Hunter

Unknown

Hunter

I awoke disoriented with my head pounding. I sat up, touched the back of my head, and winced. I remember sitting around the fire with three guys, but I have no idea how I ended up in a fortress.

"You must be my dad's new experiment," a voice said.

I glanced at a kid perched on the arm of a chair with his arms crossed and scrambled to my feet.

"You're not the first and won't be the last."

I needed to get the hell out of here before they trapped me and sent me back. I rushed to the front door, whipped it open, and got stopped by two armed men. I slammed the door shut and searched for an exit.

The kid climbed off the arm of the chair and strolled over to me. "I wouldn't bother looking for an escape route. My dad has guys surrounding the house."

"I'm not staying here." I shoved my hands into my hoodie pockets.

"You don't have a choice." The kid shrugged.

"Like hell, I don't." My jaw clenched.

"There will be no foul language in my home." A woman with black hair and olive skin descended the stairs. She turned to the kid. "Cole, call your aunt Theresa and tell her we must reschedule the sleepover."

"But, Mom."

"No buts. We have a new person staying in the house."

"Fine." The kid groaned and walked away.

I peeked through my lashes at the woman.

"Forgive me. We didn't get properly introduced. I'm Luciana Jones." The woman hugged me.

My body tensed until she released me.

"Let me take a look at you." Luciana cradled my chin with her thumb and finger and examined my face. "Nikita will arrive to tend to your abrasions and bruises." She looked me over. "You will need a shower and fresh clothes. Maggie will bring you new clothes to wear. Most boys prefer jeans and tee shirts."

"Where am I?"

"You're in your new home."

"It's a prison."

"It's a prison if you allow it to taint your views. Mason protects Cole and me. He will protect you, too."

I didn't bother to reply and walked away until I found another door and opened it. Once I was outside, two men appeared and stood there.

"If you run, we will shoot you per Mason's orders," a man told me.

My brows knitted as I walked around the yard. It had a playscape, pool, and patio furniture. I couldn't stay here.

"Clyde and Peter, stand down," a voice ordered.

"Yes, Mason," a guy said.

I glanced at Mason.

Mason strode toward me and stood before me. "I understand this transition is difficult for you. I assure you that it's best for you."

"You're holding me hostage."

"No, my dear boy. I'm saving you from a terrible life. This life will be better for you. But first, we must refine you."

"I'm not some damn experiment."

"Do you feel like you are one?"

"I don't know. You tell me." I shrugged.

Mason chuckled. "Oh, Hunter, you have much to learn about this world. Not only will I teach you how to survive it, but no one will ever hurt you again."