With the storybook open in her hands, propped on her lap Krul flips to the next page, eyes

skimming through the text. Beside her, sat little Mika in bed. Covers draped over him, the
candle light in the bedroom aflame, and the only source that made a part of the room dimly
visible.
So she ran from the path into the woods to look for flowers, Krul reads aloud in a soft, hushed
voice. And whenever she had picked one, she fancied that she saw a still prettier one farther
on, and ran after it, and so got deeper and deeper into the woods.
Meanwhile, the wolf ran straight to the grandmothers house and knocked on the door. Who
is there?, the grandmother inquires, Krul stops to look up at Mika, expecting a reaction to
come out of him but his expression remained blank.
Little Red Riding Hood. Replied the wolf.
Now, that is when Mika perks up, releasing the palm propped against his cheek. Did she
believe him?
Lets see. Krul hummed, Lift the latch, She resumedCalled out the grandmother.
Mika scoots closer to Krul, clutching the sheets covering his lower body. Krul pauses for a
moment and with Mikas expression she takes it as a sign to keep reading.
I am too weak, and cannot get up.. The wolf lifted the latch, the door bursts open and
without a word the wolf sprints for the grandmothers bed and devoured her! With every
word Kruls voice raises slightly and Mikas eyes gradually widen.
He then puts on her clothes, dressing himself in her cap and lies in the grandmothers bed,
drawing the curtains.
What happens next? Mika questions, and Krul smiles.
Well see.
She goes forward reading. Little Red Riding Hood reaches the house and an uneasy feeling
made her stomach all queasy, something was wrong. When she draws back the curtains
revealing her grandmother, Little Red noticed some odd changes in her grandmother.
Oh! But grandmother! Krul exclaims, What a terrible big mouth you have!
Little Mika was rather confused than scared. He doesnt understand why Little Red hadnt
noticed from the beginning that her grandmother has been eaten by the wolf.
All the better to eat you with! The wolf joyfully adds jumping out of bed, swallowing up Red
Riding Hood whole.
Mika blew a raspberry, tongue sticking out of his puffed cheeks. Boo. Why did the stinky wolf
have to get his way? I dont like this story, mama.

Actually, Krul closes the book, A huntsman found the wolf and cut open its stomach, letting
the both of them free.
Little Mikas eyes sparkled in delight.
Most importantly I read this story to you so I can teach you that its not okay to talk to
strangers. Little Red Riding Hood learned her lesson. The second time a wolf tried to talk to her
she knew better, which is why they werent harmed again.
And you said Im not allowed to go into the woods because there are big bad wolves out there
too. Mika stuck out his bottom lip.
Exactly. Krul smiles, Mommy is getting older and weak, and she wont be able to monitor
you all the time because of work, which is why you and your friends should stay away from the
woods. Take that as another warning.
But what about the huntsmen? Mika asked curiously.
What about them, honey? Krul blinks, reaching over to brush a few strands of hair away from
Mikas face.
I know theyre real too. Mika mumbles, Theyre around to keep the big bad wolves away
from us.
Krul pauses for a long moment, tucking a strand of hair behind Mikas ear. How do you know
this?
Little Mika adverts his gaze, eyes downcast. I hear your conversations with the men who work
with you.
Krul removes her hand, and she stands up to place her hands on Mikas shouldersmaking him
lie back on the bed.
The hunters are the good guys. Krul confirmed, Theyre around to keep us safe, hun.
I want to be a huntsman when I grow up, then. Mika says as Krul pulls the covers over him. I
want to protect our town someday, too.
Krul takes a little longer to answer, Little Mika thinks nothing of itmaybe his mother was
contemplating.
Being a hunter is a dangerous job. Krul stated, You may want to consider it.
Why? Mika frowns, clearly not pleased by how hed been shot down on a dream hes been
hoping to reach ever since he did in fact, see one himself. Sneaking into the central area of
town where most of the providences residents resided. But he hadnt told Krul this. Mika has
been hearing about hunters for a while now.

