The Vampire Hunter and the Werewolf

Colton

    A tall burly man with shaggy dark hair and a neatly trimmed goatee was stood in the corner of his large old fashioned office room staring out of the window holding a glass of whiskey. Lifting his hand to his mouth, taking a sip of his alcoholic beverage, his tight fit white t-shirt stretched to accommodate his immense arm muscles. Colton stood in the doorway as his Dad started to speak, knowing he had entered without glancing over.

"So... Did you speak to her?"

"Yes Dad. She dreams about one particular Vampire. The same one every night."

Colton walked along the dark red patterned carpet, taking a seat in one of the wooden chairs placed around a massive, walnut timber, desk. The man at the window turned to look at his son, took the last mouthful of his whiskey then sat down in the chair opposite Colton.

"You'll have to keep a close watch over her son. I take it she's not 18 yet?"

"No she's not I have yet to find out when her birthday is. There's word of a party coming up, not sure who's yet. Should I attend?"

"Colton, if Esme Winters is going, you need to be there. Before she turns 18 she is extremely vulnerable. If the vampires haven't got a whiff of her yet they soon will. She's not safe until her 18th birthday. Do you understand?"

"Yes Dad. I've sent Trent to watch over her house tonight. I'm waiting for Parry to return with the information I asked him to obtain. Hopefully we'll have more of an understanding on who she is."

"That's great son. You've done well. Update me when you know anything else."

Colton stands up, heading out of the room, getting to the door when his Dad called out to him.

"And Colton. Time is of utmost importance. The quicker we can gather all the information the better equipped we'll be to deal with it."

Nodding at his Dad in understanding he turns around, walks down a short corridor with the same red patterned carpet and white walls, through the doors at the end that led out into the bar. His father owned a pub on the edge of town called 'The Meeting Place', mainly for people like them. Werewolves. Being on the edge of town allowed them to keep track of the comings and goings of the people who don't live in the area. In the past, even though they were hard to find, a few stray wolves have managed to walk in off the street having heard of the wolf pack that own a pub, hoping to find a safe place and learn about their lifestyle. Some then move on but others become part of the family and stick around. Colton's dad was the leader of the pack and Hunter and Zeke were his cousins., their dad was brother to Colton's dad. Along with their mum's and Colton's brother James, they were the original pack, however, they had welcomed other werewolves in. Colton's mum wasn't around anymore but the women in the pack didn't tend to lead, they were to look after the Pack house where they would cook and clean, although this pack was different to others. They listened to the women, their advice was valued among the men in the pack. Most pack's strongly believe in only family allowed, women are to do as they are told and not interfere with the goings on of the pack, no outsiders welcome but their rules and values were different. They called themselves The Wolf Pack, known far and wide for their generosity, but not many know where to find them and they liked to keep it that way. They thought of themselves as the protectors of people and focus on areas in which there is no Vampire Hunter. Without a hunter, vampires can attack, sucking the blood from any human they wish, so a hunter is needed to keep them away and the people safe. In this area there were three different kinds of Vampire; The Youngbloods, The Watchers and The Bloodnecks.

