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Head Hunters
Head Hunters
Head Hunters
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Head Hunters

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This tale follows a music nymph and her friends learning to be themselves and facing the deadly Head Hunters (poachers of supernatural beings). When Angel gets her powers she finds out shes on the endangered species list. Her friends who are were creatures, angels, and witches are being poached as well. Head Hunters want the were creatures pelts and the angels wings and such. How would you feel if people wanted to kill you for a certain body part? Would you be okay if hunters wanted to kill a family member of yours just for a piece of them?
LanguageEnglish
PublisherAuthorHouse
Release dateMay 15, 2015
ISBN9781496971159
Head Hunters
Author

Kaylyn Gabbert

Kaylyn Gabbert started writing at the age of eleven, and thanks to her stepmother and father, she got better each year she continued to write. Her father was the most supportive of her writing once he came to terms with the fact Kaylyn was making up characters’ names for fun and not because she didn’t love her own name. After Kaylyn lost her father at the age of seventeen, she found that writing was a healthy way to cope with loss, and that’s when she wrote Drag Me to Hell. Once Kaylyn finished that book, she thought about conversations she had with her dad about wanting to be an author, so she worked her butt off to publish her first book nationwide. After Kaylyn noticed how good it felt to be a published author, she wanted to work toward becoming a bestselling author in the future. Every day, Kaylyn works toward that goal.

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    Book preview

    Head Hunters - Kaylyn Gabbert

    Chapter One

    I’m going to tell the school I’m a boy, Mitzi announced as we reached our dorm.

    Hon, we’ve been going here forever. They know you’re a girl. I laughed as I slid my messenger bag off my shoulder and dropped it on my bed.

    Nope! I’m a boy!

    I laughed and looked at her disbelieving. And you’ve been hiding it this whole time?! From me?! Um… why would you NOT tell me?! I’m your best friend!

    Well, I had to keep it a secret! I’m sorry!

    There was a knock on our door, and I got it immediately. It was Fang, one of our best friends.

    What’s up? he greeted.

    I smiled letting him in. Not much. Mitzi was just telling me how she’s a boy.

    He looked confused then laughed. What?

    Mitzi looked at us straight faced. It’s true.

    Okay, I said going along with it. So why did you decide now to tell us and the school?

    Have you seen the new skirts?! They’ve gotten shorter since last year! I swear!

    I rolled my eyes and tuned them out as I got my work out of my bag.

    So my name’s Angel, and me and friends go to a private school for the more than human. We’ve been here forever. Or since we were five. See, none of us are human. Mitzi’s an angel, Fang’s a werewolf, and I’m a music nymph. We’re supposed to be learning to control our powers and well, normal human stuff. We have to blend in or some shit. Not my preference but whatever.

    Angel! both my friends called out loudly.

    Huh? What?

    You were right, Mitzi. She was daydreaming as usual.

    Mitzi was smiling triumphantly.

    What were you saying?

    There’s this guy I think you should meet.

    Oh?

    His name’s Stryker. He totally seems like your type.

    I was confused. Did I even have a type?

    I-I have a type?

    Mitzi nodded biting back laughter.

    Just say you’ll meet him.

    I smiled. Okay.

    Fang, Mitzi, and I went out to dinner at a nearby Panda Express. We were in our normal day clothes. I was wearing ripped drawn on jeans from Hot Topic, a loose black top with a purple fairy on it, and a light blue plaid button up shirt that I left open. I was wearing fingerless gloves that were mainly black but on the back had hot pink stripes with animal shaped wristbands and two silver bracelets my dad gave me for strength. I had my golden hair was clipped up, I had two necklaces hanging from my neck; one with a decorative heart-shaped lock on it and a loose fitting chain with spikes on it, and I was wearing athletic looking formal shoes.

    I loved when we were able to wear normal clothes. It showed our individuality.

    We were sitting in a booth, and as all of us were talking and eating I saw this guy for a second and I felt like I really needed to get to know him. He was beautiful. Bleached blond hair. Amazing brown eyes.

    Mitzi caught me staring.