Its a dedicated job. Krul leans down to plant a kiss on Mikas forehead. But dont you worry
about it, when youre older youll understand why.
Mika pouts further, ruffling his hair Krul backs up, picking up the storybook and placing the
stool back in a corner of the bedroom.
Its time for bed. Krul says sternly, No more questions. Its going to be a long day tomorrow.
Im already exhausted as it is.
Mika knew this already. By the bags in her eyes, the dullness growing in her voice whenever she
speaks, Little Mika knew almost everything.
Its always a long day for you. Mika muttered, and he closed his eyes. Krul doesnt answer,
walking over to the candle on the window sill.
Goodnight. Krul hushed, blowing out the candle.
Goodnight, mama. Mikas head sinks further into the pillows, as he tries to relax. Kruls
footsteps pad out the door, and it closes. Hes alone in the bedroom, and once its quietMika
sits up, taking the covers off of him and crawling over to the window. It smelled of smoke, due
to the flame of the candle fading away just several seconds ago.
Peering out the window, Mikas hands are placed on the glassas cerulean blue gazes up the
full moon in the night sky.
A sound ripped through the skies, and Mika recognized the noise as a wolfs howl. Wolves were
real, Mika learnedand that the world he lived in was dangerous and he wished he could see it
for what it really was.
He had gotten up just in time to hear the first lead to the many unanswered questions that
floated in his head.
What is really going on out there?
-xHes presented, hasnt he?
Krul locked her fingers together. She hesitated, with a shut of her eyes.
Yes. She was ashamed to admit this. Her eyes open, The Boundary is no longer safe now that
we have another omega to deal with.
Hoho. A hand hovers over a mouth, followed by a chuckle escaping Ferids lips. Have you
changed your mind?
I havent reconsidered my living conditions but, Krul speaks, Were running out of options
here. And you all know this.

Perhaps you have a solution? Another voice pipes up, Crowley questioning wistfully.
Krul exhales heavily before speaking, heavy tension in the small conference roomthe sound
of civilians happily chattering, roaming about the towns central courtyard outside the office.
The alpha and beta huntsmen are being taken out by them each and every day as we speak.
We still have plenty more of them, dont we? Lest pipes up, and Krul snarls at him.
Thats how you speak of one of your own kind?
Oh, Ferid gasps, I see, the problem lies with the fact that theres a lack of your sons kind
tending to this issue!
Its called discrimination. Krul corrected him with malice, We live on the Boundary, in which
you all know it as the dead zone of the province. Not to mention it also lies right on the edge
where a part of the woods is, and its surrounded by more populating wolves of various packs as
the years go on, now that my son has presented itll attract them to us easier and find a new
way to attack us.
Why do you think we have huntsmen, my dear Krul? Ferid crosses a leg over the other, and
he snapped his fingers. Chess, fetch me another bottle of wine, will you?
Of course, sir. The woman present in the room bows her head before hurrying to prepare a
glass.
Are you really asking me that question? Krul manages out with gritted teeth.
We need strong individuals who could protect the town and all of its areas from the feral
mutts. Crowley answers for Ferid with ease.
Correct. Ferid hums. And these jobs are only fit for those not meant to sit around and tend
to their offspring for when theyre fattened with pups.
So does that mean you have to deem them as useless? Krul corked a brow, They can do
things, too, not all omegas are waiting with spread legs for a fucking knot, you assholes.
But lets say, they are. Lest adds, But yet they still decide theyre fit to be a hunter. What will
they do then when theyre now fattened with pups, as Ferid says?
There are children in this town. Crowley mentions, So the right job for them is taking care of
those children, theyre the ones that gave birth to them, after all.
There are families out there. Krul argued. These alphas and betas walk out on them knowing
damn well it might be the last day theyll ever see them. Their children, their wives,
husbands

