriend.

  She declines.

  Eve’s brother—I’d forgotten about him. My spirits take a dive. Whitney whimpers. I throw an arm around him for comfort.

  “Can I get anyone anything to drink?” Sarah says.

  A few joke about doing shots.

  “Non-alcoholic, I’m afraid. You’re all still underage—except Jess, and she’s pregnant.” Her hand brushes my shoulder as she passes. “Cola all right with everyone?”

  We nod in unison.

  “Can we talk about something else?” I say. “I’m trying so hard not to lose it.”

  “Sure,” Jess says. “Hmm.” She’s quiet for a second, thinking. “What’re all of you planning for next year? Anyone got accepted into colleges yet?”

  Jess manages to keep the chatter light for the rest of the night, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

  “Thank you,” I mouth as we’re seeing everyone out.

  She hugs me, squeezing tight. “You’re welcome. You need anything, just say so.”

  I hear Miley sniffle behind us.

  Jess rolls her eyes and holds an arm out for her. “Okay, come on.” She smiles as Miley completes the circle, hugging us both.

  A moment too soon, Miley releases us. “Sorry, I’ve got to get home. I have a strict nine o’clock curfew now.”

  “I’ll see you at school,” I say and watch her leave with Whit and Xay.

  Kat waves goodbye. “Later.”

  Liam closes the door after him. The six of us stand in the quiet for a minute, before dissipating to our designated parts of the house—Seb and me to our bedroom, Liam to the garage, Jess to her room, Jack and Sarah to the kitchen.

  Seb hugs me tight to his chest. “What’d you wanna do now?”

  I wriggle my arms free and wrap them around him. “This.”

  “What a crap couple of days, eh?”

  “I just wanna forget it all. Maybe I’m dreaming…”

  He pinches my side.

  “Yow!”

  “Hate to tell ya, babe, but you’re not dreaming.”

  “Wish I were.”

  “We can wish all we like. I don’t think it makes our problems go away.”

  “Wish they would.”

  He knocks my legs from under me and carries me over to the bed. “We should probably try to get some sleep.”

  As if that’s gonna happen any time soon.

  “Or we can stay up again. Look at all this leftover candy.” He drags the torn paper bag closer with a grin. “We’ve got hours of fun left here.”

  “What’s on to watch?”

  “Let’s see.” He picks up the remote and taps the power button. The screen flickers on.

  “You’re lucky to have a TV in your room.” I never had one in mine.

  He clears his throat. “Our room.”

  “Yes.”

  “Think of this as a test, step number one towards our future.” He touches his lips to my cheek. “First, a room together.”

  “Check.”

  “Then a house. What’d ya reckon?”

  I snuggle into him, sniffing his spearmint and sage scent. “I think it’s the best thing I’ve heard this year.”

  “Oh, I’m that impressive?” he teases. “Guess I’ve gotta compete with my charming self.”

  I snort. “You’re so full of yourself sometimes. But there is no competition.”

  He lifts an eyebrow. “Not even Marcus, if he were available?”

  “Never had a chance. No one’s gonna steal me away from you, not even Mr. Perfect or Mr. Rich.”

  “Interesting.” He flips through the channels at an alarming pace.

  How can he tell what’s on? Or are fast eyes part of the wolf package, too?

  “What’re you in the mood for,” he says, “movie or rerun?”

  “Hm, you choose.” I can’t be bothered.

  “Movie.”

  I snatch the packet of raspberry licorice and nibble on a piece as I watch the cartoon dog chase after its owners. “You think we’re ever going to be happy? No family disasters?”

  “I believe so, yes.”

  “Me, too.”

  “But right now it feels improbable, eh?”

  I nod.

  “It’ll pass. Life will resume normality—maybe not for me.”

  “You can’t expect your old life to be resurrected. That’s as good as gone.”

  He sighs. “I know.”

  Maybe mine, too.

  It’s odd eati
ng breakfast with a different crowd. No un-caffeinated Dad or Lizzy mewing for food. Everyone squeezes themselves in at the dining table and picks at the assortment of breakfast foods on offer—pancakes, raisin toast, and French toast. Are mornings always awesome in this house?

  “You know,” Jack says, “we only eat like this when we have company.”

  I guess not. I sip my coffee. “Guess you’re lucky then, to have a new addition.”

  He returns my smile and nods once. “That we are.”

  Since this food won’t be a regular occurrence, I pile my plate high. But the more time I spend eating, the less I seem to want to go to school.

  Seb, reading this on my face, says, “Sarah, does Cass have to go to school today?”

