At the back of her mind she could not help wondering if Steven saw it differently. He had never come across excited about what he was. She could understand that. She could not understand why she was excited. It was weird. It was like a part of her had changed radically. Unfortunately, it was the part that was risk averse. For the first time, ever, she wanted to take risks. She wanted to live life on the edge, do something dangerous. She had no idea what would appease her irrational side.
She stretched and pretended to wake up. ‘How long was I out for?’
‘A while. We are getting there. I thought we could find accommodation on the Exmoor National Park before we visit my home town. You need to feed again.’
‘A park full of animal’s no-one will miss. Sounds like a good idea.’
‘Exactly.’ He glanced in her direction. ‘Are you feeling better now?
‘By better, do you mean am I not a homicidal killer anymore? Yes, I’m better. Who knows how long it will last. I mean…what was that?’
Steven kept his eyes on the road, his face one of deep concentration. ‘I don’t know. That’s the truth. I have seen someone act like you before.’
‘Who was it?’ Finally, a breakthrough.
He frowned as he replied, ‘My mother.’
That was not what she was expecting to hear. The last she heard his mother was a lunatic. ‘Great. That’s really good news. So, shall I throw myself onto an oncoming train now or do you have a solution to our problem? If I can’t resist human blood what hope do I have?’
The silence was hard to bear. Caitlin shook her head and looked out of the window. Nothing but countryside, cars and gloomy weather. It took several more minutes for Steven to speak.
‘The only solution is to take you to the Amazon. The thing is. I don’t know what people are going to say. I was not supposed to happen, but you were definitely not supposed to happen. It’ll be a shock for them. I don’t know how on earth I’ll be able to explain it. I might have to call my aunt Catherine and get her advice. She might be able to help.’
‘So call her then. Is she nice?’
‘She is very nice. Her husband lost all his family during the Second World War. He was Jewish. So they both tend to accept people more readily than others. It could be the only way.’ He left the suggestion hanging.
‘Right, well, park it is then. Are we nearly there?’ A longing burned in the pit of her stomach.
‘We are close. Can you hold on?’
The way he said it sounded patronising. She was not a child, even if she acted like one at times. She hoped he’d cut her some slack. The way she was acting was just as frustrating for her as it was for him. ‘I can wait.’
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Chapter 45
Night Vision
In the winter, nightfall comes early. In their current predicament this was an advantage. Steven parked the car on one of the deserted visitor zones and killed the lights. After a few seconds his night vision kicked in.
‘Wow…this is so cool. It’s like in documentaries. I can see in the dark, yet another perk.’ Caitlin sounded so relaxed.
‘Just like big cats, we are deadly killing machines with a load of devices at the ready.’
‘Yeah,’ she laughed. ‘I always fancied the idea of becoming a shark. A lion will do instead.’
‘Lioness.’
Caitlin held her hands up like claws and growled. ‘Even more deadly.’
Steven chuckled and gave a half smile. ‘Come on then, let’s go. Time to hunt.’
‘Hunt? Oh, hunt! I’m up for that.’ She grabbed the door handle and was out like a flash. ‘Tell me we’re not hunting rabbits again? Please.’
‘No, there’s a lot of red deer in the park. We’ll go for that. We won’t be able to use the body but we’ll try to get rid of it.’
‘I just hope we don’t come up against the Exmoor beast,’ Caitlin scoffed.
Steven rolled his eyes. ‘The Exmoor beast, as you well know, doesn’t exist.’
‘What like vampires don’t exist?’ Caitlin folded her arms and shook her head.
‘We are not vampires.’
Caitlin took a deep breath and unfolded her arms. As she spoke she ticked off an imaginary list off using her fingers. ‘You’re right, we don’t kill for blood, we don’t stay young, and we don’t use hypnotism. Okay, so we will die, I guess, and we still eat normal food, and we don’t sleep in coffins, and we…okay, fair enough. We’re not vampires. Well, at least not how Bram Stoker described them in Dracula.’
