Claimed

Chapter 1: Daughter of the Haute Family

CHAPTER ONE:

DAUGHTER OF THE HAUTE FAMILY.

[SAVANNA HAUTE'S POINT OF VIEW]

It was pitch black outside. 

    Nothing but the moon served as the lighting from the ones enjoying the outdoors. The darkness was overwhelming enough to have someone fear for the secrets lurking within them. For since I was nothing but a little kid, I have heard stories in which people have told stories that haunt them in the night. Monsters who have fangs, a certain type of monster who will eat you once you look at them. The internet has also been one who told me countless stories of what I should look forward to during night time. 

    Stories about ghosts and monsters aren't new to me.

    In fact, all my life - I did nothing but study them to the best of my ability. I wanted nothing more than to learn why people are so scared of monsters enough to scare children and produce nightmares. There was some linkage of olden times to the stories being spread now, and up until now - I see nothing that would explain why people have been so attached to the idea of the paranormal.

    Being curious about paranormal isn't bad.

    What is bad, however, was making stories about how paranormal is anything but scary. For all they are is fascinating and majestic. To be able to know that there is something else in this world that is anything but full of unexplainable things - to me, it was fascinating. Instead of being scared about it, I was interested to know more about it.

    Then again, it was all nothing but myths. 

    I, for one, wasn't complaining about the reality of stories and how the moon is anything but scary. That wasn't how I see it — not one bit. The moon, if anything, was beautiful. It was round, shining brightly in the night sky as it was the only star that isn't shy enough to show itself. To how one thing shines above all when everything is dark was something that makes me fascinated more than ever. 

   My feet were light as I follow closely towards it, sitting on the deck right by my window to see it illuminate in the sky. I was completely mesmerized by its beauty, smiling at the very sight of the full moon. I remember being five when my mother began telling me stories about how dangerous the moon signifies. Every story consists of the terrible paranormal lurks every forest, stories about werewolves and vampires. 

    It makes a child believe and fear such fables, true. However, I am no ordinary child. Even if her stories tell about how the howling of the wolves would surround the woods at this time of night or how someone will be lurking around, ready to pounce on you- I was never really scared.

    For once, I question as to why they needed to the night time to roam around the earth. Were they scared that someone will hunt them if they come out in broad daylight? Are they allergic to mornings, was that reason why they couldn't shift through the morning? 

    It was all nothing but making me curious.

    Then again, werewolves aren't real.

    If they are, I couldn't just meet one and ask all of these by looking at them through their eyes. 

    The Full moon connotes a stroke of bad luck in the night, as my mother says.

    I didn't believe any of those, making it seem like nothing but lies to me. For how could something so beautiful be considered as something so evil? So dangerous? I didn't see the logic of it. Father taught me to believe in what I see as right, and I did. Every second where I felt like mother was wrong about one thing -  I choose to believe my own guts.

    Father told me that there was nothing wrong with that. 

    Despite every horror that my mother had accumulated, the ones inside every story that she had told over the years, my love for the moon never faltered. Not even a little bit that she wanted it to be. For until now, even at the age of 21, I still find the moon soothing, calming, and it makes me smile just by seeing its beauty.

    The moon is quite possibly the only thing that makes me calm whenever I needed something to depend to. Throughout my whole life, it was the only thing that was keeping me sane and collected through the times where I am nothing but going crazy through everything that was going through my mind. 

    "Savanna!"

     My mother screamed in bloody murder as she pushed my door open, almost causing the hinges of my door to break from the force that she had put into it. I couldn't help but frown to her intrusion, confused at her sudden break into my room. Most of the time, she wanted nothing more than to pray in the basement whenever a full moon happens - so it does make me wonder why she is here, in my room - not fearing the moon.

    Furthermore, why does she seem angry?

    Is she here to spread horrors again? For I am not a kid to believe every little thing that will spill from her mouth. There is no way that I will let belittle things without even knowing the history of it. I have spent at least a year now, studying the history of werewolves. 

    Even if I wasn't sure of the legitimacy of it, I found it quite interesting. There was a lot of information about werewolves that I haven't read anywhere so finding it amusing - I choose to believe it. For the most part, I see them as a creature who is not only fascinating but someone who is loyal to those who they mate. 

    Maybe they are only scary if you seem like a threat to them? 

    I wasn't sure.  

    "Mother, what brings you here?" I asked, smiling at her. 

