The Hunter's Vampire {Re-writing}

Chapter 1 Meeting the prey

Adam roused from his sleep when a faint sound of knocking jarred him from sleep. He yawned, rolling over onto his side as he hoped it was someone worth answering to. He sat up, eyes still coated in a layer of sleep and laziness. He stood from his bed, stretching his arms out, taking out the night’s kinks from his bones. He looked at the clock over his mantle and saw that it was only 7:40 am. He hoped that the reason that they were waking him up was worth it.

He lived far into the woods, so not many people visited, now and again he’d get the usual wanderer and offer them a warm place to sleep, but only for the night. He was a hunter who preferred his solitude.

He opened his door, the cool morning air meeting with his bare chest as he sighed, wishing it wasn’t so early… knowing he had to be up for work soon. Kalson stood before him, a smug smile on his lips Adam swore, regretting that he opened his door. “Come on Doxly, your people are calling.”

He sighed and ran a hand through his thick dark hair. “I slew all the wolves last night. How could there have more? What is it a rogue? A lone pup?” he didn’t underse really hoped that he could have had a day off to at least rest and to get his wounds tended to while taking it easy.

Kalson shook his head. “It’s another creature, this one slightly worse and smarter.”

Adam clenched his jaw, his features hardening. “Vampires.” He didn’t ask, no, he knew, he knew all too well about those sly wicked creatures.

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Adam tugged on his black hunting boots, tying them tight as he stood and grabbed his brown weathered leather jacket, his guns, and his belt—filled with his second set of bullets and tools for killing the fanged beast. He started for the door and pulled it back to see a smiling Marissa about to knock on his door. Danger morning, I wanted to—.”

“Didn’t I tell you how dangerous it was to come up here? Many of these beasts know where I reside and I doubt they’d spare you if they found you wandering the perimeter alone.” The sting of his warning cut her off and she huffed, saddened by his words.

“I... I just wanted to talk with you, it’s been weeks, and you’ve been so busy.”

"With good reason, a hunter’s work is never done and you need to stay within the village walls where the guards can keep you safe. Stop coming here so carelessly, Marissa.” He pulled his door shut and brushed past her. She gripped his forearm, tears prickling her eyes.

“Adam, wait, please… I… I’ve missed you. I worry every night until the guards tell us that you have survived another killing. Please don’t brush me aside, I care…” her arm wrapped around his forearm as she came closer, her green eyes watching him softly, “I care for your safety, and I rather not hear of your death.”

He sighed, “I rather not see your body scattered on the ground of a wolf’s den, so if you know what’s right, please head home. I intended to visit the village this week. I’ve been doing this for most of my life. You need not worry. Just return to your family and pray for my safe return.” He glanced down at her, and took in her youthful features, her soft smile, and her delicate freckled skin. “Marissa, I’ll walk you to the trail where it’s safer, but I do not want to see you back here, you know the risk of venturing into these woods without proper protection. Come now.” Adam took her hand in his and he started for the trail where he could safely get her escorted home. She smiled, giving his hand firmly. He knew that the girl liked him, but he wasn’t interested in relationships, not after losing the one dearest to him on a difficult hunt.

“So were all the members of the wolf pack killed?” she asked with joyful eyes.

He sighed, “I killed off all that came at me, so there’s no knowing for certain if there are anymore—another reason why I don’t want you around here. Stay in the village, and keep yourself safe. I really rather not hear of your misfortune in these foul woods.”