by Alex Just
~ Island – pacific ~
The predator, lithe and stealthy stole through the jungle. Low snarls issuing from a mouth guarded by the sharp glint of fangs that dripped with saliva. Fury shuddered through its muscular body as its hunger continued to stretch the walls of an empty stomach. The prey had escaped again. An odour, carried on the wind, filled its nostrils. With an aggressive leap it twisted in its direction and bounded towards the scent. Desperation lending it incredible speed, powering its hunt for living flesh. As the scent became overpoweringly strong the headlong rush disseminated, control was resumed as it stalked with cunning silence towards two figures sitting huddled on a beach. They were staring out at the ocean which lay calm in peaceful slumber. Not five metres away, it stopped. No. It had been false hope. The smell that belonged to these creatures was wrong. Not food, something else. With frustrated irritation it was forced to turn away from what would’ve been a satisfying meal. The loss of control resurfaced and with inhuman speed it sped back into the jungle. Pausing momentarily it cocked its head on its side, listening to the gentle rush of the under bush. The rustling got louder and the snuffling snout of a boar emerged from around a tree trunk. It was so immersed in its foraging it only notice the beast as it heard a faint growl. A terrifying roar rent the night air. The power it felt after the outburst was overwhelming, it relished the flash of fear the boar showed as it realised it was going to be on the menu. With a furious squeal it turned on its tail and slipped back into the under growth, running on its short legs as fast as it could go. Close on its tail was the creature gaining every few metres. Without warning the boar skidded left into a hollow under the ground leaving the beast confused. The night was on its last legs and would soon end, so it was forced to disappear back the way it had come. Hungry once again.