The Hunters moon

Lady In A Blue Dress

Astar

Midway through the drive back, the beast inside me screams. Most likely from the raging sun above draining my power. The moment my territory passes below my feet, I head to where there will be food. At this moment, anyone would do. Luckily for me, the hour when this town truly comes alive is upon me. Meaning the food should come quick and easy.

I park my bike behind the clocktower. Walking up to the old thing, I lean against the bricks, watching, waiting. The sun slowly begins its slow descent below the horizon, casting a heavenly shadow around me. With the sun off my skin, my shoulders are finally able to relax.

To my delight, it isn't long until one takes the bait.

She was walking along with her friend. She whispers something before they strut over to me.

“Hello, stranger.” Her smile is bright when she approaches. One would even have gone with daring. They all look the same after so long. Bright eyes and loose lips.

My smile is open, convincing. “Evening.”

Her red-haired friend peeks up through her lashes. “We were lost and trying to figure out how to get to the galatians' act.”

Flashing a dazzling smile, pointing in the general direction, “Take the main road, then take a left. You’ll see a beautiful blonde in the middle of the road.”

The red head's smile should affect me in some way. I'm sure someone of another taste would call this dazzling. Yet annoyance plucks my brain from her voice. Only plunging pinholes into my already pouding head. “Oh you make it sound so easy. Care to join us?”

Dreadful, this whole thing is dreadful. But I'll need energy if I wish to carry on through the night till tomorrow. “I’d love to, but you see I'm waiting until everyone leaves the clocktower so I can lock up.” Flashing them a devilish smile, the bait is set. “Would you two care to take a look before I close it up for the night?”

Their eyes sparkle. “We’d love to.” The red head answers.

Slowly, they follow me up to the top. You would think someone would have informed these women of dangers that lurk around every corner. Or that some prey instinct would kick in warning them of the horrors to come. But, like the foolish women they are, they trudge up the steps to their demise.

The brunet's neck is the one that I snap first. It’s quick and silent so her friend doesn’t hear. Her scent is the one with the bitter tang. One that doesn't interest my senses, the beast putting his nose up to her. The red head doesn’t appeal to me much more, but it’s better than the brunette’s.

Just as the red head looks out the clock tower window, I grab her, pulling her close to my chest. Her heartbeat pounds so loudly it’s drumming through my ears. She squeals for a moment and pushes against me.

Yet I won’t let go. Instead, my teeth sank deep into her neck. She must be in shock because she didn’t scream. It’s not until thirty seconds later that she starts to kick and scream.

Blood slicks its way down the back of my throat. I drink it eagerly. The more I intake, the lesser my head pounds. It’s a buzzing feeling. I’m sure humans can compare it to getting high. Or at least that’s how it should feel. But as the years roll on, it’s just a means of replenishing my energy, nothing about the kill is fun anymore, even the blood has become dull. Only a few taste the way people once did before all the s**t they eat.

Finally, the kicking stops, the girl goes limp beneath me, dropping. My fingers tear further into her flesh until she is utterly nothing but meat.

Grabbing a fistful of the friend's hair, I drag her close to me before diving into her flesh. Usually this type of gorge would drive me to slumber for three nights. Considering all the power I’ll need if we succeed, this calls for more blood.

The brunette tastes dull, like a wine that’s bitter and dry. Nothing decent about the meal really caught my interest. Truthfully, it doesn’t matter how white your teeth are, how much you spent on your hair, or how good you look. Eventually, they all die and return to the earth that births them. Humans really are nothing special.

Cold stones cut into my back, lazily my head falls back against the bricks. The buzz of blood is still on the tip of my tongue, my senses vibrating with full recharge. I twist my neck until it cracks. My foot stretches out touching the heap of flesh on the floor. I groan loudly. This is the worst part of my appetite. The clean up is always exhausting. Ever since the birth of technology, people have become aware. Disposing of evidence has become difficult within the last couple of years.

Pulling out the piece of junk from my pocket, I ring up one of my mutants.

“What?” He speaks sluggishly. Most likely still resting from the night before. The high within my veins still flows, not wanting to ruin that, I keep my tone light. “Avery, sleep well?”

His senses kick in when my voice rings through. “Lord Astar, forgive me.”

My tongue runs over my teeth cleaning whatever leftover blood remains. “I need your assistance in cleaning up a mess at the clocktower. Preferably before anyone notices.”

“Right away.” There is shuffling on the other end.

“Oh and Avery.”

“Yes?”

I ran a hand through my hair lazily. “Think you can control the lot tonight. I’ll be very busy researching.” I’d much prefer to leave this in the hands of Nero. However, he may be the only other one I can trust to assist me. The only one who doesn’t ask questions that makes my head pound.

“Of-of course!” The joy within his words makes me have some type of hope that tonight will go on swimmingly without me.

“Excellent.” I turn the piece of junk off, shoving it somewhere back in my pocket. I sat still for a couple of more moments before ripping myself off the floor. Stretching, my body cracks my back until the buzz of blood fills all the places. Running a hand through my hair, my eyes cast out on their town. The streets have begun to thin. Good. Avery should be able to dispose of these bodies before then. I step over them, not bothering to spare a glance back.