The Bitten

The Small Town Of Wood-Pine

For hundreds of years, the seniors from the small town of Wood-pine celebrated the end of their schooling with a massive bonfire. Starting from 8pm, The soon to be job hunters, would gather near the outskirts of the pines to drink and participate in the smoking of cigarette's and weed with their fellow classmates. Mushrooms, beer pong and acid were among the delicacies they indulged in. Music played from the car stereos parked around their location. The tune echoed out the open doors into the night, the wind carrying it in every direction and surrounding them making the volume appear louder.
A Girl known as Accalia, was searching for her best friend Freya. Walking towards the large pile of sticks and logs, waiting to be ignited, she heard the struck of a match before the flames leaped up at once and the bonfire began to smoke, roar and crackle, the brightness blinding her for a moment. Stepping blind, her body came into contact with another as she bumped into them. She apologised immediately, Lifting her head, she was met with piercing, light hazel eyes. They were situated perfectly centre on his oval shaped head. Taking a breath as their eyes were still locked, his scent carried to her. He smelled of pine trees and the bonfire, his scent also mixed with a softer scent of soap. The male travelled his gaze down on her before bringing it back up to her face, he then walked away without saying a word.
Continuing on her search, Accalia took in the sight of an odd woman. She was standing close to the fire, arms extended with hands open, mumbling under her breath as she swayed with the flames, with eyes closed. She couldn't help but stare, was this woman on acid? No one acted like this normally right? Breaking her sight away, she paused, scanning the faces of the graduated. Finally, she spotted Freya. She was sitting next to Finn on the other side of the bonfire atop the bonnet of his bulky, black ford Ute. As her friend noticed her, she waved for Accalia to come and join them with a giant smile.
Freya had been crushing on Finn for as long as she could remember. There wasn't a time she could think back to where Freya had liked anyone else. When she was a little girl, Finn and his family had moved to the town, two houses down from hers. It was love at first sight for her and as they grew and developed, her lust for him only became stronger. Accalia didn't understand what her friend saw in him that was so attractive. He was a real jerk at times, he always seemed angry and ready to fight. His appearance wasn't nothing flashy either. Dark brown deep-set eyes that made him look a little fierce on his tan, oval shaped face. A Greek nose above his big mouth and bushy black eyebrows, one with a piercing, that colour matched his wild messy hair. Accalia often wondered if he ever brushed that unkept fuzz atop his head but assumed he didn't as she always seen it pointing in different directions, un-styled. A large, black inked crescent moon was tattooed on the left side of his neck, the top sticking out above the folded collar of his blue shirt.
"You finally made it" Freya greeted her with a hug. "Was starting to think you weren't going to show". She sat back upon the bonnet. Feeling something cold touch her arm, Accalia turned to see Fin holding out a beer. He raised his eyebrows at her before tilting back his head and letting the remainder of liquid inside his bottle fill his mouth. With his cheeks bulged, he swallowed it before saying ahh. Finn then proceeded to use the sleeve of his shirt to wipe his mouth clean of any escaped wetness. Sliding down to his feet, he winked at Freya before leaving.
"Have I done something?" she asked once he was out of ear shot, a little offended he left now she had arrived.
"Don't be silly A, you know how he is, besides we were low on beer". Turning, she checked the cooler against the windshield. "You got handed the last one" she smiled at her. "Stress less my chicken" her voice became happier. "Now come, dance with me" she grabbed a hold of Accalia's hand as she slid off the bonnet and twirled her.
Unlike her, Freya was confident. I guess anyone could be when they looked like her. She was simply stunning. A small petite body with curves in all the right places. Soft olive, coconut scented skin. Freya had the most beautiful set of green eyes that complimented her skin tone. Small ears and a cute little button nose. Plump, luscious, pale pink lips and hair straight, as black as the night, that reached her curvy bottom.
Taking her hand from Freya's she opened her beer, happy to drink it to take the edge off being around so many people. Laughter bubbled out the mouths of a nearby group. The fire hissed and crackled. The heat warming everyone who sat close by from the chilly nights breeze. Finn returned with two six packs connected to his hands, his fingers intertwined in the holes holding them. Placing them beside his feet, he then proceeded to beak them free from their holdings and wedge them in the ice inside the cooler to chill. With one remaining in his hand, he cracked it open and leaned against the bonnet, watching Freya dance.
