Dragged to the hunt

Nyx

It's been two days since I got slammed against the wall, but the students won't stop laughing and whispering as I walk to my locker. It doesn't matter if I'm the Beta's daughter or human. Teenagers can be assholes, especially werewolves who believe strength is everything.

"Hey girl." Mira waves at me with a wide smile. Well, at least not all teenagers are cruel.

"Hey Mira," I say, closing my locker.

She links her arm through mine and drags me excitedly into an empty classroom, not caring about the girls staring daggers at us as we walk past.

"How's your preparation for the Crimson Hunt coming? I really hope to find my mate that day. What if he's a Lycan?" Excitement beams in her eyes.

"You know I can't go. I'm not even a she-wolf," I said, sitting on an empty desk.

"Uh, so what? You're the Beta's daughter."

I roll my eyes. A butler's daughter has more rights than me. Besides, I never understood why she-wolves fight each other to be claimed by monsters. I've seen a Lycan's beast form, and that doesn't look like something any normal girl should be fighting for. So what if the Lycan population is thinning? They should find other ways instead of sit and watch females struggle for positions they barely get.

I pull out the sandwich I stole from the kitchen this morning and bite into it while Mira continues.

"I wasn't able to find my mate last year on my seventeenth birthday, but I have a very strong feeling I'll meet him at the hunt. Plus I'm turning eighteen two days from now." She sits beside me. "You know, I heard the Lycan prince is extremely handsome and he'll be claiming his mate this year."

Her face twists into a fake pout. "But he's reserved for Alpha females or strong Beta females. Like Vesper."

Yeah, Vesper is one strong she-wolf. Her father, Alpha Gerald, treats her like a trophy. She's mean, but even I can't help but admire her. She's everything I could never be.

I nod along, half listening to Mira's never-ending tale about her dream mate. Something about his height and the feel of him. All Alphas with unmated daughters have the opportunity to be connected to the Lycan family, to expand their political power. That's why Alpha females train as hard as males. Not me. I can't walk two blocks without gasping for air.

The school bell rang and we headed to our separate classes. I love Mira, but my ears were beginning to ache from all her talks.

I didn't see her again for the rest of the day. Maybe she already left to prepare for the hunt. I guess I'm on my own for the next two weeks. At least her sister and her minions won't be around for a while. That leaves me with the less mean girls.

When the final bell rang I didn't waste a second getting to my bike. The wind brushes through my hair as I ride home. My phone beeps inside my backpack but I decided not to check it yet. Probably another rejection from Crescent University. Who would blame them, it's an elite school and maybe they've figured out how much of a nobody I am. But deep down I hope I'm wrong. A scholarship is my only way out of this hell.

The pack house comes into view and my shoulders drop with exhaustion. I park my bike in the cramped shed I generously call a garage and head inside. The servants are busier than usual, hauling boxes and bags through the hallways. I walk past them to my room, too tired to care.

I toss my backpack onto the nearest surface and step into the bathroom. The cracked mirror reflects a pale stranger with green eyes that have seen too many sleepless nights. My red hair could be richer. Before showering I double-check the door lock. I wouldn't want my stepbrother "accidentally" wandering into my room.

I shower quickly and change into a tank top, denim shorts and an oversized shirt thrown over it. I pick up my phone to check my notifications when a loud bang on my door stops me.

Perfect. Nothing says "welcome back" like someone hammering on your door. I just wanted five minutes before making dinner. Apparently that's too much to ask. I open the door and my heart sinks.

Cullen's gaze rakes over me like I'm something to eat. His gray eyes linger on my chest. I thought he already left for the hunt.

"Get ready. We're leaving." He said.

Before I can process that, my stepmother's voice carries from down the hall. "Why take her? She'll be completely useless there."

I look at Cullen. He's already impatient.

"What?" I say, completely lost.

"Did I stutter?" He drags a hand through his hair. "Calix and the others are already waiting. You have two minutes. And if you're not out by then, you'll get punished."

I swallow hard, knowing exactly what kind of punishment he means. He turns and walks away, leaving me standing in the doorway with confusion written all over my face. Two minutes. Calix and the others. Did he mean Vesper, Sera, and Cald?

Oh no. The Crimson Hunt.

I sigh as my fears come to life. I've never been to Quicksilver pack. I've never been to any other pack.

Before I can pull myself together Cullen came back, his expression darker this time. He doesn't let me speak before grabbing my arm and dragging me with him. I struggle against his grip knowing it's useless. My father and stepmother are standing beside the car in silence, their distant expressions telling me they're mind-linking. They both turn to Cullen when we reach the car. Not that I was expecting a warm welcome.

"Why take her? She'll only be a burden," my stepmother says.

"I need a personal assistant," Cullen says flatly.

I huff. Personal assistant. Is that what we're calling servants now?

"I really don't mind staying back." I looked at my father. He doesn't spare me a glance. Maybe he doesn't want me to see the guilt in his eyes. If he feels any.

I stand there watching the happy family exchange hugs and kisses. How sweet.

Cullen opens the car door and shoves me inside before going around to the driver's side. My phone presses into my back pocket. I pull it out just as he starts the engine.

"Cullen, you don't have to take me with you," I said.

"Why?" He glances over at me. "So you can sleep with every guy in school while I'm gone?"

My stepmother is a crazy lady but I feel safer with her than her psychopathic son.

We barely pass through the iron gates before his hand shut out and grabbed my hair, yanking me toward him.

"Where did you run off to two days ago?"