Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 185 – A small start.
Pepper's POV, Eight hours later.
Opening my eyes I let out a small yawn and kept my head down against the pillow. Using my right hand I reached up to my head to pull up the orange hair I had dangling over my face. With it coming out of the way I looked over to my left to see my sister laid out on her side of the room. Her hair was far worse then mine however. It looks like it went through a grinder. It was all over the place. Her mouth was slightly agape as her head hung off the edge of the bed. Letting out a small chuckle I sat up and threw my legs over the side of my bed. I slept with most of my clothes on so it was easy to just get up and go. But I still had the mindset to keep my crossguard on me at all time. So reaching over to the nightstand, I picked it up and placed it in the front of my pants. Then slowly I stood up to go to the bathroom. Once I entered I began to fix my hair. Letting out another small sigh I said to myself.
"Still look like shit."
It took a few minutes but I got my hair in place and began to brush my teeth. Zeta remained asleep the whole time. I was expecting her to wake up the second I turned on the water but she was just laying there dead. How much more did she drink last night? I wondered as I finished up and went back over to my bed to grab my hat which I had on top of my bag. Parting my hair under the cap, I got it in place and decided to head out. I still had plans but I needed to check on that old man. See if he got himself into more trouble since I last saw him. I wonder if Irish is up too.
Walking out into the hallway, I slowly paced over to the main room. The fire was lit and in front of it was Blitz. That wolf I really didn't know and as I entered his eyes looked back at me to ask.
"You sleep well?"
Not giving him a glace, I replied while heading for the next hallway which was across the other end of the room.
"Yeah I slept fine. Where is he?"
Blitz knew I wasn't the one to chat up and as I reached the hall he replied.
"Went swimming with Cody."
Leaving his sight I questioned to myself.
"Swimming?"
Part of me was laughing at the idea that he was having a pool party with Irish. But I had no intention of joining them. I just needed to make sure he was safe. I'm not fucking up. Zeta was right about that. I need him. I don't know in what form, but I'm sure I can find something. My contract is not going away though. It can't. There isn't a way out of this. Not with the world after me.
As I reached the pool, I looked in to see Blitz was right. However Cody and him we're both dressed. A little wet but dressed. The pair looked my way as I asked.
"You having fun?"
Raptor didn't even have a smile towards me. His glare was the only thing I had to read. But Cody who was clearly happy replied.
"Just got finished. Believe it or not he didn't know how to swim as of yesterday. Now he's like a pro."
"You teach him?" I then wondered as I stopped next to the fox. Raptor however gave me no thought and I watched as he began to walk a few feet away and towards a bench. His dog Molly was sitting there wagging her tail as Cody replied to me directly.
"Yeah we started yesterday after breakfast."
Keeping my focus on the fox since Raptor was busy ignoring me, I said with an intrigued tone.
"Well great to know if he finds himself in a pool in the middle of the fucking desert he can swim."
Cody lost his happy face to urge.
"You can at least let me have this. What else is there to do? Sit in front of the fire? Have you seen this guy? He doesn't just relax Pepper."
"I know." I replied back as Raptor could be heard from the bench saying to Molly.
"Get down girl."
The dog came down from the bench and to his legs and as he turned to look our way I asked.
"Where you off to next then dumb fuck?"
His face remained the same as I insulted him. I sensed he was not fucking around with me. He was ignoring it and to be honest that was a problem. But keeping his voice strong he replied while stepping between me and Irish.
"Probably just gonna head outside for a bit."
Smiling as he pushed on by I wondered with Cody at my side still.
"You want to take me up on my offer then since your not doing anything important?"
Raptor stopped in his tracks to question.
"Why would I do that? You just gonna be a bitch and treat me like crap the whole fucking time?"
I bit my tongue as Cody saw I took that to heart. I was surprised it hurt as much as it did to be honest. It felt different hearing it from someone that wasn't my sister. Raptor on the other hand looked back at me to finish what he was saying.
"I can hunt on my own just fine. And to be honest I'd rather have Cody watching my back then you."
From my right ear I heard Cody mutter to himself.
"Oh that's rough."
With my eyes locked on the hedgehog I listened as he urged.
"Nah. Go pick on someone else. I have better things to do then listen to your shit. Can't even say my name Pepper. You call me a dumb fuck and thus far I've done not a single fucking thing to deserve that. I got rid of the loose end and even Zeta told you I wasn't the one to hack your laptop. Yet you still act like I'm to blame."
