Imagine Book 2

The Hunter's Heart- Enid Sinclair (Wednesday)

Male Y/N

The autumn wind whispered through the dense forest, carrying the sounds of distant shouts and torchlight that pierced the growing darkness. Enid Sinclair's breath came in ragged gasps as she pressed herself against the rough bark of an ancient oak tree, her pink-streaked blonde hair matted with sweat and caught with leaves. The mob hunting her was getting closer.

"The werewolf went this way!" A gruff voice called out, followed by the angry murmurs of agreement from what sounded like dozens of people.

Enid's heart hammered in her chest. She'd been so careful since graduating from Nevermore Academy, building a quiet life for herself in this small town. But someone had seen her transform during last month's full moon, despite her precautions. Now, her peaceful existence had shattered like glass.

The crunch of fallen leaves made her freeze. These footsteps were different – measured, deliberate, professional. The hunter. She'd heard the mob discussing sending for him, the infamous Y/N, known throughout the supernatural world for his unerring ability to track down creatures of the night.

A crossbow bolt suddenly thudded into the tree beside her head, and Enid stifled a scream. She broke into a run, her legs burning as she weaved between the trees. Another bolt whistled past her ear. The hunter was toying with her – if he'd wanted to hit her, he wouldn't have missed.

"You can't outrun me, wolf," a calm, deep voice called out. Despite her terror, something in that voice made her shiver in a way that had nothing to do with fear.

Enid sprinted into a clearing, moonlight streaming down through a break in the canopy. Before she could reach the other side, searing pain shot through her leg as a bolt finally found its mark. She stumbled and fell, crying out as she hit the forest floor. The bolt had pierced her calf, pinning her in place.

Footsteps approached from behind, and Enid turned to face her fate. The hunter emerged from the shadows, another bolt already notched in his crossbow. But as he stepped into the moonlight, his expression changed. Y/N lowered his weapon slowly, staring at the young woman before him.

The moonlight seemed to make Enid's pale skin glow, tears streaming down her face as she looked up at him with eyes that held no malice, no bestial rage – only fear and a profound sadness that struck him to his core. This was no monster. This was a girl, barely into her twenties, trembling in pain and terror.

"Please," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I've never hurt anyone. I just want to live in peace."

Y/N knelt beside her, his rough features softening as he got a closer look at her face. Everything he'd been told about werewolves – that they were savage, soulless beasts even in human form – crumbled to dust as he met her gaze.

"You're not what they said you would be," he murmured, setting his crossbow aside. "Hold still. This is going to hurt."

With gentle but firm hands, he grasped the bolt in her leg. Enid bit her lip to keep from crying out as he swiftly removed it. Blood welled from the wound, but Y/N was already pulling supplies from his pack.

"Why are you helping me?" Enid asked, watching as he cleaned and bandaged her injury with practised efficiency. "Isn't this the opposite of what you're supposed to do?"

Y/N's hands paused for a moment. "I hunt monsters," he said quietly. "But you're not a monster. I've seen real monsters – the darkness in their eyes, the cruelty in their souls. You..." He shook his head. "You're something else entirely."

The shouts of the mob were growing closer. Y/N finished securing the bandage and helped Enid to her feet. She stumbled, and he caught her, one strong arm wrapping around her waist. The contact sent electricity shooting through both of them.