Hunting

Dylan

The following morning, the forest appeared vibrant. Birds chirped, the wind rustled the trees, and the ground crunched beneath our feet.

It was official; we were here to hunt. Indeed. Typical rich people activities, and I was just here, isn’t being an assistant delightful?

Everyone appeared enthusiastic about the hunt. They chatted while getting ready, checking equipment and adjusting saddles. I remained silent, staying close to Mr. Wolfe.

“Stay with the group,” he instructed me. His tone was assertive, as usual. “Don’t stray away. ”

“Yes, sir,” I responded.

The hunt commenced well. The alphas took the lead, their laughter resonating through the woods. I lingered at the back, observing Mr. Wolfe closely.

I had reluctantly learned their names as the hunt started.

First came Asher. Tall, broad-shouldered, and sturdy like a fortress. His dark hair cascaded in chaotic waves, encasing a face adorned with sharp angles and rugged lines. His eyes were a deep emerald.

Next up was Jace. He seemed slightly younger, yet no less formidable. His skin boasted a rich bronze, his physique leaner but still powerful. His smile held a cocky air, perpetually teasing the corners of his lips, while his eyes, a striking blue. He exuded confidence, as if he knew precisely how to get what he wanted without uttering a word.

He was wealthy as fuck so he probably can.

Then came Kai. He seemed more on the softer side for an Alpha. With unruly blonde hair and eyes that appeared almost too gentle for an alpha, he was the one to watch closely.

He looked like a seducer, like my dad would say to his type.

Then there was Mr. Wolfe.

He was concentrated, his movements deliberate as he directed his horse. He embodied belonging here—strong, self-assured, untouchable.

When a deer dashed through the trees, everything shifted.

Mr. Wolfe's expression ignited with an intense look of sureness. Without uttering a word, he veered off, pursuing it deeper into the woods.

I hesitated, my heart dropping. “Boss! ” I shouted, but he didn’t halt.

The others hardly acknowledged it.

“He’ll be okay,” Jace remarked with a casual gesture. “Tristan always returns. ”

I wanted to trust them, but as the hours ticked by, my concern deepened.

By sundown, the group returned to the manor, laughing and chatting as if nothing was amiss.

But Mr. Wolfe still had not come back.

I paced the courtyard, glancing toward the forest every few moments. The declining sun colored the sky orange and pink, yet I could not appreciate the view.

“Should we not search for him? ” I asked, turning to one of his companions.

The alpha, Kai, dismissed me with a wave. “He’s likely just taking his time. Tristan knows the forest better than anyone. ”

Asher, the other one, interjected, “Don’t worry, beta. He doesn’t need your assistance. ”

Their remarks made my blood boil. How could they be so indifferent?

I couldn't wait any longer.

Ignoring their objections, I seized a horse and moved toward the forest.

As I walked, the trees covered me. The light diminished swiftly, transforming the forest into a a road difficult to see in.

“Boss! ” I shouted, my voice resonating.

There was no reply.

My heart raced faster with each ticking minute. What if something had happened to him? What if he needed help?

“Boss! ” I called once more, louder this time.

At last, I heard something—a delicate, anguished groan.

I trailed the sound, the horse’s steps hasty and unsteady.

There he was.

Mr. Wolfe was on the ground, resting against a tree. His complexion was ashen, his breath shallow. His horse was not in sight.

“Boss! ” I got off the horse and fell to my knees beside him, my heart pounding. “Are you alright? ”

He gazed up at me, his jaw clenched. “My ankle,” he murmured. “It’s broken. ”

My chest tightened. “What happened? ”

“Saw a deer, the crazy thing came darting at me. The horse was spooked,” he replied through clenched teeth. “It threw me off. It bolted after that.”

I swallowed hard, compelling myself to remain composed. “We need to return you to the manor. ”

He nodded but remained still.

I scanned the area, noticing my horse secured nearby. “Can you stand?”

“Not without help,” he confessed, his voice short.

I wrapped an arm around his shoulders, assisting him up. He flinched, leaning heavily on me.

“It’s not far,” I said, attempting to sound comforting. “We’ll go slowly. ”

Getting him onto the horse proved to be more challenging than I thought.

Tristan clenched his teeth, refusing to release a sound of pain as I lifted him up. His pride was as resolute as ever.

Once he was settled, I climbed up in front of him. “Hold onto me,” I instructed, grasping the reins.

He didn’t budge.

“Boss,” I said, looking back at him. “You need to hold on, or you’ll fall. ”

“I’m fine,” he mumbled, his tone obstinate.

I sighed, exasperated. “You’re being absurd. Just hold on. ”

He remained mute, his hands clutching the saddle instead of me.

My patience shattered. I extended my hand back, seizing his arm, and wrapped it around my waist.

“You’re injured,” I said sharply. “Stop trying to be so macho. ”

He tensed but didn’t contest. Gradually, his other arm joined the first, his grip awkward and strained.

“There,” I said, adjusting the reins. “That wasn’t so difficult, was it? ”

Mr. Wolfe didn’t reply, but I sensed his breath against my neck. It sent a chill down my spine, though I tried to dismiss it.

The return back was silent.

The forest appeared even darker now, the lantern casting flickering shadows around us.

Mr. Wolfe leaned against me, his weight heavy yet grounding.

“Why did you come searching for me? ” he asked unexpectedly.

His voice was softer than usual, almost reluctant.

“Because no one else would,” I said without thinking.

He was quiet for a moment. Then, softly, he said, “You came, I’m glad. ”

My heart constricted, the straightforward words hitting more intensely than they ought to have.

“Why wouldn’t I come? I’m your assistant remember?” I said with a grin, trying to veer the train the atmosphere was leading to.

“Ha,” he breathed out, and I could feel soft tickle trails of gut biting sparks as he breathed down my neck. “That’s not why you came,”

And that was all he said, he said no more.

I too chose silence like a coward and I didn’t respond. I just focused on guiding the horse, hoping he couldn’t hear how fast my heart was beating.