My Second Life

Chapter 1

Bree POV

I was hungry. I hadn't had a decent meal in ages. I wanted something to eat, but had no money. My dad had warned me of this-if I ran away before I knew how to drive, I'd starve.

That was the only thing he was right about, and yet I'd still taken off. My mom had gotten out of the house when I was still little. I don't know why she hadn't taken me. Maybe she thought that being stuck with a kid would slow her down as she was getting out.

'Want a burger, kid?' came a voice from somewhere behind me. I turned, seeing a tall, blond guy. He wore sunglasses, but was easily the most beautiful guy I'd seen in a while. I did want a burger, desperately. But if I took him up on it, what would he want in return? And what was I willing to give for a burger?

As I ate, he seemed to be contemplating me. I couldn't tell for sure, because he still wore the sunglasses, despite the fact that it was dark out and we were inside.

After a while, he spoke again.

'You want a new life, kid?'

A new life. That sounded good. I was only barely sixteen and scavenging for food. I had no money. School was no longer on my list of priorities-I was now just trying to survive. I'd had to drop out anyway, since I was homeless. Maybe this new life he was offering me included school. Regular meals and somewhere to sleep.

In all, the second life sounded good.

I considered all this as I finished eating and then agreed to his offer.

We left the diner and got into his car-by now it was even darker, and I didn't see how he could see to drive, as he was still wearing the sunglasses. I stayed quiet, not wanting to say something dumb and have him change his mind about giving me a new life.

Finally, he stopped driving. By now, it was even darker and I couldn't see a thing. How this was supposed to mark the start of a second life, I didn't know. He yanked me roughly out of the car and almost threw me. I could feel a couple of my bones breaking.

I didn't get it. First, he pays for me to have a decent meal, then he offers me a new life, and then he treats me roughly.

We went inside-I now realised there was a house of some sort, although I still couldn't see anything-and were greeted by someone I couldn't see. I strained my eyes to try to see the woman who was talking. She seemed to be able to see me fine, since she was complaining that I was too small.

Who were these people? What was going on? Suddenly all I wanted to do was run, but given how dark it was, I'd probably just trip over my feet and get hurt even worse. Then these people could do whatever it was they intended to do to me.

And what was I too small for?

'I'm so full now that I should be able to stop' said the woman's voice. She was probably an adult, and yet her voice sounded odd. Kind of child-like.

And what did she mean by that? Was I supposed to be dinner for her?

Just then, something sharp sliced into my neck. I screamed, forgetting my fear, as the blade was removed from my neck and something strange began to happen.

It was almost like there was a fire in the room, although by now I knew there wasn't. The heat was increasing, as if I was walking closer to the fire. All of a sudden, I was on fire. Every inch of my body was being burnt, and the pain was agonizing. I wanted it to stop. What were these people doing to me? What did this have to do with a new life? I wanted to find the guy who'd offered me the new life, and tell him I didn't want it anymore. I just wanted the burning to stop, to go away.

After an eternity, the fire slowly started to die. First, it moved from my hands and feet to my arms and legs, blazing through and burning me.

Finally, the fire stopped. I had no idea how long it had been-days? Weeks? Time had really not meant a lot, when I was on fire.

I opened my eyes, and to my surprise, could see everything with perfect clarity. The fact that it was pitch-dark didn't hinder my perfect sight.

My eyes travelled to a guy sitting watching me. He looked vaguely familiar, and I wondered where I'd seen him before. I struggled to remember, and finally called to mind a memory-me, sitting in a diner: him, sitting across from me.

Now I wondered if I'd been blind. This guy was the most beautiful I'd ever seen.

Even with his crimson eyes.

All of a sudden, I began to panic. I didn't know anything about him or what had happened to me. I got up noticing that I could move much more easily, and that the ache in my arm from when the bone had been broken was gone-and walked over to him.

'Where am I? Who are you? What did you do to me?' I demanded, my panic increasing more and more.

Weird. My voice, although raised quite high and almost shrieking, was… musical. Like bells ringing.

He stood, with the same grace I had just now, and folded his arms, waiting for my panic to decrease.

Finally, I'd had enough. My questions weren't being answered, and my throat was still on fire. I thought I should want water, but I didn't.

For some reason, I wanted blood. And I wanted it now.

I snarled at him through my teeth, the sound surprising even me, and kicked the wall. It was only a light kick, but my foot went straight through and all the wall within an eight-inch radius of where I'd kicked it crumpled in.

He seemed to be sizing me up, as he scanned me from head to toe. Was he preparing for a fight or something?

'Before I answer any questions, you should hunt. It will help take the fire out of your throat for now, and ease your thirst for a while. I'll teach you how,' he said this firmly, as if I had no choice in the matter.

What did he mean, hunt? And how did he know my throat was on fire? And thirst? The way he said it, as if it was to be expected after the burning.

'Fine. But once we're done with hunting, I want answers,' I told him.

He agreed quickly, and grabbed my wrist.

'I'll explain to you the rules of hunting as we go,' he said.

We stepped outside and immediately my senses were heightened. I could smell and hear so much.

Whatever had happened during the burning, it had sharpened my senses. That had to be a good thing, right?

How is it so far? I hope you liked it.

If you have any ideas for what you want to see happen, I'd love to hear them. I have a good idea of where I want to take this, but am still open to ideas.

J