The screeching breaks of a small, old and rusted hatchback diverted Accalia's attention. Four toned muscular boys emerged from the opening doors. The biggest one instantly running and pulling Finn in a head lock. Using his free hand, he made a fist and started to noogie the top of his friends head. Breaking free from the grip, Finn grinned. The other male started to pace back and forward smiling big before popping down into a fighting stance, fists ready. In the blink of an eye the boys had connected, were they seriously sparring right now? Accalia hated the fact she associated herself with these types of people. She didn't really like any of them. They were obnoxious and loud but in order to spend time with Freya she sometimes had to suck it up, as most of the time Freya was running around the town with this lot.
As everyone became distracted by the boys in combat, including Freya, Accalia started to feel alone, unsteady and anxious. Slowly she walked to the edge of the forests trees, disappearing from the crowd as she stepped back, sinking into the shadows letting the darkness engulf her. Being social wasn't exactly her strong point, especially when surrounded by strangers. There was only a few people she actually liked and could tolerate, everyone else didn't matter.
Once deep in the woods, she began to relax. The freedom and silence of her surroundings making her calm. The forest was cold, the rustle of pine trees against one another was faint as they danced with the current. Accalia loved the forest, it soothed her. Taking a deep breath of the cold air, she took in the slightly warm, pleasant, and refreshing scent. The smell reminding her of Christmas. The moon above peeked shyly over the treetops providing little light beneath. Gazing up at the moon she stopped. Taking a seat, she then proceeded to lie down, propping her head atop her arms as she continued to sight see the moon and stars. Wolves howled in the distance as crickets chirped, it may have been night but the creatures calling this place home came alive in the darkness.
The rustling sound of nearing footsteps on the forest floor created panic inside her. She sat upright and eyed the forest around her. With nothing revealing itself, she rose to her feet, heading back in the direction she came from, back to Freya.
The debris crunched under every step; the wind started to whistle. Taking a quick peak behind her she checked if she was being followed. Accalia always had this weird feeling inside her. She continuously felt as if someone was trailing her, following from an invisible distance. Returning her gaze front as she was passing a tree, Freya jumped out.
"Boo!" she spoke in a deep lowered voice before her mouth became a giant smile and laughing.
"For fuck sake Freya, You scared me half to death. I swear you just took five years off my life" she pushed her playfully.
"you should have seen your face, it was all" she mimicked Accalia's body jump and scared expression before laughing again. Straightening her torso, her smile became less bright. "I've told you about going into the woods alone at night" Freya started her usual lecture about how dangerous the woods were at night, how no one had a proper clue or inkling, of what really lurked in the deep pools of blackness, submerged in the field of trees.
"I promise I won't go into the woods alone, again" Accalia lied.
"I know when you're being sarcastic A" Freya responded, giving her companion side eye before they continued through the woods, back to the others, arm in arm.
Back with civilisation and the boys still sparring, her anxiety returned. How Accalia would have loved to stay laying on the floor, in pure silence and comfort. The boys were joking, sparring and having a good time but stopped once noticing them, making Accalia feel even worthless, like her presence was a mood kill.
"Who's this?" The male sparring with Finn asked as his eyes fell on Accalia.
"Fuck off Troy" Freya warned him in a mean tone as she escorted her friend past the male to the bonnet and taking a seat.
"Well sorry for asking" he chuckled before once again locking arms with his competitor in a battle of strength.
"Boys" Freya spoke as she handed Accalia another beer. "Nothing but big built brainless twits, unlike us girls" she cheered her bottles neck against the other before taking a large mouthful.
Putting the rim to her lips and taking a small sip of the cold liquid, Accalia's eyes scanned the area. Peering over the high flames, she noticed the boy she had bumped into earlier staring at her. Taking a sip of his drink inside a red cup, he kept eye contact, a small grin appearing in the corner of his mouth once it lowered. Accalia deflected away, feeling a little uncomfortable. Why was he staring at her? Retrieving her phone from her jacket pocket she checked the time, her eyes widened as she saw the 1am light up on her screen, it was already early morning and if she planned on getting any sleep tonight, she would need to leave.
"I'm off" Accalia informed Freya as she jumped down off the bonnet.
"Meet me tomorrow after work yeah? Freya asked her. Accalia nodded before beginning her walk home. Her house was within a short walking distance from the pines.