‘We have vampire traits. What we actually are, who knows? I think both of us have a lot to learn. You know, come to think of it we could be the Exmoor beast.’
‘What do you mean?’
Steven shook his head. ‘Nothing.’ It was stupid.
‘Go on, spill the beans, what are you thinking?’
Steven thought aloud. ‘It’s not likely. I don’t know, it’s just the beast was supposed to kill animals by ripping out their throats. They lost a lot of blood. Considering the fact that our kind only come back every now and again it’s plausible that our kind was to blame. They might have been the beast roaming the moors. My mum was around in the early nineties. It’s the next large park close to Southampton. I don’t know.’
‘It could be funny. The Exmoor beast turns out to be a human being with a strange appetite.’
‘Possible. Don’t think we’ll be able to provide a picture of a puma or leopard.’
‘No, a picture of a normal human being would not cut the mustard.’
‘No.’ It was nice to have some banter with Caitlin.
They started to walk into the forested area. Steven wondered what to say. He had learnt from his experience in the Amazon that it was not a good idea to be hasty. ‘I don’t have a huge amount of experience when it comes to hunting. The only thing I know is that we should hunt together and stay alert. Don’t go for the baby, it’s likely to be protected. Go for the weak, if they have an injury all the better.’
Caitlin nodded. ‘Sure. We do have to find them first.’
‘That’s the easy part. Watch.’ Steven stood still, raised his finger for her to be silent and closed his eyes to focus. The slight, practically silent, sound caught his attention and he knew which way to go. ‘This way.’
‘What did you do?’ She was curious again.
He whispered a reply. ‘It’s known as human echolocation.’
‘What? Like bats?’
‘Yes, just like bats.’
‘Can I do that?’
‘I’ll teach you later. Now, let’s stay focused. Questions later, okay?’
Her reply was barely audible, ‘Okay.’
‘Follow my lead.’
Caitlin nodded and their pace slowed as they stalked their prey.
From the cover of some bushes, they watched the red deer drinking by the river. As Steven poised himself to attack he turned to check on Caitlin. He was taken aback when he saw her leap towards one of the deer. In what appeared to be an effortless action, Caitlin landed on the medium sized deer and snapped its head and then sank her teeth into the neck and started to drink. Her stance, aggression and innate ability startled Steven. She was a natural. Not wanting to be overshadowed he listened for another animal. They had all scattered and gone. Caitlin had taken the prize. He made his way over to her and wondered if she would stop. He doubted she could.
‘Caitlin, can you share?’
She did not flinch, eyes closed.
‘Caitlin, can you hear me? You don’t have to drink it all so quickly. See if you can control yourself and stop.’
A shudder from her shoulders, but her eyes remained shut. Steven gave up and took a seat next to her. He could always drink from the animal’s leg. He wondered what she would do if he tried. Impatient, he took hold of the animal’s leg. His canines extended and he got ready to take his fill. Just as his teeth were about to sink into the flesh, Caitlin’s eyes snapped open. She snarled at him and pushed hi
m away with so much force that he landed a few metres away. He could not help finding it amusing and ended up in fits of laughter.
As he laughed, he saw her expression change from fury to anger to frustration to confusion to a smile. She stared at the dead animal then back at Steven and laughed with him. ‘You should know better than to try to steal my food. I was never that good a sharing at the best of times, let alone when I’m starving.’
He managed to stop laughing, and replied, ‘You have one heck of a punch in you. Remind me never to take your food again.’
‘I just did.’ She wiped her mouth and made her way over to his side. She held out her hand to help him up.
Steven raised his hand, took a firm hold of hers and pushed her down on the floor and then went on top of her and held both of her hands down. ‘See if you can get out of this one.’
Caitlin squirmed under him and tried to lift her hands but she couldn’t.
‘See you’re not stronger than me. I can hold my own.’
