The Hunter’s Awakening

by Bryce Evans

  “What?”

  “I don’t know but it doesn’t feel bad. An ally maybe. I can’t see it yet. Someone who will change it all.”

  “Scarlett, I’m scared. I won’t lie about that, but I won’t leave you or Greer when the time comes. I only hope that the magic knows this and helps me because I have no clue how to use this precious gift. You know Lennox will be fighting by my side. He will do what he has to, and I know this, but I want to learn. I want to protect him too. If these mages are as bad as you say, then we will need everyone.”

  Chapter Four

  “Wake up, Haven. This is the last place to get gas and something to eat. Who knows if we will find anywhere else. I hate all these trees.”

  Haven’s eyes fluttered open. They had pulled over at another truck stop. Countless eighteen-wheelers were parked to get fuel and food. Something inside told her to take this chance. She had to find a ride and get away from her father and the coven before it was too late.

  “Haven, are you coming? I doubt there will be another place to eat.”

  “No, I’m not hungry.” Laris narrowed his eyes at her. Thankfully, he didn’t question her any further when she pulled out her sketchbook. “It could take a while; this place looks pretty busy with all these truckers.” She could hear the disgust in his voice when he talked about humans. He only valued the magic people.

  Haven nodded and glanced down at her book. When her father entered the restaurant, she opened the glove box, praying she would find money. She knew her father hid money in his vehicle, but where? She didn’t see anything except the book that came with the SUV. Opening it, she found four hundred dollars rolled up in the side pocket.

  “Bingo.” She placed the book inside just like she found it and then searched everywhere she thought money could be hidden. She remembered a place they stopped a year ago. It was a mechanic shop with the name Hank’s Mechanic and Clever Compartments.

  They stayed two weeks in that town. Every vehicle in the coven went there and now she knew why. Quickly, she ran her hand over every seam on the driver’s side door. A hidden pocket would blend in. Every piece looked like it came from the factory. Except this piece. Haven pulled but nothing happened. She pushed the piece in and another compartment popped open.

  She looked up to make sure nobody was watching then she opened it and found a roll of money. If she took all of it, he would know. Instead, she took two hundred dollars and put the rest inside the compartment.

  Trucks were leaving constantly, but she had to be careful. Not everyone would be a friendly person. She grabbed her book bag and shoved clothes inside. Everything that meant something to her she put inside the one container. The rest would stay. She had enough to last until she found a job.

  Haven got out of the vehicle and crept behind the different semis. Staying away from the view of the restaurant, she moved toward the gas tanks. If the man looked cocky and young, she would wait, but there was one old man who walked with a limp. He gave the kid pumping gas a tip and then walked to his truck. This appeared to be a good guy or she would die with an old man serial killer. Either way, she couldn’t stay with her father or the coven any longer.

  When he opened his door, Haven walked up to him, “Sir, my name is Tina and my boyfriend left and told me to find my own way. Can you please give me a ride?” Yes, it was a stupid approach, but it was all she could think of on the spot.

  “Where you going, little lady?” the old man asked with a smile.

  “South, I guess.” Haven hadn’t figured out that part either. God, this was hopeless.

  “Well, I can take you as far as New Hope in Georgia. I’ve got to get these flowers and plants there today. How’s that?”

  “Oh yes, sir, that would be great.” Haven couldn’t believe her luck. Maybe she would make it. She knew her father would never go there. That small town had become the new home of the Death Hunters.

  “Then hop on in.”

  Rushing around the truck, Haven jumped in and immediately smelled the food. She was actually starving. “My name is Roy Ivey and it’s nice to meet you, Tina.” Roy held his hand out to her. Smiling, she shook his hand.

  “Something told me to get two hamburgers today,” Roy said, holding the bag open for her. Haven smiled and stuck her hand in the bag bringing out a hamburger. Not just any hamburger but the biggest she had ever seen. “JT’s makes the biggest hamburgers from here to Tennessee. I usually get two of these, so I can eat it later, but you may have saved me a night of heart burn. I actually got two orders of fries too. Must have known you were coming.”

