1: Stalking And Hellos

Kelly sat alone in a crowded bar thinking of her life. About a month ago she had broken up with Timothy, her long-term boyfriend after being together for four years. They had even begun talking marriage before she caught him buried deep in another woman. Though it hurt, Kelly was more concerned about what to tell her parents. Especially her mother. The woman had been nagging Kelly to find a good man and settle for Lord knows how long. She dreaded having to face her again with yet another failed relationship at twenty-seven. She sighed deeply in defeat, taking a sip of her beer, and thought of her parents. They have had a perfect relationship. At least more than most couples could ever hope for. Married for over forty years and they are still strong and steady.

Kelly was so lost in her thoughts; that she didn't see a stranger stare at her for over an hour. He had spotted her immediately, he entered the bar. She was dressed in a short body-hugging black dress which left her remarkably flawless thighs exposed for his hungry eyes to bask in. He had been following Kelly closely for the past one month, waiting for an opportunity to make his move. There was an air of vulnerability surrounding her tonight, which made him deem it the perfect moment. He pushed his way through the crowd and stood in front of her.

He had rehearsed the words he would say to her like a thousand times in his head but they all evaporated when she raised her head and their gaze held. Words deserted him when he needed them the most. He thought of an ice breaker and ended up spewing out nonsense instead.

"You look like you could use a good company, beautiful." Kelly's eyes raked over his devastatingly handsome face and scoffed.

"No thank you." She grumbled. "Take your good company elsewhere." The man took the seat next to her nonetheless.

"Why even bother sometimes?" She retorted clicking her tongue in displeasure.

"I am Charles," the stranger said instead, stretching his hand for her to shake. 

"You are creeping me out," Kelly confessed, looking around for an empty table so she could switch.

"I am sorry," the supposed Charles said sadly. "I have been trying to gather enough courage to approach you the whole night." He confessed, leaving out the part where he had stalked her to a point of knowing almost everything about her. Kelly felt like an ass for being so curt with him. She shook his hand with a brief apology saying she didn't count on company tonight. The two got on talking and Kelly was surprised at how pleasantly decent Charles was. 

When she wasn't looking, Charles kept stealing glances at her. He knew she was sad and the reason why. So when he asked her for a dance it was his way of trying to get in her good graces. But she declined.  

"Why don't you want to dance with me?" He insisted.

"I don't dance with strangers," Kelly said simply. 

"Come on, it's no big deal." Charles chuckled.  He raised his brows in challenge and Kelly caved. He knew she would the same way he knew she loved dancing.

"Just one song and then I will be out of here." She warned. 

"That is all I ask for," Charles responded, pulling the chair for her and led her to the dance floor. It was crowded but they found a good spot. Kelly began swaying her hips to the beats slowly and in no time she had abandoned her restraints. Charles found himself mesmerized. She was with no doubt the epitome of perfection.

'She is the enemy.' He kept reminding himself. His mission was revenge; Kelly's father had killed his mate and Charles was just a man, or rather an Alpha out for revenge. Charles was determined to make Kelly fall in love with him, before killing her, so that he could rub into to her father's face, that his daughter fell in love with the monsters he hunts for sports.

Unknown to Kelly, she comes from a long line of renowned hunters. Or as Charles calls them, the vile humans who hunt supernaturals. Charles knew Kelly was oblivious to that aspect of her bloodline. Being the only child, it makes sense why her parents kept her in the dark. It's a dangerous life to lead.  Kelly's naivety pleased Charles. He could lure her in fast and get over with it.

His mind was busy formulating all the torture he will put her through before finally ending her life, that he didn't realize the music had stopped. Kelly had to nudge him. After returning to their seats, they kept drinking amidst light banter. Kelly couldn't remember the last time she had enjoyed anyone's company that much. 

When it was time for her to head home, Charles offered to drive her home just to score points. He already knew she would decline because she had a chauffeur and at least two guards who had blended in the crowd for she doesn't appreciate being fawned over.

"I can't accept a ride from someone I have just met." She argued. "Who knows you might be a serial killer." She chuckled lightly. "Or a stalker," she added, making Charles' heart skip a beat. For a second he wondered if he was too transparent for her to figure out he meant her no good. He recovered rather quickly, schooling his features.

"You can never be too careful," he rasped.

"Exactly," Kelly gulped her remaining drink and got on her feet.

"Will you be okay?" He asked with mock concern.

"Yeah, don't worry about me." Kelly shrugged. "It was nice meeting you, Charles."

"The pleasure is all mine, Kelly." He shook her hand before she turned and left. 

*****

When Charles got home, he realized that he could not keep his mind off Kelly. Everything about her called to him. The way she talked, danced, laughed, and even walked. He began worrying that his infatuation with her might get in the way of his revenge. He was sure of one thing though, if they had met in different circumstances, he would have tried wooing her and possibly asking her to be his chosen mate. But presently, she was his chosen object of revenge. To teach the damn hunters a lesson.

********

At work the following day, Kelly felt rejuvenated, excited even. Without a doubt, she attributed her better mood to the mysterious Charles as she called him in her mind. Being a long-time dweller of Jubilee heights, Kelly could bet her last cent that Charles was a new face in town. From his mannerism to his slight accent which is hard to pick unless you are really paying attention. And Kelly paid attention the night before. To every subtle action. That's why she noticed him stealing a glance or two when he thought she wasn't looking. She also could easily swear it wasn't Charles' first time seeing her. She had no other evidence to support her theory but her gut feeling. 

*******

Her day went on without a hitch. Working at a local bank can be quite hectic considering the few numbers of employees to the many town dwellers and the majority being old folks. It's not a job her parents approved. If it were up to Robert and Martha, their daughter would be running their esteemed family business, but since she wasn't an addict or something scandalous in their perspective, they stomached their disapproval. Of course, after voicing it out numerous times and Kelly playing deaf. After leaving work, she changed to her jogging pants as usual ready to stretch her muscles for a bit.