    Oh Angel, you want to meet Stryker? Hey Stryker! Over here! she called before I could answer.

    The beautiful boy walked over and slipped in beside Mitzi.

    Hey.

    I blushed at the sound of his voice. Hey, I’m Angel. Nice to meet you, I said extending a hand toward him.

    I thought I saw him blush, but it disappeared too quickly, if it was an actual blush.

    After dinner, I headed straight back to my dorm. Fang and Mitzi went to hang more. Stryker had some things to do, so he left while we were at the restaurant. I had my music as loud as possible. I was homesick which was kind of odd because my home was less than to be desired.

    My dad was an honorable man, and I loved him. Had no issues with him. His wife, aka my biological mom wasn’t so kind to me. She’d verbally abuse me, and when she could get away with it she’d beat me.

    I lived at my private school, but we were allowed to go home for holidays and such. School was my safe haven, but I hadn’t talked to Dad in a while.

    I felt someone tap my shoulder. I spun around after pulling my bulky headphones around my neck. Stryker was standing there smiling.

    Hey, I greeted smiling back.

    Hey. Heading back to the dorms?

    I nodded.

    Mind if I walk with you?

    Not at all. I smiled at him.

    So what were you thinking about?

    Just about my dad. I was thinking of calling him tonight. I miss him.

    What’s he like?

    He’s an amazing, honorable man, I replied beaming.

    When’s the last time you saw him?

    I started fidgeting with the bracelets my dad had given me as I replied, I saw him about a year and a half ago.

    Why so long ago?

    I kept playing with the bracelets. I-I’m scared t-to go home…

    Why would you be afraid to go home?

    I bit my lip. I-it’s nothing…

    Stryker took hold of my arm causing me to stop. I looked at him, a little shocked. His eyes were full of concern.

    He repeated, Why are you afraid to go home?

    I felt compelled to answer and before I could stop myself I replied, I g-get abused a-at home…

    B-by your dad?

    N-no… My mom.

    What’s your mom do to you?

    I’ll tell you when we’re somewhere private…

    Chapter Two

    I was cuddled in Stryker’s arms half asleep when Mitzi and Fang walked in.

    What’s going on here, Ange? Fang asked.

    I rubbed my eyes sleepily. I couldn’t really wake up though.

    I was just comforting her.

    Why? Twin, what’s wrong?

    I mumbled, It’s nothing… I’m fine…

    Twin sat on in front of Stryker and me. She looked concerned. That’s the last thing I remember before I fell asleep.

    I woke up tucked into my bed. I heard Mitzi at her desk working on something. I sat up sleepily.

    Hey Mitzi, what’s up?

    Just doing homework. What was wrong earlier, Twin?

    Nothing…

    Why won’t you tell me what’s going on?

    It’s nothing. Where’s Stryker? I asked.

    He went back to his room, but he wrote his number down for you. He really wanted to talk to you when you got up. He’s really worried about you. Twin, please tell me why he’s worried about you. He offered to tell me, but I want to hear it from you.

    I just miss my dad…

    Twin, Mitzi said attentively.

    I haven’t seen Dad in a year and a half.

    Why?! You love your dad.

    Mom a-abuses me… e-every time I-I go h-home…

    Mitzi rushed over to me and hugged me tight.

    Why didn’t you tell us?

    I was embarrassed and thought I deserved it. I haven’t told Dad…

    Why Twin?! You shouldn’t get hurt at home especially with how little we actually go home.

    What if it makes things worse?

    It won’t. Your dad will protect you.

    I looked at my phone. I had a half hour till my next class.

    Gotta get ready, Twin.

    She let go and frowned at me.

    As I was on my way to class, I saw Fang. I wanted to apologize for falling asleep on him. He looked really pissed though. I walked over to him.

    Hey Fang?

    He glared at me. Why didn’t you tell me?!

    Tell you what?

    That your mom abuses you? he said in a questioning way.

    I immediately looked down feeling really uncomfortable. W-who told you?

    Stryker did. Angel, look at me. I looked up cautiously, eyes watering. Why’d you tell him before you told me?