Accalia and her family lived in a warm white two-story bungalow, situated core middle, with the forest to the left and town centre to the right. Their home was a type of small house, a cottage-like residence. A single raised front deck with stairs welcomed you, giving access to the porch and front door. The home was surrounded by a wide veranda, a beautiful garden as Accalia's mother loved to garden and a fence. Inside the home resided three bedrooms and two baths. Two of the three rooms belonged to the lower floor. Upstairs, an additional bedroom and a bathroom, built into a sloping roof. The bungalow was an open layout. The kitchen large, with plenty of shelving and storage, a kitchen island stationed midpoint.
Accalia walked the street against the current of the breeze Shivering, pulling her jacket tighter around her torso she folded her arms in an attempt to block the coldness some more. The silver A charm dangling on her necklace Freya brought her as a birthday gift, reflected the yellow streetlights glow. Sensing a presence, she stopped to inspect her surroundings. Removing her eyes from her feet, they settled on a form, further down across the street beneath a broken, slow flashing streetlamp. The figure remained still, encased in the dark. The flash providing no clear clue as to whom or what it was, every strobe of light blanketing it in dark shadows as the homes and street grew slightly brighter with each pulse. With her anxiety levels through the roof, she pulled out her phone to call her father as she made her way towards the figure. Her hands struggling to hold the phone to her ear as she shook, both from fear and the winter wind. As she listened to it ring, she was begging for her dad to not be asleep and answer. She wanted to make it appear that if anything was going to happen to her someone would hear it or at least take her silence as something wrong.
"Everything ok?" her dads sleepy course voice spoke through as he answered the call. Accalia exhaled a sigh of relief with eyes closed as her body relaxed a little.
Opening her eyes, she once again shifter her sight to the figure. The thing was gone. "Sorry for calling so late dad I just wanted you to know I'm almost home" she informed him as she frantically checked around her.
"A message would have worked". There was a small silence before he continued. "Are you sure everything's alright?" he asked again almost as if he could sense the panic coursing through her veins.
"Absolutely" she responded as she started to power walk, no longer wanting to be alone out in the darkness, craving the safety of her room.
"Make sure you remember to lock the front door, night" The phone beeped and she tucked it back into her pocket, casing the joint as she continued her stride. So many unanswered questions now living in her mind, rent free. What the heck was that thing and where the hell did it vanish too so fast without a single clue to what direction it went? Not that she wanted to follow it but it would have gave her an indication of what way to not go.
Unlatching the gate, it creaked as it became ajar. Stepping through, it then also creaked as it closed. Accalia glanced around to see if she was alone before heading for the steps. The steps clomped under her heavy pace, the keys jingling as she singled out the house key and inserted it into the keyhole, unlocking and opening the door. Making sure it was locked, Accalia climbed the stairs to her room, happy to be home, to her room. Having her own bedroom came with responsibilities. Things like not waking up anyone else, keeping it clean and tidy, all belongings were to remain in there, any minor renovation she could do, it was like her own little house upstairs. Sitting down on the bed, she removed her jacket draping it over the end of the base board before unlacing her boots, placing them beside the bed leg. Laying back, she sighed again, stopping once her head fell upon the pillow. After two blinks it became hard to keep her eyes open, she was tired and by the sixth blink she had fallen asleep.
Morning dawned on the small town bringing with it crisp morning air. Birds began their morning lullabies welcoming the new day. Upon waking, Accalia rubbed her eyes before flipping the blankets off to sit upright, placing her feet into her slippers as she stretched and yawned. Examining her tired face in the mirror she found many flaws to point out and critique. If she needed any reassurance about her appearance, she wasn't going to get it from herself. Accalia couldn't see how pretty she was no matter how many times her parents or Freya would tell her. They had to say those things right, being her friend and family? Any compliment or flirt from a male she refused to believe was honest. She was her own worst enemy at times. Entering her bathroom, she showered and dressed in tight, light blue jeans and a white and black stripped Camisole before heading downstairs for breakfast. The aroma of bacon lingering in the air made her tummy growl loudly. Gripping one hand on the rail and the other against the wall, she lifted herself as she jumped the lower half of the staircase to the floor almost slipping due to the little friction between her socks and the wooden floor.
