Valentine

Chapter Four - Orion

Cries of terror have always been an exciting thrill to me. I attribute this to my predatory nature. Like a lion hunting a gazelle, I feed off the fear before the feast. The man’s screeching came from inside the car where, had I not interjected, the young lady will have faced a torturous fate. I’d been chasing them since the diner. His rent-a-car stood no chance against my speed.

“He’s going to rob us. Let’s get out of here.” I heard him say.

“Let me out.” The young girl replied. He pulled himself off of her, getting behind the steering wheel again and for a moment I considered letting them drive. Chasing him down for another fright seemed a far more fitting punishment. Alas, that would prove pointless and it would be endangering a young miss, who did not need to face the eternal sting of death so soon.

Walking from the passenger side window, I moved in front of the car. The engine came to life but even when revving it didn’t sound more aggressive than a lawnmower eating away at overgrown grass.

Another conversation took place within the car but I paid no attention, pulling my coat open, exposing a belt with my weapons attached. Behind, two guns in their holsters, on either hip two blades; a bowie knife on the right and a kopis on the left. Both were sharp, long and thicker than most blades, designed solely for quick and easily killing. Pulling both from their sheaths, I brought them down onto the hood of the car just as it began moving. The harsh clang of metal on metal was followed by the death of the engine.

Who was more scared now, the man or his easy target? The blonde girl broke free of her bonds, exiting the car as fast as she could. It was the first time I could get a good look at her, and even in the dark of the night, I could tell she was beautiful. Her face distorted by fear and the shadows only enhanced what could have been a very pretty girl. I would deal with her shortly, for now, I left her to run off down the road.

The driver door swung open at my nearing. The man stepped from the car, "What are you doing, man?" He shouted, terror, gripping his words.

“I do believe it is me who is to ask the questions.” Running a hand over my brow, I felt a droplet of sweat. It had been a good few years since my last hunt. The body grows lazy in the time taken between one hunt and the next, so it’s not surprising that beads of sweat formed. The coat was no help either. On my venture to the secluded town, I was not aware of the scorching heat, but I’d packed for the same temperate conditions of my own home and thought the evening air would be cool. Worst of all, the coat was a must. Without it, concealing my weapons would be an impossibility. In the years of my youth, it may have been acceptable, but not in today’s society; with the fear weapons instil.

I find it pathetic.

“What do you mean man? She was totally into it.” He lied without conviction.

"Run now, little piggy," I said.

"Thanks, man. You're doing the right thing." He backed up as I neared, turning to run while he spoke. He must have thought he was free.

Stumbling one last time, he took off without further hesitation. I let him run, watching his movements, the frightened, stifled steps he took leading down an open dirt path. I reclaimed my blades, slotting them into their respective sheaths, waited another minute, then gave chase.

I caught up with him in seconds with no difficulty. Perhaps the young girl would be harder to find since she had longer to make headway.

Stopping in front of the man, I extended a flat hand that he connected with, sending him to the ground.

“You’re no fun at all.” I cleared my throat.

“What do you mean?” He asked.

“Be quiet now and face your death like a man.”

Sobbing, begging and pleading for his life all followed but there was nothing that would save him. I cupped his face in my hand, his eyes looking towards the claws that formed fingers.

“Monster.” He shouted, looking up to meet my gaze, which was replaced by two glowing red orbs, long jagged canines that sat in my wicked grin, the chuckle turning into a deep laughter.

I dropped on top of him, tearing his jugular vein open with my teeth, draining him of his blood.