Mated to the Hunter

LAURA

I watch as the rain hits the glass, making the tip-tapping sound along with thunder strikes. My little brother holds me subconsciously. I jerk his hands off me, and he looks at me full of rage.

I, on the other hand, being irritated, turn away from him.

We've been traveling for about six hours, and now I'm beginning to feel suffocated. I wouldn't mind being alone for a whole day, but being with my family in a cramped space is nothing I'm happy about.

Dad got a promotion at work and decided to apply for a transfer. He says he's bored of staying in our hometown and wants to move away to try greener pastures.

My mum and brother threw a hell of a fit, not wanting to relocate, but for me, I was full of happiness to the brim.

I'm a hunter, or so I was told. It all began when I was 16. Back then, I went hiking with my family, and somehow I got lost in the woods. I wandered around aimlessly until I met an injured lady. She had been impaled with a wood and was hurting a lot. She pleaded with me to help her pull it out. I was scared, worried, but most of all, I wanted to help her out. I took hold of the edge and drove the stick in her. I killed her.

I waited for an emotion. I wanted to be scared, to run, to call for help, to cry, but nothing. All I felt was content. I moved away from her body, wandering further until I was found.

The next day, we all went home from the hiking grounds. I got home thinking of what I did. After all, I killed someone, and I didn't feel remorse, fear, or guilt.

Little did I know what I had gotten into until I turned on the shower, facing the mirror to see a tattoo on my arm, like a star, so little but noticeable. I hurried out of the bathroom, not knowing how and why I had a tattoo.

A year passed by, and I turned 17, and then 18, and now I'd turn 19. By then, I had killed a lot, discovered a lot, but I knew nothing of my origin. The tattoo of a little star had been transformed into a dragon and a Slayer. The tattoo had crawled from my shoulder to my hand. No one could see it, only I could, or so I thought, until I met a stranger a week ago. I was shopping at the mall for new things to bring along. She stopped beside me and said,

"You've got a pretty dragon tattoo, dear." I looked at her, unsure of how she saw it. She kept a funny smile around the corner of her mouth.

"Can you see this?" I asked, full of surprise.

"Yes, my little hunter, I can. Come with me." I doubted in my mind immediately, contemplating on either to go with her or just ignore.

Eventually, I gave in and followed her and stopped at the corner of a street, causing me to wonder if she's some sort of crazy lady or can actually see the tattoo.

"Stop looking at me like I'm crazy. I'm perfectly fine," I flinched back. Can she read minds? I asked myself.

"I can't read minds, darling. I'm not a vampire."

"If you can't read minds, then tell me how did you know what I was thinking about?" She giggled slightly, enjoying my innocence.

"That's always what comes to your mind as new hunters," she explained. However, the more she speaks, the more she confuses me.

"What do you mean by hunter?" I asked her.

"You are one crafty child, aren't you? I mean the same thing it generally means. Hunters kill preys, predators, anything they just hunt, just like you do. You kill."

Hearing her speak and talk about my killing instinctively made me aim for her throat, but with the speed of lightning, she avoided it by twisting my arm and throwing me down.

"Calm down, I'm not your enemy. If anything, I'm your family. We share the same bloodline and the same enemy. I can see you don't know much of your origin. Take a look."

She removes the sweater, and I see she also has the tattoo, just bigger, better, and more pretty than mine.

She has the tattoos of three mighty dragons and a Slayer. Her tattoos are all over her arm, her neck, and her back. I am amused.

"Why do you have the same tattoo as I do? And if you are like me, then you also kill people, don't you?"

"Hush, my dear, not people. We kill monsters. I'm not amazed you can't tell the difference. They look exactly like humans, they take up pretend skins, but they're not. They're inner demons, vampires, wolves, and witches.

You must have noticed nothing seems normal about every single one of them you killed. Something must have been off. I need to go real quick, but always know you are a hunter, and the only thing that makes you alive is the drive to kill. Do not deviate from your purpose. The more you kill, the stronger you become."

*****

"LAURA!!! Come on, we are there already." I am brought out of my fancy world when mom calls me.

"I'll be behind you, mum."

I must have drifted into thought again. Ever since my encounter with the strange lady, I've been itching to know more about my origin. There's more people like me out there.

I get out of the car, clinging hard to my backpack. I can see my brother smiling from ear to ear. I must say he's too happy for someone who threw a fit when the announcement for relocation was made.

Mum, too, beaming with smiles, but they're not to be blamed. Dad put in all effort with the house. It's beautiful, I must confess. It's a bungalow, with a pool. It has a mini-garden and a mimic sauna, just perfect for mom and Bruce. But then, how's my room? He didn't adorn it with flowers, did he?