Accalia perched her bottom on a stool at the kitchen island beside her dad, who was having his morning cup of coffee as he read the paper, his usual morning routine. Her mum turned from the stove with a plate, placing it in front of her. Accalia smiled brightly at her mother once seeing the French toast topped with cheddar cheese and bacon atop the dish. It was her favourite, three delicious goodies crammed into one. Taking the maple syrup into her hand, she twisted the top open before turning in upside down, letting the creamy, bronze coloured, liquid lightly drizzle the top.
"Any plans today?" her mum asked her as she placed a hot cup of coffee at the end of Accalia's plate. she then rested her jaw in her hands and her elbows upon the island awaiting her daughters answer.
With a mouthful of food she shook her head no.
"No big adventure?, no life altering journeys?, not even a road trip?" her mother questioned her.
"Gee, what a boring lot this year" her dad chimed in before sipping his coffee. He then flicked the paper to insinuate he was going back to his reading.
Accalia's mother rolled her eyes at him. "Well I think you and Freya should plan something, have a little fun, live a little you know" she straightened and stepped back before she broke down into a little hip jiggle as she raised her arms with bent elbows and changing her voice into a deep, air deprived tone prior to say "par-Tay".
"Please stop" the dad spoke from behind the paper, the only thing visible was his left eye and the left rim of his glasses as he stared at her.
"Read your stupid paper four eyes" she told him, bundling the tea towel before throwing it at him.
Accalia giggled a little. Her parents were best friends. They loved to joking insult one another and were never afraid to express their true feelings about anything. They were friendly and outgoing which was the complete opposite of her. Accalia was outgoing when it meant seeing Freya or going outside but she wasn't exactly friendly if anything she avoided talking to people like the plague only doing it when required. The reason she had Freya was because they were childhood friends. Accalia wasn't always this hidden from the world. As she grew life just started to ware her down, one problem after another stress and anxiety, her brain was wired different. She made friends fast and quick when she was younger and as the years progressed the friends started to fall away like dying peddles on a rose, the centre staying, that centre being Freya. Who would want to continue making friends after losing all but one of your previous? Why become attached to someone new when you have no idea how it will end or what their intentions were? She was exhausted of being hurt and if covering herself in a cocoon and being unwelcoming stopped the interaction, then she would do it for as long as it worked.
Excusing herself from the counter once hearing her phone ringing from the ceiling above, she ran up the stairs in a hurry, missing a few with longer steps, barging into her room to answer it. Sliding the green phone symbol across the screen she then placed the speaker to her ear. "Hello".
"I woke with the worst headache" Freya's voice came through the other end. "I've already called into work sick" she informed her. "So, If you want to do something I'm free, just bring Panadol". Accalia held the phone between her shoulder and face as she began to put on her shoes, listening to her friend rave on about Finn and her future plans now school was completed. Her plans were to find a new job so she wouldn't have to take more hours being a check out chick. Freya had applied part time to fill in her free time and to earn some extra money. Now with more free hours during the day she wanted to find something else she was passionate about. When Freya stopped to take a breath, Accalia decided this would be the perfect time to get a word in.
"Mum thinks we should have some fun before emerging ourselves into responsible adult life" she told her quickly, making sure to get the whole sentence out before Freya responded.
"Babes, as long as were together, it will never be a responsible adult life". Both girls laughed knowing she was right. "We should do something then, any ideas?" Freya asked her.
'Nope".
"Well that's very helpful isn't it" Freya giggled again. "Finn told me about a party tonight at Charlottes". Accalia rolled her eyes knowing what was coming next. "Come with me?".
"I don't know, I-".
"Stop being such a downer" Freya cut her off. "I expect you to be at my house by 7, we can get ready together, head there looking like the two fine bitches we are, I know it's a lot for you, but I appreciate it, I need my girl".
Accalia laid back on her bed and sighed. "You will owe me big time for this".
"Youre the fucking best" Freya's bubbly, happy voice came through loudly, making Accalia pull the phone away from her ear to save herself from going a little deaf. "I'll see you tonight, love you A". The phone call ended.