    Instead of an answer, she only shuddered in the door like a leaf who was being shaken. Confused, I let her to take her time but that seemed to be a task that was hard for her. There was this overlaying horror flashing before her eyes, making me think that she had seen something that she shouldn't have. Whenever she would be full of emotion, my mother will always do things without thinking things through.

    Oh no, I have a bad feeling about what is supposed to happen.

    While my mother said nothing, her lips continued to stammer in what seemed like a shock from something. There is nothing coming into mind as to why she would act like this, what would make her so shaken that my mother seemed visibly frozen? It took her a couple of minutes to compose herself as she continued her words.

    "Pack your bags, sweetheart," she says while holding on tight on the door, never knowing if she was to fall from where she stands, "Right now, please. Be productive and try to act within only a few minutes."

    A frown formed on my lips, confused at the sudden set of instructions from her. Now, I was more than sure that there is something here that was meddling with her clear mind. For there was no time that my mother ever did something so immediate as this. There would always be some elaborate plan before she was to step her foot into it. 

    It was unlike her to have an immediate operation without days of planning.

    So, I wondered. 

    What could have possibly spooked her to act like this? 

    "Why should I, Mother? Is everything okay? You seem a little pale. Did something happen?"

    I asked in series, hoping that she will at least answer one of them. There would always be tons of time where if you were to ask her questions, she would be more than glad to answer one of them. Of course, some were missed but you'll consider yourself lucky if she answered at least one of your questions.

    To my utter disappointment, Mother didn't even try to look like she was dodging my questions. None were her usual manipulation to my senses as she seemed quite apologetic and guilty that it would make everyone to second guess their actions.

    "We're moving," she says, hurrying to the hallway while waiting for someone, "Pull the most important thing for you. We don't have enough time to choose favorites. Just pull anything and head out as soon as you could." 

   Are we moving away? Again?

    I carefully cast myself away from my balcony and rushed to her side, in fear of what was happening. Maybe something life threatening happened to made her to act like she was now? That would be the only explanation that I could utter. The feeling that the moon provided for me was long gone, it was overshadowed by a dark feeling that was covering my room. There were tons of secrets kept from me, and it makes me uneasy.

    Mother was moving in haste, pointing every single thing that would be necessary on this trip. Her mouth was as fast as her pace, lurking around my room and searching every single thing that seemed important to her eyes.

    "But it is late to move out, Mother," I replied with a frown, trying to grab her attention. It was her rules that there is no one to set foot outside whenever a full moon is out - especially that we were in the land of where there is nothing around but trees, "Shouldn't we wait until morning for this?" 

    "It's a full moon, and we're too close by the forest. We are leaving! That's final! Now, help us pack your things!"

    Now that is odd.

    We had been in houses where we lived near the woods. During most of those times, the moon was at its peak, too. She never once fret about the full moon before, why is she starting now? There had been no other reason as to why my mother would do something like this- for trying new things hasn't been her forte. 

    Tons of questions were swirling into my head, but I didn't dare ask my anxious mother, a lot seems to be occupying her mind at this very second. She stopped a butler from assisting me in my needs, packing my things like a maniac on the street. Both of their hands were frantic, seemingly scared of something.

   While I, her child, wonder what that is. 

    "Mother, is everything alright? You worry me."

    She stilled, looking at me with sympathy. The very look in her eyes was keeping me nothing but worried about the things that she was hiding from me. I know that a child shouldn't ask questions about business in regards to nothing but my parents and my uncles- but I am sure that I have seen some of my cousins partaking in some meetings.

    So, why wasn't I involved? 

    There had been times where I am notified that there are things into which my mother kept secrets from me. My father would always tell me that there was stuff he couldn't tell me - but my mother? Whenever she would have something really bad that she wanted me to do, it shows. It took her a couple of moments to whisper something to the butler's ears before walking towards me. Our butler, Jason, continued packing up my things neatly as he could. 

  "Savanna," my mother called, pulling my attention back on her. 

  It surprised me to see my mother like this. My mother, Sylvia Haute, is a confident woman. I have known her to be someone who is nothing but delicate. Nothing but a walking definition of class, enough to have countless people to be nothing but envious of her. Everywhere she goes, envy would always follow her. 

    Mother told me always to be confident, never let the fear to eat you whole. It was one secret that she was always making sure that I know. Whenever I would lower my guard and seen vulnerable to other people, she would be quick to notice it. My mother always wanted me to above people - to which I do not like. 

    Even with our status, I always wanted to be someone who other people can look upon. I want others to see me as just another person who only has big houses to live into - that was all. Never did I want other people to see me as inferior just because my parents have the money.

