Blood lust

Chapter 23

     I sigh and stand up. Annabeth's bed is empty because she decided to do night classes. I slip my feet into my shoes and peek out into the hallway. The lights are dim, and I see no one. I step out, closing the door softly behind me. I hug myself as I walk down the hall, not a smart decision to wear shorts out right now. I gave up on trying to sleep, and I don't start classes until Wednesday. When I pull the dorm's heavy door open I smell rain, but it doesn't seem to be falling anymore. I let it slam shut, and walk down the steps. I glance at the looming, dark forest just outside of the walls. I feel my curiosity peak the longer I look. Dylan had said we're attracted to darkness right?

    Without giving it a second thought I begin to cross the parking lot towards the small gate. I hear footsteps behind me, and I turn but see nothing. I continue, and so do they. I speed up my pace and so does whatever is behind me. Some mythical, vampire slaying beast? My heart rate picks up, and I start to run. I glance over my shoulder, and see a large figure behind me. I pick up speed, but my pursuer runs faster. I let out a shriek as I feel hands grab me.

 "Kate!" Alex's voice says behind me. My heart rate slows, but anger flares.

 "What do you want?" I say, jerking my arm out of his grip. 

 "That forest is dangerous." he says. "Are you okay?"

 "Are you kidding me? You've been acting like I'm the scum of the earth around your friends. I can't sleep because I'm not at home." I say.

 "Kate you don't understand." he says.

 "No I don't! Explain please!" I say, spreading my hands.

 "People are going to talk when they know about your mark. I can't risk the people talking.." 

 "Stop." I sigh, putting my hand up.

      "Listen, maybe I can help you sleep" he says. I start to shake my head, but shiver as he runs his hands down my arms, grabbing my hands. "Come on" he says. I follow behind him, towards the boy's dorm room. "My room mate takes night classes so he wont be there." I nod, and walk through the door he holds open for me.

"I don't know where I'm going" I say, looking down. He takes my hand, and we stop not long after in front of a stat looking door. Alex unlocks the door.

      "Make yourself at home. My bed's on the right" he says. I go over to the bed, crossing my legs as I sit down. Alex sits behind me, rubbing my back gently. Slowly I relax. "Lay down" he says. I lay down, facing away from him. He slides his hand under my shirt, and lightly traces his fingertips over my skin. I sigh, shutting my eyes. The door opens and a familiar voice fills the room. 

 "Hey I forgot one of my books... Kate?" I open my eyes and see Dylan. "You didn't tell me you were dating someone" he says.

 "I'm not dating her" Alex says, moving away from me like my skin was on fire. 

 "Really? Because it looks like you two are pretty friendly" Dylan says, gesturing to both of us on the bed.

"Yeah. I was just leaving. I made a mistake coming here" I shrug

 "Kate.." Alex sighs.

"No. At least you don't have to worry about people talking right?" I say, putting my shoes on. I step around Dylan, and walk out of the room. I hear the door open behind me, and I turn a corner not really wanting to talk to either boy.

"Kate!" Dylan calls behind me. "Look. I believe that you're not dating him, but something is happening there" he says. I stop to face him.

"I'm sorry Dylan. I went there on a whim. Alex and I had something when I was still at home, but since I've been here he won't talk to me when anyone else is around. I think it has to do with my mark" I sigh.

"You don't need someone like that. You need someone who will accept you. All of you" He says, taking my hand. His thumb rubs over the rose on my hand. I nod, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear as I look down.

"Do you think we can start tutoring today maybe? Maybe after your classes?" I ask.

"Sure. Meet me at the Library at six." He says. "I gotta run, I'm already late. See you at six" He smiles.

"See you" I say as he continues down the hallway.