    The Youngbloods preyed on werewolves, hunted them for their blood. Drinking the blood of a werewolf gave a vampire certain capabilities they wouldn't normally possess. It not only amplifies their hearing but gives them the ability to walk in daylight. The blood elixir lasts a week until it begins to wear off causing withdrawal, like a drug addict craving his h****n and they must hunt again. Made up of all male young adults and teenagers who have either left their previous clan due to contrasting views on being a vampire or they are greedy, wanting supremacy and domination. This feral clan are not one to be messed with, they are vile, dangerous vultures who want to feel powerful. Then you've got the Bloodnecks who think of themselves as true bloods; they drink human blood, believing it is their right, their true passage, who they are supposed to be. The last thing they would do is drink the blood of a werewolf, they detest the thought of the taste of blood from the 'dog' family as they call it. The problem with this is, to keep their identity a secret, they have to kill the people they target or turn them into one of their own, training them to become a vampire like them. These vampires are malicious and immoral, one of the oldest clans around, hunting mostly at night because they are less likely to be spotted. In contrast, the Watchers are vampires who feed off animals; mainly goats and cows but all depending on what animals they can find at the time of their feed. Generally living among people, to protect them, watch over them, ensuring other clans keep away, like guardians and are usually in places where there is no vampire hunter to do the job. They also train vampire hunters coming of age. usually keeping a low profile, never introducing themselves to the neighbours, never attending school, but they are amiable and good-natured. Werewolves are very similar to this clan due to their protectiveness of the human race, constantly battling vampire clans trying to set foot on their territory, they are always in an area where a vampire hunter has deceased or becomes too old to compete against the clans, therefore a new one must take it's place, they then become it's guardian, trainer, side kick if need be. Providing them with the right tools. Introducing them to the Watchers, they will sometimes work together for the sake of human life, but they don't like to set foot on each other's territory unless they have to.

    Recently a vampire Hunter by the name of Oliver Bancroft had been ambushed and killed by a Bloodneck as a war broke out between them. The werewolves and the Watchers arrived at the forest late at night to help but were too late, their sadness and anger helped them to push the Bloodneck's away, back to wherever they came from, however they knew they would return eventually. The Watcher's made an agreement with the werewolves that they would move closer to the area, to help them recruit the next vampire hunter and quickly. Having a lot of work to do, training them up, showing them the ropes, but firstly they had to find the destined person. On occasions like this it runs in the family but Oliver Bancroft never had children, he was an only child and his parents died in a car crash when he was 12 years old. He was 29 when he died, so there was no back up, no family line to make it easier to find the next hunter, they had to do the leg work to figure out who would be next. A hunter will usually be aware due to it being passed down through the family and would have been pre-warned about the nightmares leading up to their 18th birthday and on the actual day they would come into their powers. They would be able to pick up the scent of a vampire approaching their territory, the scent would differ depending on the type of clan they are from, making them aware if there is going to be trouble. The dreams may intensify on occasion, this will notify the hunter of any violent vampires they need to keep an eye out for, a specific smell will be sent through these dreams making the hunter recognise the scent if it became close. Then their was the powers individual to them, this varies with every hunter. Oliver Bancroft's personal ability was strength; he could punch a vampire in the chest and pull out its heart. This time Colton and his team hadn't stopped searching the area for their next hunter, joining school's in the proximity to find them. The information he had receive was the new hunter was a girl, her mother was a hunter but is now deceased and she was around 17 or 18 years old. He now knew this person was Esme Winters.

    Esme was hard to detect because she wasn't 18 yet therefore the Watchers nor Colton and his pack could pick up the scent of the hunter's powers. A werewolf would usually feel some sort of weird sensation when in close contact, drawing them in, or if the power's were new, like on an 18th birthday for example, the scent would reach further and they would be able to detect a new hunter from the boundaries of the area they reside in. The Watchers don't have the ability to acknowledge a hunter before their 18th birthday, their bodies release some sort of signal, when the hunter's powers are born, the same with any other vampire that happens to be on their territory. If a Bloodneck happened to be within the area of the hunter at this moment then they would know their identity and would quickly try to destroy them before they become stronger, more dynamic, harder to vanquish. The first day Colton met Esme in that classroom, he could tell she was fated for the role of the vampire hunter and, being difficult for Colton, he had to find a way to get close to her, to know for definite, that's why he had to take her away from the school, kidnap her somewhat, find out if she'd been having dreams. He just needed the information on her family history to prove he was right, then they would need to rush things along so she's ready by her 18th birthday. She needed to be protected more then ever right now, that is why he sent someone to guard her house every night, but keeping well hidden from view. 

