8 8 The Hunt Becomes the Hunted

Leo climbed in behind Kitsune and pulls her into his embrace. "I wouldn't say no to a request from you if it is within my power." He kisses the top of her head. "For the last six months that you disappeared from my side, all I could think of was you. I lost sleep, finished my jobs rather recklessly, and struggled to keep my emotions in check." His arms wrapped around her body. "This is the first time that I have ever lost my composure like this. I was struggling with the emptiness I felt in my heart without you beside me. I'm an extremely possessive person. I don't want another man to touch my woman." He still had his head buried in Kitsune's hair. "Please don't ever leave me like that again." He whispered the last part.

Kitsune's face was on fire from the confession from Leo. She stayed silent. 'We felt the same way the entire time that we were apart. If you really think about it, being with a hunter would probably be the safest place to be. The hunters would never think that a hunter would take a demon for a bride.' She placed her hand on Leo's arm and gently ran her fingers up and down his arm. "Leo, would the other hunters be able to figure out that you took a demon in as a girlfriend? I know that I can make my presence like a human but do you think they might be able to detect that I'm not who I say I am?" The baby starts kicking, so she places her hand on her belly and gently rubs where the feet are kicking. "Those six months were hard on me as well. I figured out that you were a hunter, and I panicked, thinking that I would've to lead you here, That you would kill my people, but when I thought about it some more, I figured you would just be hunting for me. I longed to see you. I wished that I was a normal human for the first time in my life. I felt that I was missing a part of my soul, but at the same time, I had our little one growing inside of my belly. The baby brought me pure joy, and I wondered how you would react when you finally found me again. I knew that you would eventually find your way here. I don't want us to be apart." Kitsune's voice cracked and tears formed in her eyes.

He wiped away the tears in her eyes away from behind. "If I couldn't figure out that you were a demon, no one else would be able to. Although I must admit the whole reason I helped you was because I wanted to take you home with me and make you mine. It was exhilarating stealing you away from the other guys at the party... very satisfying." He sneered. "That guy was a pest. I was hoping that he would be more of a challenge. It was more of a thrill, like when on a hunt but without the actual hunt. Catching you made me want to keep you. I'm not used to not getting what I want, but that might do with being one of the strongest hunters. Stepping back won't be easy, but we are going to have a family. The hunter association takes families as a higher priority than the hunts themselves." He smiles at remembering that. 'If we are going to make that work, we'll need to announce our engagement, but of course, only after the baby is born.'

At hearing that her secret won't so quickly be figured out, she calms down. Kitty listens to his emotions from their first meeting. "I caught a look of you when I first arrived, and I was blown away at how handsome you were. I am not the type of person who makes a connection easily. I acted aloft and let you come to me. There is no such thing as love at first sight, but there is such a thing as lust at first sight. With the way, you felt it proves my statement to be true." She smiled, closing her eyes completely, letting her guard down in front of Leo. "The reward from the challenge is the best prize you could receive. You were the one I wanted from the moment I saw you. I was thankful you came for me and that I didn't have to go to you." She paused and smiled. "With you being the strongest hunter and with me being the head of my clan, we will make a formidable team that will be able to protect our child. It's good that the hunter association cares about family. When do you need to go back?" She closed her eyes, relaxing in his arms.

'The hunter becomes the hunted. If she didn't tell me, I would've never known. Remarkably, we both felt such a strong attraction to each other.' He held her gently. "Kitsune, even if it was lust, there's no point arguing about the attraction we felt for each other. I've got a week until I am to go back. I did a lot of reckless hunts so I could have this week off." His arms slightly tightened around her chest. 'I don't want to leave. Not after it took me so long to find her.'

Kitty placed her arms over his that were wrapped around her chest. Softly she asks, "can I stay here with you for the week? I don't want to leave your side while you're here."

"Yes, please stay with me here. Every moment I can, I want to spend it with you. It's almost dinner time. You need to eat. Do you want me to order in food again?" He kissed her head.

"I should call Julie. She's probably pretty worried I didn't explain anything and just left the house. Let's go with your suggestion and just order food in again." She slowly made her way to the edge of the bed. Got up and walked to the phone in the room. She picked up the phone and dialled Julie's number. The phone rang twice before the call went through. "Julie, before you say anything, I am fine and safe. The father of the baby contacted me. I'm going to stay with him for a week. We have a lot to talk about."

Julie listened to Kitty. "You know that your powers aren't stable. I would advise against sharing your powers, but I get the feeling that you have already done that. Your powers are lingering in the air." She hears Julie pause, "Kitty, there was word that a few hunters are in the area. Be cautious. I hope that the partner you choose can handle the secrets of our kind. Before you come back home call me. I'll have someone drive me to meet you."