Freya always managed to convince Accalia to step away from her comfort zone, her familiarity. As much as she hated it, she also secretly appreciated it. Freya understood her friends difficultness, but she also knew Accalia would hate herself when she was older for not having a life, so using her charm she would convince Accalia to go out with her, have a little fun and live a little, giving her something to smile back upon when old, reminiscing of her younger years. Just like Accalia, Freya needed her as much as she needed her. They were each others rock, confidant and right-hand man. The thing that irrupted her calmness the most, was the fact Freya was dragging her to Charlottes. Since the age of ten, these two women had an unspoken hatred for each other. Accalia didn't have one clue as to why, it was almost as if Charlotte woke one day and decided she was going to hate her, belittle her and show her nothing but hostile body language when she was near and now she was going to be standing in this girls house. Placing her hands over her face she groaned loudly before heading back downstairs.
Occupying her day with cleaning, TV binging and anything else that distracted her, she sat on the couch and watched the sunset through the window, realising the time was near. Soon she would be in a place that rubbed her wrong in every way imaginable, having to look Charlotte in the face several times in one night was something she really didn't want to do. Receiving dirty looks and judgmental comments from that woman would send her spiralling into the deepest parts of her mind, overthinking every word, analysing every facial expression.
Reaching the porch of Freya's home, Accalia knocked her knuckles against the solid timber door. The door opened and she was greeted with the smiling face of Freya's mum. Just like her daughter she was beautiful, both similar in appearance only their head shape and lips being different.
"Accalia, my dear I hope you plan on keeping my daughter out of trouble tonight" she greeted her with a hug.
Accalia smiled at her before Freya's younger twin brothers came barrelling up to her from the hallway, nearly knocking her down as they greeted her with hugs, happy to see her. This family treated Accalia like one of their own and always made her feel appreciated. Without knocking, she strode into Freya's chambers. She was sitting at her dressing table staring at her reflection as she applied eye liner to her eye lids, her stereo blasting music from the corner. Freya smiled as her eyes darted upon Accalia in the reflection, she was happy she had showed. Removing herself from the chair, she grabbed Accalia by the shoulders guiding her to the seat before plonking her down. Freya started playing with her hair, styling it in a bunch of different ways to see what looked better against her face shape. Not one spoken word was talked between them as they got ready, both using only their heads to either nod in agreement or to shake no. Their facial expressions giving a clearer design of their silent assumptions. Freya was wearing a tight, short, sequin blue dress that sparkled like diamonds in the light. Her long straight black hair brushed and left down. Accessorising her outfit with a cute pair of dangling star earrings, a black chocker and pair of black, high heeled, gladiator heels. Accalia wore a Bodycon Mini Dress, Blood Red in colour. The dress was 3/4 in Length and long Sleeved with V Neck. Her hair was also left down, and her Light hazel curls cascaded over and around her shoulders. Silver, Synthetic Diamond Drop Earrings with vertical Tassel Fringes, hung from her ears and tied tightly to her feet were a pair of red corset heels.
Accalia stopped on the footpath outside Charlottes home. Her heart was knocking around inside her chest like a shoe in the dryer, she wanted to leave. The muffled beats of music thumped through the open windows. Freya linked her arm through hers and gave a reassuring smile. "There will be music and dancing, and many fine boys inside" she gave a wink then started stepping toward the door.
Inside was loud and slightly dark with fairy lights hanging from the roof. Being led by her hand, Her gaze passed over the faces in the crowd as she crossed the room. The air was filled with marijuana smoke and the scent of bodies sweating as people danced, drank or huddled with friends in small groups throughout the house, some girls were even sitting and drinking on the stairs. Accalia bumped into Finn, who was coming in from the back patio into the kitchen, a beer in each hand. Leaning over he dug into a tub of iced beer, he hooked his index finger around the neck of a third before holding it out for Accalia to take.
"We could both use a drink, I think" he smiled at her. She gathered by his friendly persona that he was already tipsy, he was hardly ever in the talking mood especially to her.
Taking the beer she gave him a quick grin before turning away and opening it, as Freya began a conversation with him. As she scanned the dancing bodies under the cloud of smoke, her eyes met with a familiar pair. The boy she had bumped into last night at the bonfire was also here. His hazel eyes watching her as she took a swig of beer. What was he doing here? Did he even actually know anyone? Was he new? Accalia hadn't noticed this male before but for some reason he had appeared in the two places she was, being too weird to be considered a coincidence. Facing back to Freya she asked a question.
"Do you guys have any clue who he is?" she jerked her head slightly to his direction.