    I kept quiet biting my lip nervously and blinking away tears.

    I just want to protect you, Ange.

    I-I was just scared… I-I guess. S-sorry… I-I have to go to cl-class.

    Ange, will you be okay in your class?

    A few tears fell down my face, and Fang pulled me into a hug.

    I-I I mumbled, should be fine.

    You can be a few minutes late. It wouldn’t kill you.

    It took me about fifteen minutes to calm down then Fang walked me to class. Mr. Martin didn’t mind. He took my homework then gave me a study guide. My eyes flickered over it. I knew most of the information on it. I went to my desk as soon as I scanned the study guide.

    While I was filling out the study guide for my upcoming English test Mr. Martin walked over to me.

    Hey Angel, Ms. Clearwater wanted you to stay after class today, so I can see how your powers are coming in, he whispered.

    Ms. Clearwater was the principal.

    I nodded. My powers had barely been coming in and there was talk that if my powers didn’t start coming in soon I’d be kicked out of the school.

    After class everyone but me left.

    Mr. Martin explained, Ms. Clearwater wants to be here for your test since we don’t actually know that much about what Music Nymphs can do.

    There were very few music nymphs that went to this school. For the most part music nymphs wanted to keep to themselves in our hidden world, and no one quite knew why.

    Ms. Clearwater cleared her throat. I turned my attention toward her. She was a plump woman with long straight ebony hair. She was one of the kindest principals in existence.

    Hey M-Ms. Clearwater, I stuttered. I’m r-ready for my test.

    There’s no reason to be scared, Ms. Angel. I’m sure you’ll do fine, she assured. Now do you have your music device on you?

    I nodded.

    I want you to-

    Something caught my eye. Like someone was outside. My eyes flicked over to the dark outside. I swear I saw a woman a little older than me out there watching us.

    Ms. Angel?

    Maybe it was my imagination or another student.

    Yes ma’am?

    Where’s your head at?

    I’m sorry, ma’am. It won’t happen again.

    She looked unsure for a second before speaking again. I want you to plug yourself into your favorite song on that device then I want you to concentrate on the drums, guitar, bass, or vocals; whatever’s your favorite, and I want you to try to attack the whiteboard with it. Do you understand?

    I nodded then I plugged myself into ‘Given Up’ by Linkin Park. In that song, I loved the vocals the best, it was the strongest, but I had to wait till a certain part before I could concentrate on trying to destroy the whiteboard. I waited for two minutes in then opened my mouth to scream like the singer. The attack, if that’s what you can call it, didn’t work. At two minutes thirteen seconds, still didn’t work. But then at two minutes twenty-six seconds I let out a scream like a banshee at the whiteboard. I couldn’t close my jaw until two minutes and forty-four seconds. Then I opened my eyes to see I had blown through about three solid walls.

    I cautiously looked at Ms. Clearwater, scared she’d kick me out for all the damage I had just done.

    She looked at me and smiled. Congrats, Ms. Angel. Your powers have come in.

    Chapter Three

    I had texted Stryker apologizing for falling asleep on him like that before pocketing my phone and turning on ‘Face Down in the Dirt’ by Motley Crue. I was rocking out to it while walking back to my dorm. Then someone wrapped a hand over my mouth and dragged me behind a wall before letting me go.

    A small voice begged, Please don’t scream.

    I blinked a few times before turning off my Zune. I then looked at the woman I thought I had seen earlier. Her hair was flaming red, her eyes were emerald green. She was super skinny, small boobed. She was dressed in all black. Black baggy Tripp pant, a tight fitting cami. She had steel-toed boots and black fingerless gloves on. Honestly, she looked badass if her eyes didn’t show concern and fear blatantly.

    She asked, What’s your name? in the softest voice I’d ever heard.

    That was not the voice I was expecting from her. I’d been expecting a stronger, more confident voice.

    My name’s Angel, and what’s your name?

    I’m Cassandra… Angel, don’t take this the wrong way, but your life’s in danger.

    I raised an eyebrow. Um… how exactly am I supposed to take that?

