Chapter 4 - Hunt

Hunt was the man's name, and I don't think that he's willing to give up his last name. Hunt is an unusual name to have, and he doesn't seem to be from around here. Perhaps he came from the Other Side. The Other Side is a land that is said to be roaming with monsters. Whoever dares cross the mist and into that territory never come back.

It's been a few days since I met Hunt and he's been strangely obedient. Every time that I come and visit him, I'm always surprised with something. Perhaps he feels guilty about the two deer that I lost to the wolves after saving him instead, so he always awaits me with a gift. Today, it was four rabbits.

"Do you like rabbit, Rose?" I couldn't refuse four rabbits. The pelt alone would fetch for an amazing price, especially when it was this beautiful white colour. I was spending the afternoon with him, bringing him lunch in a woven basket. I nodded, delighted at his present. "I do, they're great!"

Pride came into his eyes, despite the fact that he didn't smile. He looked quite cold, but his eyes told me everything I needed to know about him. What he was feeling in that instant, whether he liked something or not...

I've established that he hates vegetables but loved medium-rare meat sandwiches. I guess that he's just like me in that way. I mean, it's only right that I feed him meat. He's the one who goes to hunt it, somehow without any kind of weapons. Perhaps he has a trap laid out somewhere nearby.

"Is it nice?" I asked him one day, all while he devoured what I had laid in front of him. He nodded, pausing for a moment before looking up at me. "I'll eat anything that you prepare, Rose." That made me suddenly blush.

Lately, he's slowly allowed me to clean him up better. He even allowed me to cut his hair, which I have a lot of practice with. After that, he just grew to be more than more handsome... and I can't shake his naked body out of my head. Every time that I look at him, I can't help but remember it.

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"Don't leave me." Grabbing my hand as I went to leave, I was stunned by his answer. He seemed so vulnerable when he spoke, like if I left, I'd never come back. I suddenly felt more like his mother than his friend. I felt conflicted. I didn't want to leave him but I had to settle my brothers down before they realise where I've been all day.

I can't risk them finding out about Hunt... he's safe here and I don't even know where his home is. But why tonight? Why does he suddenly want me to stay and not leave? It's been three weeks of me coming and going, leaving blankets and other things to keep him cosy in the cave.

"I-I have to go check up on my brothers. I promise you that I'll be back before the moon reaches its peak, okay?" He seemed satisfied with that answer. He slowly let go before I smiled at him before disappearing out of the cave. What's wrong with me? Why is it that when he touches me, I feel so warm and foamy?