  She turns to look at me, coming to the same conclusion. “Think you can catch up?”

  “Yes. And Liam’s in a few of my classes.”

  He leans over his plate and grumbles, “So, naturally she expects me to help her.”

  Sarah shoots him a glare that could slice through bone. “Liam.”

  “I mean—certainly, I’ll help you, sis.” He flashes me a grin and shovels more toast in.

  “Okay, then. I’ll write you a note. You might have to explain why it’s not from your dad.”

  I think as I munch on a corner of French toast. “I can get Uncle Scott to call them.”

  “Are you sure?” she says.

  “Yeah.”

  “You wanna come to work with me?” Seb gulps his orange juice.

  “Hm. I don’t suppose you’d take ‘no’ for an answer?”

  “Nope.”

  “I suppose I will, then.”

  Jess bumps my elbow. “Pass the syrup, please?”

  Handing it to her, I say, “What’re you doing today?”

  She beams. “Shopping.”

  “Aw. Can I go with her instead?” I say to Seb.

  “If you want,” he says.

  “It’s only for a couple of hours, but you’re more than welcome to come.”

  “What time are you leaving?” I say.

  “Probably around ten. I can drop you back at the record store after.”

  “Sounds great.”

  “Does that make me your bodyguard for the morning?” She barks a laugh.

  “That’s hilarious,” Liam says. “You’ve never been in a fight in your life.”

  “How would you know? Maybe I have.” She tosses her brown locks over her shoulder.

  “Sure, sure.” He snickers as he finishes his meal. “I’m off.”

  “Getting to school early?” Sarah says.

  “Yep. Meeting the guys.” He throws his bag over his shoulder and ducks down to press his lips to his mother’s cheek. “Thanks for breakfast. Love you.” He squeezes his father’s shoulder, and then points a finger at me. “You repeat that in school tomorrow and I’ll getcha for it.”

  My lips twitch into a smile as I draw a cross over my heart. “Promise.”

  Seb waits for him to leave before turning to me. “You can boast to anyone you want. He can’t harm a hair on your head with this one as your bodyguard.” He thrusts his thumb at Jess.

  “Oh ha ha. Very funny, Sebastian.” She throws down her napkin and stands, clearing both hers and her brother’s plate.

  I catch Seb’s eye, and we share a smirk. No, she obviously doesn’t know what he is or that Sebastian—or even Seb—isn’t his birth name. Ignorant? Or refuses to believe in mythical creatures?

  “The way this one watches out for you,” she tips her head towards Seb, “you’d think you were the president or something. It’s not like she’s going to get shot.”

  ***

  That afternoon, I help Seb sort CDs and shelve them.

  Chad looks over my shoulder. “Hey, Seb. Your girlfriend has the knack for this!”

  “Yeah, she worked out the categorization quicker than I did.”

  Chad spins me around. “Pop quiz—where would you put a Linkin Park CD?”

  Trick question. “Which one?”

  The corners of his lips ease upwards. “Hybrid Theory.”

  “Main category—B for badass. Subcategories—A for awesome, then Alternative Rock.” It’s simple really. You’ve just got to think like Chad.

  “Iron Maiden’s The Number of the Beast?”

  “Main category—E for epic. Subcategories—M for mind-blowingly awesome, then H for Heavy Metal.”

  He takes a bow. “Can I offer you a casual position, M’lady?”

  “Hm.” I tap my foot, pretending to think. “How much does it pay?”

  We sit, and Chad writes down an hourly figure.

  “Sorry. Joe pays me a dollar more an hour.”

  “Uh.” He grabs at the skin above his heart. “Thy lady hath stoleth my hearteth.”

  Seb selects an Anthrax CD. “She stole mine first. You’re awfully Shakespearean today, Chad.”

  “I know. I think it’s the fact that my girlfriend broke up with me. I feel like a tortured poet.” He sinks into a chair.

  “Aw.” I sit next to him. “It’ll be okay.”

  “Obviously, you would say that. You’re half of a bloody couple.” Chad whimpers. “I’m not.”

  “Cheer up, sunshine,” Seb says. “You were only with Justine for three days.”

  My eyes widen. “Is that true, Chad?”

  “Well, it felt like a bloody eternity.” He shrugs, despondent. “I could see into her soul, man.”

  Seb smirks. “I’m pretty sure that wasn’t her soul you were seeing.”

  I pat Chad’s head and return to my shelf.

  At three, we make an executive decision and send Chad home. His sobbing is scaring customers away.

  “She’s a freakin’ keeper this one.” Chad points at me. “Don’t crush her like Justine did to—” He breaks off with a sob.