Someone has to keep the town safe. Ferid shrugged, Its what they signed up for. Its what
theyre willing to risk their lives for, its the way of a true huntsman.
Its the way of the moral code. Its been followed for centuries, and it was the only way to keep
balance in this never ending war.
Why cant the omegas join them? Krul gestures over to the closed doorI believe that they
have every right to put their asses out there and fight for their lives like we alphas and betas
do.
What we used to do. Lest clarifies, and Krul shoots another glare.
I didnt ask you.
But you know its true.
Its sweet that you care for your son. It really is. Ferid answers, But I just dont think it could
work, I mean, can omegas really prepare themselves for battle with theI also forgot to
mention, not all entirely different species to our own alphas whose main goal is to pray on
many omegas they can find?
We are not like them. Theyre the enemy. Krul defended. Theyre cold-blooded wolves who
are only hungry for blood. At this point we were born to take them out, just as they were to us
because one and the other pose threats to their habitats.
Right, we are the humans after all. Crowley agreed, Chess comes back with Ferids wine, and
he thanks the young woman who ducks her head with a quiet youre welcome, sir in response
before walking away.
Im not asking you to stop throwing these men and women out there. Krul explained, I just
want to give my son a chance to be what he always wanted to be for years, he knows and
sooner or later hell figure out how much in danger we actually are. We cant protect the town
forever, the wolves attacked us first at many points due to this reason, and that shit screwed us
over for God knows how long.
A simple request like this cant even be passed down overnight. Ferid sighs, But, Ill tell you
thiswhile we discuss and blabber about the possibilities of this working, how about you train
him for a change?
Youre actually going with this. Krul deadpanned, rather more in shock.
Teach young Mika how to be a proper hunter and hell take over protecting the Boundary
along with the other remaining civilians within no time. Ferid suggested. He sips his glass and
Krul thinks long and hard about it.
Why me? Krul asked, chewing her bottom lip at how the question blurted out on its own.

Long ago we were in the huntsmens position. Ferid reminds. Long ago we were doing
exactly what they did. Protecting the town and its people, until we had to govern it, that is.
Since youre in charge I can no longer argue with you, however what you wish for is a risky
demand and itll only be putting more innocent people in danger.
Krul stands up, I am the prime countess of our town and if making decisions means doing
whatever it takes so be it. She finished.
The other three men in the room exchanged looks.
Very well. Ferid plays around with his wine glass, I suppose from now on youll be serving as
Mikaela-kuns personal trainer until he is ready to start wolf-hunting.
Hes twelve years old. Krul bit the inside of her cheek, hands gripping the edge of the table. She
didnt want to put all this pressure on him so early, but for the sake of everyones safetyshe
had no choice. There werent any options left and this is what Mika would want. Its what he
did want, and always wanted.
To protect his mother when she couldnt, Kruls hunting days were long gone. All she could do
was hope and let fate determine what would happen to the state of their province.
-xKrul exits the carriage escorting her back to the cottage, stepping out and watching the horses
move forward and make a complete turn back down the dirt roads path.
Holding up her suitcase, Krul entered the cottagethe smell of afternoon lunch hitting her
nostrils.
Did I come just in time for lunch? Krul peeks in the kitchen, shutting the door behind her.
Using a stool for a better lift to face the stove, Mika stops stirring whats inside the pothis
head snapping back, brightening up instantly at his mothers arrival.
Mama, youre here! Mika hops off the stool, Im making curry for lunch. He runs over to
help take Kruls jacket off and hang it up on the rack.
How was work?
Tiring, as usual. Krul exhales, releasing the tight bun her hair was inrubbing her face. Shes
getting less and less sleep lately, and is feeling weaker by the day. Im getting too old for this.
Youre not old. Mika objects, and Krul snorts, as Mika grabs her hand and guides her over to
the kitchen table.
Did you play with Lacus and Rene today? Krul asks, and Mika nods furiously.
We practiced on dummies today. Lacus crafted them.

Dummies? Krul blinked. And practiced what?

