Chapter 3

But first, I need a drink. Like, now. Do you want to hunt with me?" I turn to Luka, my voice edged with impatience. It hasn't been long since our last hunt, just a few days, but after today, my gums ache and my throat feels like it's on fire. The tension builds within me, a constant reminder of how close I am to losing control.

Luka arches an eyebrow, the familiar mischievous glint in his amber eyes. "It's barely dawn, so we'll need to be a bit creative, but you know I'm always up for a bite." He pauses, his gaze shifting to the ground as if he could see through it to the others on the downstairs floor. "Let me see if anyone else wants to join us."

I nod, my gaze lingering on him as he heads toward the bedroom he shares with Mags. Theirs is a love that's lasted decades—almost a century, in fact. Mags, with her easy confidence and timeless beauty, is the perfect match for Luka, a match that only makes my bitterness grow. But I push it down, knowing I don't have time to indulge in self-pity right now.

Margaret May Winters, or just Mags as we all call her, is as solid as Luka himself. They met in 1911 during King George V's coronation, an event that drew vampires from all over the world to London. The coronation was the perfect excuse for vampires to gather, hunt, and blend into the crowd—an opportunity for us to indulge in our nature without drawing too much attention. The ease of blending in with the chaos of so many humans made it the perfect hunting ground. Mags and Luka met that night, and their mate bond was instant.

I walk down the hall, passing Atticus's study. The door is slightly ajar, and I hear the faint scratching of his pen on paper as he works on something, likely the plans for my next move. The tension in the house is thick, everyone sensing the storm brewing within me. I can't dwell on that now, I need to focus on the hunt.

I head toward my room, intent on changing quickly. The sweatpants and sports bra I've been lounging in won't cut it for what we're about to do.

I barely glance in the mirror as I rip a black tank top from the hanger and slip it on, followed by sleek latex pants that cling to my hips and thighs. The top barely covers my waist, leaving my belly button ring exposed. I pull my long brown hair into a tight ponytail and yank out the stray bangs that frame my face.

Downstairs, I hear Luka and Atticus discussing our hunt. I know they're talking about me, their hushed tones a mix of concern and caution.

It sounds like everyone is joining in, likely for emotional support—and to make sure I don't go too far this time. I know I'm teetering on the edge, the bloodlust a constant undercurrent to my thoughts.

As I finish getting ready, I turn my attention to the back corner of my closet, the place I avoid—the place that holds the heavy, dusty safe. The safe that's held every painful memory of Forks, every broken moment that has haunted me for decades.

I cross the room slowly, my hand trembling slightly as I slide the clothes aside to reveal the safe. It's small, unassuming, but to me, it feels like the weight of the world. The safe has been with me for years, and Luka always ensures that it's packed with us wherever we go. I've never had the courage to open it.

My heart aches with the memories. Forks. The Cullens. That night. The things I'd rather forget.

My vision blurs, and for a moment, it feels as if blood boils under my skin. My fangs ache, my eyes stinging with venom, but I fight it down. I don't have the luxury of breaking right now.

Before I can retreat further into my thoughts, Luka's voice breaks through the silence.

"Clara, you almost rea—"

I whip around to find him standing in the doorway, eyes wide with surprise.

This is the second time I've caught him gaping at me today.

The sight of him always manages to pull me back to reality. I quickly set the safe down and cover it with the clothes, hiding it away once again.

Turning toward him, I force a smile, more for him than for myself. "So ready. Let's go."

Luka doesn't push, just nods and grabs my hand, his strong fingers a comfort in the chaos of my mind. "Come on, sis. We have people to kill."

We make our way downstairs. Atticus and his mate, Anne, are already waiting for us at the bottom. Anne watches me with those soft, sympathetic eyes, and though I hate the pity, I can't bring myself to shrug it off completely. I offer her a tight, hollow smile. It's the best I can do.

Anne isn't one for emotional discussions, and I'm grateful for that. When it comes to the Cullens, Luka is my only outlet. I don't want to talk about them with anyone else.

Thankfully, no one brings it up.

I glance over the group as we head for the door. Atticus, ever the picture of a brooding, mysterious vampire, wears his usual black jeans, a white T-shirt, and his signature black leather jacket. It's the perfect look for someone whose reputation thrives on intimidation.

Anne is dressed similarly—black leather pants, a white tank top, and a black leather jacket. Her long black curls cascade down her back in waves, her beauty undeniable. She's a force, but she's also quiet, content to observe.

Luka and Mags are no different today, both in their usual hunting attire—dark, flexible clothing that allows them to move freely. Mags, always the practical one, wears a tight black jacket and boots, ready for anything.

We don't need to blend in anymore. When hunting in a group this large, blending in becomes impossible, no matter how we dress. It's just the nature of our kind. But that doesn't matter.

We don't waste any time, and we all file out of the house. Outside, the air is cool and crisp, the dawn still breaking. There's a slight chill in the air, the kind that will soon burn off as the sun climbs higher, but right now, it feels like it could freeze us in place.

Luka's eyes scan the surroundings, calculating. "Where are we going?"

I don't have an answer right away. A quiet tension hangs in the air, a reminder that this hunt is as much about something deeper than blood—it's a release. A chance to regain control.

I glance around, taking in the empty street, the peaceful stillness that only adds to the rising tension inside me. "We'll go into town," I say quietly, my voice flat. "Find some stragglers. People who won't be missed. The darker parts of the city, the places people disappear."

Anne nods. "No one will suspect anything."

I glance at her, but there's an energy in the air that doesn't need words. We've done this before. Too many times to count. We hunt, we feed, we disappear, leaving nothing but the faintest trail behind.

And this time, it's not just about survival. It's about something more.

"We'll make it quick," Luka says, breaking the silence. "We'll leave no trace."

I nod. "No trace."

With that, we head into the heart of the city, our footsteps silent but purposeful. The hunt is on.

~~

Author's Note:

Yes these are traditional vampires! How are you guys liking it so far?

~madel