  “Don’t worry; I’m not planning on it,” Seb says, shooting a glorious smile my way as he ushers him out. “You okay to drive? Yes? Good. See you tomorrow.”

  My eyes track Seb’s boss as he teeters over to a gray Camaro. “Is he gonna be okay?”

  “Oh yeah, he’s fine. This is a semi-regular occurrence for him.”

  “Wailing or being on the receiving end of a break up?”

  He thinks for a moment. “Both. They’re synonymous with Chad.” Throwing an arm around me, he touches his lips to my forehead.

  “He’s an emotional wreck. Maybe we could set him up with someone!” I feel my eyes widen in delight.

  “Nice try, but we both hang out with people closer to our age than his.”

  “Eloise just turned twenty-four. Only two years younger.”

  Seb blows a sigh. “Fine. You ask her if she’s interested, and I’ll ask him.”

  “It’s a deal.”

  He squeezes me. “You sure are cute when you’re setting people up.”

  ***

  The following afternoon, I breeze into work, stash my bag, and tie on my apron.

  Eloise wanders out from the kitchen. “Hiya.”

  “Hey.”

  “I heard about, ah—”

  “Please don’t, not here.” I can’t stand another person saying I’m sorry.

  She chews on her lip, and then nods. “How’s the boyfriend?”

  My lips tug into a grin. “He’s amazing, as always.”

  “I hate being single, feeling lonely.”

  “I think loneliness is a state of mind. You can surround yourself with as many people as you like, but still be lonely.”

  “I guess I can believe that,” she says, and then flashes a grin. “But I’d still like someone to take me out and y’know…”

  “I have a friend that’s—”

  Seb bursts through the door. “Cass, it’s off.”

  My head snaps up. “Why?”

  “Because he’s still a wreck.”

  As Seb gestures behind himself, Chad stumbles through the door, his face twisted in agony.

  Eloise notices him and stares wide-ey
ed for a beat before she wanders over. “Poor thing. What’s the matter?”

  “He’s got a broken heart,” I say, knowing she likes mending them.

  “Oh?” She strokes his back. “There, there.”

  I wink at Seb, and though he smiles, I can see he’s still uncertain about the whole thing.

  “I gotta get back to the store.” He bends and kisses my temple.

  “Oh yeah, me too—work, I mean.”

  “See you later?”

  I nod. “You’re my ride home.”

  He opens the door, blows me a kiss, and steps outside.

  A beat too late, I pretend to catch it, and then let my hand drop to my side.

  Seb

  Back at the store, I let myself in and flip the sign to open. I grab the newspaper and flick to the crossword section. Roadrunner Records is usually quiet at this time on a Tuesday, so I’m surprised when two men enter. Two Hunters. One is Cassie’s uncle. The other, her father. I resist the urge to pummel him. It would only get me into more trouble.

  Without taking my eyes off the puzzle, I say, “What can I do for you?”

  “I’d like my daughter back.”

  “Sorry, sir. Can’t help you with that,” I say. “We both know she has a mind of her own.”

  He snatches the paper from my hands, the pages slicing through my fingers. Scott tenses. I can tell he wants to grab me a bandage, but he is afraid his brother will lash out at him. Good thing I heal fast.

  “I am well aware,” Brett says, tone smooth, controlled. “That’s why I need your help.”

  “My help? Ha. Good luck with that.” I wipe the already drying blood on the corner of a magazine.

  “Please.”

  I mull that over for a second. “No.”

  He steps closer. “I propose a treaty, immunity for you. If you help me get her back home, we’ll leave you alone. No coming after you. Nothing.”

  “You two or all the Hunters?”

  “All. They do as I say.”

  I smirk. “Yeah, you see, I was once alpha, and they tossed me aside without a second thought. What makes you think yours won’t do the same?”

  He stares at me for a second. “Then I guess it’s just my brother and me.”

  I nod. “Thought so.”

  “Tell us what else we can do.”

  “Take Kat off your list and I’ll think about it. He’s about as dangerous to humans as a—well, as a kitty.”

  Brett nods, pensive. “Deal.” He thrusts out his right hand.

  I shake it. “I won’t force her to go back, but I’ll talk it over with her.”

  He hands me back the paper. “Thanks.”

  “Remember, I said I’d try. No guarantees.”

  Scott smiles and thumps my shoulder. Then they’re gone.

  The thing is, I like living with Cass. Love it, even—getting to wake up next to her and not having to sneak into her bedroom at night. Although, that was kinda fun. Is it selfish to ask her to stay, knowing that her dad is miserable without her?