My ears were lowered slightly as I was picking up on the fact that this was real right now. He was talking the truth and you could hear the emotion in his voice as Cody remained where he was next to me.
"I drew a gun on you to get you to stop. I threatened you and we're still at this impasse. I don't know how to get you to ease up and to be honest it's probably not worth it. I'm better off keeping you at a distance and figuring out a way to get your contract closed. With you at my throat I can't focus. So please understand where I am when I say this to you. But can you kindly do us both a favor and stay the fuck away from me."
I widened my eyes as he finished.
"You don't like me. You don't trust me. Your sister has to hold your hand and even when your allowed to be alone you still act like an entitled bitch. Perfect user doesn't make you better then anyone else. In fact all it seems to do is make you more like a kid. You don't know the first thing about me and with how you carry yourself you'll probably remain that way. Cause I don't like you. I already said this once. You want to get to know me? You want to hang out? Do something? Drop your shit at the door and talk to me like a basic human would. Start by showing some respect. Cause like it or not I have to show some to you. And so far it hurts doing it. Come on Cody."
"Yes sir." He replied as I watched him leave my side for his. The dog remained at Raptor's backside as I questioned what just happened.
I just wanted to take him out hunting. Am I really that bad? What the fuck is the problem? He's upset I call him dumb fuck?
Once they were gone I wondered what to do now. Clearly I wasn't getting anywhere with him this way. And part of me wanted to puke thinking he was right about what he said. Zeta said it too. I am a bitch. It's always been a part of me. But Raptor makes it really hard to not act that way. How the fuck do I fix this? Cause for Zeta's sake I want to be at least cool with the guy at some point. But how do you follow after that happens? I had to ask myself as I remained where I was.
Looking to the water I let out a sigh and began to take a chance. Turning for the exit I ran after them. Thankfully they were still in the hallway and before I was even halfway there Raptor stopped to look back. Raising a hand I ordered.
"Hold up!"
Cody had wide and worried eyes as Raptor waited for me to reach them. Once there I started off by saying.
"I know I'm a bitch. Zeta gives me enough shit for how I act. But I mean what I said. I want to go out hunting. Now you don't have to listen to me out there because I know for a fact you must be at least somewhat capable for handling that bear and wolves on your own. All I am asking is if you'll let me go out with you? You need to at least have one of us with you at all times regardless so let's at least do something fun. If it makes you feel any better I'll do my best to chill out. I know what went down between us. I know why it did. And I understand. You don't have to like me, but at least let me watch your back. Okay?"
Raptor just blankly looked to Cody. Cody quickly replied.
"That's not my call Raptor. I'm coming with you regardless. It's up to you if you want a third wheel."
With his eyes going back to me, I listened as Raptor said with a careful and controlled voice.
"You want to watch my back?"
I nodded my head once as he then urged.
"Then do me a favor now and don't question me from this point on. I'll admit when I am wrong and when I'm being a dumb fuck. You don't have to say it for me. All I want from you is to watch my ass and leave me alone out there. Am I clear?"
Nodding again I replied.
"Yeah. Clear."
Raptor took my response very slowly. But after nearly half a minute he ordered.
"Then go get dressed. We'll start early. Just meet me in the main room when your done."
"Okay." I replied as I took my chance to walk off. The whole walk back I was questioning the whole idea now. I try to tone it down and now I might be trapped with this guy for a few hours out in the subzero temperatures. Regardless I guess this was a start. A small start. But none the less it was a start.
As I got back to my room, I looked to find Zeta still asleep. But my eyes widened as I caught her leg outside the blanket she was under. Very gently I knelt down to grab it. Gently I put it back on the bed but the second I did I smelled something on her. It was sweat. Getting a closer look I found she was dry. The room was perfect so I doubt she was sweating here. All I really knew was that she smelled like ass. Getting myself back up I looked towards my bag to grab onto my AK which I had resting on the top of the bag itself. Placing it on my bed, I got dressed in some heavier clothes, including a large insulted blue coat I got from Roman yesterday. I knew it was cold and this was the lifesaver. Once it was on I grabbed back onto my weapon and pulled out one of the clips I had left for it from my harness. Placing the mag right alongside the back right side of my tail using my belt. I locked the mag down and got on a pair of black fingerless gloves and my tactical band which I kept inside my nap sack. Once they were on I got moving for the door. I looked back at my sister one more time before I left to go for the main room.
Raptor was getting on his duster as Cody was waiting by the front door. With Blitz still in his seat by the fireplace he asked.
"You want me to come along?"
