Affinity

Chapter 20: First Kill

From Headlight, they drove an hour out into Maine's central forests in the Kennebec and Moose River region. The shade of night hid the beautiful colors of Fall, a sight that had tourists in awe this time of year as if they have never seen trees lose their leaves before. Anastasia has never been particularly entranced by the beauty of nature, but now with her awakening near, she mourned missed opportunities to enjoy all the sun had to offer in its glorious summer days.

By the time they traded an asphalt road for a dirt one, she was regretting not asking to drive separate. The four teenagers traveled out of the city in Jason's burgundy Jeep Wrangler to the thunderous sound of rock music. Nastia rode shotgun since it was her night but was told to not get used to it. Shotgun was reserved for the person who got to DJ the road trip, a coveted position that was decided by rule of dibs.

AJ and Ivy were silent in the backseat. The vampire had to curb her curiosity to turn her head to check if they were still back there. It was a good sign though. All she could smell was the peppermint Chapstick she had just applied and all she could taste was the gum Pam had packed her.

After Jason parked the jeep on the roadside, Nastia followed them through the dark woods guided by a single flashlight. An ominous sensation made her tighten her grip on her new weapon. She felt like she was being watched though the only sound heard was the hooting of an owl and their own footsteps. The evergreens took over the forest canopy overshadowing the unmarked trail. Focusing on AJ's back, she wondered if they figured out her secret. If there was an opportunity to get rid of her, this was certainly it. They all seemed to know where they were going.

Nerves fought with pride and seemed to be winning the battle. She was just starting to feel confident in her training. Was she ready to face one of those things head on? The night of the dance played through her head. She didn't have the time then to feel the fear that had stilled her bones, but the experience was terrifying and reminded her just how weak her body is. The pink scars on her shoulders attested to that.

"How much further?" She asked, her voice came out in a whisper. Only after she spoke did she realize they have been walking through the woods completely silent. Was she supposed to stay quiet?

"Not too far. Tired?" AJ asked in that same flat tone, not bothering to turn to her or slow his steps.

"No."

"Good." His curt response had her biting her lip, though she couldn't collect enough ire to be irritated. She snapped at him for seemingly no reason back at the haunted house. Who could blame him for being fed up with her? If she apologized, would he believe it? Better question: why does she want to?

"Is Ethan meeting us out here?" She asked, hoping AJ would look at her to answer.

Jason answered instead, "Nah. He had other business to take care of. But don't worry. AJ won't let anything happen to you."

If looks could kill, Jason would be twelve feet under from the looks both Ivy and AJ sent his way. Jason merely put his hands behind his head and whistled as an inner warmth clung to Anastasia's face despite the bitter autumn wind.

"Jason, how many thralls have you killed?" She asked bubbly when the thick silence began closing around her.

"Uh... Probably like five. I'm a second string myself. AJ is the impressive one."

"I don't have nearly as many kills as Ivy," AJ admitted.

"You'll surpass me in no time though," Ivy said, admiring AJ's profile with something akin to idolization.

"So, Ivy has been doing this longer," Nastia surmised quietly.

"Yeah, she was already with Ethan when he found us," Jason explained. The few interactions they had together had Nastia conclude that Ethan had a pseudo-familial relationship with Ivy, almost father-like. Maybe Ivy's attitude with Nastia didn't only stem from her fallout with AJ, but also the attention and praise Anastasia garnered from Ethan...