Crimson Core: Awakened Desire

Chapter 9: Fiendish Beginnings

The cold air from the freezer section washed over me, but it barely dampened the heat burning through my body. 

I'd been feeling off all day.

My windows were thrown open at work while everyone else bundled up, their curious glances as they bundled themselves in their cardigans and sweaters, making me grit my teeth. 

But the worst part was the hunger. 

It gnawed at me relentlessly, making me devour my lunch as soon as I got to work, then sneak out for a massive order at lunch from the taco truck nearby.

Now, I was at the grocery store, staring at frozen dinners, my cart overflowing with food I couldn't stop myself from grabbing.

"Ugh, I'm going to spend half my savings on groceries this week," I muttered to myself, glaring at the loaded cart. 

My stomach growled loudly, drawing a few looks from people passing by. I forced a smile, but inside, I cursed myself for shopping while hungry.

After paying, I hurried to my car, shoving bags into the trunk, when a voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Need a hand with that?"

I turned and found a guy about my age, maybe a little younger, with a casual smile on his face. He looked like a college student, probably some frat boy, but good-looking nonetheless.

"No, I'm fine," I said, though something warm spread in my gut at his appearance. It was a feeling that was more than just hunger.

"That's a lot of food for one person," he said, his eyes flicking to my cart. "Having a party or something?"

A laugh bubbled up from nowhere, light and flirtatious. It wasn't like me, but I couldn't stop it.

"No party. Just meal prepping," I replied, surprising myself with how easily I flirted back.

"Meal prep, huh? You work out?" He flashed a grin.

"Yeah, I do," I found myself saying.

What the hell am I doing?

"You must too," I added, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

He nodded, his smile widening. 

"Yeah, gotta stay in shape. Where are you headed now?"

I hesitated, feeling a strange pull toward him.

"Just running errands... you need a ride or something?" I asked, the question surprising even me.

"Actually, yeah," he said, eyes lighting up. "I'm meeting some friends at Cal Anderson Park. You heading that way?"

I wasn't.

"Yeah, I can drop you off. Hop in."

He gave me a grin that sent a thrill of excitement through me as he slid into the passenger seat. 

As I drove, we made small talk that bordered on flirting. The more we talked, the more I felt this strange desire simmering just beneath the surface, overriding the warning bells in my head.

We hit traffic, and he suggested an alternate route. His directions sounded odd, but the longing inside me made me ignore my instincts, so I followed his words instead.

As we wound through unfamiliar streets, unease started to creep in.

"This doesn't seem like the way to Cal Anderson," I said, glancing at him.

He smirked, a dark edge to his expression. 

"Thought of something else I wanted to show you."

The unease grew as he guided us down a narrow alley that came to a dead-end.