Revenge of the Leopardess

Chapter 8

Claire struggled fiercely as I dragged her through the fire. Each time the flames licked at her skin she screamed. It was like a scorching brand as the flames licked over my skin. I ignored the sensation as I healed almost immediately after the injuries were created. 

"Now, Claire, let's deliver a message shall we" I snarled as I lifted her up to face me. 

"A message" She stuttered, her tear-stained face watching me with horror. 

"Yes, It's time to end this finally" I nodded grinning evilly. "Now put your stump out and write" I demanded as I forced her next to the wall. 

"Write what" Claire stuttered as she held out her stump arm. Red blood was still oozing from the wound. 

"Finish what you started Sheriff Harris, I'm waiting for where you started this" I spoke.

I watched eagerly as she wrote, wincing with every movement or slightest pressure. Each word looked like it caused agonising pain and I revelled in her pain. She had caused me so much and to watch her suffer now was very cathartic. When she finally finished, she was panting and her shoulders were shaking with effort. 

"What now," She asked, groaning as she craned her neck to look at me. 

"You die" I responded bluntly to which she started struggling again. 

I let her struggle for a time before starting to squeeze. I squeezed tighter and tighter, laughing as I did so. Claire coughed and sputtered before her arm finally dropped to her side. Snaping the bone for good measure, I tossed her lifeless corpse against the wall. It landed with a thump. 

When she was finally dead the red haze around my vision dissipated. I made sure I had my purse and then I located my escape window. I walked briskly as my eyes took in the scene around me. My leopard rose at the carnage but I managed to push her down as I got to the window. Climbing out I stalked off into the night as I heard shouting and spraying water. At least firefighters are quick responders. Chuckling inwardly I hurried away from the scene. Now that I had almost accomplished what I wanted I was beginning to grow tired. 

My leopard pushing on my consciousness for control was the only thing that kept me awake. I hurried home. I was in a rush. I knew that as soon as they got my message they would come to me. I was looking forward to seeing them all. Penelope, Denzel and especially Harris. I would love to hear his reason for destroying my family. 

When I arrived home I didn't bother changing, This would all end tonight. I did one last look around my house, my eyes lingering on the faces of my children and husband for a long while. I breathed in and out several times counting as I did so. One, Two, Three, Four, Five. No memories surfaced and for that I was grateful. 

I waited several hours in anticipation before it finally happened. A knock. Several in fact each louder than the next. Then the shouting started. It was a man's voice. Clearly not Denzel's as he was too much of a spineless coward. It was surprising that it wasn't Penelope that knocked. But then  I realised it must have been Harris and excitement shot through me like a lightning bolt. 

Strolling leisurely to the door I picked up the two guns I had bought for this occasion. I got to the door and rolled my eyes when I finally discerned the angry yelling. 

"Get out here you murderous bitch. I'm here just like you wanted" 

"Stay back, I have guns" I called out smiling as I scented the fear under his rage and annoyance. 

I opened the door just enough for the gun to poke through and shot a warning to the ground. His intake of breath and pained hiss let me know I had gotten him. As I heard him stumble back a few paces I opened the door and kicked out. My foot made contact and he fell from my kick. 

"Hello Sheriff, where's your backup" I mocked, scenting the air for other police but I got nothing. 

"I don't need any to deal with you" He spat his eyes blazing with hatred. 

"I wouldn't be so sure" I chastised as I shot his gun hand. 

He screamed as several fingers went flying and he dropped his gun. 

My eyes tinted red at the edges again as my leopard began to push me to the back of our minds. But I held firm, there were still things I wanted to know. 

"Sheriff" I heard Penelope call as she and Denzel ran up the hill, guns drawn. 

"Stay back" Harris shouted as I aimed one of my guns at them. 

"But Sir" Denzel tried only to be stopped by Penelope who put her hands up in surrender. 

"Ruth let's talk about this" Penelope tries to reason. 

Scoffing at her empty words I focused my attention back on the man under my heel. 

"Tell them why we're here Sheriff, tell them that you've come to kill me like you did my family" I shouted loudly making sure both officers would hear me. 

I watched him swallow thickly as he realised that he was screwed. He wasn't getting up ever again and I was going to make him bear it all. 

"What's she talking about, Sir" Penelope questioned her voice shaking like her suspicions had been confirmed. 

"She's crazy" Harris spat again his words full of venom. 

I tutted at him as I shot again. The loud bang of the gun was heard through the woods. I smiled extra sweetly as blood started dripping from his severed ear. 

"That wasn't what I asked" I snarled spittle flying onto his face. 

"Do what she says sir, please" Denzel pleaded. 

I knew he was spineless. 

"Fine. I was here. The father was aggressive so I took care of him, the kids got in the way" He mumbled. 

"Louder" I demanded my eyes burning with tears as I looked down at him. 

"I killed her family and now she's on a petty revenge streak" he shouted, stating it like he was discussing the weather. 

"But why, Sheriff" Penelope cried as she looked at the scene before her from a new perspective. 

"Because she said no when we were young. I couldn't stand seeing her happy after how much of a slut she was in school. Opening her legs to anyone. So they needed to die. If I can't be happy then she can't either" He explained his stare making me uncomfortable.

"You think that's what it was. I was abused physically and mentally for years and no one said anything. And you think killing my family was justified just because I said no? Pathetic" I sneered and aimed my gun at his heart. 

"Ruth, I know you're hurting, but you can't kill him" Penelope tried again. 

"I can and I will" I replied cocking the gun and firing. 

This shot was louder than the last as the silence stretched. I watched as the bullet sank straight into the middle of his forehead. After the shot, my fur sprouted and my leopard took the reins. Tearing and shredding his face and neck. When she was finally satisfied and he was dead. My revenge was over and I let the darkness consume me. Finally the sweet relief of eternity.

The leopard snarled at the dead body beneath her. Confused she was one now. No human thoughts whisper logic and morals. Turning her attention to the other humans. She lifted her lips, bearing her teeth. They had guns drawn on her. Sensing the threat the leopard rushed forward with a snarl. Her legs ate up the distance and when she pounced she yowled. Pain ricocheted through her as several bullets pierced her hide. She fell away only to stand again. She didn't get far before more bullets found their way into her flesh. It took many bullets before she was finally down. Her breathing became ragged as she bled. Snarling at the male human as he put a gun to her head she swiped at his legs and growled in triumph as she got him. Her triumph was short-lived though as the final shot was delivered. As she lay there the leopard tried to think back to her human, the one who had endured so much and was glad that they would no longer be a part of this cruel world. She was in so much pain in so many places but then it all stopped. Bliss stretched until the blackness took over. Never to rise again.