A Hunger to Share ( Book One )

chapter 35

Nora  

"Any day now Dad." Nora snapped her fingers.   

"I should probably leave." Ben made to stand up.

Nora pulled him down. "No. You're a part of this family too."

Mom nodded. "Yes. You're one of us."

Ben smiled. "Thank you."

Dad finished his drink. "You'll probably hate me more after this."

"Definitely." Nora agreed.

He cleared his throat. "I used to be a hunter..."

"What?" Nora exclaimed.

Mom shot her a look. "If you want to hear what he has to say don't interrupt him."

"Sorry." Nora mumbldd.

Dad took a deep breath. "Like I said I was a hunter. It wasn't because I lost anyone. I met another hunter in my university days..."

"Wait. You joined a hunters Club?" Ben smirked.

Nora did too.

"It wasn't an official one but yes." Dad gave him a cold look."

"Sorry. Continue."

"My friend tought me the ropes. He was reluctant but I convinced him to let me join. He was more eager when he saw how good I was at killing my first case.

Some years later he contacted me about a new supernatural problem. There was a massacre happening nearby and he needed help. The weird thing was, the  people being attacked weren't human, but a pack of werewolves.

He told me it was a dangerous case. That we might have to fight Ancient vampires. I considered  turning it down but I was a bit of an adrenaline junkie back then. Besides who doesn't like to play hero?"

"Dad you were forty."

"I had a midlife crisis."

"Nora if you can't keep quiet please leave." Mom shot her a look.

She rolled her eyes but obliged. 

"I decided to go. Took some vampire blood as insurence. That was an awful mistake. Looking back, I wish I had died that night. There were thirteen of us. When we got there it was too late. It was worse than I had expected. Hundreds of people were dead.

There were two people standing among the dead. One was the Ancient vampire named Adrian. The other a hybrid called Gideon.

We attacked them foolishly, using our rare supply of weapons to kill the Ancient one. We might have succeeded but the hybrid flew into a rage and turned to defend Adrian. He killed all of us. I was the only one who came back to life.

And then... I made it worse by returning home and doing the same to you. I had made a powerful enemy that night and I was terrified he would find out I was still alive and come after me and kill my family as punishment. The fear had made me lose my mind.

So I turned you and moved us here and had a witch create a spell to hide us away from Adrian. Ada broke it when she left, not that I blame her.

I swear I did it out of love not because I wanted to hurt you. I know it doesn't justify my actions and I am so so sorry for everything I put you through." Dad wiped at his eyes.

"That's fucked up." Nora  whispered.

"I know. Believe me I know." He looked miserable.

"Thank you for telling us the truth Steven but it doesn't change anything. You're still not welcome here. You've made too many mistakes."

"I understand. You have every righgt to hate me. I hope Ada will have better luck."   

Mom sighed. "Me too."