Hunted

Chapter One

"During the early period, accusations of lycanthropy were mixed with accusations of wolf riding or wolf charming...."

I zoned out again as the professor continued to teach. I didn't want to be in this class. I had absolutely no interest in folklore. But my dad was the one paying for it so here I was. I mean what was I going to gain from folklore studies? Knowledge of witches and werewolves and vampires? I could get that from Wikipedia. Or better yet a novel. At least then it would be interesting. I quickly zoned back in just as the lecture was ending.

"The accused never voluntarily claimed to have had any association with Satan, but through leading questions and torture, the authorities adjusted confessions about werewolves into confessions about witchcraft, which resulted in convictions and executions of the claimed werewolves as witches. So I want a ten page essay on the relation between the werewolf and witch trials including examples of people that were persecuted on such." He said earning a collective groan from the class.

The bell rang and people began to leave. I quickly shoved my things in my bag but I sadly wasn't fast enough.

"Miss Wilson a word please." The professor said making me sigh.

"You should really stop zoning out in class Mel." My best friend Gabriel laughed walking past me.

Walking towards the front of the class we waited until the room was empty before he spoke.

"Have you started your essay yet?" He asked causing me to roll my eyes "I gave you a heads up last week so you wouldn't hand it in late."

"Really dad? You made me stay behind to ask a question you could have asked at home?" I groaned.

"Not entirely. I'm heading out to see your grandparents in Manhattan. You'll be okay on your own right?" He asked looking worried.

"I'm not a kid anymore dad. I'm turning twenty one in three days."

"Already?" He asked looking genuinely shocked.

"I'm going to meet Gabe for lunch. You can text me your rules and instructions."

"You know what I think I'll be more comfortable if you joined me this time." He said surprising me.

"Really?" I asked excited.

"You're not a kid anymore. You can sit through one family meeting." He smiled.

"Great. I'll be back and all packed up before it's time for us to leave." I told him before rushing out of the classroom.

Richard Wilson everyone. My dad slash professor slash mom. He's been raising me on his own practically my whole life. He doesn't talk about my mom. Doesn't have pictures of her either. Hasn't even been in a relationship since I was born. Sad I now. But he doesn't seem to mind.

My name is Mel Wilson. I'm a junior at NYU. I'm here against my will really. Well not exactly. I'm a history major. I chose that without any interference from my dad. I'm not really a school person. Academics aren't my thing. I'm more into sports and physical exercise. I'd rather learn a bunch of facts on my own than sit in a classroom. Sadly I don't have much of a choice.

I got to the parking lot and found Gabe waiting for me. Leaning against his car.

"I have the perfect idea for Friday." He said as soon as he saw me.

"Do you now." I laughed getting into the car.

"We're gonna ditch class on Thursday and head to your dad's cabin in the woods. Then we'll throw a party on Friday and be back Sunday night."

"I'm not allowed to go there with him. Do you really think he'll let me go with you?" I asked as we drove out of campus.

"You're not going to ask him for permission obviously." Gabe laughed.