  Opening the wrapper, Haven breathed in the most delectable scent. Taking a big bite, she actually groaned.

  Roy glanced at her as he pulled out of the lot. “It’s the best I’ve ever eaten. But don’t tell my wife.” Roy winked then said, “I knew you were good people.”

  Haven glanced out the window as they passed the parking lot where her father and the coven vehicles were parked. Good, they were still inside eating. Maybe she would be out of the state before he got back to the vehicle.

  “How can you tell I’m good people?” Haven asked between bites.

  “I’ve always had a knack for picking the good ones out. I think that about you.”

  Frowning, Haven held onto the hamburger dropping her hand down to her leg. “I wish I could say that about myself, Mr. Roy, but I’m not good. Not good at all, but you have nothing to fear from me.” She had lost her appetite. She hated to tell him that. She hated to admit it out loud, but she couldn’t have this nice man thinking that she was a good person. She also had a knack for picking out the good ones, and Roy Ivey was one of the good ones.

  “You know, I’m not good at book work, but I do remember this one quote and I always thought it was a good one. Just like you. But this guy, Hal Elrod said, ‘Let today be the day you give up who you’ve been for who you can become.’”

  Haven wished she could say that about herself, but she had watched as people were killed and she didn’t do anything. She was a coward. “Thanks, Mr. Roy, but I—”

  “I was in the Vietnam War and I saw a lot of things…well, I did a lot of things I wish I could take back, but I can’t. I did it to survive. I’m sure you have, too, but we did it to survive. The only thing you can do now is ask God to forgive you and he will, Tina. He will. Now, you need to start over in a place that you love. Look for that place and get to know the people and the area. If you love it first sight, that’s the place to set down roots and start over.”

  “You must love where you live,” Haven said.

  “Oh, I do, Tina. New Hope is beautiful, and the people are wonderful. We all help each other and take care of each other. I think you would love it. It’s small, but people come from all over the United States to visit Southern Treasures. Jade Cross sales her pocket books and jewelry there.”

  “Jade Cross, I love her stuff. I could never afford it, but I love it. She lives in your hometown?” Haven asked surprised.

  “Yes, ma’am. She’s getting married soon to a good man. He loves her and everyone in the pac…her family seems to get along with him and his family. I think you would love it there. I can put in a good word for you. See if anyone is hiring. You never know. I think you may like our small town.”

  “Well, I have to, don’t I, since that’s as far as you’re going, right?” Haven and Roy both laughed.

  “Maybe that’s a good thing then. I believe you’ll find what you’re looking for in New Hope,” Roy said, smiling.

  Chapter Five

  Cosmo sat at the top of the tree, looking down at the log cabin that belonged to him. His grizzly loved climbing high into the trees. He also loved to sit and just relax.

  He thought about stopping construction once he got the front porch built, but he had always wanted it to wrap around the entire house. Of course, he would have a swing and rocking chairs. He looked at plans last night for a wood burning fireplace nestled in the corner where he and his mate could keep warm wh
ile listening to the night.

  He wished he had stopped himself. He would never have a mate. The Old One told him what would happen if he did. The mage that predicted this was never wrong.

  “How long are you going to stay up there?” Lennox asked him.

  “I don’t know yet. Why?” Cosmo asked looking down at his alpha. Stress lines marred his best friend’s face. Being the beta, Cosmo became worried.

  “We need to talk.” Lennox walked to his front porch and sat in one of the rocking chairs. Looking around he asked, “When are you going to fill the flower pots?”

  Cosmo jumped down. Settling in the swing, he answered, “Today. I put a rush on it. I want to beat the frost. These flowers need to be planted before winter.”

  “Did you buy all of us some?” Lennox asked, smiling.

  “You know I did. Jade already gave me her order. She said you would be paying for everyone’s,” Cosmo said, grinning back.

