Pack Mentality

Chapter 4

Sawyer carefully lifted a spoonful of soup to her mouth, praying her parents didn't notice the shakiness of her hands. The events from earlier in the day had left her shaken and dreading the inevitable.

She had to go back.

After making it home, she had begun to clean her fathers arrows, only to realize with horror that she had failed to pick up the last arrow when fleeing the house.

All evening she had been planning what to do and after tossing and turning the idea over in her head she had decided that there was nothing left to do but go back, alone.

For a split second she had entertained the idea of bringing Kira along, but she didn't think an innocent girl like Kira could handle something as creepy as that house. So there was no other option but going by herself.

That night Sawyers mind refused to allow her to sleep...images of the house kept appearing in her mind, it standing alone in the woods, it consumed by flames, and worst of all...her being trapped inside as the enormous structure burned up and began to collapse around her.

She tossed and turned throughout the evening hours and well into the morning until her 6am wake up call brought sweet relief to her stressful night. School didn't offer much help though, each passing minute Sawyer became more and more stressed about returning to the abandoned house. When the final bell rang it took all her nerves to get in the car and drive to the forest.

She parked her car and got out, breathing in the scent of the woods. She hoped it would calm her nerves but it was to no avail.

"Lets get this over with..." She murmured to herself before setting off at a quick pace.

At about three quarters of the way to the abandoned structure the feeling of eyes on Sawyers back washed over her again, this time much more prevalent. Forcing herself not to turn around and search for the source took all of Sawyers wits and strength.

Finally she reached it...it stood just as menacing as the day before, if not more so today. With one quick glance all around her she ascended the staircase, ready to grab the arrow and flee. Forgetting about this horrific place forever.

But things aren't ever that easy.

Much to Sawyers surprise and horror, the arrow was gone. She took a few steps closer, wondering if maybe it had rolled inside the house due to the wind. But it wasn't in the houses entryway. In fact, it was no where to be seen.

"Two times, in two days...I think that's the most anyone's ever visited this place since it burned." A deep voice called out.

Sawyers blood ran cold.

"Do you make a habit of trespassing?" The person spoke again, this time in a more taunting tone.

"I...uh..." She could get any words out... fear was controlling her every thought and action.

"It's rude to not look at people when they are speaking to you. Turn around."

Sawyer slowly turned, fearing to see to whom the voice belonged.

She was shocked to discover the voice belonged to a somewhat familiar face. Standing before her at the foot of the stairs was the young man she had seen at the school.

He wore a loose fitting tee that hung on his muscular arms and provided a slight preview to the muscles that lined his abdomen. His arms were crossed and a scowl was still etched into his face. Sawyer took special note of his strong features that sent a few butterflies flittering through her stomach.

"Why are you here?" He growled. His voice had a slightly menacing tone, which sent a shiver down Sawyers spine and chased the dancing butterflies away.

"I could ask you the same question." She snapped back, hoping her voice didn't shake and give away the fear that was threatening to bubble over inside of her.

The young man smirked. "Well seeing as I own this property, I'm the one who should be asking the questions."

"I...I was just walking and stumbled acrossed it." Sawyer said in a panic.

He glared at her "Oh is that so? Are you sure it's not for this?"

Sawyer gasped as he removed something from his crossed arms. Held tightly in one of his large fists was her fathers arrow.

"H...how?"

"You know..." He said as he began to inspect the arrow pinching it between his thumb and forefinger. "It really is a shame that these things are so flimsy." With a quick crunch the arrow snapped in his hand. "When they are supposed to kill such powerful monsters."

Sawyers mind was racing at a thousand miles per hour.

"W...who are you? Wh...what are you?" She questioned nervously, even though she was fairly certain of the answer.

"I'm the thing you hate the most Ms. Moreau...my family is the very reason for your families 'business'... To keep my kind check."

She was dumbfounded...a real life werewolf. Standing only feet away, and she was completely defenseless. he could rip her throat out and no one would be able to catch the monster responsible.

"I'm not scared of you." She announced, more for herself than for him.

He rolled his eyes. "You Hunter children are all the same, headstrong and dumb...I could end your life with the snap of a wrist and yet you are more conceded with your pride."

"I'm not a child..." Was all she could whisper out

He snorted, obviously hearing her remark. "Get lost hunter, and don't come back. Oh and next time you want to act tough sweetie, try and keep your heart rate down." he tossed the broken arrow at her feet before turning towards the forest to go.

"You...you're not going to kill me?" She stuttered.

The young man chuckled and glided away into the trees.