Combat stuff.
I see. Krul smiles, Its about time you started learning how to defend yourself.
Theres nothing really new to learn. Mika groans, We wanted to do actual hunting but we
knew you wouldnt allow that, so He trails off, and a bit of guilt washed over Krul, hes
probably been resorting to this for weeks now.
Dummies are overrated, Krul bluffed, she takes a hold of Mikas handspulling him closer to
her. Ill tell you what, sweetie, how about I teach you myself?
Really? Mika gapes, and Krul nods truthfully.
Believe me, I havent told you thisbut I kicked a lot of werewolf ass back then. She says, and
Mika grins with glee.
Thats so cool! He exclaimed, Tell me more, mama!
Krul continued. She went on and on about how her duty slaying those mutts was joyful at first
until it gradually had become harder and time consuming. They didnt do it for long, soon taking
over position as a governor for the town with the help of Ferid, Crowley, and Lesthowever
other huntsman was trained after to protect the area against the wolves.
She didnt mention how Alphas and Betas were considered as legends. And how the omegas
were highly discriminated, and expected to stay and take care of their offspring while the other
two fought for their lives. The omegas being considered no help and if were to be huntsman
theyd die on the job quite easily.
She didnt mention how they were claimed to be simply not fit for it. Even if she had, she knew
it wasnt going to stop Mika either.
I dont want you to let me down, Mikaela. Krul says, cupping his cheeks. I want you to make
me proud, because I know this is what you really want.
He could die. Another part of her consciousness reminded her. He could get badly injured.
Mika is committed to this. Its what he wanted, not what she wanted.
She ignored the bad thoughts, as Mika nods.
I want to be able to protect you when I grow up.
I know, hun. Krul removes her hands, Thats why Im offering to help you. Do what Im not
able to do anymore.
Im ready. Mika says with an ounce of determinacy. Krul forces a weak smile.

She knows he is.

-xIts broad daylight under cloudy skies.
Its quiet in the woods. A rabbit emerges from the trees, either lost and wandering or finding its
way back home. To the critters unawareness, standing in the trees the animal was target
locked on the moment its footsteps were heard in the distance.
The wind blows, the rabbit peers around before resuming wandering further into the woods. A
dark shade of cerulean blue was fixated on the rabbit, with a hand resting on the tree bark for
support, Mikaela Shindo Tepes revealed a hunting knife from the inside of his white blouse.
Six o clock. Mika doesnt move an inch, nor does he make a single sound. Silent as a mouse.
The rabbit hasnt noticed his presence above in the trees, and Mika counted down in his head
waiting to strike before he loses the animal.
He aims his knife, getting into position. He calculates the direct angle with perfected effort in
accuracy mentally and he licked his lips, waiting until the rabbit halted to a stop once more.
There.
With a grunt, Mika swings his arm and throws the knifewith a shining glint of the sharp blade
it flies downwards and embedded right into its target. The rabbit stopped moving, and it
collapsed almost instantly.
Target annihilated.
Mika leaped off the tree branch, where hes remained hidden for the past few minutes. He
lands safely on the ground, making the leaves beneath his booted feet scatter. He adjusts the
riding hood on his head, looking both ways before proceeding to the dead rabbit.
Blood stained its fur, Mika shows no sympathy. He removes his hunting knife and bends down
to bring out a small brown string of rope to tie up the rabbit, standing up to strap it over his
shoulder. He wipes the hunting knife off with a spare rag, figured hed prepare for skinning the
rabbit a later time.
Leaves crack and when footsteps advance on Mika he readies the shotgun that had been
strapped to his back as well, alert by the noise and whirling around ready to aim fire at the
intruder.
Hands shoot up in surrender. Another glance at the purple hair makes Mika sigh and relax all at
once.
Figured Id find you here. Lacus mused, Its still hard to imagine that before youd never step
foot in the woods and now youre wandering around here like you own the place.

Jesus Christ, Lacus Mika lowered his gun, You scared me.
Theres barely any wolves in broad daylight. Lacus chuckles, I thought we all knew that.
Its still important to be aware at all times. Mika muttered, brushing past Lacus and taking the
shortcut back to the cottage. Lacus runs to catch up with the red caped hunter.
Dude, Lacus gawked, Im nowhere near beating you in the amount of times youve actually
managed to hunt an animal.
It was just a rabbit I happened to witness come out of its hiding spot out of sheer luck. Mika
thinks nothing of it. He thought hunting was less difficult than he thought itd be, and its likely
because hes done it for five years now. Mika would call himself a professional, but an omega
doesnt deserve to have any bragging rights. No one says it, but he had a feeling others still
thought this.
Omegas only started hunting two years prior and Mikas training was done in secret. Krul said
not to tell anyone about it and he had to endure walking around town overhearing the praised
huntsmen speaking lowly of omegas and how some of them believed theyll never be fit to be
hunters, even though Kruls made sure plenty of times to ensure that they all are granted the
privilege to start hunting.
Their home was in danger and the council had to do whatever it takes. Even if they didnt agree
to the idea, even if people protested and rioted during rallies and conferences. Even if people
have lost hope long ago.
It was far too late to back out now.
Your hunting skills are insane. Lacus tells him, Everyones jealous.
Of what unproven fact exactly? Someone like me not being able to hold a gun? You would
know because youre an Alpha, right?
You know what I mean. Lacus sighed.
Mika does, but he says nothing to that. Well I brought lunch, and I have no problem having to
hunt to get the food at all.
Because its still light outside. Lacus snorts, I bet once the sun sets a lot of em are gonna
start showing themselves, who knows?
If they do then Ill just kill em. Mika deadpanned, and Lacus makes a sheepish face, a slow
chuckle and a grin.
As expected of the Little Red Omegan Hunter.
Mika giggles, breaking his cold faadehe punched Lacus shoulder. Oh shut up.