    Parry returned to the bar, meeting Colton and his companions who were sitting in a booth each with a pint of lager. His gelled spiky blonde hair and blue eyes made Parry seem younger than he was. At 17 years old he wandered in off the street, his former pack had disowned him so needing somewhere to stay and after hearing about the group they called The Wolf Pack he tracked them down. It took him a year to find them. Now 20 years old, looking like he hasn't aged a day, he'd become a great asset to the family, they thought of him as a brother, a son. Heading over to Colton, a smile on his face which let him know there was good news, he sat opposite him, handing him an A4 sized brown envelope. 

"Is this it?"

Parry simply nodded, an excited smile spread over his face, watching Colton take out the paperwork inside, the suspense killing him as he hopes it's the news they've been waiting for. With no expression on his face, Colton's eyes moving side to side as he reads, everyone around the table silent until he's finished reading. Putting the paper down he stares at Parry, not even a smile reaches his lips as he speaks to him.

"Excellent Parry, you have done well. Get yourself a pint from the bar. You deserve it."

As Parry nods a thank you he leaves the booth, Hunter, James and Zeke move in closer, eagerly waiting for him to inform them of this new information.

"It's her. It's Esme. She's the new vampire hunter."   

    That night, Colton lay awake in his bed thinking about Esme. There was no way he was going to get her on her own, she was never going to trust him now but he had to inform her, educate her and hope she'll fulfil her destiny. Thinking back to the first time he saw her, sitting in the classroom, the way she looked at him with her big deep blue eyes that seemed to display happiness but also trepidation. He couldn't help but consider whether the nervousness was from his presence, Colton was usually spot on when it came to how people felt about him, empathy was one of his abilities from being a werewolf but when it came to Esme he couldn't seem to work them out. A jumble of mixed emotions whizzed around his mind and body, not pinpointing her exact feelings, which gave him the feeling of insecurity but this also made him question if she was the unknown vampire hunter in the first place. From that day he hasn't stopped thinking about getting closer to her, figuring her out, the day she was upset at lunchtime, running through the hallway, tears flowing down her cheeks, he couldn't feel the sadness he was supposed to, he felt a combination of emotions, bouncing from one to the other, making him feel a little overwhelmed. He was unable to continue to where he was headed, he felt an irresistible urge to follow her, needing to figure her out. Next on his agenda was figuring out how he was going to drop the bomb that her future entails fending off evil vampires and working alongside werewolves.

    Arriving at school early the next morning, Colton waited by Esme's locker for her arrival, needing to befriend her to ensure her safety. Leaning his back against the lockers, one knee bent with his foot leaning against the metal cupboards behind him. More students fill up the hallway, his head leaning back against the locker, not needing to look whether Esme is coming or not as he would know when she was approaching from the mind-boggling emotions that tortures his brain and body. A few minutes later, his senses go wild, the wolf inside him fighting to reveal itself like it does when he smells uncertainty or the unfamiliar, transforming into his protective mode. 

"Why are you here?"

Esme pulls open her locker in an irritated manner without looking at him, being surrounded by people she felt safe knowing he wouldn't dare do anything stupid. Would he? Colton turns to face her, leaning his shoulder against the lockers, no expression on his face, trying to find the right words to convince her to go with him so they could talk, he waits for her to close her locker before he speaks. Looking at him unimpressed, impatiently waiting for an answer, she huffs, about to walk away when he takes her by the hand and leads her in the opposite direction to where she intended to go.

"Colton! Stop! Where are you taking me? I need to get to class!"

ignoring her desperate plea to leave, he drags her along the hallway checking through every door window for an empty classroom. Finally finding one, he pushes open the door pulling her inside before closing it behind him and locking it.

"Colton! What the hell are you playing at. k********g me twice in 24 hours! It's not cool!"

"We need to talk Esme. It's important."

"Then talk Colton! You don't need to do this s**t to talk to me! You don't even know me so how can it be important?"