‘Point taken. Maybe I’ll have to learn to share.’
‘That would be wise.’ He stared in her eyes and wondered whether he should kiss her. He wanted to – badly. Did she want him to kiss her? He faltered for a split second.
***
Caitlin liked the fact Steven was on top of her. Even though she resented his superior strength she longed to be dominated. A part of her wanted him to take charge. In her red haze she could still make out the amber irises that had bewitched her from the first moment they met. She wanted him to kiss her.
Simultaneously, they both leaned in, desperate. The kiss was passionate, out of control. They rolled, fumbled and groaned whilst entwined. Caitlin’s legs wrapped tight around him. She could feel his need and she certainly knew hers was just as strong.
Impatient, she started to loosen his belt and then slipped her hand in his trousers to touch him. Immediately, Steven trembled in response. His hands went to her trousers and he undid her zip. He struggled with her button and Caitlin had to laugh as they continued to search for each other. When Steven’s hand touched her in her most intimate part Caitlin thought she would die. In haste, they discarded trousers. Steven kissed her stomach and touched her again; she arched her back and reached out for his face. She needed to kiss him, hard. As they kissed, they were free to reunite. They moved as one.
Caitlin was convinced she was on fire. The cold, soggy ground did nothing to help. As Steven got into a rhythm she could not suppress her moans as she gripped him tighter towards her. After an incredible climax they lay still, cuddling, out of breath on the floor.
After a minute, Caitlin heard Steven’s breathing slow down.
Was he asleep?
She could not sleep. The wet, sticky mud was starting to cool on her legs. It was not pleasant. Why did they have to lose their inhibitions in the forest? A bed would have been so much nicer. Her clothes were also ruined now. She was glad she packed an extra pair of jeans. She knew her sensible side was not strong enough to stop what had happened, but it was having a good old nag now all the same.
‘Steven, wake up. We should find somewhere to sleep.’ She started to detach herself from his arms.
He pulled her closer and mumbled, ‘This is a good place.’
‘Steven, stop joking. We can’t sleep here.’ She sat up and searched for her jeans. She picked up the smudged and soaked pair. ‘Ugh, these are disgusting.’
‘They’re just clothes.’ He leaned on his hand and turned to face her, all blurry eyed.
‘I’d like somewhere to stay please. We can change in the car and try to look decent for when we find a place.’
Steven sat up and ruffled his hair. ‘You are amazing. Have I ever told you that?’
‘Thank you, no, not recently. You’re pretty good yourself.’
He hummed in agreement as he found his trousers and put them on. ‘Shall we go?’ he asked, his hand reaching for hers.
‘Yes,’ Caitlin said, as she found his hand and held it tight. ‘I do love you Steven. I think I never stopped loving you.’
‘That’s good to know,’ he said, as he leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips.
She felt her stomach cartwheel in response. Could she want him again? Yes, yes she could. ‘I am yours. Let’s make it work.’
He gave a beaming smile and wrapped his arms around her as he nestled his face in her hair. ‘I love you Caitlin. I promise I will always look out for you. We have nothing to fear. Together, we can do anything.’
She leant against his chest and took in his scent. Everything about him appealed to her now. She felt different. Was it as simple as that? Was sex the answer to her problem? She could not help thinking their relationship meant so much more and yet it was only when they made love that she finally felt a connection so strong it overpowered the ever doubting Thomas in her brain. She did want the relationship to work.
***
Emily could not believe she had been lured, like a moth to a light, back to her love. She had finally left the community and all she could do was go in search of Paul, Steven’s dad. He had been so easy to find. The internet provided a wealth of knowledge to anyone that asked. He was still an accountant and now ran his own company. He had done well for himself by the look of things.
