The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return

by Vanessa Wester

  ***

  The decision was made to go in pairs. Judith decided to go with Steven. Something told her she could not trust Emily to act rational. Steven was supposed to be the only one who got close to humans. She watched Jeff drive off with Emily and gave a wary smile. She was glad they were going to the other side of the park. The smell of humanity drew them both in.

  After twenty minutes, they were deep within the wooded area. Judith knew humans were around, she could smell them. She stayed alongside Steven and waited for him to speak. She had no idea if his sense of smell and sight was as good as hers. As if reading her mind, Steven stopped.

  He stared at a small bridge. ‘I think there are people sleeping under there.’

  Bingo. He had found them. There was nothing wrong with his senses. ‘Then that’s where we go.’ Judith took another step.

  Steven froze. ‘I’m not sure I can do this.’

  ‘I’ll help you.’ She was sure that once he was close enough he would know what to do.

  ‘No, I want go on my own. I can’t run anyway so you don’t have to worry about me escaping.’

  Judith gave a slight nod. ‘Do what you think is best. I’ll wait here.’

  It was just as well. If she got any closer she would do something she would regret.

  ***

  Steven hobbled off, his crutches firmly ensconced under his armpits. He hated being so weak and helpless. Was his recovery worth it? Was it selfish to want to heal? Closer now, the smell intensified. Out here, other smells did not overpower. He loathed what he was about to do. A shuffling noise could be heard under the bridge and the faint sound of snoring. He could also detect the smell of alcohol. He moved on. Barely a metre away, a twig snapped under his foot and a female voice called out. The other person remained fast asleep, probably drunk.

  The female did not sound scared or threatened, just curious. Even though he knew Spanish it did not help him with Portuguese. He carried on and got closer to the dim light, it had to be a fire. The voice belonged to a girl who now walked towards him. She looked young. She stared at him with huge brown eyes, transfixed. She glanced at his crutches, then smiled and repeated the question. He stared in silence unable to reply.

  She took a step closer and he realised she was not as young as he had at first thought. Her features were more womanly, and she had long brown hair that hung loosely around her face. He was drawn to her – he could not deny it. Instinctively, he smiled, keeping his mouth closed to hide his now extended canines. His tongue explored them. It was amazing, loathsome but still amazing.

  The woman remained clam, now inches away, asking the same Portuguese question. Steven got within touching distance. She was silent now, just watching. Her eyes glazed over, as though in an awed trance. He remembered Ingrid and her piercing stare and momentarily faltered. Could he really do this? Could he not? He leaned in. As he did, she tilted her head to the side and exposed her neck. He closed his eyes and lowered his head – instinct told him where to go.

  The blood coursed down his throat and initiated an unexpected rush. It urged him on. He began to forget his promise to stop. In mid frenzy, a face appeared – Caitlin. He was doing it for her. He was getting better for her. He would not kill the woman. He could not kill. What would Caitlin say? He could stop. He groaned as he wrenched himself off the woman and gasped. The woman stood still with her eyes closed.

  Steven backed away as the woman waivered and collapsed on the floor. He had not killed her, he was sure of it. He whispered ‘thank you’ and left, carefully retracing his steps. As he got up the bank, he threw one of the crutches on the floor. He did not need two anymore. His injury was better, much better.

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  Chapter 4

  Joana

  Emily narrowed her eyes and watched Steven make his way towards the car. He only had one of the crutches now. He must have done it. A jealous pang made her clench her teeth. The thought alone of fresh human blood made her canines extend and she savoured the night air. It reeked of human scent. She reminded herself to stay calm and controlled. She could do that. Once Steven and Judith got back into the car, she snapped. She needed to leave before it got too late. ‘Let’s go,’ she urged, her lips taut.

  Jeff nodded. The stiff way he moved made her wonder if it was possible he was also finding this hard?

  Once they got moving, Jeff broke the silence. ‘It went okay then.’

