CHAPTER 5 Hunter’s Moon

"What is Hunter’s Moon?" Cecilia asked Terri as they sat and ate. Terri had said nothing for the remainder of the day, and she didn’t say anything the following morning either.

"Why are you asking me that? You wouldn’t be part of it. You’re pretty," Terri answered.

Cecilia frowned at her response. Terri was indeed pretty. Cecilia didn't understand why she was putting herself down like that. "Well, I don’t think prettiness has anything to do with it," Cecilia responded, "I was selected to be part of it too."

"What!" Terri exclaimed but covered it with a loud cough to keep Donald from coming to check on them. "What?" she repeated as she scooted closer to Cecilia.

"The doctor said because I was a stray that he had to register me for the Hunter’s Moon," Cecilia explained.

"Did he tell you what stage?" Terri asked.

"No. There are stages?"

"Yes, three. The first stage is a showcase of the best pets that a shop offers. They’ll either bid on a pet at that moment or visit the shop the following day. If I had to guess, you’ll probably be in the first stage," Terri explained.

"What happens if they start bidding on me?" Cecilia asked.

"Then, you'd go home with your new owner and we would more than likely never see each other again," Terri replied, "The bidding would happen during stage two."

"Then, I hope there are other people that look better than me," Cecilia said.

"So, there's the second stage. Only 10 pets can be spared from stage three. The pets have to fight for thirty minutes, and whoever manages to get on the safe platform will survive. Those that didn’t get spared stage three. Pets will have to survive the night in a maze of vampires that haven’t had fresh blood in over a year."

"What stage are you in, Terri?" Cecilia asked.

"Stage two…I know I am not going to make it," Terri said solemnly, "Why would they do this to me? I have done everything right. I haven’t rebelled at all. " Terri finally released all the fear and tension she held in and began crying. Cecilia wrapped her arms around Terri and rocked her.

"I took some self-defense classes before. I can teach you what I know," Cecilia said, "How long do we have?"

"Three days," Terri responded.

"Then, I guess we need to get started. Enough crying. We’re going to get through this. Finish eating, and we’re going to practice all night."

Three days passed faster than Cecilia and Terri actually wanted.

Terri hadn’t mastered any of the defense maneuvers, but it was better than nothing. Mother had taken out the pets that were registered for the Hunter’s Moon. Cecilia was scrubbed and cleaned thoroughly before being dressed in a tight bodycon dress. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. While Terri, who had been fed well to build up her strength for the battle she was going into, wore a sports bra and workout pants.

"You two better not embarrass me. I have a lot weighing on us tonight," Mother warned them as she faced them in her limo.

Mother was on the verge of losing her shop. Due to the high demand for more exotic pets, Mother just could not keep up. She had been extremely lucky to have two pets that were female with rare blood types. If she could make a sale off Cecilia or Terri won in stage two, Mother would have enough money to get a better tracker to find the better stock.

"I am glad that you learned your place in the world girl. It would have been a shame to have to take you to a blood bank. Someone as rare as you deserve better," Mother said to Cecilia. Cecilia simply nodded. She still held a grudge toward Mother and swore that somehow, she would get her revenge against the old hag.

Mother had been surprised that Cecilia made it to stage 1 while Terri was in stage 2. Mother had not expected the results for Cecilia or Terri. She had gotten Terri a few months before, so she had no idea how valuable the both of them were. Unfortunately, only one pet could be in stage 1 and Cecilia was just the better option. Having an O+ blood type is always preferable to have an AB blood type, even though AB is also rare.

"Yes, Mother," Terri and Cecilia said in unison.

Mother poured Terri a glass of champagne and handed it to her. "Sweetie, you know you are one of my favorites. If it was any other pet, you would have been chosen for stage 1. It’s all business. I hope you understand. "

Terri said nothing and drank the glass of champagne with a shaky hand. Cecilia gripped Terri’s hand and gave her a supporting smile. They were going to get through the night.

"Ladies, we’re here," Mother said, "Remember, you do your best. If you don’t and you don’t die tonight, I’ll make sure you are before you even get back to the shop."

Cecilia walked in line with the other pets going to stage 1. The music blasted on the speakers. People were outside the stadium tailgating and watching the previous clips of the Hunter’s Moon on a big screen above the entrance doors of the stadium. Cecilia paled at the carnage being played on the screen. She swallowed hard as she tried not to vomit from the images.

At the entrance of the stadium, the security placed a gold clip with a number on it. Cecilia received the number 34, and Terri received the number 67. At that point, they were separated and led to a stage where she stood with fifteen other pets, all dressed nicely as her.

"Welcome everyone to Hunter’s Moon 2210!" The announcer bellowed over the speakers, "We would like to give a warm welcome to Lord Jared and Lady Gale because, without their approval, we would not be here tonight!"

The stadium exploded in cheers that made Cecilia wince in pain. Light shined on her and the pets, and Cecilia directed her eyes downward because the light was too bright.

"We have a fine selection of pets this year, but we have something that would be of everyone’s interest. Pet 34 from Of the Chain Pet Boutique is a rare find." The announcer continued, "This female, albeit older than most, is in top shape and with a blood type of O+."

There were murmurs in the audience, and Cecilia could feel that all eyes were on her. She fought the urge to run because she could feel the predatory gazes of those that wanted to feed off her. Cecilia blocked everything out as she stood firm. She kept a stern expression, hoping that no one would want her because she didn't look scared. She hoped that she looked like she was more trouble than she was worth.

Before she knew it, Cecilia was being led down the hall to a backroom after leaving the stage to await her fate.

There was a man in the hallway watching the pets as they walked by as they were being led away. When Cecilia and the man's eyes locked, she was taken aback by how attractive he was.

The suit he was wearing gave her the impression that he was a high-ranking Vampire. Cecilia felt his fingers glide through Cecilia's hair as she walked past him, and she glanced down and flinched just a little.

Who is he?