The Immortal Kiss

Chapter 4 "the first look" Jin

Once I settled grandpa inside, I stepped out and took a moment to gather my thoughts. The tension from the encounter still hung in the air, but my stomach was growling louder than my worries. I was starving, and as much as I hated to admit it, I could really go for some blood—maybe even a rat if it came down to it. Yeah, they tasted like garbage, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

I hopped into my car and fired up the engine, the low rumble echoing in the quiet afternoon. Before pulling away, I closed my eyes and focused, scanning my surroundings for any traces of energy. I needed to make sure that Officer Gonzalez hadn't bugged my car or left any surprises for me.

The familiar hum of energy flowed through me, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me when I confirmed there was nothing out of the ordinary. Thank God. I didn't need any extra problems today.

With one last glance at the house, I pulled out into the street, the sun high overhead casting a warm glow on the asphalt. I could feel the hunger intensifying, gnawing at my insides like a persistent itch. My thoughts drifted as I navigated through the streets, trying to focus on where I might find a quick meal.

After a few turns, I spotted a nearby park—a favorite haunt for the city's less fortunate. It wasn't ideal, but it would have to do. I parked my car in a dimly lit corner, taking a moment to steady my nerves. The last thing I wanted was to attract attention.

With a deep breath, I stepped out, the warm afternoon air wrapping around me. I glanced around, making sure no one was watching, and slipped into the shadows. Time to find a little something to quench my thirst and give me the energy I needed to handle whatever came next.

As I made my way through the park, I kept my senses sharp, scanning for any signs of movement. The afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Families were scattered around, enjoying picnics or playing with their kids, blissfully unaware of the darker side of the world that lurked nearby.

I headed toward a less populated area, where the bushes thickened and the chatter faded into the background. It was there I spotted a figure slumped against a tree, clearly down on their luck. A homeless guy, unkempt and disheveled, but still with a pulse. I approached cautiously, my heart racing with anticipation and hunger.

"Hey," I said softly, crouching down to meet his gaze. "You doing alright?"

He looked up, confusion clouding his eyes. "What do you want, man?" His voice was raspy, probably from a combination of smoke and neglect.

"I just wanted to help you out." I leaned in closer, keeping my tone friendly but firm. "You look like you could use a meal."

He narrowed his eyes, skepticism etched across his face. "What's the catch?"

"No catch," I replied, maintaining eye contact. "Just a simple exchange. I'll help you, and you can help me."

For a moment, he hesitated, and I could see the gears turning in his mind. Then, with a resigned sigh, he nodded. "Fine. Just don't expect me to go easy on you if you try anything funny."

I smirked, knowing my power made me the one in control here. "Trust me, I'm not the one you need to worry about." I felt the urge bubbling within me, ready to take what I needed without harming him too much.

I leaned in closer, my fangs grazing his neck as I focused on the energy flowing between us. He flinched slightly, but I kept my grip steady, coaxing him into a sense of calm. The moment my fangs pierced his skin, a rush of warmth flooded through me, invigorating and sweet.

As I drank, I kept my senses attuned to the surroundings, ready to bolt at the slightest hint of trouble. The world faded away, and all I could focus on was the life force coursing through my veins. I pulled back after a few moments, licking the blood from my lips, feeling the energy surging within me.