Walking closer to her in silence as she backs herself up against the desk, not being able to go any farther, Colton closes the gap, so close their clothes almost touching. Still silent, trying to figure out her feelings, soaking in the extraordinary, intoxicating vibe she gives off, calling him, teasing him, alluring. Spooked by these lustful feelings he cowardly and hastily walks away, unlocking the door, roughly pulling it open he storms out into the corridor. His Dad had given him one job to do, his first big job and he couldn't do it. All the strange mix of moods and affections was bearing down on him, confusing him, distracting him from what he was supposed to do. The corridors were now empty, hearing Esme call his name, he increases his speed trying to get further away from her, exiting the building he marches to his car, jumping in and turning the music on loud, trying to silence the emotions still reverberating around his whole body. Resting his head against the head rest, closing his eyes, he never heard the passenger door open but he did hear it slam shut, startling him, his head shoots forward and eyes go wide with shock. All the intense emotions came flooding back as Esme sat in the passenger seat, a confused look on her face. She turns down the music so they could talk, not knowing why she felt the urge to run after him after what he did, however she was curious to find out what was so important that he had to lock her in a classroom to tell her.

"Esme, I think you need to speak with Melissa and Doug before I tell you anything."

"My parents? How do you know my parents? And why do I need to talk to them?"

Confused and angry Esme wanted answers, but Colton was unwilling to disclose his information yet. Usually he wouldn't care about someone elses feelings and would just bluntly speak to them however he wanted, however with Esme it was different. He was different. He couldn't break the news that she was the hunter before she had a chance for her parents to explain certain things to her, it wouldn't be fair. 

"I know you probably don't trust me but you need to start learning to. Talk to them about where you were born and to whom then come and find me. Then we'll talk."

Butterflies swirled around in her stomach, nervous and puzzled about how and what he knew. She was speechless for a moment, many stories playing around in her head, trying to think of what it could be that she was going to find out.

"What do you mean Colton? You're scaring me."

"You should be scared. This is not the world you are supposed to be in, my world is where you belong and it's not all sunshine and daisies. I can't say more than that just yet. I'll take you home."

Starting the engine, Esme felt a little startled but most of all she was petrified. What was she going to be finding out? And how come Colton seemed to know more about her than she did? She didn't say anything the whole ride home and was even more surprised when he knew where she lived. Pulling up outside the house, Esme didn't move, too scared to get out, unsure whether she wanted to find out what Colton was trying to disclose. maybe, hopefully he was lying and everything can just return to normal. She took a deep breath, not believing what she was about to request, but asked anyway.

"Will... er... will you, you know, er... come with me?"

Looking at her as if she had two heads, he contemplated whether he should go or not.

"You don't have to it's just..... what if they don't tell me what you think they should tell me? Maybe you can help me get to the truth."

Without any expression on his face, Colton nodded, both in understanding and agreement, then together they got out of the car and walked up the concrete path to her house. feeling apprehensive, Esme opened the door to her rather large house, took a quick look around the hallway, before taking another step the nerves got the better of her.

"They're not here let's go."

Turning to run out of the door Colton grabs hold of her arm. Simply nodding at her, Esme knew he was encouraging her, supporting her somewhat. Sighing she turned back around, walking through the house, into every room, looking for her Mum or her Dad, but ended up finding Ben in the kitchen making himself some dinner.

"Hey! Have you seen Mum or Dad?"

Looking up from his saucepan he gave her an inquisitive look. "Aren't you supposed to be in school?"

"Ben this is important. Have you seen them or not?"

Surprised by her tone his smile faded. "Dad's gone to the office and Mum has popped out to the shop. She should be back soon. Why what's wrong?"

Without answering him she headed out of the kitchen, into the living room, Esme slumped down onto the Sofa, never bothering to introduce Ben to Colton. Standing in the doorway, leaning against the door frame with his hands in his jean pockets, Colton stares at Esme, still trying to read her.

"I told you they weren't here."

"Then we'll wait."