"Come over,

let's take a picture and stop being too clingy to that backpack of yours."

I grin at mom. She's been too annoying lately. She must be pissed at having to relocate, but why has she been taking it all out on me? I move slowly towards them.

Dad sets the camera, and we take a picture. Mom moves into the house.

"Dad, does anyone think Laura is being spooky lately, or am I wrong?" I gaze at my brother Bruce. He's been a pain in the ass ever since he was born and still is.

"Shut it, Bruce. No one's paying attention."

"Can you both stop bickering already and unpack with your Mum?"

"Dad, I'm 19 and a proud American. I think Bruce should do those kinds of chores all on his own."

"I think you might be forgetting something here, sister. You're 18, not yet 19." I pick up a stone and throw it at Bruce. Thanks to my fast reflexes, it hits him.

"What's your problem, bitch?" he yells at me.

"I'm sorry, you said what?" I tease.

"Both of you go in right now!! And you, Laura, didn't I tell you not to throw things at your brother?" Dad says, getting pissed as I curse at Bruce, mumbling in low tones.

"It ain't my fault he started it, and you did nothing about it," I defend myself.

"He didn't do anything. All he did was state the fact that you aren't 19 yet, and the best choice you could make was to go for violence?

Keep that attitude of yours in your hometown, not here. You'd have to begin school afresh." I could feel my ears pop at the statement.

"School?"

"Afresh, darling."

I heard him the first time. I repeated it on purpose just to make him clarify. He said it right. I know better than arguing with Dad right now, but did he just trick me?

I agreed to move away from my hometown because he told me no school, and the minute I get here, he's telling me to start school afresh? Here? He's screwing with me, and I know he is.

I turn to look at Brian with a smug grin. I'd love to slap right out of his face. He's 16 but acts 14. I stomp the ground and walk on in as I pass by mum, who's busy unpacking.

"Your room's the third by the left upstairs, hon."

I walk past her like I didn't hear what she said just now. I walk to the third room on the left, I open the door ajar, and all my anger fades away.

I really do love my dad. He's the best. My room is painted black and blue. He knows what I like. He had spooky posters all around the room already. It still doesn't count as enough price for tricking me into coming over, but let's say he paid off the interest.

I lock the door to my room and slump into bed.

"Finally, I get to be alone after a six-hour drive." I throw my backpack on the floor and remove my sneakers.

I lay in bed for a while, then I got this feeling, the feeling of my skin crawling. I looked at my arm, and I saw goosebumps...

ARTHUR

I walk angrily into my room, shutting the door behind me. Do these people really take me for a joke? To hell with them. They can give the alpha position to whoever they deem fit. I take off my shirt and pants, staying only in my briefs.

I can't believe it. Even mum was involved. They think they can give my position away to my brother just because he found his mate before I did? Matter of fact, I do not care.

The door to my room opens and I pause, fixed in the middle of my room.

"You can come in, William."

"I had to check on you to be sure, but I don't know if this is the best time."

"Best time or not, it doesn't matter as long as I get to see your face."

I move closer to him. I smirk as I see him gulp hard. I walk past him and shut the door, locking it. I proceed to move back to him. Each step I take, he moves backwards in sync. Finally, he falls on the bed. I climb over him and place a peck on his forehead.

"You shouldn't, Arthur." I smirk at him and bite his lower lip.

"Do you think I'd give a damn about your opinion?" He shivers under my touch as I trace his jawline.

"I told you, Arthur, this needs to stop. You need to find your mate. Being with me is a waste of time."

I nod my head, paying no attention to whatever point he's driving at. I move my lips closer to him. He closes his eyes. After seconds of waiting, he opens them back up and proceeds to speak.

I smash my lips into his. He kisses me back, intertwining his tongue with mine. At first, we kiss slowly. Seconds later, it becomes demanding as he tugs at my hair, burying his hands deep into my hair. I kiss him roughly, biting his lip as he moans into my mouth. I rub my member against his thighs as I feel his member harden too.

The door swings open, making us jump in fear. He moves completely away from me and looks to the door.

I, on the other hand, would care less if anyone finds out

. We've been in this relationship for two years, and he's still scared someone might find out. I look to the door to see my annoying twin brother, Asher.

"You two are still keeping up with this. I am disappointed."

I look up at Asher, knowing well the best thing he does is stepping on my toes. I'll try being better than him today just because of William.

"Shut the door after you, moron." I walk away from the bed and move to my table, pour a glassful of water, and swallow. I look directly at William as he's shying away. Asher closes the door and walks towards the bed.

