Hunted

by R.J. Byrd

I hid behind a tree to catch my breath. My lungs were burning, my whole body felt like it was on fire. My legs gave out, and I hit the cold ground. I knew I couldn’t stay here long. He wasn’t far behind. I’d rather die than let that bastard catch me and put me back in his basement. Gathering my strength, I pulled myself up and glanced around the tree. I didn’t see him. I ran, making my way toward the forest.

I was in the middle of nowhere. This place seemed devoid of human life, which I’m sure was on purpose. I had to keep running until I found someone. I had no idea where I was going; I just needed to get as far away from that man as possible.

I could feel all the cuts and bruises on my body protest as I scrambled through the forest. He caught me as I was escaping, and I almost didn’t get away. I waited until dark and tried to get out through the window. I narrowly escaped.

I’ve been running for hours. I’m so hungry; I’m not sure how long I was trapped. I can feel my body getting weaker by the minute.

My ears caught a loud rustling behind me, and I ducked behind another tree. A second later, he emerged. My captor.

“Where the hell did she go?” he muttered as he continued to walk toward my hiding spot. My body tensed up. Could I fight him off a second time? How much longer could I keep running? I knew for a fact he was armed. I quietly moved around the tree as he got closer, staying out of sight. I needed the element of surprise. It was the only way I could win. Fear gripped me, but I had to push it aside.

I waited for him to keep walking deeper into the forest. I gathered my strength. I glanced around the tree. He was a good ten feet away. Was it enough? I took a deep, fortifying breath and tensed my muscles. I launched myself at him, using all my reserved strength.

He started to turn around, but it was too late; I had already grabbed him. He cried out and began to thrash, trying to get me off his back. I had to act fast. I used one hand to pull his head to the side then I sank my teeth into his neck.

My fangs pierced deeply. That first pull of fresh blood into my body was sublime. I continued to drink long pulls of his delicious blood. I relished my captor’s screams as he tried to throw me off.

As his strength faded, mine grew stronger. I kept drinking as he fell to the ground. I sensed the second his heart stopped. He was dead. Good. I stood up and wiped my mouth on my sleeve. He had tried to use his weapons while I was feeding, but it didn’t work. I pulled the wooden stake out of his right hand and tossed it away. I didn’t dare touch the crucifix in his left.

These vampire hunters were getting to be a real problem. Since I was feeling stronger, I let my body contort and transform. Soon, I was flying up into the night sky, ready to find my way home.

The End

Happy Halloween!

Copyright 2024 R.J. Byrd All Rights Reserved