Colton moved from the doorway, walked over to where Esme sat then perched down next to her, both of them sat in silence, waiting for one of her parents to stroll through the front door. Luckily they only had to wait ten minutes. Moving to the edge of her seat, feeling jittery, her hands rubbing her thighs rubbing her sweaty palms into her trousers, her Mum walks through the front door holding three or four bags full of groceries. Her sunglasses positioned on her head, a serious, concentrated look on her face as she heads towards the kitchen, not realising there was two people sat on her settee. Colton stood up first, nodding his head in the direction of the kitchen, pressing her to have this uncomfortable conversation he knew was necessary. Blowing air out of her mouth, anxiously she stands up, urging herself on, not really sure she wanted to know the truth. She was happy, had a loving family, they weren't poor, she had a good life, why would she want to change it? Slowly putting one foot in front of the other, Colton trails behind her, giving her a slight push every now and then, looking over her shoulder at him when they reach the kitchen, he simply nods, letting her know this needs to happen and all will be fine.

"Mum, can I ask you something?"

Finishing putting away the shopping, Ben helping her, she looks over at her with a smile, carrying on unpacking. "Of course darling what is it?"

"Where was I born?"

Esme held her breath in anticipation, her Mum chuckles nervously."Well, you were born in the hospital here in town. You know that."

"Well Colton here seems to think differently and that I am not who you say I am. Any ideas why he would think that?"

"I have no idea maybe it's a case of mistaken identity honey. Now shouldn't you be in school?"

"Mrs Winters, with all due respect you are not being completely honest with Esme and I think she deserves to know the truth about who she is."

"And what makes you so sure that her life is all one big lie?"

The tension in the room was increasing, Esme could feel her Mother's anger building at this person intruding into our lives but looking over at Colton he seemed quite calm, taking it all in his stride, like he's done this 100 times before.

"I know everything Mrs Winters so if you don't tell her I will. You have 2 days."

With that Colton turned and left, hearing the front door shut behind him Ben decides to speak up. "What was all that about Esme? You're going to let some random guy make you doubt your own family?"

"Ben if you were there when he spoke to me about it, you would have your doubts too. The things he told me, the things he knew about us was kinda creepy and I just had to check it out for myself before I drove myself crazy!"

Relief washed over Esme as it looked as if Colton was just some ridiculous lunatic but she couldn't help but think why. What would he gain from all of this? That night as she lay in bed, reflecting over the day she had, the conversation with Colton at school, the way her Mum basically avoided her after he had left, she made sure she was always in a different room to Esme. When her Dad got home from the office, thinking Esme didn't notice, they would converse in secret which created a sense of bewilderment and annoyance. Not being able to sleep she crept downstairs to get a glass of water, trying not to disturb anybody, hearing low speaking voices she sneaks towards the kitchen and peers round the corner, hoping to stay hidden. 

"Doug we've been going round in circles here. We need to make a decision."

"I know honey. I was just really hoping this would never have to come up. I thought we'd take it to our graves but we can't let some kid provide her this information he somehow found, it should come from us. Her parents."

"I just don't want her to feel any different, like she's not one of us. She'll always be a big part of this family, she'll always be a Winter, we have never nor will ever treat her any differently than one of our own."

Esme covers her mouth with her hands, silencing her gasp, was all of this really true? This was just a dream right? Panic and confusion set in, not knowing what she should do now, she was torn, does she simply go back to bed and pretend she never heard it or should she confront them? Deciding to go for the latter she heads on in to the kitchen.

"Mum. Dad. What's going on?"

"Oh! Sweetheart you startled me. I didn't see you there? Can't sleep honey? Would you like a glass of water?" 

"Stop with the distractions Mum, just tell me. I'm nearly 18, if you don't tell me I will go and find it all out for myself."

"We know Esme, you get your stubbornness and your private investigative side from your mother."

"And just who is my mother Dad? Or should I call you Doug?"