AN: All right… for this one, it might sound a little like Twilight, but do not think for a second that E/C will have an Edward/Bella relationship. Hell no! Because they are not like them and I intend to make it complicated. And let's face it… they're vampires. They can't always have self-control. That was the one thing that bothered me when Bella turned. Read on and please don't forget to review!

Synopsis—Erik takes Christine out hunting for the first time. Christine does something that she never thought she would do…

The Hunt

It was quite fortunate that when Erik found this place it was near a forest. He knew Christine would feel guilty if she hurt another human and he wouldn't subject her to that feeling.

Then again… he didn't know if she would take well from animal blood or not. As for him, the demon wasn't exactly happy at the prospect and hoped its mate would indulge in human blood. But the demon knew this might suit her well and it bottled up its indignation this time.

Erik explained to her about the demon's natural instinct and that listening to it would ensure survival and protection.

"It will either encourage the hunt or tell you to abandon it if it might be dangerous. As much as I loathe it, it has saved my neck too many times to count."

"All right. But I doubt Bambi will turn the tables on me… but I will stay alert," Christine said with a teasing grin. "Then what?"

"The demon likes to chase so make sure you find a prey that will satisfy that desire. Otherwise, the feed won't be as gratifying."

She nodded. So far… it sounded easy. "What's the catch?"

Erik smiled. "With animals… there isn't. You're far more dangerous than them. But I'm warning you, this may not be thrilling."

"I think I'll be okay." Christine rubbed her hands together. "Let's do this. I'm starving!"

Erik smirked and started running. He paused for a second to let her catch up and Christine ended up running past him. Growling, he pushed off after her.

Christine loved that she could run like this. She never felt freer in her life and everything was like seeing the world through new eyes like a newborn.

And in many ways… she was like a newborn.

There were so many scents and sounds that surrounded her, but there was one sound that captured her attention.

Slowing her speed, Christine caught sight of a deer up ahead. She was in awe at seeing one about a hundred feet away and so far… it did not sensed her.

And it did not sense that it was in danger.

Her demon was rejoicing at this meal, but it was a partial rejoice. The demon knew this wasn't going to be a challenge and it felt… disappointed.

Christine shook it away and focused on the task of approaching the deer quietly. Using the trees as a shield, she darted from one to another to keep herself hidden from its sight. When she was about twenty feet away, she could smell the blood and it was not what she expected.

If anything… the deer's blood smelled revolting.

But she couldn't focus on that now. She needed blood and this was how she was going to get that nourishment.

The kill was clean and perfect.

Christine launched herself at the deer, grabbing and using her strength… she broke its neck. As the carcass was now in her hands, Christine bit into the throat and began to drink.

The first pull had her grimacing and she almost wanted to spit it up. The second taste was just as bitter and the smell was so terrible that Christine could feel herself start to gag. But she needed the blood. She had to do this.

She had to.

Swallowing as much as she could, Christine stopped and stood on her feet and looked up at Erik.

He had watched the entire scene and said nothing until she was done. Just with one look, he knew the kill was not satisfying to her.

"I know what you mean now when you said it wouldn't be thrilling," Christine said. "My demon hates deer blood."

"It will take some getting used to," he said. "This was only your first kill."

"Yes… but it wasn't challenging enough." Christine pouted. She wanted her first steps into this new life to be thrilling and so far… it was a bit of a letdown. Erik sensed her disappointment and tried to make it up by taking her deeper into the woods for bigger game.

Instead, she killed a moose, a couple of rabbits, a buck, and even a mountain lion… but none of them satisfied her bloodlust or the demon's hunger. The only thing the demon wanted… whispered was for human blood. While the thought now seemed extremely appealing, Christine didn't want to take a person's life.

In this new form, she still had her old memories and feelings about the murders of those young women. Not to mention her endless arguments with Raoul and Nadir about how she could help Erik control the beast and prevent people from dying. The idea still disgusted her, but with the demon in her ear… Christine was conflicted.

If she killed a human and drank his or her blood… that made her no better than any murderer and if her friends knew…

She didn't want to imagine their horror or what they might do to them.

Her demon understood her concerns, but the voice had no words of comfort:

If they turn against you… then you know what must be done. You need to protect yourself and your mate. At any cost you must protect your livelihood even if it means spilling the blood of those you loved.

Reluctantly, Christine agreed. Her survival and Erik's was all that mattered and if it came down to it… she would do anything to protect the man she loved. Now she understood Erik's predicament and the lengths he took to ensure her protection. She felt ashamed for running off the way she did and for her turning her back on him. If only she didn't let others rule her emotions for him.

But it was all in the past. She was with Erik now and forever. What was done was done and she couldn't continue to feel regret for her past decisions. Yet, her demon did feel some remorse at the thought of hurting her mate.

Not anymore, Christine decided. Those days of hurting Erik are long gone. I know where my loyalties stand and that will never change.

The hunt was not as productive or filling as both had hoped and without words needed to be spoken, Erik took Christine's hand and led her back to the house.

Once they were nestled within the safety of the darkness, Christine gave voice to everything she felt. She told Erik how she understood his motives and his actions and she apologized for condemning him and from denying him as long as she did. The last thing she wanted to do was inflict pain on him and that despite everything that had happened… she loved him and always will.

Now, her love for him as only grown deeper and her admiration and respect has increased tenfold.

She got it now. She finally understood the plights he suffered and she was so sorry for what she done…

Their lovemaking was frantic and fierce… but there was a renewed sense of love between them. They both reached a mutual understanding and when Erik gazed upon her demonic visage with his… it all clicked. Nothing else needed to be said.

The time to put aside their fears and doubts was now. The past was behind them and what they have now was to embrace their future with one another.

xxXXxx

The next night Christine told Erik she was ready to leave. Gathering the little belongings they had, they got into the car and drove off.

Where… neither of them had an exact location in mind.

It was a couple of hours into their drive when Christine rolled down her window and took a deep breath of the night air and her senses were immediately on alert. There was blood out there and her demon growled with automatic need.

Erik smelled it too and gazed over at his love. She nodded her head and he drove the car off to the side of the road, making sure it could not be spotted by others.

Once it was in parked, Christine was out with her head lifted towards the heavens, her nostrils flaring at the sweet aroma. Erik watched her with utter adoration and while his demon was ready to go… they both knew they had to let their mate do it.

Christine stole off into the wooded area, her nose and demon guiding her on the twisted and rocky path. Erik wasn't far off, following but not standing in her way of her thirst. Her demon roared in delight that her mate had so much faith in her and was granting her this gift.

Five miles ahead, Christine was in the right direction and the loud thumping echoed in her ears.

Close… so close.

The hunt was on.

TBC…

Next- The Hunt II—Christine unleashes her demon and finds enjoyment with the chaos.