The Man In The Mountain (The Vampire Series - Book 1)

Chapter 12 - Man in the Woods

Persephone reached the end of the small dirt road, finding a small dirt parking lot for a hiking trail. This area didn't look used often, especially now that it was winter, and it was only through careful driving that they were able to get as far as they did. Kit hopped out of the car, taking a deep breath in.

"I do so enjoy the crisp mountain air, though there's considerably less snow than there should be," he said as he looked around. The forest was peaceful and quiet, with pine trees growing thick and dense around them.

"One of the downsides to the modern era is heavy air pollution. The Earth is significantly hotter than it used to be. So ergo, less snow, unfortunately. All humans are a little bit sick because of the air quality," they said sadly. Even in their own lifetime, they'd seen a massive decline in snowfall and cool temperatures. Kit made a sad face as well.

"How would you like to do this, my dear? I can carry you in my arms or upon my back, or we can walk at your pace, though that may take a significant amount of time," he walked over to stand next to them, looking down at them with a gentle, curious smile.

"I didn't want to say anything, but I have been dying for a piggyback ride from you," they smiled at him.

"What is a piggyback ride?"

"It's where I ride on your back. Like how Edward carried Bella through the forest," they explained.

"Ah! Of course! My dearest, whenever you wish for me to give you one, please simply request it!" He said. "I would happily carry you anywhere," he turned so his back was towards them, kneeling slightly. They hopped on his back with an excited grin, feeling him grab their legs as he rose up effortlessly. "What is it that he says in the movie? 'You'd best hang on tightly like a spider, monkey'?" They just smiled, the familiar fondness blooming in their chest. They never realized that 'adorably confused 18th century vampire' would be their type.

"Yep, that's it exactly," it was correct for Kit, which was sometimes their favorite version of correct. Kit beamed, adjusting his grip before taking off running through the woods. It wasn't anywhere near the insane speed the Twilight vampires had, but it was still faster than Persephone had ever traveled on foot, trees whizzing past them as Kit ran. They still felt like they were flying as he seemed to remember exactly where his cabin was. They were holding him across his chest tightly and their heart was racing from excitement. "There's a ravine!" They shouted at him, it was rapidly approaching. Kit just laughed, running even faster before his body tensed below them and he sprung up, sailing across the gap and landing smoothly on the other side. They screamed on the initial jump but once they landed, they couldn't stop laughing. Persephone needed to stop getting horny after an adrenaline rush.

"My dear, this is only the smallest tip of my capabilities!" He called back to them. "Imagine what I could do in my full state!" He laughed. They were barreling towards a rather sheer-looking cliffside, the granite stone towering above them a good thirty feet. They understood why Kit chose way out here to set up his cabin. It was stunning out here. The air was sharp and cold in all the best ways. Kit slowed down, hopping onto the wall and scaling the cliff. He wasn't holding onto anything or digging his fingers in, it just seemed like he was sticking to it. "Are you alright back there?"

"I'm better than alright," they said with a wide smile. They were holding onto him for dear life. Kit laughed, popping up on the top of the cliff and gripping their thighs tightly before taking off again. About five minutes later, he slowed to a stop at the edge of a clearing. There was a small building on the opposite end of it, somehow seeming entirely untouched by time. It was sheltered by the branches of tall trees that surrounded it, snow on the roof and ground. It was a simple cabin, with a door and a dirty window on the front and a chimney coming up from the back. The small porch area was rotted and damaged, but still mostly intact. Kit gasped, zooming up to it.