The beginning
742 Words
“Elena…” My hand rested gently on her shoulder, “Are you okay?”
There was a moment of silence, her gaze still on the phone, then a tear splashed on the screen, then another. They fell, flowing like raindrops.
“I’m fine..” she managed to whisper, her voice fragile and gentle. “It’s just that no one has ever… no one in that school has ever looked at me talk more of caring this much.”
Thane growled in me, his raw urge surging through my body and before I could stop myself, my arms wrapped around her, “Come here…”
She melted into my chest, her cries softening against my chest and I squeezed her tighter, ignoring the cashier's awkward cough as I tossed my card onto the counter.
——
The car ride back felt lighter than the last time but it was still quiet with just the hum of the car engine and the air conditioner breaking the silence. I occasionally glanced in Elena's direction then Thane nudged me.
“Tell her,” he demanded, his claws scraping my ribs. I cleared my throat and started,
“There’s this place I go to… in the woods. It's peaceful, private, and nice, a place where you can just enjoy nature and relax. I was thinking we could go together tonight.”
Her fingers tightened around the new phone, “This night?… Travis, I’m not sure. You said it yourself, this town isn’t safe at night” she said frowning, worry twisting her face.
I nodded, keeping my tone reassuring, “Yes, you’re right but you have nothing to worry about, my family owns the land and it’s just at the back of my house, the safest place in town. Don’t worry, I promise you’re safe with me.”
She chewed her lips, her face contorted in thought as silence engulfed us. “Okay…” she finally murmured, “But please hope it won’t take long? I’ll have to tell my parents I’m going to a school party.”
Thane howled in joy, his excitement so overwhelming I lost control of the car for a split second.
“Travis?” Elena snapped.
“I’m fine… Just tired.”
——
Elena’s POV
The drive to Travis’s house was much better than I expected. I was starting to feel comfy around him. After school, he dropped me off at home and came back for me at 9pm.
I shouldn't have agreed but then I thought about it. I needed to embrace an adventure at least once in my life. It was my 18th birthday after all and he seemed like a genuine guy.
Plus, I made sure my parents saw him pick me up as my date for the supposed school party, so they'd know who to look for in case anything goes sideways.
As we arrived at his home, his mansion took my breath away. It was just as luxurious as Jesse's place, the only two fancy houses I have ever stepped into.
As we got in, Travis excused himself and went upstairs only to come back wearing just a singlet and shorts. My throat went dry at the sight of him. His broad arms and well-defined body made it hard for me to not admire him, he reminded me so much about Jesse.
I managed to look away to hide the sudden rush of desire that washed over me but he already noticed. “Why are you dressed like that,” I blurted out, trying to sound casual.
He smiled, walking closer to me. His fingers brushed against my jaw, his charming eyes fiercely on me, “Don't worry about it, come on…”
We went through the back gate into the woods. At first, we laughed and chatted about school gossip, the air carrying our voices as the sounds of crickets and rustling leaves made the woods alive.
But as we got deeper, the trees became taller, their branches reaching up like giant arms and the underbrush became thicker, casting long creepy shadows on the ground.
I began to feel a growing sense of unease, the air became colder and a chill crawled up my spine. Travis looked at me, his face broadening with a large smile that felt primal and eerie, his mouth showing too many teeth.
My heart skipped and I hugged myself, forcing a whisper, “Travis…. Are we there yet?”
- Writer