There are others out there like him, yet hes the one to be first dubbed an Omegan Hunter
this town just thrives on nothing but gossip these days.
Wheres Rene? Mika questions, changing the topic.
Hes outside the cottage waiting for us. Lacus answers, Hows your mother?
I was taking care of her so much that I forgot to eat all morning. Mika heaves out a sigh, A
rabbit will do for now, shes probably resting.
Hows the council taking this sickness?
Mika bit his bottom lip, tightening the rope over his shoulder. They put her on absence, so I
suppose theyre taking it just fine, the job must go on.
Someone could be even replacing her as prime countess already. Mika shakes his head lightly to
get the bad thoughts out. Shell recover soon. At least, Mika hoped.
-xDid you eat today?
Yes, mama. Mika places a new wet cloth over Kruls forehead. Her breathing is erratic and
shes burning up, red in the face. I caught a rabbit today.
You didnt talk to any strangers, did you?
I havent. Mika answered. Lacus, Rene and I ate together and practiced the whole day.
Krul sits up, another weak smile appearing on her lips. Thats good. Her fingers traced Mikas
red cape, trailing upwards to feel at the fabric of the hood.
You still wear this? I thought I made this for you years ago.
You did. Mika blushes faintly, spreading his arms so that the cape expanded. I like it very
much so I decided Id wear it around all the time. The habit grew a little on me.
It suits you. Krul observed. It took me days to sow the fabric together. I remember when you
were thirteen and you always liked to run outside wearing it saying youre ready to slay the
wolves.
I remember that too, quite vividly. Mika laughs, his determination now and then have
changed drastically. That was before he found out the cold truth about this town and that you
only knew what they wanted you to know.
There are monsters out thereand they were waiting. Oh, they were waiting. Mika knew damn
well what he was getting into the very first hunt. When he was just sixteen years old. Krul
taught him everything he needed to know and she was very strict, whenever Mika had felt like

giving up she pressured him to keep going and that fear is weakness. Its what gets you killed.
Even if you are scared sometimes you had to crush your emotions the best you could.
Oh, how much of an imbecile I was.
You were only a child. Krul agrees, I dont blame you.
Its still fairly embarrassing the memory has been brought up. Holding the wet cloth in her
hand, Krul is now silent. Mika blinks.
Is something wrong?
Krul tightened her grip on the cloth.
Im so sorry it had to come to this. She whispers, and Mika doesnt catch all of it.
Could you repeat that?
Its nothing. Krul laughs, waving a hand. Forget I ever said anything. She shuts her eyes,
forming a pained smile.
So whats for dinner?
-xI see it!
Present behind a boulder, Mika, Lacus, and Rene stalk a walking deer as it stops a few meters
away from them, head turning both ways.
Lacus takes out another bow, and he readies his arrowpulling the weapon back on the rope.
Hold it steady. Rene advised in a hushed tone.
And focus. Mika added, Any loss of concentration would lead to a miss.
Shutting one eye, Lacus waits it out. The deer isnt moving. He fires the arrow and it completely
misses the deer hitting a nearby tree, the animal scurries off and Lacus springs up.
Shit. He mutters, clenching a fist. Im going to run after it.
Itll be pointless because it knows were here Mika tries to explain but Lacus is already
speeding from their hiding place and following the deers tracks.
Well hunt it down. Rene stands up as well, shoving a large wooden bucket to Mikas chest.
You take care of fetching water from the lake.
Mika blinks twice, Are you serious.
Call us if you need any help. Rene patted his shoulder, Youre on your own for a while so I
suggest you be extra careful.