    I wanted to be someone who is only equal to everyone - one that my mother doesn't quite understand. 

    She was the most fearless woman that I have seen, one who never seemed lower than anyone who will meet her. Everyone was scared of her - even my father even sometimes shudder in nothing but fear when she is consumed with nothing but her anger. Most of the time, my father would tell me stories of just how my mother used to be like me.     

    He told me that everything changed when I was born. She was more strict and dangerous to anyone who dare holds threats to my life. Even if that seemed crazy for me, I did nothing but listen to his words.

    That is why, he says that never in my life have I never seen her so frantic.

    Not until today.

   "Yes, Mommy?" 

    "Savanna, you need to run away from here," she replied. 

    A frown carved into my face, "Whatever do you mean, Mother? Why would I run away from here?"

    Instead of answering my question, her hands touched the fraction of my cheeks. Slowly, I could see the evidence of sadness in her eyes as the tears start to fall to her cheeks. My mother worked hard for me to be alive in this household; she had sacrificed a lot of things to keep me as a woman as I am today.

     At least, that is what I have heard.

    I was the only heir in our family, as she couldn't produce any child other than me. It took her years to finally have me, and everyone was surprised by her sudden news about the pregnancy. My grandparents had been very suspicious before, as they find it hard to believe that she got pregnant out of nowhere. 

    Then again, after various tests- the result was positive. I was my father's offspring and there were no needed questions to fire her back for it. Upon hearing this, I was confused myself. It was only when my father told me that his parents were always doubtful about everything did it all made sense. My mother didn't sleep with anyone just to get pregnant. The doctor says that it was a miracle, so my family treated me as such.

    A miracle. 

    Mother has a damaged "egg" as my passed grandmother had told me before. That is why her love for me is so profound and pure- because I'm her only baby. 

    "You know that I love you, right?" She questioned with a whisper.

    "Of course, Mother," I replied with a smile, "And I love you too."

   Mother chuckled, nodding her head in nothing but relief, "More than your father?"

    "I shouldn't play favorites," I teased lightly.

    Instead of the usual laughter that she would bring whenever I would strike that joke, a sob escaped her lips before her hands pulled me for a hug. A slow droplet of her tears was slowly wetting my hair, but my mother never wailed, she eats her sobs like a woman that she is. At least, that is what she always tells me.

    Never was I to show my weakness to my family, something that I find rather weird as a family was supposed to be the first people you should show your weakness to. I have tons of questions to throw, but knowing my mother, she will dodge them like a bullet.

    My family, to my embarrassment, is foreign to me. I find it so troubling that I don't know them well enough, some names would even pass my brain. It was like for a second, they were nothing but a bunch of friends who would pass and I am to accept it when I would see them and in some times, I just don't. Sure, we all have some inner jabs at each other and one would know how the others act- but there is something that I never really discovered. They have a "business" that I couldn't bother knowing as my father purposely let me off of it. When I have sought a worthy husband, he will be the heir of this "business".

    Which I think is dangerous. 

    There had been some times where death was normal to our family. One in a while, there would be a gathering in which not one but at least three to four person in the family would die out of nowhere. While it was true that we have such a big family - I always wondered why some seemed to die out of nowhere.

    Then I linked it to the business.

    Maybe it was dangerous. 

    "Why are you crying, Mother?" I asked. 

    "You need to leave, Savanna," she whispered, pulling me closer, "alone."

    "Alone? Why should I do that?"

    "Do you trust me?" was her only response.

    This place has been our tenth home for the past month, and that is very unlikely. Due to our family's wealth and my father's need to expand his "business" around the world, moving was quite necessary. However, what we are doing seemed to be nothing but running away from something.

    or someone. 

    Has dad met some enemies along the way? I hope not. He should always be fine. 

    Mother, whatever the plans were, never kept me out of her sight. Even just for a split second, and that is all due to her worries about my wellbeing. She would even worry if I was alone for a second out in any home that we were in. It was like she worries that someone will take me if her eyes left mine. With her sending me off alone at this time of night speaks nothing but ill and dangerous to me. 

    Something is wrong here, and like always, I am left in the dark. 

    "It's done, Mrs. Haute. We're ready to head out."

    We both looked at the butler who has my things in his hands, not even making me aware of what he had managed to take. For such a short period of time, what can a person gather? Nothing but clothes? Mother placed a soft kiss on my forehead before instructing me to follow the butler quietly, and just like an obedient child, I obliged. 

