The Lunar Saga: Crescent Moon (Book 1)

Chapter 36: Complications

--UNKNOWN—

Derek’s POV

I laid down in bed, until I finally fell asleep.

I opened my eyes to a familiar place. Aware in some corner of my consciousness that I was dreaming. I recognized the green light of the forest. I could hear the waves crashing against the rocks somewhere nearby. And I knew that I could if I found the ocean, I’d be able to see the sun. I was trying to follow the sound, but then Kris was there, tugging on my hand, pulling me back toward the blackest part of the forest.

“Kris? What’s wrong?” I asked. Her face was frightened as she yanked with all her strength against my resistance; I didn’t want to go into the dark.

“Run, Derek, you have to run!” she whispered, terrified.
“This way, Derek!” I recognized my father voice calling out of the gloomy heart of the trees, but I couldn’t see him.

“Why?” How does my father know Kris? Why are you with him?” I asked, as I pulled Kris’s grasp, desperately to find the sun and carry Kris with me, out of my father’s sight.
But my father pulled us apart as she yelped, suddenly falling to the dim forest floor. She twitched on the ground as I watched in horror.

“Kris!” I yelled. But she was gone. In her place was a creature that look like a man but hard like stone and cold as ice. The man faced away from me, pointing toward the shore.
But I didn’t turn. I was watching a light coming toward me from the beach.
And then Kris stepped out from the trees, she appeared once more, her skin faintly glowing, her eyes crystal blue and dangerous. She held up one hand and beckoned me to come to her.

The creature that look like a man growled at my shoulders while I watch my father witness our event. Isn’t he going to help? I thought to myself.  

I wanted to form and take him out myself but I couldn’t seem to form. I ignored him and took a step forward, toward Kris. She smiled.
“Trust me,” she purred.
I took another step.
The creature that look like man launched himself across the space between me and Kris, his teeth were sharp, pointed, the vampire fangs aimed and pierced her neck in front of me.
“NO!” I yelled, just when I was about to ripe him to shreds, I wrenched upright out of my bed.

My sudden movement caused my books to fall over bedside table, and it stomped to the wooden floor.

My light was still on, and I was sitting fully dressed on the bed, with my boots on. I glanced at my watch on my arm. It was nearly four-thirty in the morning.

I groaned, fell back, and rolled over onto my face, kicking off my boots. I was too uncomfortable to get anywhere near sleep. I rolled back over and unbuttoned my jeans, yanking them off. Tiredly, I combed through my hair with my fingers.

It was all no use, of course. My subconscious had dredged up exactly the images I’d been trying so desperately to avoid. I was going to have to face her in person. I need to know if she is safe and unharmed.

I sat up, and my head spun for a minute as the blood flowed downward. First things first, I thought to myself. I headed towards the bathroom. The shower didn’t last long as I hoped it would. Even taking time to rinse off the shampoo, I was soon out of things to do in the bathroom. Wrapping the towel around my waste as I brushed my teeth, I couldn’t stop thinking about Kris. I crossed back to my room. I couldn’t tell if my father was still asleep, or if he had already left. I went to look out my window, no one was up yet.

I dressed slowly in my most comfortable jeans and t-shirt, and then grabbed my suit case. I couldn’t put it any longer. I went to my closet and switched on my light.
I hated disappearing out of the blue but I was worried about Kris.

My feet dragged as I climbed down the stairs. I pulled out the car keys to my black Chevrolet Corvette and headed out to Forks. Of course, I told one of my two best friends to come along. I lied to them, saying it’s a vocation. I couldn’t tell them the truth, if I did, my father would know instantly what I was up too.

I need to see her.