She hid behind the large trunk of the majestic oak tree at the side of the house and waited. It was becoming a regular routine. Paul always returned at five thirty, without fail. He was nearly forty five years old now, but he still looked good, regardless of his receding hairline. The car headlights engulfed the drive and she took cover. When she heard the car door slam, she peeked out and watched as he put the key in the door lock and made his way in. She would give anything to talk to him. She had memorised the entire layout of the house now and had gone in when the other woman was out. Paul had made a good home for himself. It should have been her home.
She made her way over to the window sill by the kitchen and listened. She could hear Clara – the other woman. She was chattering on as Paul mumbled a few yes and no’s in response. He did not love that woman. Emily knew he could not love the other woman. He loved her. In the same way she had only ever loved him. Steven was the proof of their love. The woman was in the way. She would have to think of what she could do to get rid of her. Either way, there was no hurry. The last thing she wanted to do was scare Paul. He would not understand why she still looked the same.
Emily crept back and walked stealthily to the back of the house to wait in the garden. It was lucky for her they did not have any dogs.
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Chapter 46
Exmoor National Park
As they drove into the grounds of the country hotel Caitlin eased forward, mouth open. ‘We can’t stay here. They’ll never take us in. We look like tramps.’
‘We have some mud on us that’s all. Trust me. We’ll get a room.’ Steven parked the car in the resident zone and gave Caitlin a reassuring smile.
‘Are you serious? Can’t we go somewhere else? It looks like a really posh hotel.’
Steven found her expression comical. ‘You’re not scared, are you?’
‘No, of course not,’ Caitlin said, as she slumped back in the seat. ‘I just think, oh I don’t know, I’ve never stayed somewhere like this before.’
‘There’s always a first. Watch and learn. Come on, let’s get the bags and get the best room.’
He could tell Caitlin was all set to protest, but he did not give her the chance. He slipped out of the car, made his way to the passenger seat and opened the door. ‘No point sulking.’
‘I’m not sulking.’ In a fluid motion, Caitlin was out of the car and at his side. ‘I’m ready to learn. I should bet something, they’ll never let us in.’
Steven held her hand and made his way to the entrance. Once through the door, he had to push Caitlin along as she shuffled reluctantly behind. He made his way over to the reception counter and was met by a tight lipped, older gentleman with a bushy m
oustache.
‘May I help you?’ The tone made it obvious he did not think he could.
‘Yes, thank you kind sir. My fiancée and I had a spot of trouble on the moor with our car and have ended up looking like a pair of ragamuffins. I am embarrassed to arrive at your door in this state. Nevertheless, we will require your best room for the night and the use of your laundry service. I am afraid we are en route to visit the parents in law and, as I am sure you understand, it would not do to turn up in this state.’ Steven knew his upper crust accent would not fail him.
‘But, of course sir. We do have the one deluxe suite available. We are at your service. Please, if you could give me your name and details I will be happy to take payment. The room is two hundred pounds for the night.’ The man raised his eyebrows.
‘Wonderful, I can pay in cash.’ Steven produced five fifty pound notes. ‘Here’s an extra fifty for taking care of the laundry for us. Keep the change.’
‘Of course, thank you. You are too kind.’
As the man handed over the key Steven glanced at Caitlin and winked. She gave a bemused frown and shook her head. At least she didn’t look like she wanted to kill anyone now. It was progress.
After they had entered the lift Caitlin turned on him. ‘Where did you get all that money? Did you rob a bank?’
‘Well actually, I kind of did. Mind control makes people do the weirdest things.’
‘Serious?’ Caitlin rubbed her hand through her hair. ‘You’ll have to show me how to do that. I could easily spend cash.’
‘Remember, we don’t want to draw attention to ourselves.’
‘Oh, but it’s okay to take the best room in the hotel and hand over silly money like you just did?’
A challenge, she was good at those. ‘He’ll have forgotten us by the morning.’
‘Serious?’
‘Yes, I’m serious. I will try to teach you but I’m not sure I can. I picked up a fair bit in the community.’ It was good for something he guessed.
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 61