4 THE PAST HUNTS

*RIKU'S POV*

***

"Riku,

I apologize for not writing to you for the last 13 years. A lot had happened. I lost my wife and it grieved me so much that I spent three years living alone in a cabin, leaving everything to my then 12 yr old son with the guidance and care of the pack Beta. I felt terrible so when he turned 15, I made sure to be there with him during his first shift. I devoted myself nurturing my son until I haven't noticed that a decade has passed.

Now, I will tell you the reason of this letter. My son has not found her mate yet and it hurts me to see that he lost hope in finding her. We visited a lot of packs, inside and outside of the country but to no avail. Now, he plans on ruling without a Luna which I cannot allow.

So I'll keep this short. I would like to bring forth our agreement 80 years ago as we parted our ways. It would be beneficial for my pack and your clan. I am deeply asking for  your consideration as a Father to my child.

P.S.

If you agree, contact me thru this number 0176 - 40206387 and I will instantly arrange your flight. I'll wait for your reply in the next 24 hours.

Sincerely,

D.S.K

***

I cannot believe what I read. I just received a mail from a dead man. I mean... at least I thought he was. He must have been really desperate to ask for my help. Our breed does not blend well for one... Second, he knows I don't like to be ordered to. How the hell did he even know my address? Plus...the decision should be coming from Yuki, not me.

Speaking of my daughter, I wonder how her meeting went. She looked so excited earlier. It's been 3 hours now but I haven't heard anything from her or Shunsuke.

As I folded the letter to its original form, I heard a loud thud downstairs. Then a scent hit me like a brick.

"Human." I noted to myself.

As far as I remember, there were only 20 residents in my house which includes me and my daughter and everyone is a vampire...so how come a human scent has crossed my nose?!

My eyes turned red and my veins were popping out.

"This is going to be bloody!" A smug was formed on my lips as I sniff the air full of thirst.

I managed to slid the piece of paper between the pages in one of my books as I hurriedly made my way to where the inviting smell is coming from. I turned to see that the door leading to my office has closed as I pushed back the ledge.

"Sire?" I heard a voice call out to me from the hall way. I shake my head wishing it would help me calm down but instead, I felt my fangs extend as it scraped my lips and instinctively, I licked it, tasting the blood in my mouth.

"How long has it been?" I asked myself as I grip the hem of my shirt, tearing it with my now growing nails. Crouching down in pain, it felt like I was slugged by a truck. My heightened senses are making me suffer by the second urging the flesh and bones of my body to submit to it's calling.

Suddenly, I saw a blurry image in front of me...then I felt a needle pierce me in the neck.

"Sorry Riku"...I heard a familiar voice before blacking out.

****

"Kore o jikkō shite mo yoroshīdesu ka?" I wanted to respond but I am still panting. My lungs couldn't keep up with the rigorous climb. The path was too steep that I almost fell twice... but thanks to Yoshida, I managed to survive.

"Hai! I am...I am definitely sure!" I managed to answer, heavy breathing in between the words.

"Good! Then we shall continue before it gets too dark." he complimented. I nodded to my comrade as no words could escape my mouth.

I followed his trail and as we reach the top, a breeze touched my skin. Shivers crawl up to my spine. My last remaining energy has been drained and now the bucket is empty.

"There's no going back. You must throw away everything...including your humanity."

Without moving an inch, I sensed my knees weaken, wobbling as I fell to the ground.

"I just don't want to die in this war Yoshida. You said this is the best and fastest way to ensure that!" I shrieked. Echo bounces off the surrounding wall of mountains.

"If it's true that something is hiding here, then we will definitely achieve that! Machigainaku!"

Then, a series of roaring thunder and a whisk of lightning made me cower more in fear. It is even scarier now that I'm at a mountain top.

"Then, I'll head first Riku." Yoshida left me with a smile. I watch his back as his figure fades away in the darkness - the deeper he stepped inside the cave.

It's quite. Even the skies cooperated. The stillness of the nearby trees and what seemed to be the absence of air is suffocating.

"Yoshida!! Daijōbudesuka? Is everything fine?"

"Yes!! All goo..." he stopped. No other sound can be heard.

Suddenly, a screeching voice resounded the area and so I panicked. Not being able to stand up, I crawled my way out of the cave's entrance. I dragged my limp legs as fast as I can to get away.

My eyes were focused on the rough road when something landed in front of me. I moved it away and realized that it had the stench of blood. IT IS YOSHIDA'S HEAD!

"Nooo!! NO!!" I repeated and bawled.

Then, as I was preoccupied with the terror I just witnessed, a large hand grips my hair and lifted me.

"WHY DID YOU COME HERE?" He asks.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?" He continued.

"I JUST WANT TO SURVIVE!!"

****