  The hallway was empty, and not a single soul was left to wander around the estate as my father always forbade it. He hated having to hear steps outside his bedroom door as it keeps him antsy. It seems like it became an advantage to what my mother has been planning.

    "Santiago will lead you to your place, Madam."

    I nodded to the Butler, knowing that they got everything handled. I am merely an object in their mission that requires nothing but to shut my mouth and possibly follow idly. For now, I wasn't sure what was happening but I know that this must collaborate with my safety. Even with her crazy antics, I am sure that my mother will never risk my life in something that she thinks is nothing. If she was willing to stay idle in the house will I purse something - there must be some danger that awaits me. 

    My eyes were busy looking around the place, looking for anything that might be familiar enough for me to know who and what is coming after me. A reader part of me, one who seeks nothing but adventures in books, wanted nothing more than me to be chased by a werewolf. I almost wanted to laugh at the idea, sparkling nothing but innocence in my brain. 

    For if I was being chased with something so dangerous. 

    I am not sure if I will stop in fascination... or if I would be terrified. 

    The person who was now holding my bag in hand was my mother, her grip seemed to be tight enough that if she was to move, I could literally feel my bad squeaking. I, for one, wanted to know what I am in for but I am sure that she holds nothing that will answer that for me. Mother has always been someone who never really shares anything. 

    We were all walking around the house while the butler has my suitcase in his. I'm incredibly suspicious of whatever was happening, but I don't dare to ask questions. Mother would most likely dismiss them and I would grow antsier. Seeing me being swept out of our home and into comforts of whatever the f**k they plan to have me. However, I didn't say a single word.

    "Señor," a man whispered called to the butler. It was only when he looked at me closely did my body seemed to froze in fear. I have never seen the man before, but why do I feel like he was dangerous? Then again, I shouldn't doubt people. When he was done looking at me, he all did nothing but looked back to the butler, "Is that her? The princesa?"

    The butler nodded pushing my suitcase with him. Maybe it was my imagination or the illusion during the night but I was sure that I have seen something glint from their eyes, "I trust her with your life, Santiago. Keep her safe."

    "Of course, Señor."

    They both ushered me inside the small car, which made me hug my bag in comfort. I was now entirely sure that something is wrong. Unlike the usual limousine that is familiar to me, this was different. It was a small car that has tons of items inside, which seems like my shield to the outside. 

    Father would never approve of this.

    Where is he?

    Why isn't he saying goodbye?

  Tons of cars were also parked outside, but it was the same as what I was supposed to enter. They were preparing decoys, and it makes me worry as to why my mother has conducted something so elaborate such as this. 

    I'm worried. To what? That, I am uncertain. To my life? To my family? To what was supposed to happen? I am not sure, but I am evidently worried. 

    "You better head now, they will be done soon."

    "Si, Señor."

    The whole ride was quiet, and I think Santiago was keen on maintaining the silence through the night. Couple cars pass before us as the others were hot on our trails, even if we already hit the road for more than three hours. Santiago was still like he was before, cautious. 

    He seemed anxious, looking around every second as if someone would be following us. Of course, that was unlikely as it was dead of night. My eyes were only focusing on the picture on his dashboard. 

 His daughter.

    "Am I in trouble, Mr. Santiago?"

    His eyes shook in fear, frowning before me.

    "You can tell me."

    "I am unsure, Princesa."

    "Oh," I sighed, nodding, "Okay. That's fine."        

    The man seemed to have not like my answer, I could see the way his mouth almost formed into a snarl but he was quick to morph it into a frown. He sighed, nodding his head in what seems like defeat.

    "I'm afraid someone is after you, princesa. Your mother asked me to take care of you. She loves you."

    Someone is after me?

    I frowned, "Who would be after me?"

    "They are the-"

    It took a moment before a scream rippled into my lips as the car swerved on the side, stopping as it hit the railings on the side. My hands were holding the side of the car in fear, looking at Santiago with eyes drenched in nothing but fear. The vehicle was severely injured, possibly challenging to have it running again. My eyes moved towards Santiago, who was now scared. 

  "Don't worry, princesa. Those goons can't get to you." 

    I would have believed him if his fear didn't vibrate through his voice. Even with his body which seems fit to fight, it seemed like he was way too frightened to fight physically. Judging by the sound of the gunshot, it would seem like fighting physically is out of the choices.

  A car stopped behind us, making him cuss. He had instructed me to hide in the back as the passenger walked towards us. I wanted to think that they offer aid, but judging by the gun in their hands, I highly doubt that. 