Before Mika could speak Rene turns his heel and dashes off. Mika doesnt bother speaking,
hopelessly murmuring a then there was one under his breath.
This was one of the many reasons why he preferred to hunt alone but Krul never liked it when
he did, as for it was purely bad luck to leave a wandering omegan hunter alone in the woods
before and after the sun begins to set.
If Mika was going to hunt in the evening, then it would be with two other huntsmen at all costs
and no matter how many times Mika says hes fine on his ownno one ever listens to him.
Hunting with these two always lead to these predicaments unfortunately very often.
Lacus wasnt that much of a skilled hunter, Rene has to back him up for his reckless acts and
somehow Mika isnt sure whos supposed to be doing the real protection here.
Mika follows the path leading to an open space in the forestwhere the small lake had been.
He keeps his eyes sharp, without anything to help enhance vision in the darkening skies he
could only rely on his excellent close-sight to help him navigate through.
Its easy to get lost in the woods, the fact not hard to be able to pinpoint itself, the places
directions could lead to anywhere and the vast space could make anyone lose their way unless
theyve figured on the use of a compass or clock position. Its important that everyone who
wanted to become a huntsman knew this.
He reached the lake, standing by the edge as he bent downscooping a fair sized amount of
fresh water inside the bucket.
Theres rustling in the trees. Droplets of water escape the bucket and fall into the lake, Mika
holds it uprightfreezing. He stays silent, and theres more susurrus on the ground beneath
him.
Just his luck.
Something told him it was probably his companions trying to find their way back to Mika, but
they were oddly too quiet on their approach. Mika sets the bucket down, theres noises here
and there and Mika concludes its as if theres something out there that doesnt want to be
seen.
Could it be the deer? Or another animal?
Dusk has fallen after all, and many thoughts rushed through his head. Mika adjusted the capes
hood, hoping that itll keep his face hidden, and undid the rope to the shotgun on his back over
his shoulder and, holding it steady. Mika readied the ammo.
Whos there?
Theres heavier footsteps, and theyre timed much slower than that of an average human. And
it surely didnt describe Lacus or Renes either.

Another noise echoes in the trees, and it takes only a few seconds for Mika to register this noise
as something a human would never make.
A growl.
With widening eyes, in panicMika fired at a tree. He hoped to reveal the source of a noise,
hoping to debunk that something else was really out there and he was going to be grave
danger, he hoped it wasnt what he thought it was. Lacus or Reneor maybe even just another
fucking deerunable to fully demister what he just heard.
The footsteps quicken immediately, and its at a fast pace.
Theyre fast. Mika swallows thickly, and their speed couldnt compare to any other animal in
the slightest. It was off the charts.
Theres thudding against the grass grounds, and Mika scoped his surroundings frantically. He
sees nothinghe cant see now and when the thumping noises close in on him he snaps his
head to the direction, wishing he hadnt right at that moment.
The first glimpse is a pair of glowing emerald irisesand sharp teeth.
Gasping, the predator lunges at Mika with brute force, with a shove hes surging backwards and
with a cry he hits the bark of a tree. He dropped his gun and winces when he slides down to the
ground, he doesnt surrender just yet to the attack.
Pulling out his hunting knife, Mika tightens his grip on the hilt and is ready to counterattack
when the figure jumps down in front of himeffortlessly blocking the knife from inching any
closer with their hand.
Something sharp digs into Mikas skin. Fingernails.
Glancing at his attacker with fluttering eyes, Mikas face to face with those emerald ones, face
revealing sharp canine teeth and twitching ears, jet black hair at a necks length, and a patch of
fur that could be seen sticking from the back. Something wiggles and Mika spots the long tail
that comes to view belonging to them.
Mikas eyes trail over to the snout, this predator identifies as a manand theres only one
species Mika could classify him as, as well.
He makes a tsk tsk tsk sound with his teeth, waddling an index finger in Mikas face, gesturing
over to the hunting knife in Mikas hands.
Do you know what I am? He asks, Mika attempts to regulate his erratic breathing, taken
aback by the query presented to the hunter.
Mika nods. He doesnt utter a single word right away, with the way the man was peering at him
with his large green eyes but they werent filled with any malicious intent what so ever, he was