Shaking his head Raptor replied.
"Nah just man the fort. We'll be back."
Blitz went back to looking at the fire as Raptor slowly turned his head to see me coming. Once I got before him he asked with that same relaxed tone he had before.
"You ready to go?"
Nodding my head and looking to my tactical band I replied while turning it on.
"Yeah I'm ready. Is Irish coming?"
Looking over to him for a second then back to me Raptor replied.
"Yeah he is. Why? You got a problem with him?"
Widening my eyes slightly I replied while trying to muster a social voice for him to hear.
"No. It's just harder to hunt with a large group."
"Three of us is fine. He's coming. That's final."
I just bit my tongue and accepted that as he turned to start walking. I remained where I was as I heard from behind.
"Braf!"
Looking back I watched as Molly came running through my legs and right up to him. She nudged his leg for a second and together they went through the front door with Cody. Just letting out a sigh I soon found myself out there with them. As I did my part to keep up I soon noticed he didn't have a gun. Or at least a rifle to hunt with. Hope he didn't plan on having the little girl do all the heavy lifting. She's just a puppy. She isn't killing anything bigger then rabbits at her size.
"Where you looking to go Raptor?" Cody soon asked as I caught up and restated the question.
"It's not where you want to go. It's what do you want to hunt?"
Cody and him both stopped to look at me. Sensing I was being looked at weird I added on.
"We can go anywhere. We'll find game regardless of which way. The question is what are you looking to hunt? Smaller game more her size will be towards the base of the mountain due to food being easier to find there. The harder game like wolves will be further up. Might even be able to find a moose. Or an elk. It's a matter preference." I told him as he looked down to Molly.
"Braf! Braf!"
I let off a small smile as he then asked.
"You care which?"
"No." I replied as he nodded and looked to Cody. The fox just laughed and replied back.
"I'm down with just letting her hunt a few more rabbits or something small for a while. We can go further uphill as we go. I'm not looking to fight a bear. Wolves I can handle."
"I don't bet that." I told the kid with a smile as he gave me a wink and urged.
"Try it. It would be fun I'm sure. But let's try not to get any of them to show up. Maybe a deer or something and then we call it. No point in killing more then we can take. A few rabbits and then we go uphill to get us a deer? You cool with that?"
Now our eyes went to Raptor as he looked back up to reply.
"Yeah that sounds like a plan. You want to take the lead Pepper?" Kinda surprised I replied.
"Sure. Let's head out east and make our way down the mountain. Once we get clear of the compound you can have her take the lead if you want. I'm sure she could use the practice." I told him as I looked down to Molly who was doing circles in the snow near his feet. Giving me a nod of his head Raptor replied while turning to head for the gate.
"Well your in charge Pepper. So get us going."
I couldn't tell if he was ordering me to do that. Or if he was just giving me shit. His voice had me feeling slightly confused to it all. But regardless I got my rifle into my arms and began to walk out in front of him. Cody kept himself alongside the old man as I began to trek east.
An hour later.
This was it. Molly was onto something. Up till now she managed to get a rabbit on her own and despite my efforts Raptor was doing his best to keep me from going further too fast. I was ready to get heading up the mountain but he was certain there was a deer or an elk around here. I had no idea how. I couldn't see any tracks. But Molly was sniffing it out as the three of us kept ourselves a few feet back. Raptor was at my side as we stopped all the sudden. Molly was taking her time to find a trail it seemed. And as she sniffed through the snow and crumpled leaves I reached up to take off my hat. Raptor looked to me as I ran my hand my hair. I had my eyes shut as I felt plenty of my fur shedding off by the touch. Zeta was right. I was shedding again. Shaking my head and my hand off, I let out a sigh and went to put back on my hat. Raptor who was curious to say the least asked all the sudden.
"Rough winter for ya?"
I was doing my best to keep calm and relaxed with him. So just slowly looking to my side and into his eyes I replied.
"I've been shedding like this since I was a kid. It got worse with age, but recently I've been losing a lot."
"Allergy?" He then asked as I shook my head to reply.
"I just have sensitive skin."
"Why not cut your hair then?" Cody butted in to wonder as I looked over to Irish. Raptor was waiting for the answer as well as I kept myself calm and replied while looking back at Molly who began to walk after her trail.
"I don't have time for that. It would take a while and it's not just my head okay?"
With the guys at my back Raptor urged.
"You're in the safest place right now. No one is coming for you. No one is coming for us. Not till we're ready for them. You should make the time. You have a lot of it now."
