CLAWS WIDE OPEN

CHAPTER FOUR

The drive to the Airport flew by in a blur as I listened to the soothing rhythm of my favorite playlist and reflected on the past week. Caleb's calls were a distant memory, replaced by excitement for the upcoming celebration.

As I boarded the flight to Portland, Oregon, a sense of relief washed over me. I've been paranoid all week, it felt like I was beign watched. The distance would help clear my head.

The flight attendants' friendly smiles and the hum of the engine soothed my nerves. I settled into my seat, watching New York City give way to clouds.Before long, the plane touched down, and I collected my luggage. Outside, the crisp Pacific Northwest air enveloped me, refreshing my senses.

The drive to my childhood home in Portland's suburbs was filled with nostalgia. Familiar landmarks and streets led me to the cozy house where memories were made.

As I pulled into the driveway, the warm glow of the porch lights welcomed me, casting a golden ambiance over the familiar surroundings. The evening sunlight had begun to fade, casting long shadows across the lawn.

Mom waved enthusiastically from the porch, a warm smile spreading across her face. Dad stood beside her, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Abigail's home!" Mom exclaimed, rushing down the steps to envelop me in a tight hug.

"Happy early birthday, Dad!" I said, hugging him tightly.

Dad chuckled, his voice filled with warmth. "My East Coast artist daughter's home! We've missed you so much."

Mom stepped back, examining me with a critical eye. "You look a little tired, sweetie. Are you getting enough sleep?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "Mom, I'm fine. Just happy to be home."

Dad wrapped his arm around Mom's shoulders. "Let's get your bags inside. You're right on time, dinner is almost ready. I'm making your favorite – spaghetti and meatballs."

As we walked toward the house, the familiar creak of the porch steps and the scent of fresh-baked cookies enveloped me, transporting me back to a simpler time.

Inside, the warm glow of the living room lamps and the soft hum of jazz music playing in the background created a cozy atmosphere. Family photos adorned the walls, chronicling years of laughter and love. Sweet smell of freshly baked cookies and Caleb?

I froze, my eyes fixed on Caleb, who sat in the livingroom, casually flipping through a photo album. The warm glow of the living room lamps and the soft jazz music seemed to mock me, contrasting sharply with the chill spreading through my veins.

"Mom, do you also see a man in our livingroom?" I asked, my voice low and urgent. For the first time in my life I hoped I was actually seeing things.

Mom's smile grew, oblivious to my concern. "Oh, sweetie, couples quarrel all the time in relationships. But you'll sort it out."

My heart sank. How did he find my home? And what did he tell my parents?

She walked over to Caleb and tapped his hand lovingly. "Caleb flew all this way to surprise you and apologize. He's told us everything, dear."

I demanded, my voice trembling "What did he tell you?"

Caleb's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze piercing. "I told them about our little misunderstanding, Abigail. How you overreacted and blocked me."

Mom's expression turned chastising. "Abigail, you should have talked to him instead of ignoring his calls."

I felt a surge of panic. "Mom, you don't understand—"

Caleb interrupted, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "I know I made mistakes, Abigail. But I promise to make it right. For us. I'm so glad I could join your family celebration, dear".

His words sent shivers down my spine. How had he manipulated my parents so easily?

My skin crawled at his endearment. "You're not welcome here get out now or I'm calling the cops," I spat, trying to keep my composure.

His smile grew wider as he strode into the living room, his eyes glinting with triumph. "Oh, but I am. Your parents have graciously invited me into their home... and their lives."

My anger boiled over. "Get out," I growled, my voice trembling.

Caleb's smile faltered, replaced by a cold, calculating gaze. "You should know, Abigail, I don't take well to orders." His voice dripped with menace.

He strolled past me, opening the front door with an air of familiarity. "Let's go for a walk, Abigail. I'd like us to do some... catching up."

The thought of being alone with Caleb, away from my parents' now worried gaze, terrified me.

"I'm not going anywhere with you," I spat, trying to sound braver than I felt.

My parents seemed to catch on that something was off. "Okay, son, maybe you should step out for a bit. Let us talk to her," my dad said, moving in front of Caleb.

Caleb's eyes narrowed, black as polished onyx, framed by a razor-thin ring of silver. The metallic edge sliced through the shadows, casting an unsettling radiance.

A shiver ran down my spine. Something about him wasn't right...wasn't human surely.

His jaw clenched, and his voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "Oh, have it your way then." All pretense dropped, his smile twisted into a snarl. He pulled out a gun.

Whatever fight I had in me died. I don't think I was breathing anymore. My dad immediately pulled my mom behind him who was muttering oh lord...

"You just had to be so stubborn don't you? If I didn't hate you I'd respect that trait. You're are one of us after all."

His gaze pierced mine, eyes blazing with intensity. " See i had it all planned out " he continued with barely contained annoyance. " Be a gentleman meet you, woo you... then get you to kill your mate — well indirectly of course. No one could kill that bastard." A bitter laugh rumbled from his throat.

"But you just had to play hard to get didn't you?!" He shouted, his outburst making my mom cover her ear crying as she mumbled, "The lord is my shepherd....."

His gaze snapped to my mom, his eyes predatory. "Well play times over now I'll tell you what." He moved closer, his voice dripping with malice " I'll kill one of your parent and hold on to the other. Nothing serious just to make sure you'll be good girl and do what I need you to do."

He explains himself with chilling detachment, as if discussing the weather. " I wonder killing your mom or your dad first.... which would drive home more the ' i ain't f*****g around ' message?"

I sobbed, pleading, "Please I'll do it anyway. You don’t have to do this."

" Listen i can work something out for you what do you want?, money ? call an amount and you got it. No need for violence " my dad says trying to reason with him.

Caleb continues ignoring us both, his tone conversation. "I think you love your mom more. Humans almost always do. Beign around them has made you weak. It's ok one week with us and we'd drill your instincts back in. You'd be a fine killing machine in no time."

He scratches the back of his head with the base of his gun. "But....i digress. So yeah, I kill your dad, take your mom hostage. Sounds cool?."

In that moment, my dad suddenly launched himself at Caleb, swinging wildly. His fist connected with Caleb's gun hand, sending the weapon flying across the room.

"Get away from my daughter!" my dad yelled, advancing towards Caleb.

But Caleb simply smiled, producing another gun from his waistband. "Tada! I've got another one."

With a cruel laugh, Caleb punched my dad in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him. My dad doubled over, gasping.

Caleb lunged, grabbing my father by the throat and pressing the gun to his head.

"Please, I'll do anything! Anything..." I begged, sobbing.

"Too late" caleb snarls

My mom's screams echoed through the room, but I couldn't look at her. My eyes were fixed on Caleb's twisted grin.

I couldn't bring myself to look at where my mom was kneeling on the floor in tears.

"Please!" I screamed, begging, my voice hoarse. I closed my eyes as if that could undo the horror unfolding before me.

"Please..." I whispered, a desperate blind prayer to anyone...anything..that could help me.

Suddenly, I sensed the air shift. I opened my eyes, instinctively looking towards the door. A figure stood there, shrouded in shadows.

" No...." Caleb's confident, menacing smile contorted into horror. His grip on my dad's throat faltered, and he took a step back.

"L-lucas."