Hunted「Book One」

「Eleven」

Austin

Despite what the doctors told me back in the infirmary, I ditched the sling the moment I could. My arm felt fine and I wasn't about to go do something that could injure it again - there was no need for it. I was more excited than I cared to admit about meeting up with this girl. I'm usually not the type to fall head over heels for a pretty face, but man was she gorgeous. To top it off, she was also one of the sweetest werewolves I had met so far. She didn't even give me a judging look like the others were doing.

It was actually kind of a funny story on how I met her. So there's me just taking a casual stroll throughout the park - enjoying the scenery and what not- when I may have accidentally tripped over her. In my defense, I wasn't really expecting anyone to be laying down on the grass. That, and I wasn't paying attention to where I was looking. My bad?

I was instantly afraid that she'd get mad at me for disturbing her, but she only smiled and laughed before asking if I was okay. We really just started talking from there and she invited me to come hang out with her and her friend later on. I was mostly joking with Izzy when I told her that I'd go for the friend I didn't hit it off with her. Mostly. Then again, I'd be happy with both if you know what I mean.

After finally reaching the park, I walked through the intricately designed gate arch and just stared at my surroundings. No matter how many times I came here, I didn't think I would ever grow tired of seeing it. This park made up for all the dirt roads in town with the abundance of healthy green grass and humongous trees. Towards the far side of it were the orchards where various different fruits were grown for the people of the Grove.

Most people stayed close to the entrance where adults sat and conversed with each other while children ran around playing games. In the center sat a large hill where I knew the beautiful girl would be. It was where I found her earlier and she already told me that it was her favorite spot. My heartbeat started rapidly increasing as I made my way up the hill. All jokes aside, I really wanted to make a memorable impression on her. One that didn't involve tripping over her like before.

As I reached the top, there she was laying on her back and staring up at the sky before you. Her long, dark brown hair was draped over her shoulders and the faint wind caused her bangs to brush back and forth against her forehead. I could've just stood there and watched her all day. She looked so at peace while looking up at the clouds it almost made me jealous. I wish I could easily escape all my worries like she could.

I silently took a seat beside her causing her to turn her head towards me with a warm smile on her face. I swear that smile of hers will be the death of me.

"Hey, Mary," I said, a wide grin making its way onto my face.

She sat up and captured me into a brief hug. "Hey, Austin. You came," she said in her timid voice with a smile on her face.

"Of course I did. How can I say no to one of the only werewolves who's been nice to me?"

A faint blush made its way across her face, but she seemed pleased with my comment nonetheless. "Everyone else will warm up eventually, I promise."

"Yeah, I'm sure of it."

I wasn't actually too sure. I mean, I couldn't blame them for hating humans in general. In the past, we were complete assholes to them. But the Rescuers have been trying to make up for that for the past few years. Can't they at least give us credit for that?

History aside, I was starting to wonder if that friend of Mary's was ever going to show up. It was quite a few minutes later than the time she wanted me to meet her at. Did the friend bail last minute? Or were they supposed to come at a later time? Before I could ask her about it, my questions were already answered.