Her Scent

Chapter 2

"Nic," Casey called me.

"Yes?"

"You want to come to the town with us?"

"Umm...I think I'll stay back."

"Okay. We'll be back by 8. See ya."

"Bye."

I had a full day to myself now. I wouldn't mind going with them but I couldn't risk running into her again. Also, Chris and Casey need some time alone. They'll enjoy the day.

I decided to go to the forest. This place was far from humans. It was calm and peaceful. It helped me think about what I would do next. I climbed a tall tree and sat on one of its high branch. It wasn't it very high but any higher branch would not be able to bear my weight.

However it was high enough for me to see the stream across. It was a beautiful view. A stream running in the middle of a jungle. The water was as clear as a crystal.

What do I do now? Will I be able to control myself in her presence? Or will I give in? I can't take the risk of exposing all three of us. Moreover, I didn't want to become a monster by killing her. I had to decide. I could go away. Only me. I would find some place for myself but I knew that Casey and Chris would never let me do it.

We, as vampires were usually very lonely. We lived among the humans but we couldn't go very close to them. Having one of our kind with us made us feel better. Like we were not alone. We could be ourselves with them.

I had to be strong for Chris and Casey. I would be strong for them. I would work more on my control.

I decided to go to the cafe to get a bit familiar with her smell. It was dark already and no humans would be out at this time. I went there with my vamp speed.

The smell was faint and more bearable. I took deep breaths to smell it even more. My throat burned but with less intensity. I had to get used to her smell. Maybe it'll cease with the passing time.

It was late. Chris and Casey might be worried. I decided to head back. I got out of the cafe and a very familiar scent caught my attention. She was near. Her smell was quite strong.

"Don't come near me," I heard a scared voice say. Then there was a laugh. Someone was in danger. I followed the direction of the sound. The smell started getting stronger and stronger. I didn't mind it so much. Saving someone was more important.

I saw a drunk man cornering a petite girl. It was her. Her smell again made my throat burn. But I couldn't run. Not right now. I had to save her.

"Hey you!" I called out. The drunkard turned around and stared at me.

"What....do you want young man? Don't disturb me," he said looking back at the scared girl.

"Don't you dare touch her," I hissed. He ignored him and proceeded towards her. I was amazed to see her knee the guy and run towards me. She stood behind me and caught my arm with her shaky hands.

The drunk man recovered and came towards us. I went forward and punched him in the face. I heard a bone crack as he fell back with a loud thud.

I turned around and was surprised when the girl hugged me. "Thank you. Thank you sooo much," she said in a shaky voice.

The burning in my throat was much stronger now. I wanted to push her away. But I couldn't. She was so delicate that I feared I would hurt her by doing so. I held my breath instead. She finally pulled back and looked into my eyes.

Her brown ones met my pitch black ones. Tears had stained her face. Yet she looked beautiful. Her brown hair was pulled back in a pony tail. I could no longer stand there.

I turned and started walking.

"Hey..." she called after me. I didn't turn back. I increased my pace instead.

"Thanks Mr Stranger," she said in a weak voice. If I wasn't a vampire, I wouldn't be able to hear her. As I turned the corner I moved with vampire speed and went home.

The entire night I thought about her. Mr Stranger, really? Huh.. She looked so scared yet she kneed the guy. I expected her to scream and ask for help. Defending herself was out of the question. She was so petite and fragile.

I was afraid of hurting her. Maybe Chris was right. I can't hurt her or any other human. Although their blood is tastier, we prefer animals blood.

I had killed a few people when I newly turned. I yet regret it. I remember seeing the fear in the eyes of the people but I couldn't stop myself. I wasn't in control of myself. I never want to become that monster again.

This little encounter with the girl made me feel a bit at ease. At least I didn't kill her. I was glad I didn't.