Mates of a Werewolf Hunter

Chapter 1 Valentine's Ordeal

Valentine Winters P.O.V

As the daughter of an Alpha, my sixteenth birthday was a day I had been eagerly anticipating, a milestone marked with excitement that buzzed through the halls of our school. Familiar faces greeted me with smiles and whispered congratulations, their eyes shining with the recognition of my bloodline and the significance of the day. Being the Alpha's daughter had its perks, and today, I felt the warmth of my pack's acknowledgment more than ever.

But beneath the surface of these celebrations, a longing tugged at my heart—a yearning for the connection that comes with finding one's mate. I envisioned the warmth of being enveloped in a secure embrace, leaning on everlasting arms that promised protection and love. The idea of having someone who would risk it all for my safety, someone who would always be there, echoed deeply within me.

My friends, a diverse group ranging from the sturdy betas and deltas to the less esteemed omegas, zetas, and epsilons, formed the tapestry of my social circle. I despised the hierarchical divisions that defined our society, preferring instead to appreciate friendships beyond the constraints of rank and status.

As the day turned into night, my father, Noah Winters, orchestrated a grand celebration in my honor. Midnight, our pack, was alive with anticipation, the excitement palpable as the party unfolded. I couldn't help but share in the excitement, hoping that amidst the revelry, I might finally encounter my mate.

The night was a blur of laughter and dancing, and I found myself participating in the social dance ritual with every eligible male. But as the evening wore on, the strain on my feet became unbearable. "Umm, I just need a short break, my apologies," I told my current partner, a polite smile on my lips. He responded with a charming grin, pressing a tender kiss on the back of my hand, causing a flush of warmth to color my cheeks.

Yearning for a breath of fresh air, I stepped outside the pack house. Just as I was about to leave, Zoe, a close friend, intercepted me. "Hey? You okay?" she asked, her eyes reflecting genuine concern.

"Just need some fresh air. Don't fret," I reassured her with a smile, determined to clear my mind.

Wandering into the woods, a routine for werewolves like us, I found solace in the embrace of nature. Clad in an alluring, flowing red dress—my favorite colors being black, red, and white—the night held the promise of enchantment and mystery. Deeper into the woods I ventured, the cool breeze caressing my skin, causing my dress and hair to dance behind me like untamed spirits. The allure of the wild called to me, and with a rebellious spirit, I discarded my stiletto heels, relishing the sensation of mud embracing my bare feet. I wasn't one to shy away from the primal touch of nature.

My journey led me to a waterfall stream, a haven I frequented in times of joy, sorrow, or frustration. The place where I unraveled my thoughts and emotions, settling on the green meadow, feeling the grass beneath my palms. Beneath the stars and moon, I attempted the futile task of counting the stars, only to abandon the effort in favor of simply relishing the dark blue expanse of the night sky. With my eyes closed, I allowed myself to exhale, the tension of the day dissipating with each breath.

The tranquility of the moment shattered when the snap of a twig reached my ears. In an instant, I, along with the wolf within me, snapped to attention, attuned to the rustle of leaves and the subtle shifts in the forest. My senses heightened, I sniffed the air, listened to the subtle sounds, felt the energy around me, and observed the shadows.

Just as I detected a strange scent, a searing agony pierced me. Pain, unlike anything I had ever experienced, radiated through my body, and I crumpled to the ground, my world spinning as darkness claimed me.

Anonymous P.O.V

"Sir, we've captured a female," one of my men reported, his voice steady and controlled.

"Good, bring her to me... alive," I instructed, my tone laced with an underlying venom.

The hatred I held for werewolves ran deep within me, a sentiment that had been instilled by my father. It was their kind that had stolen my mother from me, a woman I never had the chance to know. She had perished while giving birth to me, leaving a void in my heart that even the countless werewolf deaths I had orchestrated couldn't fill. I had become a hunter, a relentless predator of these creatures, particularly the rogue ones whose bloodlust extended to both humans and werewolves alike. They preyed on the vulnerable, and I had taken it upon myself to eliminate them.

I had earned my position through sheer determination, honing my skills to the point where even the most seasoned hunters respected me. But there was more to my strength than just training—something darker, something hidden within my bloodline.

Just as I began to ponder this, the men arrived with the unconscious girl in tow. "Tie her to that chair," I ordered, watching as they secured her with sterling silver chains, the metal weakening werewolves and rendering them powerless to resist.

Despite my disdain for werewolves, an unusual feeling gnawed at me—a reluctance to see this girl harmed, even in the slightest way. I shook off the sentiment, approaching her and lifting her chin with my thumb and index finger. She was stunning, with long curly brunette hair, thick eyelashes, and luscious lips that momentarily distracted me.

No! Snap out of it! I scolded myself internally, forcing the thought from my mind.

"A girl isn't this sensational?" my father beamed, entering the room and surveying the unconscious wolf.

"Cut her dress till it reaches her knees," my father directed, his tone devoid of any emotion. The men wasted no time in complying, but as they moved to touch her, an unexpected surge of displeasure coursed through me. The thought of anyone else laying a hand on her, even to cut her dress, filled me with a strange possessiveness.

What's gotten into me? I wondered, torn between duty and an unexplainable connection that defied the hatred I held for her kind.

But the internal conflict only strengthened my resolve. I had a mission, a purpose, and I couldn't allow this girl—no matter how beautiful or captivating—to distract me from that. If anything, she was a reminder of why I needed to stay vigilant, why I couldn't afford to let my guard down.

And yet, as I looked at her, bound and unconscious, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something far more complicated than I had ever anticipated.