"How long have you known?" I ask, looking into his eyes. He smirks, crossing his arms over his chest. What's with that menacing pose, I ask myself.

"I've known since you guys started making out. I'd say for two years now." I'm screwed, I scream inwardly. For a twin, Asher is my worst nightmare.

As kids, we grew side-by-side. We loved each other and cared for each other, but puberty came and got us in a hard way.

It all began when I was turning age and I could shift, but Asher found it difficult to shift. He couldn't take on his wolf form. I stayed by his side, always giving him motivational speeches until it was time for me to begin hunting, and gradually I had less time for him.

Eventually, months later, he also began to shift into his wolf form, but by then we were already drifting apart. Gradually, our growth spurt began, and I, as the first one, grew bigger, bolder, and more muscular than my timid brother. He, on the other hand, grew not much physically but more mentally.

He had the brains of the family, and I had the looks. The moon goddess blessed my mother, but to us, it was a curse. It made us grow farther apart. Last year, during the full moon festival, Asher found his mate, and they've been lovey-dovey. It's pretty irritating to watch, but I've always had William.

Just an hour ago, there was a pack meeting, and it was declared that if I don't find my mate within 3 full moons, Asher would be made alpha. He'd take my rightful place as alpha, all because he has a mate and I don't.

I tried questioning their decision, and I was told,

"The pack needs a new alpha, and you don't have one." It hit me really hard, but it hit me harder when I realized my mum was all in with it. Everyone except I knew William was also involved. It makes me question whatever relationship we've had for two years straight.

I withdraw from my wonderland back to reality. I sit on the bed adjacent to William. I can tell he's really ashamed, but I made the choice, and I knew the consequences of being caught when I asked him to be mine. He has always been the timid and shy type.

I look back at Asher, still having his hands crossed over his chest and the smug smirk still playing around the corner of his mouth.

"Go on, talk, throw fits, anything. And if you know you have nothing to do, walk back and out of my room now!"

He looks amazed by my audacity. He seems to be having fun playing tricks with me, but I wouldn't be a scaredy-cat and fall for his games.

"Don't get all worked up, brother. I have plenty to say, but not to you. I'd be speaking directly to your lover." At the mention of lover, I clench my fist.

"Whatever funny games you're playing won't work, Asher. Get out and leave William alone." He giggles for a while.

"And you call me overprotective. You seem to be forgetting the fact that William is also a friend to me, and of course, I'd do him no harm. We three grew up together, and like I said, I'd direct my speeches to your lover, not you, dumbass."

I seem to clench my fist harder, holding my wolf. I might go AWOL any moment, but I know now's not the time.

"I'm disappointed in you, William. We grew together, and I'm fond of you, but of all the choices you could make, all the guys on Earth, you choose this thing (points at Arthur). I'm sorry, but when did your taste and class get this bad, my brother of all people and wolves? He stinks, he's lazy, he's zero-headed, low IQ, he knows nothing, and you choose him? I wonder if he threatened you into it. Go on, you can confide in me. I won't judge him."

I give Asher a spiteful look. What is he trying to prove here? But inwardly, I ask myself, did I force William into this?

I know he loves me and cares for me a lot, but did I take him by force? The day I confessed to him, did he accept me out of pity?

Did I force the kiss on him? I've been the bold one in the relationship, taking steps I know he'd be scared to, but did he really want it all? I ask myself questions as I wait patiently for William's answer.

"Asher, Arthur forced me into doing many things." My heart sinks at the statement. I feel the urge to cry, but I can't, not now.

"But I love him on my own accord."

Hearing the words made me go haywire. I love the fact that he used the word "love," not "loved."

I look at him, and he smiles at me. I can see pure joy in his eyes. The feeling of being caged in a relationship is finally gone. The fact that he admits to someone that he loves me made him happy. If there's anything I might think right now, it's the fact that I made the possible best and right decision two years ago by asking William to be mine.

ASHER

I watch both of them gaze at each other with a look of fondness.

I know this feeling. I get it every time I see my mate. She makes me go crazy with just a smile. But whatever fondness this is, it would ruin them both.

I don't like Arthur. We are twins, but I've never felt like we really are equal when Arthur shifted and I didn't. I became detached from him, and ever since then, I've never really felt close to him anymore. It felt like our twin bond was detached and was replaced by something else.

But William has always been a friend, all through my childhood till now. I felt broken when I found out he and Arthur were hooking up. Somewhere deep inside of me, I know the fact that I loved William, but he chose Arthur over me.

I guess the first one won. Arthur asked him out before I did. I felt betrayed and a little more reason for my hatred towards Arthur to increase, but I couldn't do anything.