  Steven wore a smug look. ‘I left her alive of that I’m sure.’

  Jeff laughed, ‘Good for you. So, tell us your secret? How did you manage to stop?’

  ‘Willpower, I guess. If I want to get back home I have to earn the trip.’

  The casual way he said it stung.

  ‘You really think you can live amongst humans?’ Judith asked, her face pensive.

  ‘Of course I can. I will do whatever it takes to get back to those I love.’

  Now Emily was angry. She wanted to hold back the words, but they burst out, ‘Love? I had plenty of love to give. It didn’t help me. I can’t control it.’

  ‘Well, I can.’ Steven folded his arms over his chest.

  There was nothing more she could say. He really thought she did not love him enough. She was sure Steven thought she had not tried hard enough. She looked out of the window again and closed her eyes, overwhelmed by anger. She could not believe he thought it was so easy. He had no idea of the hardship she had endured, the pain. She had tried everything to control the thirst – nothing ever worked. Her chest burned and she swallowed. Was there anything she could do to make her son forgive her? Would he ever consider her as his mother? Somehow, she doubted it.

  ‘Half of your genetic makeup is human, so perhaps that is the reason you can do what we find so hard,’ Jeff mused, a light huff followed.

  ***

  Steven unfolded his arms, and leaned closer to the driver’s seat to chat to Jeff. ‘If I can control it, then I’m not a threat to human life am I?’

  The question hung in the air.

  ‘If you can, then I guess you’re not,’ Jeff declared, ruffling his hair with one hand.

  Steven was not completely sure. This close, it appeared as though Jeff had aged. Was his hair whiter or was it Steven’s imagination?

  ‘So when I am fully recovered there is no reason for me to return with you, is there?’ Steven pushed the point. A light glimmered at the end of the tunnel.

  Jeff looked at Judith next to him, who raised her eyebrows.

  Emily continued to look out of the window. She obviously did not think love was the answer. He had hit a raw nerve – he was glad it hurt her.

  ‘It would certainly leave the floodgates open for others who want to integrate. For years we have thought the younger ones seemed to be more in control,’ Judith sighed, getting closer to Jeff.

  Emily sharply moved her head to face Steven. In a voice laced in venom, she spoke, ‘We can’t allow that yet, not until we know for sure. Some of the members of the community can never be allowed to leave. We know they can’t control themselves. It would lead to revolt, jealousy and uncertainty.’

  ‘Just because you can’t control yourself,’ there was a bitter edge to his tone. She flinched, but he ignored her. ‘You could say I died.’

  ‘You would prefer that to living with us?’ Jeff asked, in a bewildered tone.

  Steven paused to consider this. ‘No offence to you all, but yes.’

  ‘You don’t know what you’re saying,’ Judith added. ‘You’ve barely lived this life, neither have we to be honest. There are risks.’

  ‘Life is a risk,’ Steven replied, hands held out in protest.

  Emily lowered her shoulders. She felt defeated. ‘Okay, tell you what – you prove to us that you are fully recovered and that this was not just a one off.’ She paused to sigh, and then continued in a mellow voice, ‘It would give me a great satisfaction, one you cannot even comprehend, to know you could lead the life that I can’t.’

  ‘No offence
to you Steven, but we find it very hard to smell humans and repress our needs. Emily you sound on the edge.’ Judith leaned her head over the headboard, to face Emily. Then she gave her a reassuring smile.

  Emily remained straight faced.

  ‘You put us to shame Steven. I will try to follow your example and not kill a person – no promises though,’ Jeff smiled, as he stopped the car. ‘You wait here whilst we go to feed.’

  Steven barely looked up as they all left him alone. He was amazed his foot had made such an amazing recovery. He played back the conversation he had just had in his head and could not believe they were going to help him. For the first time, he truly believed they did have his best interests at heart. If his ability to control himself was true, then he could return to England and resume his previous life. He wondered whether he would be able to obtain his old identity back. He groaned as he realised Eilif would be unable to help him if he thought he was dead.