observing Mika, studying him, and with a tilt of his head Mika slowly grows uncomfortable with
the silence.
Youre a wolf. Mika groused, and its a statement. Because he knew, he knew what the man
was, and it was all he could say. Practically speechless, pinned up against the tree.
Its his first time ever seeing one, but this wasnt how Mika had pictured it. Not everything
about the man was purely primal and animalistic, he was partly-human, that being the shocking
part all in all. He was shirtless, and barefoot. Mika tried not to stare too much. It was impolite.
Youre an omegan hunter. The man replies, and he leans in to sniff at Mikas neck, where his
scent glands were the strongest, he sniffs a second time and Mika cranked his neckturning
away, fighting back a whimper.
I came here because I could smell you from a mile away. He explained to Mika, kneeling back
at a fair distance, If I could smell your scentthen other wolves can. Which puts you in
danger.
Not sure whether to be impressed or downright terrified the other was able to deduce this with
only two sniffs, Mika still chooses not to respond.
Who are you? The werewolf asked. He gently takes the knife out of Mikas hands, and he
doesnt return it, instead, keeping it resting on a panted knee.
Im not here to harm you. He assured Mika in a soothing voice, I wont have to unless you
choose to cry wolf. But I know you know better than that.
Mikas throat goes dry, and with another swallow he opened his mouth to speak.
Mika.
The werewolfs expression remains the same. Im Yuuichirou. He grinned, exposing more of
his sharpened teeth that could rip limbs apart to shreds. And I want to help you.
Mika thinks he shouldnt trust him. So he sticks with gut instinct, though with the fact that even
if he could kill him at any moment something about the wolf puts Mika at ease. He cant point a
finger at what it is, the fact that the likely to be Alpha wolf holds off the vibe that he could
possibly keep Mika safe.
But hes the enemy.
Your scent is attracting others like me out there, and theyre waiting for the right moment to
strike. The werewolf keeps his voice hushed, I want you to get up and run away as fast as you
can.
But

Shh. He silences Mika. Its dangerous out here for a pretty little omega with a scent this
strong, so I suggest the next time you be more careful.
MIKA!
Theres multiple footsteps closing in on them now, and Mika tries to scream, instead a hand is
clamped over his mouth. The werewolf makes a stern face, shaking his head.
No. He meant. Yuuichirou releases his hand and returns Mikas knife, placing the weapon in
Mikas delicate hand and curling his fingers over it.
I hope our next meeting is more friendly, Mika. Yuuichirou winked, and he presses a finger to
his lips, gesturing for Mika to keep quiet before standing up. With effortless use of agility, the
werewolf leaps up a tree and Mika scrambles back to his two feet.
Wait! Mika called after Yuuichirou, Mister Wolf!
A hand is placed on his shoulder and Mika turns to face Lacus and Rene. Panting, sweat beading
down their foreheads and concerned looks on their faces.
We heard the gunshot so we gave up and tried to come back to you as fast as we could. Lacus
explained, and the two huntsmen instantly frown at Mikaface pale and white as a sheet,
shaking.
Did something happen? Rene questioned, Mika shakes his head furiously. He retrieves his
gun, and rushes for the bucket of water he abandoned earlier before the attack, brushing past
the two.
Im fine. Mika says quickly, and he doesnt look back at them when they rush by Mikas side
to catch up with his speedwalking. All I know is that its not safe here and its almost night
time, we should start heading back.
Did something hurt you? Lacus adds, and hes inspecting Mikas face for bruises, Why is your
head bleeding?
Mikas fingers catch a droplet of blood that escaped from a gash on the side of his head.
I hurt myself on the way to the lake, and I thought I saw something. Mika lied, Im a little
shaky, but I assure you Im fine.
Rene sighed heavily. Its about time we got going anyway, Kruls going to have our heads if we
allow you to stay after dusk.
Mika doesnt respond. He ends up grabbing the both of their hands, and hauling them off down
the dirt path back and out of the woods. This wasnt the last time Mika was going back in these
woods, but for nowhis main priority was to get the hell out of there. If it werent for him,

then who knows, not even just Mikabut both Lacus and Rene couldve been eaten alive along
with him.
That werewolf just saved his life.