    I saw your powers. You’re a music nymph.

    I nodded very much confused on how to handle the situation.

    Oh no. They’ll definitely be after you.

    Who?

    Head Hunters…

    And those are…? I prodded leaning against the brick wall behind me.

    Do you know how people kill tigers for their pelt?

    I nodded not liking where this was going.

    And how people kill elephants for their tusks?

    Yes…

    Well there are people who kill angels for their wings, werewolves for their pelts, and music nymphs for their blood… she began to explain.

    I stared at her disbelieving.

    Well… They kill any were-creature for their pelt…

    I opened my mouth to ask a question, but nothing came out.

    Cassandra looked at my expression.

    You’d be one of the ones who are in the most danger though…

    Why would that be?

    Because music nymphs are almost extinct.

    I had to clench my jaws together to keep myself from screaming What?! too loud. Once I could control my volume a bit more I also asked, How?

    The Head Hunters have almost killed them all- us all off.

    I had to concentrate on keeping my voice down before asking, Why would they almost kill music nymphs off?

    Our blood’s pretty powerful. It could basically- Her voice cut off.

    I kept my eyes on her expression as I saw her eyes widen in fear.

    Shit! They’re here! she hissed out.

    Who? The Head Hunters? I asked as my heart rate spiked in fear.

    She held a finger to her ruby red lips as she closed her eyes for a second. After what seemed like an eternity she let out a sigh of relief.

    They can’t come onto the campus. It’s like it’s protected.

    What are you talking about? How’d you know there were enemies nearby? Would you please explain something to me?

    She looked at me. I’m sorry. Is there a place where we could talk that’s not out in the open?

    We could talk at the library. It’s opened all night.

    Where is it?

    Between here and my dorm.

    Okay lead the way, she said before grabbing my hand like she was scared.

    I led her to the library where Mrs. Lee looked at Cassandra and me curiously before looking back down at her book.

    Mrs. Lee was the librarian, and because I was such a bookworm Mrs. Lee and I were like friends as much as staff and students could be at least.

    I led Cassandra to private-ish table in the back of the front room. Cassandra tightened her grip on my hand.

    A-are you okay, Cassandra? I asked.

    No. I’m scared…

    Okay…? Of what? I thought you said we were safe on this campus.

    C-can we sit down, please? she begged looking at me with pleading eyes.

    The way she was looking at me I almost thought I was older than her for a second.

    I nodded and pulled out a chair for her. She collapsed into the chair immediately with my hand still in a vice like grip. I kicked out a chair for me and sat in front of her.

    Okay, Cassandra, what’s going on?

    W-where do I start?

    The beginning would be nice, I offered.

    Cassandra nodded then took a deep breath before starting.

    She told me how she was part of a small family of music nymphs. She had a father, a mother, a little sister, and a little brother. They were a close family, and none of the kids in the family were allowed to go to the private school because music nymphs were endangered. Her mom had taught the kids to look out for other music nymphs. Because Cassandra was the oldest kid her dad had showed her this school then told her the horror story of the Head Hunters.

    Head Hunters were like poachers to the supernatural creatures; killing creatures for their pelt or something else.

    Her father had explained to her how Ms. Clearwater had put a protective barrier around the school to keep the students and everyone at the school safe from danger. None of the students knew though, so her dad told her.

    Recently, the Head Hunters had found out where her family lived, and they had attacked her family. Her dad had went to protect his son, while the mom went to keep Cassandra and her sister safe. They had protected themselves well that night, but after the attack Cassandra’s mom, Taralyn, had told Cassandra it was time to protect other music nymphs. Taralyn had sent Cassandra to protect me in case the Head Hunters had found a way onto the campus.

    She paused to take a breath after explaining how she found me.

    I took an unopened Sunkist Orange soda and handed it to her. She cracked it open and gulped like half of it down easily before placing the bottle on the table.

    Th-thank you.

    I half smiled. No problem. So can I ask a question?

    She nodded as she picked up the soda and downed the rest.

    Why- how did your mom know who I was? I decided to start with.

