Bloodbond

Chapter 3

The sun shone bright through my bedroom window, pulling me from my thoughts. When I checked the time, I saw that it was barely seven. My mind had been so filled with questions from what had happened in the night that I had lost track of time and was surprised to notice that it was morning already.

As it was, I couldn't even write off what happened as a nightmare gone wrong because I never went back to sleep. If I tried to close my eyes, the shadows of those things would be there, waiting for me. The exhaustion was overpowering but my fear was that much stronger. Part of the fear stemmed from believing that they would come back before the night was over and, this time, it wouldn't just be for some protection wards.

I had briefly considered grabbing some stuff and going to stay at my parents, but I just couldn't bring myself to step outside my door in the middle of the night. It didn't really make sense since they had gotten into my apartment anyways, but I wasn't exactly at my most reasonable at the time. Pulling the covers up over my head as if I were five years old again seemed like the safest course of action. Deep down, you know it wouldn't keep you safe, but you still found yourself doing it anyway.

What is it about the day time that makes you feel safe? It's almost like your body's telling you that nothing can hurt you while the sun warms your skin. I slowly blew out my breath and held on to that thought, knowing full well that it was completely ridiculous, but needing something that would motivate me enough to leave the saftey my blanket and bed offered.

I calmly climbed out of bed so that I could get dressed. Work wasn't until later this afternoon but I needed to get out of my apartment and away from any reminders of those things.

My mind was swirling with a million thoughts at once. I was so wrapped up in it all that I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard my phone buzz on my nightstand. Stupid, stupid, Cas! You can't let every little thing scare you or you'll never make it through the day sane.

I walked over to my bed and checked my phone. It was an email from the woman I worked for, apologizing for the last minute cancellation. Apparently, they were going to leave for their ski trip a few days early so they wouldn't need any help until late next week. I might've needed the money but I couldn't help feeling hugely relieved. There was no way I'd be of much use to the twins in my frazzled state. And, since I was too much of a chicken to stay at the apartment, I decided I would spend the night at my parents' instead.

I tossed some clothes and everything else I'd need for the night into a bag and set it on my bed. It figures that the second I get the apartment all to myself for a few weeks, I can't actually take advantage of it. Don't really see myself being able to walk around my apartment in my underwear knowing that some seriously scary creature could walk in at any moment. That's right, Cas. Keep up the jokes. Anything to distract yourself.

When I finished dressing, I grabbed my stuff and went downstairs to get something to eat. Since it was still early and I didn't really have anyplace to be, I guess I could head over to the park near my apartment. There were some good trails there and it would give me a chance to work off some of this nervous energy that I couldn't shake.

As I pulled up to the park, I saw that there weren't too many cars around and I was somewhat pacified. Somehow, the thought of being around too many people just didn't hold any appeal for me right now. I got out and headed to the trailhead that was closest to my car. Nature was my safe place; somewhere I could find peace and quiet. I really needed that now.

I tried to empty my mind and enjoy my surroundings as I traveled along the path. After walking for about ten minutes, the back of my neck started to tingle. I reached back to rub it but the feeling just wouldn't go away. If I didn't know any better, I'd say it felt like I was being watched. It didn't make any sense but I stopped and looked around anyway, trying to see if there was anyone nearby but, when I did, I saw that the path was deserted. What was wrong with me? I shook my head and continued walking.