  “Speaking of my mate, I know she’s not going to like it, but I want her protected twenty-four seven. You know what Scarlett said and before you give me some smart-ass answer, you know I’m right on this. Plus, I want Raven and Gus going back to look for the coven. I want to know where they are at all times. I don’t like this, Cosmo. Something doesn’t feel right.”

  Leaning his head back, Cosmo felt it too. “I will get them out tonight. I’ll call Marcus to see if he has heard anything.”

  “That’s a good idea. I want you with Jade when I’m not. I don’t know how you do it, but she needs to be training with you again. She won’t let me teach her.” Lennox got up and leaned against the post. “I don’t know what it is, but something—”

  “You want to see me.” Raven stood at the side of the house.

  “How did you know?” Lennox asked, looking at him.

  Raven pointed at Cosmo. “He just sent me a text.”

  Lennox glanced at his beta, shaking his head. “I’m going to pick up Jade.”

  “I’ll take care of it all,” Cosmo said, pushing out of the swing.

  “What’s his problem?” Raven asked Cosmo as they watched their alpha storm away. “Figured he would be loving life right now.”

  “It’s the coven,” Cosmo replied. “He believes they are heading this way. We want them watched at all times. All the time. I’m sending your brother and a few others. They are on to you, so switch it up. These are not the usual ones, Raven. If they get a hold of you, they will kill you.”

  “They can try—”

  “Raven, cut it out. They were on to you before you even knew it. They know your face now. If you spooked them, we may not find them again until it’s too late.”

  Cosmo watched as Raven nodded and walked back to her cabin. Raven was the wild child of the team, and he told her the truth. However, he knew she was still hurt about that. She would make sure it didn’t happen again. Now, he needed to get the others ready to leave with her. Put the pack on alert and fill them in. Everyone needed the information about the coven and on the same page. These were dangerous mages who could render a Death Hunter useless if they didn’t protect themselves.

  Lennox could feel it too. Something was coming, but it wasn’t only the coven.

  Haven smiled as Roy pointed across the street to Southern Treasures. “That is where Jade Cross works. She is always in town. I’ll introduce you after I get this unloaded. They are expecting this order.”

  She got out of the truck stretching. The big windows at the store front drew her attention with beautiful clothes and home goods. It was November and pumpkins were positioned across the windowsill and outside by the chairs. She took a double take when she read the name of the bakery. “Gooey Goodness Bakery.”

  “It’s a hoot, isn’t it?” Roy asked, standing beside her. “The bakery name makes people laugh. But you have to admit, it’s memorable. A name you won’t forget. The restaurant is called Get Your Grub. People seem to get a kick out of the name too. Once, I get this done, we will go and get some food. I’m sure that hamburger is gone by now.”

  Haven needed to watch her money and she knew she should buy dinner for Roy, but she had no clue how much a motel in this small town would cost her. “I’m not real—”

  “Don’t you worry about buying, it’s my treat, Tina. I was tickled to have someone to talk to.” Roy didn’t give her time to respond when he opened the back of his truck. Haven’s mouth stood open as the wonderful floral scent hit her.

  Flowers of all kinds seemed to perk up as the air and light hit their petals. “How beautiful,” Haven whispered. She had never seen so many kinds of flowers and plants in one place. The different colors were breathtaking. She could only imagine how they would look sitting on a wraparound porch.

  “Jade Cross’s boyfriend’s best friend purchased these for all their houses. That’s a mouth full. They just purchased a property next to where Jade lives. The best friend wants lots and lots of flowers planted. I heard he is opening a flower shop or some kind of nursery. Sorry, I wasn’t supposed to say that out loud. My wife is on the council here and he had to apply for a business license. I’m sure this is why he is remodeling this place.”

  Haven hadn’t noticed the building Roy had pulled up to. She was preoccupied with Southern Treasures and Gooey Goodness Bakery. But now that she looked at it, she could tell how pretty this nursey was going to be. She loved how the building was a mix of farmhouse and modern. The brick had been cleaned and the metal had been placed in different sections showing off the building. She could tell it was old, but whoever remodeled it was sure putting a lot of architectural design into it, and she loved every piece of wood.