  He would have to think of a way in which he would obtain, at least, his nationality back. At a price, he was sure anything was possible. Regardless, the issue was how far his family would go to help him. A sound made him turn around to see if they had come back. In the distance, he saw a silhouette against the moonlight glow. Whoever it was stopped moving when he turned. Then the body started to gain momentum and walked faster and faster to stand a metre away from him. Steven realised who it was and remained glued to the spot, stunned. Still on the border of the park, she had found him. It beggared belief.

  ***

  Joana looked at the man standing before her. He couldn’t have been much older than her and he took her breath away. It was so strange. She dreamt he had visited her. She could not remember what had happened, just that the experience was heavenly. She knew now he was not a dream – he did exist. He was standing right there. His mesmerising eyes, they were like jewels. She needed to touch him – to check. She took a step forward, knocked on the window pane and smiled.

  Then she faltered, her body felt weak. She had hardly had any food and was hungry, but this was different. She was dizzy. Stretching out her hand she leant against the glass. He blinked. It was not a dream – he was real.

  ‘Olá! Como vai você?’ She called out, knocking on the window again. Her voice rasped, so weak.

  No reply.

  ‘Como vai você?’

  His eyes narrowed and he bit his lip. Then she heard the click of the door as it opened. She stood back and let him get out. He watched her, and then held his hands up in the air. ‘No speak Portuguese.’

  He was an Englishman. She knew a little from school. ‘H-hello. H-how are you?’ She could not understand why he continued to watch her as though scared, with a pained expression on his face. She could wait; they did not have to talk. She could not understand the need to throw herself at him.

  ***

  Steven was shocked to hear her speaking English.

  ‘I’m okay,’ he answered. He shuffled around knowing it was a stupid answer.

  ‘Wh-why are you here?’ The woman persevered and cocked her head to the side, as though confused.

  What on earth was she doing here? Why was she talking to him?

  ‘Just walking.’ He did not know what else he was supposed to say.

  The woman laughed before she stumbled as her eyes rolled back towards her head. She looked like she was about to faint. He had done that to her.

  She managed to raise her head, and said, ‘Sorry, n-not well today.’

  ‘I have to go.’ Steven turned; he didn’t want to see the effect he’d had on her.

  ‘Take me,’ the woman pleaded, as she reached out for him. Her hand gripped his arm.

  He grabbed her small hand and eased it off. ‘Why?’

  She hugged herself and looked at him with huge eyes. She gave a huge gasp and then broke down into tears. Through the stifled sobs, she pleaded, ‘I-I don’t know. I have to go with you.’

  It was clear to Steven he had done something. She seemed obsessed. It was crazy. He’d had admirers before, but this went onto a whole new level. Either way, there was no way she could go with him. He cursed under his breath, and he saw her flinch. The tears escalated again.

  ‘Sorry, you have to stay.’ He could not look at her. He took hold of the door and made his way in. If he had to, he’d drive away.

  The woman stared through the glass, her face distraught. ‘Please, take me,’ she screamed, desperate.

  ‘Sorry,’ Steven mouthed, as he put the key in the ignition. Even with a slightly dodgy ankle he would find a way to drive the car. As the car came to life, he saw her stand back and turn around.

  It was only then, as his foot was about to hit the accelerator, that he saw them. Jeff, Judith and Emily had returned.

  ***

  Joana heard another voice and turned around. There were even more strangers at this time of night. Something told her to run, but she couldn’t – she was finding it hard to stay awake now. All that crying had exhausted her. Unable to stand any longer, she collapsed on the floor and just looked at them. The man had a round face, bushy eyebrows and kind eyes. He reminded her of her grandfather. The older woman looked afraid. That was weird. The younger woman looked like her angel. She had to be his sister. Something made her uneasy, she was not sure she could trust the young one. Was it the way she looked at her?

  Perhaps, if she fell asleep they would all just go away. She was so tired.

