Chapter 4

I am Kelsey

I was alone in solitude once more, the werewolf's howl reverberating in my ears.

The underbrush rustled, and I noticed a big, shadowy figure lunge at me. My heart hammered in my chest, a terrible rush of excitement coursing through my veins.

But before the beast could get to me, another figure jumped in its way. My older brother, Michael, had arrived just in time. His silver blade gleamed in the night, and he stabbed the beast with a fast, trained action. It gave a guttural howl before collapsing, its danger gone.

The entire world appeared to hold its breath, and suddenly everything was silent again.

"You okay, Kels?"

Michael inquired, his normally jovial eyes tinged with concern.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded.

"I am now, thank you."

We returned to the house, where our family was gathering on the porch. The sight of them, safe and sound, gave me with a warm feeling that contrasted dramatically with the frigid anxiety that remained in my heart.

The first to speak was our mum.

"I hope there aren't any more furry problems in our backyard?" she added, attempting to lighten the atmosphere.

"Not anymore," Michael replied with a reassuring smile.

The rest of the evening was spent in a good mood. My siblings indulged in lighthearted joking about who would be the next to encounter a werewolf.

Despite their good humor, I could detect concern in their eyes. It served as a dismal reminder of our situation: we were a family of werewolf hunters living in perilous times.

Our mother turned to me just as the night was coming to an end.

"Kelsey, I've invited someone to the hunter's party tomorrow," she stated solemnly.

"He's a fine young man, and I believe he could be a good match for you."

I couldn't help but laugh. Marriage had been the furthest thing from my mind.

"I don't want to be set up, Mom." I'd rather fall in love than have a husband chosen for me."

She sighed, a knowing smile on her face.

"Love often comes when we least expect it, Kelsey."

"Give the young man a chance."

"Enough about the party,"

Michael interrupted before I could react.

"We must concentrate on the task at hand. Remember, we have a werewolf problem?"

His comments returned us to the stark reality. The laughter subsided, as did the lively banter.

"You're right," our mum remarked solemnly.

"After the party, we need to strategize and figure out how to permanently eliminate these creatures."

And with that, our evening was over. The fear of werewolves hung over us, but for the time being, we had a party to plan and a potential suitor to meet. Despite the anxiety and uncertainty, our family's relationships remained unbroken. We'd confront whatever came our way, together

The following day was a whirlwind of activity as we got ready for the annual hunters' party. Decorations were hung, food was prepared, and strategies were planned behind closed doors. The tension was almost as thick as the expectation.

Guests began to come as the sun began to set. Hunters from our village and adjacent communities gathered, their common goal giving a sense of community. There were smiles and laughing, but there was a seriousness behind it all that couldn't be ignored. We were well aware of the danger lurking in the shadows.

My mother nudged me amid the crowd, pointing out a young man who had just arrived.

"That's him, Kelsey," she said quietly,

her eyes bright. "That's the one I want you to meet."

I took a peek at the man in question. He was undeniably attractive, yet I couldn't help but feel a stab of resentment. I was a romantic at heart, and the concept of being set up bothered me.

"Mom, I…" I began, but she cut me short.

"Just talk to him, Kelsey," she insisted. "You never know, you might really like him."

I reluctantly consented. My heart was beating in my chest as I made my way closer to him.

"Hi," I said, extending my hand to the young man my mother had pointed out.

"I'm Kelsey."

He took my hand, his grip firm and warm. "Nice to meet you, Kelsey. I'm Ethan."

We fell into a conversation easily. Ethan had a sense of humor that had me laughing more than I expected. His stories were captivating, and he listened attentively when I spoke. The more we talked, the more my initial resistance faded.

In the middle of our conversation, I glanced over to see Michael watching us with a raised eyebrow, a silent question in his gaze. I shrugged lightly, offering a small smile. Maybe mom was right. Maybe this Ethan wasn't so bad.

As the night wore on, Ethan and I found ourselves drawn into the bigger conversation. The party was a welcome distraction, but the reality was, we were hunters, and a mission lay ahead of us.

Michael brought us together, his voice slicing through the jovial atmosphere.

"Tomorrow, we strategize," he announced, his gaze serious.

"We'll find a way to eradicate the werewolves once and for all."

The evening was filled with mirth and camaraderie, yet the gravity of our mission wasn't lost on any of us. As the laughter and playful banter faded into the background, I found my thoughts drifting, the weight of our task suddenly overwhelming. Seeking a moment of solitude, I stepped out into the cool night, the door of our home closing behind me with a soft click.

The night air was crisp and soothing, a stark contrast to the charged atmosphere inside. I took a deep breath, letting the quiet serenity of the night wash over me. That's when I noticed him. A familiar figure walks out of the house and into the darkness. It was him, the arrogant man I'd met at the car park a few weeks ago. His back was turned to me, but I'd recognize that broad frame anywhere.

Intrigued, I found myself following him. He had seemed so arrogant and dismissive during our brief encounter, and yet tonight, there was something different about him. He was alone, his shoulders hunched, the usually vibrant energy surrounding him noticeably subdued.

I moved closer, hesitating slightly before deciding to approach him. As I neared, he turned to face me, his eyes widening in surprise as he recognized me. The arrogant smirk I had come to associate with him was absent, replaced by a look of vulnerability I hadn't expected to see.

***************

I hurriedly adjusted my disheveled clothing and started making my way back to the party, my heart pounding in my chest. The night air was now warmer, filled with a memory I would never forget. The stranger - Jason, he had said his name was - had been an unexpected detour in my night, a detour that I was already regretting.

I shook my head, trying to clear it. That wasn’t me. I wasn't the type to lose control, to give in to impulses. I was sensible, I was cautious. But Jason... he had awakened something within me, a wildness, a freedom I didn't know I was capable of. And it scared me.

As I neared the house, I could hear the remnants of the party. Laughter spilled out from the open windows and I could see the flicker of lights. I paused at the edge of the yard, taking a moment to compose myself. I straightened my dress, took a deep breath, and plastered a smile on my face.

As I entered, I was immediately greeted by Ethan, his face lighting up as he saw me.

"There you are, Kelsey," he said, pulling me towards the dance floor.

"I was wondering where you had disappeared to."

"I just needed some fresh air," I lied smoothly, allowing him to lead me in a dance.

Ethan was easy to be with, his presence comforting. As we danced, I made a decision. I would give Ethan a chance. He deserved that much. And maybe, just maybe, he could make me forget about the reckless decision  I had made tonight.

As the last of the guests began to leave, Ethan approached me. His face held a nervousness that was somehow endearing.

"Kelsey," he said, his gaze meeting mine, "I had a really good time tonight. Would you be okay if I see you again?"

For the first time that night, I found myself without any resistance. I liked Ethan. He was kind, funny, and understood the life I lived.

"I'd like that," I found myself saying, my own words surprising me.