Chapter SEVEN

"Who gets to go patrolling?" Tyler cackled. The whole coven, despite being ready to help, felt dread fill them at the fact that they had to patrol the wolves’ territory.

"Hayden is out of the question because he's having a late night at work." Bridgette spoke on behalf of her lover, who was currently at work.

"The best trackers in the coven are Benji and Max." Ada spoke as her large eyes darted from the male's faces. Upon the mention of their name, Benji and Max exchanged looks between each other. Despite the dread settling within Max's chest... He couldn't really say no.

It would seem cowardice.

"What do you guys say? You up for the first night?" Rose squeezed Benji's arm in assurance before smiling widely when the blonde man nodded his head monotone. Rose laughed before kissing his cheek and pulling him in for a back hug. Despite Benji's monotone face, there was a slight tweak to his lips, upturning for a second before disappearing.

Max nodded, he felt anger surge within him. He was never good at expressing his emotions so he decided to handle it by disappearing to his room.

Night had come quicker than expected and both brothers were taking a casual stroll toward the wolf camp. The only sound being the night birds and rustle of leaves filling the air. That familiar crash of the nearby stream came to welcome them.

"I know that Connor puts you off but there isn't much of a probability of you seeing him tonight. So please... Relax." Benji glanced worried at Max, who was deadly quiet the whole way. It's not like it wasn't common for him but this time... It seemed more eerie.

Benji received no response and all he could do was sigh and continue walking. He knew Max was hard headed, there was no mistaking that.

They arrived at the wolf camp no less than five minutes later. Chase is already waiting for them at the mouth of it with four pack beta's. Max wanted to scream, he was really hoping that Chase wouldn't join them on this hunt... But it seems fate isn't on their side.

"Benji. Max." Chase greeted, his face held no emotion but the greeting had surely been a surprise. The beta's present had all given the vampires an analytical look before looking away. However, one in particular seemed quite distasteful towards the two brothers.

"This is my pack beta, Dan. He'll be accompanying us." Chase pointed to the same male who looked at them with disgust, the same male who had raised his voice against them the night before.

"With all due respect, I hope you're not planning to track with us." Benji raised a brow, tone no less than deadpan.

"Is that a problem?" Chase raised a brow. It would have been sexy if he weren't on the enemy side.

"Vampires, despite having covens, are more solitary predators unlike wolves, who need their pack to gain full take down strength. I work better alone anyway." Max spoke, his voice strong and unwavering. His eyes taking all the wolves in before settling back on the alpha.

"And you expect us to trust you if you do find a vampire?" Dan spat distastefully at the thought.

"You've trusted me to enter and trek your home." Max hissed and some of the wolves stepped forward in defence but it took one growl from the alpha, and all of them except Benji and Max, bowed their heads in submission.

"Very well but if one thing goes wrong, I hold you responsible." Chase growled out toward Max before he took off into a sprint and jumped a few feet in the air before his body ruffled out into a coat of fur. He disappeared within seconds and it only took five for the rest to follow his lead, all transforming into majestic animals before disappearing.

Max and Benji exchanged looks before they two split in opposite directions.

It's been about twenty minutes since the hunt began and Max didn't find anything. Although, he did pick up on some movement to his right but he brushed it off as some kind of animal.

The brunette sniffed the hair but he couldn't smell anything. He sighed heavily, his eyes drifting up toward the moon, where it shined bright onto his face, illuminating his skin.

Suddenly a scent had filled his nostrils. His pupils dilating and fangs protruding. The smell of vampire not too far from where he stood. Max thanked the gods before he kicked off into a sprint before he used his speed, it was amazing really.

Because as he runs, the beauty of the forest seems to slow down for him. He watched as single drops of water fell from the trees, spotted a fox eating its prey. He saw a figure further away and he picked up his pace to take down the person faster but something from his side vision caught his attention. He turned his head temporarily and his heart thumped harshly when that familiar white coat of fur could be seen running past the trees a good metres away from Max.

Max felt pissed. Now he had to take down one of his own and deal with a wolf.

Max looked forward again and as he made it closer toward the figure, he launched himself— tackling the female to the ground. His knees pinned her hands to the ground out of reflex and his hand raising upward, ready to strike. A shrill hiss leaving his lips as he stared at the bright yellow eyes of the female.

A newborn.

As soon as Max saw her frantic eyes, his own softened gradually. He lowered his hand slightly and let out a sigh,

"What are you doing here?! Are you looking to get killed?! Do you have any idea whose territory you're so freely walking on?!" Max hissed lowly. He didn't even know why he was trying to warn her instead of just taking her in. The girl seemed fairly young, by the Color of her eyes... She was probably only a few weeks turned.

She looked no older than sixteen years of age.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I didn't know where I was! I was lost! Can you help me please? I'm so scared." She whispers frantically, her eyes popping as her mouth runs hysterically. Max didn't know but he felt bad for her, despite the wolves saying that the vampires caught would love... He already knew that was a lie. They would die either way. Answers or no answers.

Max loosened his hold on her slightly and was about to open his mouth to speak but like a switch, the girl below him narrowed her eyes before deadly hiss escaped her lips and her half free hands came crashing into Max's chest— which had him flung back a few steps before he regained his balance. He forgot how strong these newborns could be but he couldn't help a sigh that left his lips because...

He'd be lying if he said he didn't see that coming.

And like a shark waiting to attack, the white wolf shot out of the large brush and took down the retreating vampire— ripping her to shreds. The vampire didn't stand a chance against such a beast, growls and the slosh of blood could be heard from where Max stood and he closed his eyes at the gruesome scene.

The girl was screaming frantically but it didn't last more than five seconds before her scream was abruptly stopped and the struggling came to a halt. Max could only imagine the wolf biting into the girls throat and quite literally ripping it out.

Max watched with a monotone expression but on the inside, he felt slightly fearful. His heart thumped painfully against his chest...

The wolf stopped it's mauling before it perked up and slowly turned to face Max. Blood marring his snout and muzzle as if it were decoration. It's eyes were glowing gold with a tinge of red grappling the edges.

Max involuntarily took a step back but his jaw was set into a hard line as he glared at the wolf.

"Connor." The vampire gritted out and just at that moment, the wolf began to shift. Large shoulders, a bare torso and tan skin replaced the once giant wolf, black shorts gripped his legs once more along with a pair of black shoes. The beaded rope necklace hanging between his pecs and a tribal tattoo snaking its way from his back and peeking its way over his shoulders.

But the only difference now is that blood stained Connor's chin, dripping down his neck and his fingers covered in the crimson substance as well.

"Max."