Freya shook her head as she studied the mans appearance.
"That's Ben" Finn told her, causing Accalia to face him. "He's an odd fella, but he's alright".
"You know him?" Freya asked.
Fin nodded as he took a mouthful of beer. "He's my cousin". Both girls turned their heads in unison to look at Ben. His eyes danced with humour as he smiled.
Finn raised his hand, calling Ben over to them. Once closer, Accalia noticed his features. Apart from his captivating hazel eyes, he also had a snub nose upon his oval face. Heart shaped soft lips and just like his cousin Finn, he had unkept messy hair, short yet long and the shade of light brown. The boys nodded to one another in acknowledgement.
"This is Freya" he pointed with the index figure as he held the beer. "This one, Accalia" Finn introduced them. "Ladies, this is Ben".
A fight broke out between two of the four lads, Accalia saw join him last night, one of them being Troy. Slamming the base of his beer bottle upon the kitchen counter, Cleary angry, Finn then strutted over to them.
"If you are going to fight take it outside" Finn told them sternly as he held the top of their shirts in his fists, separating them but keeping them both close to him.
Accalia watched as Finn appeared to have authority over these boys. He was moderately bigger than them and it came across clearly, that he was dominant. When both boys calmed, and Finn loosened his grip he exchanged his sight between the two and waited. The three then walked past them, out into the backyard. As a small crowd gathered, including Accalia, Freya and Ben, the combating males removed their shirts exposing their ripped muscular bodies with tattoos.
Accalia's eyes skimmed over their perfect, buff bodies. Why did it appear, that majority of the males in Wood-Pine were huge and muscular? Was there a workout club she didn't know existed? where they just lifting weights all day, every day, until exhausted?
"What could they possibly be fighting about?" she questioned Freya.
"Every family has issues to work out" Ben spoke from behind them.
What did Ben mean by family? Finn and these boys were nothing but friends, close friends. Maybe they classed one another as members, but they weren't blood relatives.
The slaps echoed as the boys clamped their arms around each other, both determined to be the victor as they wrestled for dominance. They fought with more pertinacity than bulldogs. As Troy lost his balance from charging at the other but missing as he stepped sideways free from impact, he started to quickly step, trying to find something to break his fall, unfortunately the only things ahead of him were Accalia, Freya and other on lookers. Strong arms slipped around Accalia's waist, drawing her back as Troy almost collided with her. He apologised before returning back to the battle. Turning to see who saved her, Accalia's eyes met with a wide grin before taking in the face of Ben.
"That was a close one" he told her as he removed his arms.
Accalia grew a little scarlet. His muscular body was still tightly pressed against hers. Taking a step back she lowered her head in an attempt to hide the blushing.
Cheers and applause rang in her ears; the competition was over. Refocusing on the match it seemed clear that Troy had won. Helping his mate from the ground by his hand, they proceeded to hug before walking inside to get beers, smiling, with arms upon each other shoulders.
"Boys" Freya spoke as she shook her head as they followed them back into the house.
Freya sat her bottom down upon the counter, resting her head upon Finn's shoulder as he leaned against it. Accalia smiled a little, they did look adorable together. Accalia didn't quite understand how these two were so close, yet they weren't a couple. It was clear to everyone that there was an attraction between the two for one another, yet neither confessed or instigated anything else more than friendship, even everyone from the school and town, associated them together as a pair.
Taking a mouthful of beer, Accalia observed the room as she always did, taking a quick mental note of the area. She spotted a man with green spikey hair, walking calmly through the crowd toward her. Tattoos of interlinked geometric shapes, glowed gold on his arms as he mumbled under his breath and moved his hands before fading. Suddenly Accalia fell to the floor. Ben had pushed her to the side before stepping toward the man. Her eyes widened in confusion as she watched Ben's eyes begin to glow, was this really happening? Quickly, Freya helped her from the floor and escorted her out front. Screams started to come from inside the house prior to party members running and scrambling through the door. What was causing them to scream like that?
"What's happening?" Accalia questioned Freya, not understanding anything, feeling scared by all the commotion and screaming. If they were all frantically leaving that afraid, what was inside? What were they witnessing?
