The Hunt

Chapter 1: Goodbye Home, Hello Soulmate

I watched as the trees rushed pass my view, the forest calm as ever. No animals in sight for miles. That's what I loved about the forest. They knew that the road was no place for them to roam, scared to get hit and suffer. I even fear the road like them, so I knew it was only safe if I was away from it or in a vehicle.

Letting out a soft sigh, I leaned my head against the window, shutting my eyes. My mind immediately put the image of my home in my imagination, the soft, warm colors of my small house surrounded by trees. The few flowers that grew in our garden out front blossomed happily.

"Max, I promise it's not as bad as it seems. You'll enjoy it, even make friends! " I heard my brother, Ashton, pipe with excitement. He was always one to find the positive side of things. Even when things seem negative, especially to me.

"Yeah, Ashton knows. He has been in this for a few years and every year he has come back happy. Even if what he went for didn't appear. You still need to make the best out of it. " I opened my eyes to glance at my father who was driving. A small smile on his face when he tried to reassure me.

"There isn't anything positive about the hunt. It's just an ancient ceremony where young adults go and find their mates. It's just a big horn fest!" I exclaimed, a hint of irritation sliding off my tongue.

The Hunt, an ancient tradition held since who-knows-when for young adults to find mates. To my father and brother, it was a time of celebration and love. To me it was just some weird horny ceremony. So when I say that I loathed this day, I really did mean it.

All ages from 17 to 20 had to attend, it was absolutely mandatory. At least all supernatural beings that praised the Goddess of the moon and the God of the sun had too. This was my first year, and if I didn't find a mate this year that means I had to keep attending until I either found one or aged out.

"It's not a horn fest Max, it's just something the elders still host to help speed the process up for finding your soul mate. " Ashton explained, though it wasn't helping.

It was easy for him, he wasn't thought as pathetic. He was brave and wise, being the spirit of a fox. Everyone loved him because of his animal and of course, of his personality and looks.  His light brown hair and piercing green eyes would make all the ladies swoon. His tan skin practically glowed in the sunlight, and he was muscular, standing at a good 6 foot.

While I on the other hand was the spirit of the rabbit. Scared, pathetic, and weak. Not admired, or adored. While Ash took after dad, I took after mom. My dark brown hair and greyish blue eyes was always something I hated on me. I was extremely pale, petite with no curves, and short.  Just a short 5 foot, no curves, shy, weakling.

If I did find a mate, I'm sure he would reject me.

Two hours later

"Alright, Max. Remember, I'm just two floors down. They have the names on the rooms, so you'll be able to find me easy. If you need anything just call or come down. " Ashton gave me a smile and gave me a bear crushing hug. Of course, I returned the hug. He gave me a quick kiss on the forehead before leaving me to unpack my things in my room.

It's like he said, the rooms were just like small apartments with a kitchen, living room, two bathrooms for the two rooms, and a small balcony. My name was on my room, so I knew immediately the other room belonged to my roommate. So to have more privacy I had closed and locked my bedroom door in case my roommate came any time soon.

Leon's POV

"Leo, man. This year is your year definitely. " My friend, Josh, boasted. He pat my back and let out a chuckle. Second year at this event and I still have hopes. I know she is out there, I can feel it.