    Oh, my mom’s friends with your dad. So after the attack my mom was worried about you. She’d called your dad casually and asked him if he’d heard from you, and when he said no she sent me to check on you. She paused then asked, Do you mind if I call my mom to check in?

    I shook my head.

    She called her mom on a blood red cell. Hey Mom… I found Angel… She’s fine. Her powers just kicked in… Are you sure you want that?… Okay… I love you, too, Mom. Bye.

    She hung up then looked up at me. Hey… c-can I st-stay w-with you t-tonight?

    We’re going to have to asked Mitzi, my roommate and best friend, but I’m sure it’ll be alright.

    Chapter Four

    Hey Mitzi, can Cassandra stay the night?

    Mitzi looked confused. Um… is she like another student here?

    Cassandra piped up in her soft voice, N-no… I’m homeschooled. I just ran into Angel.

    Well… Okay, I guess you can stay.

    Mitzi seemed really unsure.

    What’s wrong, Mitzi? I asked as I set up a bed on the floor.

    I just don’t understand why she’s here. Do you trust her, Twin? Mitzi whispered.

    Yeah, I whispered in reply.

    Cassandra, you can sleep on the bed; I’ll sleep on the floor.

    C-can I-I pl-please-?

    I walked over to her.

    What was that?

    She put her mouth near my ear and whispered, Can I sleep n-next t-to you? Pl-please.

    I nodded.

    Is something wrong, Cassandra? Mitzi asked.

    J-just scared.

    Why?

    Can I tell you some other time? I’m exhausted.

    Sure.

    Hey, I’ll be in bed in a few. I have to talk to Mitzi.

    Okay. Cassandra crawled into my bed.

    She seemed frightened. I walked over and tucked her in gently, kissing her forehead on instinct. Cassandra smiled at me sleepily before closing her eyes.

    Mitzi and I walked out turning out the lights behind us. She and I walked out turning out the lights behind us. She and I sat with our backs against the wall by our dorm.

    I pulled my phone out to see I had gotten two messages; one from Stryker and one was from Fang. They were both time stamped an hour and a half ago. Stryker was saying it was okay and he was asking me how I was. Fang was wishing me luck on my test.

    I was about to text them back when I heard, Hey Ange, Mitzi.

    I looked up to see Stryker and Fang walking toward us.

    Mitzi held a finger to her lips.

    As Stryker dropped down beside me he whispered, Why do we have to be quiet?

    Fang added, Why aren’t you guys in your dorm? as he sat down across from us.

    We have an unexpected guest, Mitzi replied, and she wanted to get some sleep.

    Who’s the guest?

    This girl I ran into on my way back from my exam.

    How’d your exam go, Ange?

    I knocked down three solid walls with a banshee scream. I blushed.

    So you get to stay, right Twin?

    Mitzi looked nervous and worried.

    Yeah. I get to stay. It’s official.

    Mitzi pulled me into a tight hug. I’m so glad you passed.

    Congrats, both boys said in unison.

    You were going to get kicked out, Angel?

    Yeah. I wasn’t showing I had any powers, so there was talk I was going to get kicked out. Ms. Clearwater herself confirmed I’m staying though. I grinned hugely.

    Good. So can I ask what you are if it’s not too rude?

    I’m a music nymph, I said smiling at him.

    Isn’t that- Isn’t it rare for music nymphs to go to this school?

    Yeah, Fang explained. There are only two others besides Angel that go here. But they both go home at night.

    Why’s that?

    No one knows.

    Our door creaked open beside us, and Cassandra peeked her head out. She had tears running down her face.

    Cassandra, honey, are you okay? I asked.

    She stepped out, closed the door behind her then sat in my lap scared. I automatically wrapped my arms around her.

    Hon, what’s wrong?

    She whispered in my ear, I had a nightmare that my family was de-dead.

    Did you call them?

    She shook her head against my neck. I smoothed her hair gently.

    Hand me your phone, please.

    She handed me her phone while her face was still buried in my neck. I looked her mom’s number and clicked dial. After a few rings a female picked up.

