We Are The Hunted [Demetri Volturi]

Chapter 22

The reason for such a large gathering of hunters east of Volterra was still unclear, but there was a steady decrease in vermin activity. "They were tired of waiting," Kahlen stated one night to Demetri. It was after a long training session and the two of them were left as the hunter put in extra practice with her second sight. "That's something I've learned about you Volturi since being here. You only act when it benefits you. But when are you all going to realize it's not just about you?" The tracker listened intently to her words. "If they are mortal, wolf, immortal, or whatever else is out there it's all connected. There has to be a balance."

"Isn't that what hunters are for?" Demetri gave a small smirk. "If we did all the work you wouldn't exist."

But the young woman wasn't finding humor in the statement. "Other hunters won't admit this, but let me let you in on a little secret." He turned fully to face her, having pulled back on his jacket. "We'd love to do nothing more than live normally. If you vampires would only do your job... we could be at peace."

"But what about the wanderers without rules? I can't see them being conformed to society."

"They can do whatever they want, I don't care. The others would be content never having to hunt again. Not having to bury loved ones from violent deaths, or children who had never lived past their prime."

"And what about you? You're a wanderer yourself."

"I'm not one for attention. I would probably stick to the shadows. Maybe finally leave this country since I'm confined to it..."

"Caius is rather pleased that the vermin are being exterminated though."

"He sure doesn't look it." The tracker chuckled. "You know there's something else going on, don't you?" There was a pause between them. "The wolves in that region are savages, but they are discrete. They are like us, traveling as shadows. Someone tipped off the hunters..."

"One of their own?"

"They wouldn't give the traitor a chance and would have run the moment they knew so to avoid their pack's death. This happened from the outside."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because you'll listen and don't spit back insults. It helps me think aloud. I've talked to myself for too long in the field. It's nice hearing another voice." Kahlen strapped the weapons belt back around the waist. "Tell the brothers what we've been talking about or don't. I honestly don't care. But if Caius won't listen to my words they will find the enemy at their doorstep. And I won't be able to get them out of this one like I did with Felix."

And Demetri believed her.

As the weeks began to pass the tracker began noticing the absence of the hunter. She was nowhere in the castle, though her scent still lingered and when he went about the grounds. The mortal was not in the halls that were off limits, nor quarreling with the twins, or fighting against Felix. Though Demetri wasn't fool enough to ask.

Only days later did the tracker discover where she was disappearing. The latch on the window to the bedroom had been picked, the frame now swinging open when the vampire tapped the glass. The stone lining the outer structure had just enough edge for a person who was a skilled climber to ascend and descend the side. And Kahlen had managed to perch herself on top of a tower overlooking Volterra.

"You've been sneaking out."

The young woman didn't turn to acknowledge him. "Took you a while to figure that out."

Demetri hopped up onto the ledge beside her staring at the city lights below. "I knew you were missing, just didn't know where you had gone."

"What, can't you smell my shampoo?"