Whatever happens, William would also be punished. Arthur would survive after all; he's an alpha, but I'm not so sure about William. He's just an Omega, not even a beta. He might not make it.

After hearing the ridiculous announcement during the pack meeting that I would be made alpha, I came to a quick decision. Of everything I could wish for, being an alpha isn't what I want.

I must admit I don't possess what it takes to be an alpha. It's probably for the best if Arthur takes his place. After all, it's his birthright.

"Can you both stop staring at each other that way? It looks like Arthur would jump you anytime from now. Back to the disappointment, William. I know my brother is zero-headed, but I expected more from you. I've given you both years to fool around. Now it's time for it to come to an end."

I look at William. He understands. He seems to have no expression, but I know he's sure it's the best thing to do. I look away from William and back to Arthur.

"Oh no, this is bad." I can see Arthur struggling with his wolf, his pupils changing from the natural brown they are to deep black. He stands and walks towards me.

"What right do you have? To tell me whom to date and when to stop?" I stay fixed, not budging.

"I'm telling the truth, and you know it. You know William won't survive a heartbreak. If you find your mate, let the boy loose. He's an omega for fuck's sake. Let him be."

Whatever I said must have angered the wolf, as he grabs me by my shirt. I can see his claws elongating, his wolf hairs begin to appear. He's shifting midway.

"Calm down," William's voice from the bed. He walks to Arthur and me, looking directly at Arthur.

"You know he's right. I won't survive, Arthur. I've had the luxury of being loved by you. It's time to move on because the reality remains the same. You would find your mate, and I'm just a weak little Omega."

"NO!!!!" Arthur growls.

I can feel his pain, but this would be bearable for him. If later he ends up finding his mate, the pain William would have to go through would hurt as hell. That's the consequence of an omega getting too attached to an alpha.

I watch as Arthur runs out of the room. I stay with William in the room without uttering a word.

A loud howl is heard from a wolf, and I know it is Arthur also realizing the truth of letting go. There's so much pain in his wail.

William gradually squats and bursts into tears. I look at him, filled with sympathy. I squat down beside him and pat him.

"It will be over soon, just a week of heartbreak, and that'll be all. It's better sooner than later. I'm sorry I had to do this, but there wasn't much of a choice for me." I walked out of the room, listening to the silent sobs of William.

What a pity, two love birds. I'm sorry I had to do this, but they need to face the reality. This relationship will get them nowhere. The only thing it would do is destroy William. No matter how I try to picture it, there's no happy ending to their relationship.

******************************

LAURA

I stretch lazily on the bed, not wanting to get up, but the feeling that I had to pee is the greatest motivation I have right now to get out of bed. I walk lazily out of bed, yawning. I walk into the toilet, sit, and pee. I walk out of the bathroom, ready to sleep back in bed, then it rings in my brain.

"Fuck!!, My morning routine."

I reach for my phone beside the bed lamp. Screw this, it's 6 am. I can't believe I almost missed it. I must have been stressed out from packing, unpacking, and preparing for school.

I strip and wear my tracksuit. I put on my watch and sneakers, ready to go for a jog. I walk down the stairs silently, not wanting to wake anyone.

I close the door quietly and jog on towards the road. I jog for about half an hour before deciding to go back home. On my way back, I run into someone who seems to be crying.

"I'm sorry, sir, did I hurt you?"

He looks up at me with tear-filled eyes. I become filled with sympathy. My instinct as a human kicks in for no reason at all. I pull him in for a hug. He tenses up for a while but relaxes and sobs the more. Whoever this is, he's in need of a warm hug. After minutes of crying, he withdraws from me.

"I'm sorry. I'm embarrassed. I shouldn't go around hugging girls like this. I'm really sorry, and I'm not a pervert."

I giggle as I watch him. He's cute, and he kept ranting on and on, apologizing for the hug. Finally, he stops and looks at me.

"I'm making a fool of myself, ain't I?"

"It's fine. You didn't mean to. Besides, I pulled you in for a hug. You didn't do anything. All you did was let out your sorrows. As much as I'd love to watch you act cute, I need to go back home."

"I'm sorry for taking your time. Do you live far?"

He's not flirting with me, is he? I shrug as I wave off the thought from my mind.

"It's half an hour away from here. Just moved to town."

"You mean you jogged half an hour down here?" I nod, smiling at him.

"Can't I? You're not one of them, are you?" He laughs slightly.

"If by one of them you mean people who criticize, I'm not. I don't judge people."

"I need to go now. I hope we run into each other soon. You're fun, and whatever makes a hottie like you cry, it isn't worth it."

"Thanks, love. You helped me out a great deal today. I promise to pay you back someday, and you are also fun to hang with."