Bloodlines and Betrayal

15. 🐺

Have you ever been hunted before? Not just the usual hunt for sport, but the kind of hunt that gets your heart racing and makes your adrenaline surge like a live wire? I'm not talking about a mere chase; I'm talking about the thrill of being pursued in your wolf form, where every sense is heightened and every sound is magnified. It's akin to the childhood game of cat and mouse, but infinitely more exhilarating. As a kid, I was captivated by the idea of such a hunt, especially when we played it with our pack. The game was a mix of tag and hide-and-seek, and we'd play it for hours, shifting between human and wolf forms, our laughter and howls blending with the summer wind.

Our summers were filled with such games. We had nothing else to do but enjoy the freedom of youth, chasing each other through the woods until we were exhausted and would collapse into the dinner table, still in our wolf forms, only to be scolded playfully by our parents for not being more careful. The excitement of a hunt was something I looked forward to all year, especially when the crisp fall air heralded the approach of the harvest festival. The anticipation of getting up at the crack of dawn, the feeling of butterflies in my stomach as the hunt began—it was a kind of exhilaration that was hard to put into words.

Each year, the hunt comes with a new theme, and this year's theme is "The Wolf Hunt of the Night." It's a grand event, with various games designed for all ages, from children to adults. The rules are strict to ensure everyone's safety: no biting, no fighting, no cheating. The event culminates in a grand feast, part of the harvest celebration that we look forward to all year.

I was jolted from my thoughts by a sudden scream from the kitchen. It was mid-afternoon, and I'd been catching up on schoolwork and finishing up some projects when the commotion started. I practically flew down the stairs, my heart pounding, nearly tripping over my own feet in my rush to get to the kitchen.

When I burst into the kitchen, the scene before me was chaotic. Hazel was atop Hunter, knife in hand, her face flushed with anger as she screamed at him. "I don't care what other rabbit you use, but you are not using my rabbit as bait for the hunt!" Her voice was shrill, piercing the air.

"Hey, what on earth is going on here?" I asked, trying to stay calm despite the chaos. "Can you please get off Hunter and hand me that knife?" I approached Hazel, trying to sound as composed as possible.

Hazel reluctantly climbed off Hunter, who looked both relieved and sheepish. "I asked nicely, and he said we would use my bunny as a chew toy for the hunting game," Hazel explained, her voice still trembling with anger as she handed me the knife.

I frowned, taking the knife from her. "How did you even get this knife? You know you're not supposed to have one." I glanced at Kaylie, who looked equally puzzled.

Hazel avoided my gaze. "I found it on the table. Mommy left it there before leaving the kitchen with Auntie," she mumbled.

"Well, you shouldn't be touching dangerous things. What if you had hurt yourself or someone else?" I chided her gently, putting the knife out of reach.

Kaylie, ever the optimist, tried to steer the conversation back to the hunt. "So, is everyone ready for the hunt? I heard it's either paintball or laser tag for the older kids, and just tag for the younger ones."

Hunter, still holding Hazel, chimed in with a grin. "What if it's a family scavenger hunt but with family teams? That sounds like a blast, especially if it's around the pack grounds and town."

I couldn't help but smile at the idea. "That would be so much fun. Hazel would never hurt Hunter, especially since he's her best friend."

Mom and Auntie were discussing the details of the hunt, and I overheard them mentioning a large team scavenger hunt. "I nominate Hazel to be the team captain," I declared, feeling a surge of pride. "She can even tell me what to do." Colton and Troy walked in just then.