  She heard Roy unloading and ran to help him. “Hey, little lady, I can do this. You go take a look at my beautiful town.”

  “No, Mr. Roy. I want to help. It’s the least I can do. You have been more than kind to me and I can never repay you for that kindness, so please let me help,” Haven said, putting her hands on her hips.

  Roy studied Haven for a few seconds then smiled and nodded. “Okay, you take that side and put those pots over there.”

  She didn’t think about anything except unloading them quickly. Before she knew it, she had removed every flower and plant from the truck. Mr. Roy had his pencil and pad out checking off the different flowers and plants. It felt good to work for something except death. She hated even thinking about the coven. It made it all too real when she did.

  “You are a hard and fast worker, Tina. I’m impressed. You won’t have any problem finding work,” Roy said.

  Placing her hand on Roy’s arm, Haven whispered, “I’m sorry that I lied to you earlier, but I can’t do it anymore. It doesn’t feel right, and you’ve been so nice to me, but I hope you would keep what I’m about to tell you to yourself.”

  “Of course, but it’s hard to keep a secret when you still don’t know what the secret is.”

  “My name isn’t Tina. It’s Haven and I’m running away from my father who isn’t a good man. If this gets out, he may find me.”

  Mr. Roy gave her a knowing nod and patted her hand. “I know, sweet girl. I already knew that wasn’t your real name. I knew the moment you walked up that you were running from something bad. I’ve never picked up a stranger in my life, but today, the feeling became clear to help you and that’s what I did and what I plan to keep doing. So, don’t you worry. Your secret is safe with me.”

  “Thank you. I’ve never had a friend, but you are such a nice person. I hope I can call you my friend,” Haven asked shyly. She felt like a freak asking an older man to be her friend. He probably thought something was wrong with her. There was something wrong with her. She sat by while her father and the coven killed shifters and real bears. She couldn’t stop the guilt that tormented her soul. It never would, and she deserved it.

  “Well, little lady, you have your first friend and I’m honored that you would choose this old coot to be yours. I knew today…well, it would be a special day. Wait until my wife meets you. She will love yo
u like there is no tomorrow. I know my girl and here she comes now,” Roy said, hurrying over to a short lady with fluffy blonde hair. She smiled as her husband picked her up and twirled her around then set her down.

  Haven wanted to look away as the older couple kissed. She loved to watch older people, especially those still married and in love. She could tell Roy and his wife were very much in love. She glanced away as Roy whispered to her, then they both came over with smiles on their faces.

  “Tina, I want you meet the love of my life, Nora Ivey.”

  “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Ivey.” Immediately, Haven knew that Nora was just like Roy, full of love and happiness.

  Nora held her hand out. “Hello, dear. Thank you for keeping this old coot company. He would have called me fourteen times if you hadn’t been in the truck. He tells me that you helped him unload. Thank you for that. I know Mr. Fitzgerald will be very happy that some of his stock has come in. He needed to plant the flowers before the first frost. These flowers love the cold, but they really need to be planted before it’s too late. I hope you will join us for dinner. They are having the special today. Spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, garlic bread, and homemade apple pie. You can’t miss that. You do like spaghetti, but if you don’t, they have other things on the menu.”

  “Actually, I love spaghetti. It sounds wonderful, and yes, I would love to join you for dinner. Do you know of any motels around here?” Haven asked. She had to start thinking about a place to stay before it got dark outside and too late.

  “No, dear, we don’t have any motels near us. You would have to go about forty miles out of town to find one and it’s a doozy. Terrible place and wouldn’t recommend it, but we do have a B&B. Charlotte’s the owner and an old friend of mine. Let me call her to see if she has any openings. If she doesn’t, then you come stay with us,” Nora said. She walked off to make the call.