  "Is there something wrong, Señor?" Santiago asked softly. 

  Someone with a gruff voice replied, "Shouldn't you ask for help? Your tire is f****d, man. Tough luck there, but we can help."

  "I would ask for such generous help," Santiago smiled, "but aren't you the one who shot my tire, Señor?" 

  My hands flew to my lips as soon as they point the gun to his face, containing the scream that badly wants to escape from my lips. I never understood what was happening - but it didn't occur to me that violence and possible death were to be involved. 

  Did daddy have some enemies that wanted me dead? 

  "Why hide the girl, Santiago? You know me, and you especially know who my boss is. Do you wish on fighting? Still? Are you done rummaging through the earth?" 

  M-me? Are they looking for me? 

  Santiago frowned, "I don't know what you're talking about, Señor. I deliver groceries from the estate." 

  "I heard her scream. I can smell her. Don't make a fool of me, or you won't like it when I get pissed. Trust me, we don't want a view of that." 

  "I don't know what you're talking about, Señor." 

  A growl vibrated from the man, almost making me jump in surprise. Santiago was firm that he didn't know any better, and you could almost believe him. For who would put their daughter's lives for a man who only deliveries groceries. 

  "Don't make me do something I wouldn't like to do." 

  My eyes followed the trigger button, wondering if they were trying to pull it. He loaded the gun, pointing it on Santiago's head. Remembering the smiles that his daughter offered him in the picture, I know that she was waiting on that house for him. My feet pushed the door forward, gathering their attention.

  "Princesa—" 

  My words cut him off, "I'll go with you; just don't kill him." 

  Santiago looked at me in horror, surprised at what I have done. It might be true that I don't know what I'm signing myself into, but I wouldn't let someone lose a life because of this. He's a family man; they're probably waiting for him in this very second. Santiago shouldn't die.

  "Do we have a deal, bad guys?" 

  A man smiled, nodding his head. He was amused by how the lady was able to save not only herself but the man who was only tasked to guard her. Her gentle soul and the way her mind words touched them much.

  "You have your deal, Princess." 

[THIRD PERSON'S POINT OF VIEW]

    "SYLVIA! OPEN THIS f*****g DOOR!"

    Her husband continuously screamed her name before pouncing on the door in anger while his wife cried on the other side of the room. It pains her. She had seen her little girl being taken away from her care, as she was only left to fear the unknown. Only her hope of safety keeps her alive. 

    She had to protect her little girl.

    Always.

    "Open this f*****g door before I break it to pieces, Sylvia!"

    When the door finally cracked open, the man feared what he had seen inside. Inside his daughter's room was only his wife, crying in pain as their daughter's clothes scattered around the room in a mess.

    He had always thought that his wife's emotions and impulsiveness would drive him crazy, but he didn't see it happening this way.

    Not like this.

    Not by their daughter's life. 

    "What have you done, Sylvia?"

    She sobbed, hugging herself as the thought brings her pain, "I won't let you have her, Valir. She's my baby. You can't just send her off! You can't! She can't go with them!"

    Furious at her accusation, Valir stormed towards his wife to shake her body. He was continuously asking where their daughter was while his wife only replied with cries.

    He didn't know that his wife was listening to the deal that the Alpha made for his daughter. Valir, of all people, had never known that his wife would act this impulsive. It didn't cross his mind that she would dare listen while they were talking to his study. He didn't know that his wife had heard that the Alpha wanted their daughter. 

    Valir didn't know that his wife heard that their daughter needed to be send off to be with a kind that they were meant to destroy. His wife didn't know that it was the only way that they can all live, stopping the Alpha to his plans to reveal who the "haunted" was. He didn't know that his wife heard that their only child, Savanna, would need to breed healthy wolves and be mated to a dominant wolf.

    He didn't know. 

    "What have you done!" He screams, angered at what chaos his wife has done.

    Sylvia only cried, screaming back at her husband, "She's your daughter! You can't send her off to those monsters! They will kill her! Use her!"

    He can only shake in fear, not knowing what would happen to his daughter while being out in the forest at this time of night. It was the full moon; all the paranormal have their power and strength highlighted. No one can possibly defend Savanna. Their daughter was weak, unknown to the need and proper way to defend herself. 

  Who knows what they could have done to Savanna.

  The heir of the Haute Family, the daughter of the notorious hunters.

  He only rushed back, locking his wife to the room as he thinks of ways to have his daughter back. Things like this were crucial. He wouldn't offer something like this to fate. Valir need to save his daughter, he has to.