Re-Vamp

Chapter 3: Jaguar

Arnaud remained motionless, observing. He could feel the cunning and caution in every fluid movement of the jaguar, as if it was searching for a blind spot in his defenses.

Arnaud kept his gaze fixed on the gleaming eyes of the jaguar, afraid that any sudden movement might trigger an attack. He eyed the powerful claws and jaws of the animal, capable of tearing his flesh with ease.

Although Arnaud was a vampire, and his strength surpassed that of other human beings, at that moment, he felt weak and vulnerable. His last meal had been too long ago, and the lack of sustenance was taking its toll. He knew that in a physical confrontation, the massive feline would have a significant advantage.

Swallowing hard, he prepared for the impending clash, his muscles tense and ready for action.

The jaguar, sensing Arnaud's hesitation, crouched low, its eyes shining with an animal intelligence that seemed to defy any attempt at escape. Slowly, it began to approach, each step calculated and predatory.

Remembering the lessons he had learned when facing bears in the past, Arnaud adopted a defensive stance. While bears were powerful creatures, their attack was more direct and frontal. He could anticipate their movements and, with his weapons on hand, often defeated them.

Unfortunately, this feline was different. He could feel it searching for his blind spots, trying to find the opening in his defenses. It was a more cunning and cautious predator, and Arnaud knew he would have to be alert at all times.

When the jaguar lunged, Arnaud barely had time to react. With surprising agility, the feline pounced on him, its claws scratching the skin that Arnaud had managed to cover with the deer leather. The intense pain made him retreat, but he tried a counterattack, having anticipated his opponent's movement.

The jaguar evaded and retreated, observing Arnaud with calculating eyes. It seemed to be studying his movements, seeking the best way to attack. A bear would not have retreated, this behavior confused the vampire.

When it launched itself again, Arnaud reacted quickly, managing to dodge the assault but failing to counterattack again. He would have to resign himself to taking damage if he wanted to break the stalemate.

Determined, the vampire charged directly at the predator as it attacked. The exchange left Arnaud at a deficit, but exploiting his regeneration could be his only way out.

They fought with ferocity, Arnaud using his supernatural strength to try to subdue the jaguar, while the feline used its cunning and speed to avoid the blows and seek out the weaknesses of its opponent.

At one point, Arnaud thought he had managed to subdue the beast, but the jaguar, with an unexpected move, broke free of his grip and sank its fangs into Arnaud's neck. The vampire screamed in pain, feeling his life force draining through the wound.

For a moment, Arnaud thought his end had come. But then, something inside him changed. Remembering the lesson he had learned when facing bears, Arnaud used his own strength to pull the jaguar towards him in an embrace.

The jaguar did not expect this situation and released Arnaud's neck, allowing him to break free and sink his fangs into the feline's neck. The tables had turned.

The jaguar roared in pain and surprise, releasing Arnaud from its grip. Both separated, panting and observing each other cautiously. But Arnaud started to feel different. The jaguar's blood, now coursing through his veins, had restored part of his strength.

Now, Arnaud understood the nature of this predator better. Like bears, it was powerful and formidable, not as strong, but its attack technique was more subtle and sought out weaknesses. However, unlike bears, the jaguar seemed to possess an intelligence and cunning that made it even more dangerous.