Hunter's Mate

Chapter Three

Murmurs and chatters of disbelief and worry filled the conference room. The man sitting in the center looked at them and pinched the bridge of his nose, annoyed at the noise.

"Silence!" he yelled with great authority, causing everyone to stop what they were doing, stare at the man, and sit down. The man cleared his throat and put his hand under his chin.

"Now, one by one, state your concerns," he said. "We'll start with Alpha Corell," he added.

"The hunters, Alpha Ryker! The hunters have started again. What do we do?!" Corell said.

"Hector was found dead in a high-end club, injected with wolfsbane," Samuel said, the man sitting next to Corell.

"Well, he deserved it! He's a fvcking perverted old man who can't keep his d1ck in his pants," Racquel said, the only Alpha woman in the room.

"Racquel!" Donovan, the man seated in front of her, exclaimed. Racquel rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

"This is alarming, Alpha Ryker," Kristoff said, the man sitting next to Ryker. Ryker heaved a sigh and leaned back. The hunters have been increasing lately. They target their kinds and even the vampires. And then a member of the Alliance, Hector, was found dead, poisoned with lethal wolfsbane.

"We still have no clue who or what organization did it. Our resources were limited. The human still doesn't know our existence, and in Hector's case, it was still in the hands of authorities. We haven't penetrated the upper echelons yet, Ryker stated. Silence engulfed them again.

"So, Alpha Ryker, what's your suggestion?" Corell asked. Corell asked.

"I'll see what I can do. I'll have my men investigate it. Hector remains a member of the Alliance despite his past transgressions. For now, be careful of the people around you. Our enemies aren't just rogues, but also humans," Ryker said.

"This is ridiculous," Samuel said. "Those hunters… Once I knew who they were, I would kill them all," he added and stood up, leaving the conference room.

"You may all go and rest," Ryker said. The Alphas left the room one by one until it was only Ryker left in the room.

"You good?" Dalton, his Beta, spoke as he entered the conference room. Ryker looked at him and nodded his head.

"Fvcking hunters are at it again," Ryker said. "Any news from Dorothy?" he added. Dalton shook his head in response.

"Nothing, and I'm actually getting worried. My sister may be a bit clumsy, but she's excellent at work, and she hasn't been in contact with me for two days," Dalton said.

"She's a talented fighter. She'll be fine," Ryker assured his beta when he heard his phone ring. Ryker took the phone and answered the call from his third in command.

"Alpha."

"Snow," Ryker greeted. "What is it?" he added. Dalton sat on the empty chair next to his Alpha and waited.

"I talked to Alpha Hector's men. They said they followed the woman who killed Alpha Hector, but she mysteriously disappeared. No scent left behind," Snow said.

"Alright, Snow. Thanks for that information," Ryker said and ended the call, heaving yet another sigh. They even knew how to mask their scents. They were not just ordinary wannabe hunters; they had a deep understanding of werewolves and vampires, which would make things difficult for everyone.

On the other hand, Artemisia was busy preparing her things. She'll enter as a new maid in the mansion of the high lord she was going to kill. Artemisia inspected her guns and ammunition, then placed her knives on her boots. A knock on the door interrupted her.

"One second!" she yelled and put the gun down. Artemisia walked towards the door and opened it.

"Cands," she said, seeing her friend. "Come in," she added and opened the door widely for Candy.

"I'm just visiting you before you go into your mission," Candy said, then dropped the wine on her table.

"Thanks, Candy," Artemisia said and took the bottle, reading its label.

"Are you sure you can do this alone? I can go with you," Candy said.

"Cands, you know Master won't permit you, and I can do this," Artemisia replied. Candy pouted her lips and put a bullet on the table.

"I'm not actually religious, but I had this bullet blessed. Always keep it with you," she said. Artemisia smiled at her and took the bullet, putting it in her pocket.

"Thank you, Candy," she whispered and embraced Candy. Soon after, Artemisia left her room with a bag, crossed the road, and entered the building, heading towards the master's office.

"Are you ready?" the master asked.

"I am, Master," Artemisia replied.

"Good luck," he said. Artemisia nodded her head and left the building. Since she couldn't bring her car, Artemisia was forced to commute. She went inside the train and sat.

Hours later, she arrived at the mansion of the high lord. Artemisia went out of the taxi. The mansion was located at the end of the street, and next to it was a forest. The next house is also quite far. A great place for the high-lord vampire to put and hide the victims.

Artemisia pushed the gatebell and waited for someone to come out. A man, probably in his late forties, went out and opened the gate.

"Are you the new maid?" he asked.

"Yes, sir. I'm Michaela," she said. The man nodded his head and let her enter.

"I'm the head butler here, and I will be the one that will guide you," he said. "I'm Alaric," he added. Artemisia nodded and followed the butler while looking around. They went inside the mansion. The Victorian-style interior that Artemisia walked into was beautiful, with dark wood fences, fancy wallpaper, and ornate furniture that made the room feel grand. The grand stairs, crystal chandelier, and old-fashioned touches showcase the luxury of the Victorian era.

"The Nacht were out and will be back tomorrow," Alaric said. Artemisia also saw few of the maids cleaning up. "Let's go to your quarter," he added, and they walked until they arrived in the back part of the mansion. Alaric opened the door and went inside. There were many doors inside that Artemisia believed belonged to the maids living in the mansion.

"Yours is in the last to the left," Alaric said. "Work starts at six in the morning; make yourself at home," he added and left. Artemisia went inside her room and locked the door, putting her belongings inside the small cabinet she had. Before lying on the bed, Artemisia carefully searched her room for CCTVs, and when she found none, she sat on the bed with a sense of relief. Tomorrow's the first day she'll start to work; she has to be ready.