The Hunter Becomes The Hunted

CHAPTER EIGHT

   Pulling myself together, I pick up the clothes from the bed and head into the bathroom.

     It's really nice she got me clothes. It looks like it the right size too.

  I set the clothes on the counter and turn on the water. I immediately rip my blood stained clothes off, throwing them in a pile across from me. Turning to the shower I jump in. I didn't know I had this much blood on me... I feel gross. As I slide my hands over my body the blood starts washing off. It makes me feel sick.
  
   It hasn't completely warmed up yet but I don't care. I'm going to shower quickly get dressed and head back to my house. I need to know everything is okay. I need to hear from my dad. I'm freaking out.

   I hurry through my shower watching the blood come off of me and disappear down the drain. The hot water runs over my body, but I'm still chilled. Nothing about tonight seems right.

   First the dead animal in my bed but also how did Clark get to me so fast. Theres no way he heard me from this far way. Unless he was really close to my house when I found the blood.

   But why would he be at my house that late?

    I think over what has happened so far as I finish dressing and go back into the bedroom. I carry my blood stained clothes with me. I take a deep breath preparing to leave the room. My heart is pounding in my chest and I feel like it's getting harder to breath.

   I drop the clothes and slowly come to my knees. I think I'm having a panic attack... I havent had one in years of course today of all days I would get one.

    I put my head between my legs and try to steady my breathing. I hear my dads words in my head, thinking about the first time this happened.  "This doesn't last it will go away. Clam yourself and remember I'm always here. I won't leave your side."

   It takes a good minute until I'm able to get up again. I bring my hands to my face and realize I've been crying. I didn't even know I was. I wipe my face and pick the clothes back up. I don't  know if I can handle this. At first I thought I was strong enough but as this keeps going on and getting worse. I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle and it's going to drive me insane. Taking another deep break, I try and gather myself together.

    I walk out of the room and down the stairs.

    I take my time walking down the hall. Looking at the photos on the walls. I can see Clark in nearly all of them. Him and his family seem so happy. I feel envy bubbling up. I wish I could have that.

   I continue to walk down the hall looking at the photos. There are so many people! How big is this dudes family, shit?!

   Reaching the bottom floor I don't see Clark or is mom in the living room. This house is way to big for me to go looking for them.

  I wonder if I could sneak out?

    "ARIA!" I heard someone call for me.

  Ugh.... why do I even think I can get away?

    I turn to my left and see Hailey coming up to me. Before I could even say anything she wraps her arms around me, hugging me.

    I tense up in her arms, not use to the contact of people that are not family. 

   "Are you okay? I'm so sorry about what happen. We'll find out who did this." She rambles.

   "I'm fine really, I'm okay. Im just tired and I would really like to go home. I need to sleep." I answer her.

   "Why dont you stay here for tonight? Please, I will feel better knowing you're here and safe." She asked.

   I was about to answer her when Clark walked in the room though a door that looked like it lead to the kitchen.

   As he walked over to us I could feel his eyes on me. Looking me up and down. As he stopped in front of us he looked at Hailey. It kinda look like they were talking.... but not moving their lips? Ummm yeah that's weird.

    "Yes you'll stay here tonight. Mom has a bedroom ready for you. None of us want you going back to your house until we know who did that." Clark said in such a 'final' voice.

  "Well I understand the concern but I would like to go back to my house okay. I'm fine really I am. I'm just tired." I said trying to make my way to the door. 

   Clark steps in front of me blocking my path. I glare at him "move." I demanded.  He smiled and I can see his eyes lighten up. "Sorry princess you're staying here." He said smirking.

   "No I'm not. Besides I don't go home with guys I'm not dating." I say adding sass into my voice.

   He leans down until I can feel his breath on my neck and ears. "I guess we'll have to change that." He says in my ear and I hear a soft laugh.

   My breath catches in my throat for a few seconds and Clark takes advantage of it. He gives me a cheesey smile and then out of no where picks me up bridle style.

   "Ugh!" I  Squeal. I see Hailey over his shoulder laughing so hard tears are coming out of her eyes. "Hailey! Help me here!" I beg.

   She laughs even harder and shakes her head. "Y'all have fun!" She says and runs out of the room.  I yell after her but It no use.

   I look at Clark, "will you please let me down?" I ask as nicely as I can.

   "Nope. I like you like this." He answers  grinning and laughing at me. He wraps his arms tighter around me and starts walking up stairs. "Where are we going?" I asked a little frantic.

   "My room." Clark looks at me and smiles.

SHIT !