I choose you.~Hosie~

chapter 18 (Kai Parker)

The drive felt like an eternity, but eventually, Kai pulled the car into the parking lot of a dingy bar on the outskirts of town. The neon sign flickered ominously, casting eerie shadows over the cracked pavement.

Kai got out of the car, stretching leisurely. "This place should do nicely," he said with a grin, heading toward the entrance. Josie followed him, her mind still a whirl of emotions and doubts.

Inside, the bar was dimly lit and smelled of stale beer. A few patrons milled about, lost in their own worlds. Kai scanned the room, his eyes locking onto a solitary man nursing a drink at the bar. He sauntered over, and with a few compelling words, had the man following him to a secluded corner.

Josie watched nervously as Kai bit into the man’s neck, drinking deeply. After a moment, he pulled back, his eyes glowing with satisfaction. He turned to Josie, offering her the man, who stood dazed and bleeding.

"Your turn," Kai said, wiping his mouth. "A little fresh blood might help you clear your head."

Josie hesitated, her stomach churning. She could feel the hunger gnawing at her, but the thought of feeding from another person was repulsive. "I don’t know if I can," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Kai rolled his eyes, exasperated. "Come on, Josie. You’re a heretic ripper. It’s in your nature. Just give in a little."

Josie stepped closer, her eyes fixed on the blood dripping from the man’s neck. The smell was intoxicating, and she felt her control slipping. She could hear the man’s heartbeat, could feel the pulse of his blood calling to her.

Before she realized what was happening, her vampire instincts took over. She lunged at the man, sinking her fangs into his neck with a primal ferocity. The taste of blood filled her mouth, and a dark pleasure surged through her. She drank deeply, losing herself in the sensation.

Kai watched with a satisfied smirk as Josie fed, her hunger overtaking her hesitation. "There you go," he murmured. "That’s the spirit."

But as the bloodlust consumed her, Josie’s grip tightened, and she ripped the man’s neck open, blood spraying everywhere. The man’s body went limp in her arms, and she dropped him, horrified at what she had done.

Kai clapped slowly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Welcome to the dark side, Josie. How does it feel?"

Josie stared at the lifeless body at her feet, her hands trembling. She could feel the blood smeared on her lips, the warmth of it still fresh. The reality of what she had done hit her like a tidal wave, and she stumbled back, tears welling in her eyes.

"This isn’t me," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I don’t want to be like this."

Kai stepped closer, his expression softening slightly. "It’s part of who you are now, Josie. You can either fight it and let it control you, or you can embrace it and learn to control it yourself. The choice is yours."

Josie looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination. "I just want to get away from everything. I need to figure out who I am, without all this pain."

Kai nodded, understanding. "Then let’s keep moving. There’s a whole world out there waiting for you, Josie. But remember, the monster inside isn’t going anywhere. You’ll have to face it eventually."

With one last glance at the man she had killed, Josie followed Kai out of the bar.

The got in the car. Josie turned her gaze at Kai.

"Why didn't you kill me? Why did you decide to let me come with you?" Josie asked in curiosity.

Kai sighed." Because, I don't think it's worth it killing you and why not let you come with me? You're just like me." He simply said.