I hesitated for a minute then nodded. I would never be able to survive alone in the forest otherwise. The huntress took her dagger first. She looked at me one last time to make sure I was okay with this. She chose a rabbit and then lay it on the table. She pinched the hide on the back of the animal and cut it near the base of the neck. She grabbed a cleaver then; she cut off the feet just above the knees and then the tail and head. I wanted to turn away but I couldn’t. I had to remain strong. I watched as she moved the dagger edge facing up to the stomach and she made a cut up to the neck. Caleigh placed her index and middle fingers under the fur and formed a hook. One of her hands moved towards the rear and the other towards the head of the rabbit. She was swift. I was sure she must have done this more than just several times. I saw as she kept twisting and pulling the skin. Then she tore off the fur from the rabbit’s legs with a sharp tug. The fur looked like tiny shoes there. She l
I chuckled before I turned around.“I’m just getting into it, Ryan!”“Oh, I can see that.”I saw as his eyes scanned my body. There were bloodstains on my hands, forearms, and well, yes… On my face too.“I thought we would have breakfast together as always.”“Do you mean the two of you or the three of us?” Caleigh asked grinning.“Did you tell her?” the man asked surprised.“Not really.” I tried to make an excuse as I cut the rabbit’s hide “She’s the smart one, remember? Besides, she’s our friend.”“Right.” he chuckled “But as far as my idiotic brother knows you two are together.”“I don’t mind playing along.” the huntress shrugged “Who wouldn’t want a princess anyway?” she added grinning.“Oh, hey! I’m not a princess!” I grumbled “At least definitely not anymore. My father is dead.”“Honestly, I think we should get back to training and get out of here as soon as possible,” Ryan said, hitting a serious tone My father and Otis will not make this easy. Lydia, I think you should break th
I couldn’t help myself, I laughed out loud.“I’ve already proven two times I’m better than you.”“Three times a charm.”“No!” I rolled my eyes then jetted.I wanted my mind to simply stop reeling. There was too much to think about. Besides, it wasn’t that easy for me either. Even though I wanted to go back to my pack feeling like I belonged somewhere felt good. I had Ryan and Caleigh by my side. And I would have never traded them for anything. But I knew I wasn’t ready.I decided to keep running from the training grounds to the lake and back. And I did, seven times in a row. I barely broke a sweat but I wanted to stop. I wanted to ask Ryan to help me with swordsmanship. But by the time I got back to the training grounds, he was there and Caleigh was with him. They exchanged a look then Ryan spoke first.“We’re sorry. You were right. We both know that. But things are getting complicated. I think” he breathed a sad sigh “I reached my limits. I will not get any stronger at this stage. Un
His usual, annoying grin appeared on his face but I didn’t pay attention. I let Caleigh guide me like I would have been a beginner. Which, I technically was, but Otis didn’t have to know. The huntress lifted my elbow a bit and firmed her grip on my side.“Elbow up, darling!” she said and I could barely keep myself from laughing.“I know honey, but I will never be as good as you are!”“That’s why I’m here!” she said softly.I smiled softly. Would she be a human she would be great at playing different people and travel the world. And I honestly think she would have loved that life, too. She wouldn’t have gone hunting, sure. But she has always wanted to travel and see the world. I think this kind of life would also fit her. But she is not a human. She has never been and never will be. She has to hunt and hope for survival. She took a step back. I released the string and watch as the arrow started to fly and ended up in the middle of the target. I sent Caleigh a content smile and I saw fr
Right after lunch we got back to the training grounds. Ryan’s bad feeling seemed to be contagious though. Giving Otis a piece of my mind felt good at first. But then I couldn’t shake the feeling he would come after us soon enough. I wished he would go on another quest. We kept training. I was just getting better at swordsmanship. Ryan started to struggle with hitting me. Even though my attacks needed improvement, my evasion skills were getting even better.Caleigh made some arrows in the meantime. She seemed to be deep in thought. I think she also felt something was not right. Nobody had spoken their mind as straightforward to Otis is I did. Maybe it was a stupid idea. I knew if he found out about his brother and me, we were done for. But being careful was getting hard. All I wanted was to be with Ryan. I wanted to be in his muscular arms and let him kiss me wherever he wanted. I blushed at the thought, letting him hit me on my thigh.“Pay attention!” he called me out “What are you th
Once we arrived to the river the huntress put off her clothes without hesitation and took a dive in the river. Since I was getting more comfortable around her I put my clothes off as well and joined her. She still seemed deep in thought. I somewhat understood her. There was much to do and time was getting shorter. If my plan about Otis backfired, we had to go as soon as possible. But I had a feeling she felt uneasy due to other things, too.“So? Will you talk?” I asked.“Was it that obvious?” she chuckled.“It was, yes.”“I really appreciate you want to help during our journey. And actually, the whole thing. You know you’re not obliged to bring me along. I have no quest. You two have a higher purpose. I don’t want to get in the way.”“So that’s what your problem is.” I chuckled “Taking it funny, we need a hunter so we don’t starve do death before we find the witch and reach my pack. Taking it seriously, you are our friend and we can’t just leave you here. Just think about what Otis wo
I breathed a sigh, took a deep breath then looked at my friends.“I will need to break another chain tomorrow.”“But you said you’re physically not ready.” Ryan’s eyes widened.“I know,” I nodded “That’s why I will do it after a very tough training. There’s no other choice. Time is running out. Otis is breathing down on our necks. And I’m not talking only about that he’s… well…”“Basically obsessed with you.” the huntress said.I saw as she tried her best to hide a smile. I knew it wasn’t easy. It was partially funny because he kept embarrassing himself but he seemingly didn’t care. He just wanted a strong mate for himself, no matter the price. No matter how many times I told him off, he didn’t care and refused to give up on me. But if he would have known I was in love with his brother, things could have turned to worse.“And maybe you should make him believe he stands a chance.” Ryan looked at me.“Out of the question.”“Well, according to him, you’re with Caleigh now. So sooner or l
I blushed hard. He was sudden. It wasn’t about I didn’t crave his touch but I was afraid someone would see us. I freed my hand and shot him a look.“Stop it! Not here! What if someone saw us? I bet people are already getting suspicious!”“Don’t worry this much! I looked around.”“Otis has eyes and spies everywhere, you know it!”“Alright then,” he rolled his eyes “are you willing to go on a night time training with me? Tonight?”“Yes.” I smiled.We remained silent for a little bit. I was worried for our friend. For some minutes I thought about she may had some problems with Ryan and I being together. But then I brushed this thought off my mind and started thinking about how we could convince her to join us. I wouldn’t want her to get hurt because of us. But I was sure that would have happened if she decided to stay with the Half Moon pack. As I looked at Ryan I assumed he was sharing my thoughts.We needed to come up with a new plan, as fast as it was possible. Time was running out co