    Hello? Cassandra? Are you okay?

    Is this Ms. Taralyn? This is Angel, Keith’s daughter.

    Yes, this is. Is Cassandra okay?

    She had a nightmare about the family. Is everyone okay?

    Yes, Everyone is fine. We will visit her tomorrow, I promise. Please take very good care of my daughter.

    Of course, Ms. Taralyn. No problem.

    And please take care of yourself as well.

    Will do.

    Have a good night.

    You too. Sweet dreams.

    Thanks. You too.

    I hung up. Cassandra, your family is completely okay. No reason to worry.

    She wrapped her arms around my neck and fell asleep.

    Guys, I should get her to bed.

    C-can I ask-ask you something?

    I smiled at Stryker as I slipped Cassandra’s phone in my pocket. Sure.

    D-do you want to go on a-a- Are you and her like dating?

    No. Cassandra and I just met. I smiled warmly at him before continuing, What were you going to ask?

    W-would you like to go on a-a date with me?

    I’d like that, I replied grinning and blushing. I’d love to talk to you more, but Cassandra’s exhausted. I’m really sorry.

    It’s fine. Are you sure you can get her into your room?

    I blushed biting my lip. I might need help.

    Stryker scooped her up gently then stood up. Once he adjusted her in his arms he extended a hand to help me up. I took it and easily got up.

    Thanks.

    Stryker and I walked into my dorm.

    Where’s she sleeping?

    In my bed.

    Stryker gently laid Cassandra down on the bed.

    Thanks, I said before I hugged him. He hugged me back then I asked, So when do you want to go on our date?

    Is tomorrow night okay? We stopped hugging.

    Yeah. That’d be great. What time?

    When’s your last class get out?

    I think my last class gets out at six-thirty.

    What class is it?

    I have genetics last.

    I’ll pick you up then.

    Sounds good.

    We hugged once more before Stryker left, and I climbed into bed. As soon as I climbed into bed Cassandra wrapped her arms around me and cuddled close.

    Chapter Five

    Angel, get up. Your dad’s here.

    I stretched as much as I could with Cassandra still cuddled close to me. Then I opened my eyes. I gently removed Cassandra’s arms from me as I sat up.

    I saw my dad standing by the door.

    Hey Dad, I didn’t know you were visiting.

    I thought I’d surprise you. I heard your powers came in last night.

    Yeah. It was really cool.

    I need you to pack your things. You’re moving back home.

    I blinked a few times in confusion. Why Dad?

    It’s too dangerous for you to live here now.

    Mitzi piped up, Why is that?

    Bad people will be after her now.

    Why? Because she has powers?

    Yeah.

    But, Keith, sir, we all are different from the humans. This school keeps us safe though.

    It won’t keep my daughter safe from these monsters though.

    C-can I still come to school here?

    We’ll see. Get your things packed.

    There was a knock on our door as I slipped out of bed. Mitzi answered it, and a family of four entered.

    The woman looked at my dad, Keith, we need to talk.

    Kids, how about you go to your classes, the man suggested. Can you take Cassandra with you, please?

    I gently and quietly said, Hey Cassandra, wake up, we have classes.

    She woke up and sat up. When she saw her family she lept out of bed and hugged them.

    What classes do you want me to attend?

    Just go with Angel for now.

    Yes sir.

    Cassandra looked at me. Is that okay?

    That should be fine. I smiled.

    I dusted off my uniform I had fallen asleep in, slipped into my shoes, grabbed my messenger bag then lightly grabbed Cassandra’s arm. She seemed nervous and once we were out of the dorm she held my hand tight.

    Mitzi walked with us to the cafeteria. We met Stryker and Fang in line to get our breakfast.

    Hey guys, I greeted smiling at them.

    Hi, they said back while picking up their food.

    Guys, we have a problem. Angel’s dad told her she’s moving back home.

    What?! Why?!

    Something about her being in more danger now that her powers have kicked in.

    Cassandra tightened her grip on my hand.

    Why would she be taken away for that?!

