His Possession | His to Take (A Vampire Story)

Chapter 1

Chapter 1: The Hunt Begins

Bethel Stones stood at the edge of the dense Atpest forest, her breath visible in the crisp night air. A full moon illuminated her surroundings, casting eerie shadows that danced among the trees. The silvery light filtered through the leaves, creating a shimmering pattern on the ground, a stark contrast to the dark purpose that drew her deeper into the wilderness. It was here, amid the towering pines and whispering winds, that she felt most alive. But tonight, her heart was heavy with purpose, the weight of her mission pressing down on her like the chill of the autumn night.

Years had passed since that fateful night—the night her life changed forever. It had been a night of laughter and warmth, a night that turned to horror when a creature of the night invaded her home, ripping apart her family with merciless hunger. Bethel could still hear their screams echoing in her mind, the panic in her mother's voice as she called out for her children, and the silence that followed. She had hidden in a corner, paralyzed by fear, unable to save them. Vengeance fueled her every step now, a fire that pushed her deeper into the shadows. Each hunt sharpened her skills, honed her instincts, and transformed her into a force to be reckoned with. Her parents' and brother's faces haunted her dreams, their blood calling out for justice. Each vampire she confronted felt like a step closer to reclaiming the innocence that had been ripped from her.

With a crossbow slung over her shoulder and silver-tipped bolts strapped to her thigh, Bethel ventured into the heart of the forest, her senses heightened. She moved with purpose, each footfall carefully placed on the leaf-strewn ground. The moonlight guided her path, illuminating the way through the twisted branches and underbrush. The familiar scent of damp earth and pine filled her lungs, grounding her as she advanced. She had spent countless nights honing her skills in this very forest, tracking the dark creatures that preyed on the innocent.

Tonight, she was on the trail of a coven rumored to reside nearby, their dark reputation spreading like wildfire among the townsfolk. They were said to be ruthless, their powers growing with each passing month, and it was time to rid the world of their curse. Whispers in the village spoke of missing persons, of families shattered by the horrors of the night. Bethel felt their pain as acutely as her own, each story fueling her resolve. She wasn't just hunting for her family; she was fighting for every soul that had suffered at the hands of these monsters.

As she pressed further into the forest, her mind drifted to the villagers she had encountered. She recalled the worried faces, the hushed conversations that stopped when she entered the room. They had turned to her, their eyes pleading for someone to take a stand against the darkness that loomed over them. It was a heavy burden to bear, but she welcomed it; it was a purpose she could cling to. Bethel could almost hear their voices, urging her to be brave, to be the hunter they needed.

The forest was alive with sounds—the distant hoot of an owl, the rustle of a small animal scurrying through the underbrush—but Bethel remained focused. Each sound could indicate danger, and she had learned to trust her instincts. As she moved, she recalled her father's teachings, the lessons of a hunter passed down through generations. "Always be aware of your surroundings," he would say. "The moment you let your guard down is the moment you become prey."

A flicker of movement caught her eye, and she froze, every muscle tensed. Her heart raced as she scanned the darkness, her grip tightening on the crossbow. In the distance, she thought she heard laughter—a sound both foreign and unsettling. It wasn't the laughter of carefree humans; it was low and mocking, echoing through the trees. Bethel's blood ran cold, and she moved cautiously toward the sound, her instincts on high alert.

As she approached a small clearing, the laughter grew louder, intertwining with the whispers of the wind. She could see figures gathered in the moonlight, their silhouettes casting long shadows on the ground. Bethel crouched behind a thick tree trunk, peering through the foliage. There they were—the very vampires she sought. They stood in a circle, their expressions twisted with dark delight as they exchanged stories of their latest conquests, their laughter ringing out like a taunt.

Rage bubbled within her, fueling her resolve. This was her chance to strike, to confront the very beings that had shattered her life. Taking a deep breath, she readied her crossbow, steadying her aim. The silver-tipped bolt glimmered in the moonlight, a promise of vengeance. With every fiber of her being, she prepared to unleash her fury. This was not just a hunt; it was her reckoning.

But then, a voice cut through the tension, smooth and commanding. "You think you can kill us so easily?" The vampire stepped into the light, a sly grin on his face, his eyes glinting like polished obsidian. Bethel's heart raced as she recognized him—the leader of the coven, notorious for his cruelty and cunning.

In that moment, fear mingled with fury, and she knew she had to act quickly. This was it—the moment she had trained for, the culmination of years of pain and anger. With a steady hand, she aimed her crossbow and released the bolt, feeling a rush of adrenaline as it flew through the air.

Time seemed to slow as the bolt sailed toward its target, and for an instant, a sense of clarity washed over her. She felt alive in a way she hadn't in years, the adrenaline pulsing through her veins. This was her purpose; this was her fight. The darkness of the forest surrounded her, but she stood at the threshold of light—ready to reclaim her life, one bolt at a time.

The bolt struck true, hitting the vampire in the shoulder. He howled in surprise, his mocking grin faltering as he stumbled back, eyes wide with disbelief. The other vampires turned, shock transforming their laughter into a chorus of angry snarls. Bethel seized the moment, stepping out from her hiding spot, her heart pounding with the thrill of battle.

"Your reign of terror ends tonight!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the clearing, emboldened by the adrenaline coursing through her. She had come for vengeance, but now she found herself fighting for something much greater—the hope of a world free from the horrors of the night.

As the other vampires lunged at her, Bethel steadied her breath and prepared for the fight of her life. The hunt had begun, and she was ready to confront the darkness head-on.