Chapter 4: Feed
My mother and I sit on the bleachers at the edge of a baseball diamond. Our posture is similar, leaning back on the seats behind us, each of us having our senses expand as far as possible in this peaceful park. We are about 10 miles from home, driving here within approximately 12 minutes. Elliot wanted to accompany us-he has always been fascinated and curious about this particular aspect of our nature-but he gives in after a quick explanation from my mother. I am still young, she says, and she needs to focus on me getting my fill. Eli changed his mind the minute he thought he would jeopardize my health and decided to do his homework and read some until we returned.
My face is raised to the sky, eyes closed, drinking in the sounds of nature around me. My mother is watching the people around us, working to pick out the appropriate target. I let my hearing travel. I hear splashing in the nearby brook, a hiker and his dog making for a long journey through the woods. I hear a mother on her cell phone, watching her children from a distance as they play on the playground.
"Northeast, about thirty five yards away," my mother murmurs. I open one eye and see hers still closed. I close my eyes again and follow her instructions. I hear the clink of metal, the low treading of a bike in the dusty road. A man, about 210 pounds it seems, from the amount of weight he presses into the ground with each step. He's a cyclist, from the sound of him. My stomach aches internally and I let out a soft moan before I can stop myself.
"Shhh, I know," my mother hushes me. We both rise from our positions at the same time. We casually get on the foot path that leads into the woods. Within moments, we catch sight of our prey. He's tall, with brown hair cropped short. He is very muscular in his legs, definitely a cyclist. Maybe even a triathlete. I move toward him and I hear my mother stay back in the shadows. I do not try to hide my presence and, when he catches sight of me, he smiles warmly. He's a nice boy, from what I can tell from the essence of his mind that I catch, 19 years old, geology major, honors student…..
"Hey there," he says. I smile, the gesture friendly and innocent.
"Hi," I reply, keeping my voice at a normal, 14-year-old girl level.
"You look lost," he says. I already like him. Most boys call me 'sugar' or 'sweetheart' after I say one word. Sometimes I don't need to say anything; boys and men often gawk at me, and my mother too. I intend on keeping this boy alive though, unless he tries to scream, of course.
"I am, I'm embarrassed to admit," I say, sounding sheepish, while looking along the path to sense any one coming our way. No one, good.
"My name's Kevin, what's yours?" He asks, putting his hand out.
"Ariana." I say, shaking his hand. He likes me, I can tell from his relaxed yet elated composure.
"Do you need any assistance, Ariana?" Kevin asks. I begin to like him even more; yes, I will definitely not kill him, I decide. I gesture down the path where I came from.
"I was on my way to a friend's house, but I got lost." I say.
"I can help you. I know this area well. Where does your friend live?" Kevin asks. His concern is genuine. I gesture back toward where I came.
"I have her address in my car. I can go get it," I offer.
"It's okay; I'll come with you," Kevin assures me. My smile is alluring but friendly as we begin to walk back up the trail, him leaving his bike behind. People like Kevin, with his demeanor, often make me second-guess what I am about to do. But, unfortunately, it is not something I can control. Kevin goes to ask me another question when I push him into the woods. My actions are too quick for a human to follow, if any had seen it, which none had. My mother grasps Kevin by his neck, clamping a hand down over his mouth, keeping him from screaming. We are all crouched down in the underbrush; well, my mother and I are crouching while Kevin is sitting on the ground with my mother behind him. His eyes are wide.
"If we let you speak, will you scream? You will die if you scream," I say. Kevin's eyes widen but he shakes his head frantically. My mother looks at me for affirmation and I nod my head, sure Kevin won't scream if he allow him breath. She removes her hand from his mouth but keeps her fingers at the collar of his shirt.
"Who are you?" He gasps. I smile wryly.
"It's not who, as much as what," I tell him. His jugular is pounding in his neck and I find myself staring at it longingly. But I force myself to focus.
"We will not hurt you if you listen to us. You are a nice boy, and we do not wish you any harm," I say. Kevin is still scared but also confused. His heart pounds and the blood in his veins rushes beneath his comparatively delicate skin. I lean closer, allowing my gaze more freedom, but nowhere near enough to do unwanted damage.
"After we are done with you, you will go out back to your bike and continue on your way. Should anyone see you come from the woods, say you saw a beautiful bird and wanted a better look. You will not remember either of us; You do not know either of us. My name is not Ariana and you never met me. Understand?"
Like a robot, Kevin nods. I ask him to repeat what I just told him and he does perfectly. His manner tells me he will not suffer from this amount of control on his mind. Without wasting any more time, I lean over him. My mother holds Kevin's neck back, baring it toward me.
My lips graze his throat.
I bite, moaning as the red liquid gushes into my mouth.
I drink deeply.
Hey everyone! Another chapter for you guys! :)
There isn't much action going on for this story, which makes me sad! Hopefully it will pick up soon!
Most likely, there will be another chapter tomorrow!
I love reviews, especially long ones!
~Melinda :)
