A Hunter's Keep - #1 of "The Hunter's Series"

Lizzy’s POV

I so felt like sticking my finger up Derik’s nose and scream ‘in your face, sucker’.

Sif was the picture of perfect health. She was just the way a baby her age was supposed to be, and although they didn’t know her birthweight, the nurse claimed that she was fine. Ran a couple of tests and gave her a vaccine.

Sif didn’t even cry – after she was fed, that is. It was like she knew she was safe among her own. I just didn’t share the sentiment. I was among the enemy. And the second they knew, I was dead…

“Your turn,” the doctor said, A kind woman who had introduced her as Doc. So very original, I though and rolled my eyes.

“For what?” I asked, only feeling at ease once Sif was back in my arms. I didn’t like having to leave her, afraid that they use the opportunity and take her. I had a promise to keep and I was ready to die trying…

“I had all my vaccines.”

“It’s for a blood sample,” Doc continued, taking out the equipment. But I smelled a trap!

“Why?”

“Just to get a general picture of what your health looks like,” she continued, putting the needles down again, once she realized, I was only seconds from running out of there. Instead she waved me over to a black scale.

“Step on the scale!” she said, her voice kind, but commanding, leaving no room for arguing. I didn’t like it, but I approached her anyway.

“You can give Sif to me in the meantime.”

And there it was!

“NO!” I exclaimed, jumping away from the woman. Luckily Sif thought the action hilarious and started playing with my hair again. Boy, did I wish I was a child, unaware of all the dangers around.

“I’m not fat---”

“Lizzy,” Doc sighed, her patience running out. “You need to trust some of us sooner or later. We all want what’s best for Sif…”

“I gave her mother a promise,” I this time cut her off. Anger rising in my blood. Why didn’t they understand?!

“Sif isn’t…”

I managed to stop myself before I said more. My heart racing and breathing shallowed. No! No! No! NO!!! They couldn’t know! They were going to hurt her! I just knew it! They hated me just knowing I was human and Sif---! Wh-what had I done…?

“Isn’t want?” Doc said, her body suddenly in front of me. I felt her hand rubbing my back, easing my breathing and stopping my panic attack from escalating. I took a final deep breath and looked to the woman. She had the same look Derik had. Voice soft and soothing. Genuine care…

I swallowed. Tears pricking my eyes and fear gripping my throat. I couldn’t keep this to myself. It was too much. I cried…

“They’re not mates,” I confessed, fear having torn down all my defenses.

“Sif’s father is human.”