"We need to leave" Freya responded fast as she attempted to drag her friend with her, but Accalia wouldn't budge, her eyes fixated upon the horror and afraid faces exiting the door. "Accalia we need to go now!". With one force full pull, Freya finally got Accalia's feet to move, her body twirling into itself making her legs tangle together and almost making Accalia loose her balance. For the first time in her life, she felt as if they were running away from something, but what? As they ran, hand in hand, Finn and ben stepped through the front door, observing the girls fleeing.
Clouds drifted away from the nights full moon, allowing the ground below to be illuminated in soft lunar light. Darting through the pines as Freya led her into the forest, they paused behind a tree, trying to catch their breath. Freya's eyes checking every inch of their surroundings.
"Seriously Freya what the fuck is going on?" Accalia asked her between inhales.
"Stay quiet!" she ordered her response. A twig snapped in the distance. "Stay here!" As she went to step out from the tree, Accalia grabbed a hold of her hand stopping her.
"Your leaving me here?"
"Just stay quiet and stay here!" Freya ordered her again. She then slipped off between the trees into the darkness.
The forest fell into silence before Accalia started to hear noises. Her heart started to bang inside her, it felt like it was going to explode right out her chest. Unvoluntary Accalia started to step backwards, eyes still fixated in front her. Hearing a noise behind her, she turned. "Freya", she called out in a whisper like yell. As the silence became disturbed by the sound of constant rustling, Accalia told herself it was probably some sort of wild animal as she continued stepping. Those animals were bound to be more afraid of her than she should be of them. Don't be afraid, they won't hurt you, she told herself as she started to search for Freya. Looking through the gap between two trunks, she saw a man and he appeared to be alone. Wanting to no longer be alone in the woods, scared and missing Freya, Accalia decided to approach the man. She took a deep breath in attempts to still her hammering heart before emerging into the small clearing lit by the moons rays.
Accalia surveyed the slender figure with caution as she approached, questioning her choices. The figure turned to her with an alien like motion, his face pale and home to pale green eyes so dull, they seemed almost lifeless. Accalia froze once they connected with her eyes, her body refusing to take another step. Unexpectedly the man ran toward her, fast and gaining quick. Accalia turned to run but couldn't, the man had grabbed a hold of her shoulders with great strength stopping her, She screamed and frantically tried to claw the mans hands from her, trying to escape his strong grip, resisting with all her strength, but she wasn't strong enough. Removing his hands from her shoulders, he placed one around her hips, holding her in place against his chest, as he took his other one toward her head. He held her head in place to the left with his hand, exposing her neck. Accalia's eyes watched in horror as the man opened his mouth and his canines sprouted longer, into fangs before lowering them toward her. He wrapped his cold lips around her neck as his fangs broke into her skin. He was sucking on her outstretched neck.
Accalia fainted, the moments events were too much to comprehend, the nerves and panic bearing too much to the point she blacked out.. The man continued to drink her blood before the sound of distant, running footsteps made him detach. He gently placed her atop the floor, then gently wiped the excess blood off her neck before he sprinted away in the blink of an eye.
Freya and Finn appeared from the thick of tress.
"Accalia" Freya screamed as she spotted her unconscious friend before running towards her with Finn following. While Freya checked her over, Finn scanned the area around them. When he was satisfied no danger lurked, he propped down and picked Accalia up into his arms to take her home and tucked her into bed without anyone noticing.
"If anything happens to her I'm going to kill him" Freya whispered as she pushed the remainder of the window closed, turning to follow Finn down the tree.
"Just be thankful Ben was paying attention" Finn replied before leaping to the floor.
"How the fuck did we manage to miss that?"
"Just shut up and jump" he replied as he lifted his arms up ready to catch her. She leaped from the same branch into his arms. "I'll talk to Grey tonight at the meeting, we will go from there, we cant do anything without his approval". he continued as he let her go and she started to walk away. "But you need to go home, and Freya". She turned to face him. "You need to stay there until morning". Freya pulled an unpleased face and saluted him before turning and running down the street.
Finn knew all too well what that stupid face meant. It meant oh for fuck sake but eye, eye, captain, hence the salute. Freya always had this little problem. Sticking to the rules or obeying certain orders seemed to not be her forte. No one could tell Freya what to do and only two men had that power in her life. One being her father and the other being Finn. Freya always listened to them no matter how much she hated what was asked. It was understandable she respected them.
With a small grin and a head shake, Finn waited for Freya to be out of sight before taking off in the other direction.