Summary
A Life Haunted by the Dark
Highlights
The Weight of Loss
Mary is haunted by the fresh grief of a car accident that killed Davey six months ago. The tragedy left a void she cannot fill, making her current life as a hunter feel increasingly suffocating and painful.
A Chance Encounter
In a rush to submit a late paper, Mary collides with a stranger. Despite the brevity of the meeting, his amused grin and confident demeanor leave a lasting impression that lingers in her thoughts for days.
The Burden of the Hunter
Mary grapples with the duality of her existence. While she understands the necessity of her work, she despises the isolation, the constant lying, and the lack of a normal life. Her deepest desire is to escape the darkness and find safety for herself and her family.
Conflict of Interests
John represents the antithesis of Mary's life. Although her parents would disapprove of him, his warmth and optimism offer a sanctuary from her fears. Yet, Mary remains uncertain if she can ever truly leave behind the knowledge of what lurks in the dark.
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Original text
If the paper's in late she'll have a C instead of an A. Trying not to envision her parents' disappointment, she runs.
If only she could…
But no.
Gone is gone.
The hurt's as fresh as it was six months ago. There's no one to punch. The roads were wet, Davey took the turn too fast in his Ford.
Mary knocks into someone as she bangs out through the main doors.
Sorry, she breathes.
Dark hair, broad build, thick eyebrows rising with amusement. No problem, baby.
Don't call me baby, she shoots back.
Days later she still remembers his grin.
Mary doesn't want to be a hunter forever.
She likes being able to protect herself, she likes knowing how to save people, she's aware that their job is important but she's seen how it messes people up. She's twisted already and she hates it, hates how she can't have any real friends or a normal life because of who her parents are and what she knows. She wants to run far, far away, find a place where she doesn't have to lie to everyone, where the things in the dark can't touch her family.
She just wants to be safe.
John is exactly the kind of boy her parents don't want her to date. Frankly they'd prefer it if she never dated at all or maybe if she dated another hunter or a victim's son, someone who knows, but not someone like John, whose enthusiasm lights up a room.
John will keep her safe, alive, protected. John will distract her with sunshine smiles and long drives in the car he's saving for and sweet kisses until she forgets there was ever anything to be scared of in the dark.
She's just not sure she can ever forget what she knows.