"Yeah I guess." I replied as Molly soon went off running.
"Braf! Braf!"
The three of us widened our eyes as she began to bolt off. Turning my legs into a jog I shouted.
"Heel Molly!"
Raptor kept his mouth shut as I led the charge after her. Soon she came to a stop at the top of a small ridge. Getting behind her I knelt down to place my hand on the back of her neck. Looking forward in the direction she was focus in on I ordered the pup.
"Don't run off like that. Take your time."
"She's a puppy Pepper. She'll learn." Cody assured me as I kept a look out to reply.
"Not without proper training Irish. Just let me handle this."
"You see anything?" Raptor asked as I took a moment to focus up.
It soon became clear the old man was right. There really was an elk down here. About three hundred yards out and three times the size of us out together. Pointing at it I replied.
"You were right. Elk right over there."
Cody got down to get a good look as I reached for my gun.
"Look at the size of that thing. Those antlers gotta weigh more then me."
Nodding I replied.
"It weighs more then the three of us put together. It'll take a few good shots to put it down. But if we can get close enough for me to line up a neck shot it's over. What you thinking?" Directing that to Raptor I got back with an almost concerned voice.
"It dangerous?"
Looking back to him I replied.
"If put in a corner. But not in the open like this. So what? We doing this?"
Nodding Raptor knelt down next to me to place his hand over top of mine which held Molly in place. I moved my hand of course and looked to him in confusion as he spoke to her.
"Listen baby. We're going to work together to take this thing down. I need you to be good for this. You hear me?"
Molly looked right up to him as the words left his mouth. They stared at each other as I questioned what he was even doing. Fuck the dog. We can track this thing from here. She'll just get in the way. But I kept my mouth shut along with Cody as he ordered her.
"Get as close as you can, but don't alert it. Keep low to the ground and quiet."
"Braf." She replied as he then looked to me and Cody.
"Cody you go left and do the same thing. Keep quiet. Pepper and I will follow Molly in and when we're close I'll have her draw attention. Hopefully a good shot will take it down, but just in case it doesn't and it runs we'll have it's right flanked forcing it to go your way. If that happens you finish the job. Got it?"
"Yes sir." Cody replied as I questioned before heading out behind the dog.
"If that thing runs Raptor and gets by Cody we'll have to run after it. Otherwise we risk losing it in this...?" Widening my eyes I looked up as snow began to rain down. In confusion I asked out loud.
"What the fuck?"
"Weather is picking up. Let's do this now and get back." Urged Raptor as I refocused and waited till he released Molly to get moving. Molly did just what he told her to do. She was keeping low and quiet. The three of soon broke off and with Cody heading left I was now alone with Raptor who ordered quietly.
"Hold you fire till I'm ready."
Keeping calm as snow began to flood the forest I replied while crouching near a tree with him at my six.
"Relax. I'm not going to fuck this up."
Raptor went silent as we soon found ourselves maybe a hundred yards out from the elk who was just walking around and collecting food for itself. Taking place behind another tree I got my rifle in my arms and began to take aim. At this point Raptor looked to Molly to order quietly.
"All you Molly. Get it's attention."
The dog was a good listener cause soon she began to slowly walk towards it. Raptor kept behind me as I asked.
"You ready old man?"
Nodding he replied while reaching under his cloak to pull out a glock which had a suppressor on it's end.
"I'm ready. Let's get this done before I freeze to death."
"Agreed." I said back with a small smile as we began to watch Molly near the halfway point near the elk which had no clue what was about to happen.
As things were getting close Raptor and I both panicked when we heard a loud screech echo across the mountain. With my sights still on the elk I jumped when it took that noise as a clue to get running. With Molly figureing out what was happening on her own in record time she shouted.
"Braf! Braf! Braf!"
With Raptor's focus going back to Molly. The two of us panicked once more as she ran right at it.
"Molly!" Raptor shouted as I pulled the trigger the second it went to move.
"Toof!"
Lowering my gun I felt my heart sink when it managed to turn out of the bullet's path and start it's escape in Cody's direction. However the worse was yet to come as Molly continued after it.
With Raptor and I both standing up we began our chase after them. And the second we started to run we heard Cody fire off a couple of rounds. But when we got to him both Molly and the elk were already heading west. Blood was on the snow and with Cody running to us he shouted.
"I got in a few times in the back leg! It's not going far and it's leaving a trail! Let's go!"
I couldn't agree more as Raptor began to run off after them.
mT Shadow.