Blinded by Eternity

Chapter Eleven - Primal Instinct

Chapter Eleven

We had long since said our goodbyes to Genzo and Hanji. We were off to Shanghai, courtesy of our beloved Blue Eyes. It was another day before we would arrive in Shanghai. After that, we'd take a plane to Europe, where afterwards, Jeremy would meet us in Spain. The trip would be around a month, and we just couldn't wait. It had been a crazy past three weeks, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. After our Europe trip was over, we'd boat to the U.S, and stay there for a few months. The trip for the rest of the gang was already a year, and I was really excited to see the whole world. I'd already loved Japan, and I couldn't wait to see France. I was looking over the bow of the ship, admiring the beautiful horizon, aflame with oranges and reds.
"It looks like your serape." I said, feeling Jesse's presence behind me.
"That super sense is really kicking in, isn't it?" He chuckled, wrapping his arms around me. "It's beautiful. Well, I can think of someone who's at least ten times more pretty." He moved to face me, kissing my forehead.
"You charmer. And by the way, why haven't I seen much of you in your wolf form?" His smile turned into a carefree face as he leaned against the railing.
"I don't feel a need to. I only turn full wolf if I need to. If I'm angry or scared or... protecting you. If I'm a lil' happy puppy, it's just cause I'm too tired to be human. Being in your natural form takes a lot of concentration and energy. You gettin' tired yet?" I shrugged.
"I don't know. All I've felt is just more hungry. Even after Jackson cooks, I find myself sneaking into the kitchen to eat whatever. It's honestly making me self conscious, but I haven't gained any weight." Jesse stood up a little.
"Don't feel conscious. It's your body craving blood. Once you get a taste, you'll be sated. But don't go for my blood or anyone else's in the group." I arched my brow, confused.
"Why not?"
"It's poison. Won't kill you, but it'll make you wanna die. I can help you get human blood." I clutched my stomach as it growled, not sure if it was out of hunger or disgust.
"Won't I turn them into a Vampire? And if the blood is so poisonous, why did Simon say he wanted a
second taste?"
"You wouldn't. You have to mix a Vampire's blood with a human's, then boom. New Vamp. That's what Simon did to you. And he said that because you're a newborn. Don't freak out..." Jesse unfurled a switchblade. "Will you let me show you?" My arms locked to my sides.
"Will it hurt?" He took my hand with his free one.
"Slightly. But you should know, I'll never intentionally hurt you. This is just to show you what I mean. I would cut my own arm to demonstrate, but you can't drink my blood." I stuck my arm out slowly. Jesse gripped my arm tightly like a tourniquet. "Breathe... Breathe..." The knife cut across my arm swiftly. I sucked in a breath, looking down at my arm. "That's... it..." Jesse's breath quickened. His face, normally tan, paled. It was if a switch in his mind flipped in an instant. "Tania..." He backed away. His form concaving further from me.
"Jesse, what's wrong?" He shoved me back by the wound, blood staining his hand. I stepped forward, but Jesse grabbed my arm.
"P-Primal... Instinct... So... Hungry... You need to go... I... d-don't want to hurt you..." I stepped back from him. His body twitched. He jolted then stayed still for a minute. He looked at me, his eyes now a pure gold. "Run." And with that, he lept into his wolf form.
"Jesse... please..." He advanced slowly, growling as I covered my slashed arm. "This isn't you." He growled, but hesitated. "Fight it... it was just a demonstration... This isn't you." His snout crinkled the growling a little softer. "Jesse. Listen to me. This is instinct like you said. I'm your friend. Your partner. The demonstration wasn't a good idea! It's okay. Turn back for me." I hid the fear in my voice, although my words did shake. He shifted slowly, his human self, on his elbows and knees, his body shaking rapidly. Whimpers came from his mouth, and I saw tears flood down his cheeks. I fixed to get one of the towels hanging on the railing, thankful it was dry. I covered his bare form, slowly hugging him as I draped the towel over him.
"God... I'm so sorry." His knees slid forward until he was sitting, holding onto me for dear life. "I didn't... I didn't mean..." I shushed him, stroking my hand through his hair. "I just... I felt it... I tried to control it... I'm so sorry-"
"Jesse, it is not your fault. I love you, okay? It's not your fault." I kissed his cheek. "Look, I'll put some gauze around this, and there goes the wound, and as for you, we'll get you some clothes, and how's about we play some video games all night?" Jesse looked up, his face red with tears, but a smile on his face.
"That sounds... Perfect. Thank you, Tania... I-I love you too..." He embraced me for a little longer, clinging onto me. I felt his warm, bare chest dampen with water, not tears from him, but from the sky above.
"C'mon. Let's go inside. It's starting to rain." I helped Jesse up as he clung to the towel, rain slowly starting to fall. Everything would be okay. I promised myself that much.