    I piped up, Can we quiet down a bit, please? Not everyone needs to know my business.

    I grabbed a piece of chocolate cake for me. I lightly nudged Cassandra and whispered, What do you want? I’ll pay for it.

    She grabbed a plate with two pieces of French toast on it. Is this okay?

    Yeah. That’s fine.

    We paid for our food then we went to sit outside.

    So, Fang prodded, Why would that get Ange taken away?

    Mitzi shrugged then everyone’s but Cassandra’s eyes fell on me.

    Before I had a chance to muster up a reply Cassandra replied, in a voice even softer than her normal voice, I know why.

    All eyes fell to her.

    Fang asked, So why then?

    It’s a looong story. She did a once over look of all of us before starting, Have any of you heard of Head Hunters? Everyone stared at her blankly. "Head Hunters are like the poachers of our world. They like music nymphs the most, and they’ve killed so many that music nymphs are, as oddly as it is to say it, they are an endangered species.

    Angel would have been safe if her powers didn’t kick in so… um… harshly. Her dad’s only concerned for his daughter’s safety.

    So wait a minute. Let me get this straight. You guys think the best way to protect Angel from these Head Hunters is by isolating their target for them? After a pause Fang finished, Yeah. That’s a smart idea. with his voice dripping with sarcasm.

    It’s what kept my family safe, Cassandra stated then after a quick pause she continued, …For a while.

    Twin brought up, What do you mean for a while?

    The Head Hunters recently found out where we lived and tried to take out my family… Luckily, they failed.

    Stryker said, That’s why Angel should stay here. She’d be safer.

    True, I admitted. "I mean in nature the predator would only go for the one they’ve isolated from the herd. So taking me away from here would most likely put me in more danger, if I really was in danger. Honestly, it’s not like anyone has been after me.

    If it was up to me I’d stay since its first safer for me here, and second, I haven’t actually had my life threatened.

    Do you think your dad would hear you out? Stryker asked looking at me.

    Usually, that’s what he does, but- I paused.

    Angel, my dad called.

    I slipped my hand out of Cassandra’s hold and got up. I briskly walked over to him.

    Yeah, Dad? What’s up?

    When do you get out of your last class today?

    I felt my stomach drop. Six-thirty. Why?

    I want you to come straight back to your dorm when your last class lets out.

    Dad, I was going- can I go on my date first, please?

    This is important, Angel. You’ll have to reschedule your date… Wait. Who were you going to go on a date with?

    Stryker, he’s over there.

    You’ll have to reschedule, kiddo. And I’d like to meet him before you go on a date with him.

    Okay Dad.

    Do you have a break between classes today?

    I have one at noon until two-thirty.

    We can talk then, and tell Stryker that I look forward to meeting him.

    I hugged Dad and thanked him.

    Is this your first date? Dad asked returning my hug.

    Yes.

    Would you have told me about it had I not been here?

    Dad and I looked at each other, and Dad raised an eyebrow. Before the date?

    Of course.

    Okay. Go finish your breakfast before class. I’ll see you later, Shortstuff.

    I smiled and ran back to my friends.

    Is everything okay? Stryker asked.

    It should be.

    He smiled at me.

    Dad wants to meet you before our date.

    Of course, Stryker said smiling.

    I couldn’t wait to go on a date with him.

    Chapter Six

    My dad and I went to my favorite spot in the library, top floor at one of the back tables.

    What did you want to talk about, Dad?

    "I wanted you to pack up and move back home because I was worried about you getting attacked by Head Hunters, poachers of our world, but now we have something more important to discuss.

    While you were in your classes your friends Mitzi and Fang came to me saying you get abused at home by your mom. Is this true?

    Ye-yes Dad. It’s tr-true.

    Why didn’t you tell me? Dad asked calmly.

    I-I didn’t t-tell y-you b-because I didn’t want to r-ruin m-my time at the h-house.

    Kiddo, if I knew you were being abused I would have stopped it because that ruined your time at home. Don’t tell me it didn’t because I know it did. You’ve refused to come home for a year and a half. What has your mother done to you?

