Blood Outback (Early chapters/concepts for "Children of the Outback")

Chapter 4

I lived the same pattern for almost a week, hiding in the small room, only able to come out when Brody was away. Luckily, he was usually gone for at least a few hours each day. I ate at night and when he was away, but only the food he put down for me. Why was he feeding me anyway? It had to be some kind of trap, a way of giving me a false sense of security. Tonight was no different. As soon as the light faded, I dragged myself from my hiding spot. As I ate, my mind wandered to the outside world. My leg and shoulder had become stiff from the lonely hours I spent hiding. It was a tedious, boring way to live but it was my life now. At least I didn't have to worry about vampires requesting me. If I'd stayed in the camp, I wouldn't be hurt but I also would still be in Sector Two, a slave to Jorge's will.

"Glad to see you're eating," Brody's voice commented.

I almost jumped out of my skin at the sound of it. I flipped onto my back and tried to force myself away, eliciting a sharp stab of pain in my shoulder. He was right behind me, not even an arm's distance away. I must've been so wrapped up in my own thoughts that I didn't hear him coming.

"It's alright, Lea. Don't be scared," he whispered, squatting down in front of me.

I stared wild-eyed at him.

He reached out a hand, which I leaned away from. "It's okay. Don't be afraid."

He was talking to me the way someone would speak to a frightened animal. I struggled to even my breathing, not wanting to show fear. Elijah always told me vampires could sense fear and that to show them fear could be a deadly mistake.

He laid a hand on my injured shoulder, gently moving his fingers along the bones that were so delicate under his hand. "Did you really think I didn't know where you were hiding?"

I frowned. "You knew?"

He nodded. "It's not that hard for a vampire to track a human."

"Why didn't you..." My voice trailed off. Did I really want to know?

"I don't want you to be afraid of me, Lea. I can help you."

"Help me? How? By turning me into your slave?"

"Who said anything about a slave? If you're going to survive in Harnsey or anywhere in Australia for that matter, you're going to need a vampire."

Or a werewolf, I added silently. Then it hit me. Elijah, if Elijah could find me I'd be alright. He could help me get away from Brody. Elijah was smart. I knew he could do it. I just needed to bide my time until he found me. Without thinking, I dragged myself back to my hiding place, slightly surprised when Brody didn't try to stop me. Once I was behind the mostly closed door, he straightened up and cast a glance in my direction.

"You can't stay in the closet forever. You and I both know that."

He was right. I couldn't hide from him forever, especially since he now knew for sure where I was. I carefully pushed the door open about a half an inch farther only to find him sitting with his back to the wall. Without meaning to, I gave a sharp gasp. What was he up to? He turned his head and gave me a half smile.

"Don't be afraid, Lea," he whispered. "You'll get used to me. I promise you that."

My entire body went rigid as I remembered his hand on my shoulder. It almost felt nice, if I could just forget who and what he was. No, I'd never get past that. I would always be afraid of Brody Salvatore. I laid my head down on my forearm and silently vowed to never let him touch me again.