The Children Of The Night (Book 1, The Bloodline Chronicles)

8. The Beast

Emma

She heard the loud patter of rain against the roof. It had been silent for a moment while she gathered her thoughts. Jackson was by her side, not touching her or any of the weapons, but his presence still a comfort.

"What's going on up there?" Kris whisper-yelled, as if frightened by something. Probably being alone in the creepy house.

"It's—well..." Explaining what was right before their eyes was going to be tough.

"Fuck... Wait, I'm coming up."

Once she was up the stairs, her eyes bulged out of her head, lips parted. She said nothing, she didn't need to. Emma saw her horror.

"You both should go. I'm going to stay."

"Not a chance." Jackson looked at Emma with confusion. "Why should we leave you here alone?"

"I'm going to wait for Mr. Gaumont to come back. Obviously, I can't just walk away and act like we never trespassed. I should be the one to tell him."

"You're right. You should tell him, but not alone. We're here too."

Kris didn't look at her when she pitched, "Emma, I'd really like to go home now."

"Jackson, there's really no need for you both to stay. If it makes you feel better, I won't mention the two of you."

He thought for a moment, rubbing his jaw. "No, let him know we were here. As much as we feel weird about this," Gesturing to the weapons, he continued, "it's best to tell him the truth."

"Settled. Let's go, Jackson." Kris stepped down the stairs. "Ring me, Em."

"I will. Promise."

When she was out of view, Jackson grabbed Emma's shoulder. "Will you call me as well?"

Emma knew she was red in the face but nodded. "Sure."

He gave her a half smile.

Once they were down the steps and out of sight, she looked through the weapons in search of anything that would give her answers. She found none. Deciding the only answers she would find were locked down in the basement, she went down the steps.

Emma flinched at the shout of her name—coming from the front door—it had sounded like Kris.

After a moment, she turned the corner and saw Kris standing under the arch of the front door, body stiff.

Emma peered around her as she came up beside her. There, in the driveway, stood a towering 8 foot tall silhouette in the dark. It's eyes glowed just like a rapid dog.

The beast was still, not moving, as were they. It was a long moment before Emma said anything.

"Kris..." another pause, "where's Jackson?"

Kris said nothing in reply. The beast glowing eyes shifted to her. Emma stiffened.

"Jackson," Emma whispered.

"Right here..." She heard his voice but didn't see him. "Kris... step back slowly."

She stood, immobile. Emma didn't think, she grabbed Kris by the arms and yanked her so hard, she fell behind Emma.

Before Emma could shut the door and deadbolt it, the beast lunged for her. Grabbing her body in it's claws, the skin on her arms sliced like butter. Convulsing and crying out from the pain, she vaguely heard her name being shouted.

"Emma!" Jackson shouted, horrorstricken.

She heard Kris screaming, but her eyes were glued to the beast's. She didn't kick or flail in it's grasp. It's glowing eyes bore into hers and it growled, a low rumble deep within its chest cavity. It's grip tightened by a fraction, enough to feel like she was being crushed and in result, her rib cracked.