    Sh-she made me feel worthless a-and sometimes when I-I spoke up a-and t-told her she w-was wrong she’d beat me… I’m s-sorry, Dad.

    Why didn’t you tell me, Angela? The real reason…

    Because I thought I deserved it. And… I started to believe she was right…

    I didn’t notice I was crying until Dad pulled me into a hug. He smoothed my hair and rubbed my back gently.

    She’s not right. You are a wonderful, amazing young woman. You’re a smart, intelligent, caring girl. Your mother was completely wrong.

    I cried for a bit, and Dad just let me cry in his arms until I was cried out.

    Angel, seeing as you have started to believe your mother’s absurd comments toward you I have an assignment for you, Dad said after I was done crying. I looked up at him curiously then he continued, How old are you now? Sixteen? I nodded. I want you to write a sixteen page paper of all your good qualities and why you’re a great friend and amazing daughter. Single-spaced. Sound good?

    Are you serious? I asked scratching my scarred thumb nervously.

    Stop that, Dad warned.

    I quickly stuffed my hand into my jacket pocket.

    When Dad was sure I had stopped scratching my thumb he replied, Yes, I’m serious. I want my daughter to have confidence in herself again. And to make sure you actually do this assignment how about its- it’ll be due in a month.

    I nodded smiling weakly. Okay Dad.

    Now back to me wanting you to move back home…

    I bit my lip.

    Obviously, you wouldn’t want to come home now. I would like you to move back home when your mom moves out because I’m worried that these Head Hunters will be after you. They seem to go after music nymphs more than any other supernatural creature.

    Why’s that, Dad?

    Dad sighed, They found out a music nymph’s blood can make them virtually indestructible, and you know humans… They always want to live forever. Although, music nymph blood does Not make you or humans immortal… Just next to indestructible…

    How does music nymph blood make someone next to indestructible?

    Well because for the most part music nymphs are music addict, so the blood of a music nymph…

    You’re teaching her wrong… a female voice stated from behind me. I knew you’d be telling her false information… Not that it’s your fault, but this is why I wanted to teach your daughter, Keith.

    An older version of Cassandra with bigger boobs dropped in a chair across the table from us. She extended a hand toward me. I’m Taralyn, nice to finally meet you.

    I shook her hand firmly. Nice to meet you, Ms. Taralyn.

    Please call me Taralyn.

    Yes ma’am.

    Tara, I was talking to my daughter in private.

    Fine, fine. Just leave teaching her about music nymphs to me, please, she said as she stood back up.

    I’ll do that.

    Taralyn walked off with her hands in her pockets.

    Dad, c-can I continue living here, please? Even after Mom moves out.

    Why do you want to stay?

    I’d like to stay because I get a great education here, my friends are here, and because even if Head Hunters were after me I’d be safer here.

    How- What makes you say that last part?

    Dad, in nature when a wolf is chasing a herd of elk or whatever they eat they only get to eat the elk that they’ve isolated from the herd… If you get me to move back home that would be like playing into their hand and making it easier to- It’d be easier for them to target and kill me… Or whatever Head Hunters will do. After a pause I added, Plus, I heard this campus is protected.

    I tried to read Dad’s expression as he remained quiet. I couldn’t figure out what he was thinking though.

    You have a good point, kiddo. I’ll let you stay on one condition.

    Yes, Dad?

    I want you to come home more often. I miss you.

    I missed you, too, Dad.

    I want to see you at least once a month even if it’s only for a couple hours.

    I’ll make it work.

    Dad smiled and pulled me into a hug. I mirrored his smile hugging him back.

    Chapter Seven

    Cassandra ran up to me as I left the library. She was grinning, her cheeks a bright of shade of pink.

    Angel! Angel!

    I smiled as she reached me. What’s up?

    I-I Her blush deepened. I-is Fang seeing a-anyone?

    I smiled flashing my crooked teeth, happy she didn’t seem like the scared girl I’d met.

    Nope, not to my knowledge. Why? You like him?

    She nodded as her cheeks grew darker.

    Cute, I commented

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