  ***

  Steven could not believe the woman had fainted. What exactly where they going to do with her? He was responsible, it was his fault.

  ‘Who is this?’ Judith leaned down and pushed the woman’s hair away from her neck. ‘Is this your victim?’ She frowned. A set of pin prick marks gave him away.

  ‘Yes,’ Steven said, through gritted teeth.

  Judith stared at the floor. ‘This is not good. We have to take her to safety.’

  Jeff glanced from Steven to the woman, then back again. ‘Did she follow you? She found you of her own accord?’

  Steven nodded. ‘It looks like it.’

  ‘She can’t keep away from you, can she?’ Emily huffed, as she circled the woman.

  ‘I don’t know.’ He did not want to admit the obvious.

  ‘We’ll take her back to where you found her. She won’t be able to track you over distance,’ Judith said, as she took a tube out of her pocket, opened it and applied a lotion onto the woman’s neck. The moment she did, the marks vanished.

  Jeff leaned down and picked up the woman. He turned towards the park. The woman gave a little whimper, and then snuggled into his arms. ‘I’ll be back soon. We’ll talk later.’

  Steven could hardly wait for their little chat.

  ‘What shall we do?’ Emily asked, her eyes to Judith. ‘It’s inhumane to leave her like that.’

  ‘What do you suggest Steven?’ Judith asked.

  Steven stared at floor, speechless for a moment. Everything had changed. ‘Leave her to it; I will not end her life. You can go and check on her tomorrow if you like. I doubt she was following me anyway.’ He knew he sounded defensive. He was not prepared to let this hiccup spoil his chance of going back home.

  Judith pursed her lips. ‘Steven, she was desperate to be with you. Face up to the truth.’

  Emily gave another patronising shake of the head. Would she ever be a supportive mother? Would she ever be on his side?

  He had no idea how to get out of the situation. He was not exactly an expert on cause and effect. ‘I don’t know what to tell you. We’ll talk to Jeff when he gets back.’

  The way Emily’s eyes fixed on the direction Jeff had gone made Steven wonder what thoughts were running through her mind now.

  He did not trust her.

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  Chapter 5

  Emily’s Choice

  The floorboards creaked under his feet as Jeff made his way up the staircase. They would have to repair them if they intended to stay for a while. He mulled over the fact
that Steven’s injury seemed to have healed significantly after one feed, it was incredible. He would not be surprised if he would be back to normal in no time. He had not expected the recovery to be so fast. If he had known, perhaps the trip could have been avoided. The thing was he was glad to be away from the community for once. He was not in a hurry to return. There was so much to discover.

  Yet, he wondered whether they should take Steven back to the community. It was the right thing to do. He just did not want to go back. He wondered how Judith felt about it all.

  The reason to go back to England with Steven was partly selfish. He longed to be on English shores again, his home soil. He longed to see how it had changed. He imagined seventy years would bring about a lot of change. He had followed the news and seen pictures, but it was not the same. He wanted to see it all for himself.

  He just could not avoid the facts.

  The woman.

  Even though Steven had not killed her, she was obviously unstable, unpredictable. They had no way of knowing what the repercussions of his feeding would be. To add to it all, it was going to be impossible for any of them to hold back from killing for much longer. The need was becoming unbearable.

  Jeff opened the door and took in the high ceilings and worn coving. Grandeur long lost. Judith had her back to him, as she looked out of the window. She was barely concealed behind a transparent, tattered curtain. He could not believe how beautiful she was. He admired the way her hair rustled as the wind played with it, it called to him. From behind, he cradled her in his arms and kissed her head. ‘How are you coping? Be honest.’

  ‘I’m fine... what was that tonight?’ She was avoiding the question. ‘Steven has healed faster than we expected. And what did he do to that woman? Have you seen that before?’ She turned to face him, her eyes wild as they darted around.

  Jeff placed his hands on her face and stroked her cheek. ‘Calm down, don’t panic, we’ve been through worse than this.’