Hunter

Chapter One

Chapter One:

A/N: This is two years after Ella's party. Claire is now 20.

Two years. Two years since my eighteenth birthday. Two years since I was supposed to find my mate. Two years of pure misery. All of the other she-wolves had already found their mates and my own best friend was pregnant with her first pup.

And then there was me. I hadn't even had my first kiss yet and by now most girls were starting families. It was something I struggled with all of the time. Was there really someone out there for me? What if he had been killed and I would be alone forever?

Every night since my birthday had come and passed, I had hoped my mate would be waiting for me the next morning. But, for two years, that hope remained just that. There was never a knight in shining armor to show up unexpectedly at my front door. There was never a magical moment with any of the countless wolves I had met. Except for that one moment with the now Alpha of the Blackwood Pack.

For a split-second, I felt something as his hand brushed against mine. That was it, though. No more sparks, no more crazy wolf feelings. Yet, I still had dreams about that night. His intense stare, those little tingles, the way my wolf purred at his voice. Even though it was probably just a little crush, I couldn't help but think what if we were mates? My wolf was so lonely at one point she actually had me convinced that we were mates. She was truly crazy.

I'm not as crazy as you think I am. I rolled my eyes at her comment. She has been very quiet for the past two years, only speaking when it concerned Alpha Hunter.

"Claire, please come here for a minute." My dad was calling for me from his study. I casually walked down the stairs and through the multiple hallways until I finally reached the big oak door with the gold plate entitled 'Beta Moore'.

Without even knocking, I turned the crystal knob and walked in. A very powerful, yet intoxicating scent nearly knocked me over as I entered the large room. My wolf was jumping around and yipping like she was a young pup again. Something, or should I say someone, was causing my normally silent wolf to act this way.

It was then I noticed him. Those same broad shoulders, muscular arms, and tall stature I had only seen once before, yet remembered so vividly. I had only dreamed of them constantly for the past two years, and now here they were in the flesh.

It was Alpha Hunter.

"Claire, please have a seat." My dad sounded overly proper at the moment, so this was strict business. Somehow, I managed to walk over to the large chairs in front of my dad's desk. Sitting down, I saw his eyes flicker towards me.

"Claire, it has come to my attention that you have only met Alpha Hunter once before, at Ella's party."

"Yes, father. It was nice making his acquaintance." Following my father's business-like tone, I spoke with my best manners. Out of the corner of my eye I could see the Alpha watching me closely, observing my every move. I had that same feeling that I did at Ella's party, that intense stare that made my wolf go nuts.

"Well, he has come in search of his mate." He hadn't found her yet? He had to be at least 24 by now, and the fact that he was still mate-less only reminded me of my own struggles. How long could this go on for me?

"May I speak with Claire alone?" Alpha Hunter's voice threatened to make me melt on spot. It was so deep and strong.

"Certainly, Alpha. I'll be in the library if you need me." With that, my dad rose from his large office chair and left the room. It felt like I was experiencing deja vu. We had been in this same position before, except for the lack of his brother Beta Hayden.