Bale watched me from wherever he was hiding, and I ran out of his sight faster than he could blink.
I found myself in town some minutes later, watching as people went about their business, completely unaware that I was a threat to their lives.
Cruel, I guess, but it's true.
I exist and thrive only because of their blood, and without them, I would die.
I do have some morals, though. I avoid mothers and children unless absolutely necessary. I try to feast on the bad guys, but they don't taste anywhere as sweet as a beautiful woman or a strong young man.
My eye fell on the young man across the road from me, unstacking pallets from a white van. He took them into his hands, his veins bulging as he carried them to the back door of a shop. I watched him for a while until my canines stretched fully, my hunger burning at the back of my throat.
It was a need, not a whim.
I needed to drink, and now.
My mind searched my victims until I discovered that he would be finishing work soon and was looking forward to having a crafty fag before heading home. His family weren't aware of his habit, so after work was the only chance he got.
Pity he wouldn't get a chance.
Crossing over the road, I stood by the corner, watching as he went about his business. His eyes were focused but glazed over; he was bored.
The vein in his neck called to me, begging me to empty it from the rivers of blood that rushed through it.
He finished his shift moments later and sat down on the stone steps behind his work with a heavy sigh.
"Been that kind of a day, huh?" I asked, holding out a packet of the finest cigarettes money could buy.
The guy eyeballed me suspiciously before looking up at me.
Big mistake.
Hypnotising, some call it.
I suppose it is, but I like to think of it as rocking them gently to sleep with my mind as I set about eating my meal.
He took his first inhale when I sank my teeth into his neck, a soft gurgle coming from his mouth as the cigarette fell to the ground. I choked on the flood of crimson that filled my mouth, lapping at it greedily until I'd quenched my thirst. I knew I'd probably taken more from him than he could give, but once I'd started, I couldn't stop.
Ah well. Sorry, mate.
But I'm not sorry. I'm fucking thirsty.
Or hungry, whichever you prefer.
I cleaned myself up and headed back into the crowd, the man already forgotten.
Maybe a werewolf would pick up his scent and put him out of his misery.
Maybe not.
My head felt clearer already as the fresh blood replenished my cells, warming my black heart. I bought a bouquet for Anita, wondering what the fuck I was doing when something pricked my ears.
A conversation.
Words that included her name.
Anita.
"She believes it. You need to do it before he comes back."
My head snapped from side to side, my body going rigid.
Who needs to do what?
I couldn't see whoever was talking, but I knew they were close.
Could they see me?
Were they doing this for my benefit?
"Stop. He can hear us."
My blood, had it been warm, would've run cold. Instead, it iced over, solidifying in my harrowed veins.
Anita.
Something was wrong.
I moved, running as fast as I could back to the house, praying she was still there. My mind raced as I sped through the woods, coming to a stop close to the house.
Anita was outside.
A growl died in my throat as I strode up to her, yanking her by the arm as she glared at me through honey-colored eyes.
"Jackal!" Anita yelped, smacking me on the arm. "You scared me, you fucker!"
"What are you doing outside? I told you to stay inside," I snarled, pushing her back to the house.
A twig snapped behind me, and Anita's face paled.
Bale.
"Jackal, come inside," Anita pleaded, dragging me by my jacket as I turned to see Bale grinning at me from behind a tree.
I could only make out his outline, but considering I was a predator, it made me wonder what he was capable of when the fear gripped me like a vice.
"Jackal."
I shoved Anita forward, but she wouldn't release me, and I turned back to her with annoyance.
"Go inside now," I hissed, pushing her over the threshold with a sigh of relief.
I hated that I cared what happened to this girl, but I couldn't leave her with Bale. She wouldn't survive.
She had zero knowledge of incantations, and those spells only lasted so long.
"Alright, Bale?" I said with a chuckle, tugging the door shut behind me.
Anita banged her fists against it, but I refused to let her out, wedging a broom beneath the door handle.
That should hold her.
Bale studied me, his forked tongue flickering over his lips as he moved closer, tilting his head with interest at the broom.
"Is that to keep me out, or her in?"
I shrugged my shoulders.
"What do you want her for?"
Demons lie. They twist words and play with your soul just for shits and giggles.
Never, ever trust a demon.
Bale's eyes glittered as he stepped closer, his head moving unnaturally as he did.
"I need her body."
I suspected this wasn't a lie.
"Don't we all?" I drawled, crossing my arms across my chest.
Bale laughed, and it made the leaves on the trees around him wilt, the clouds rolling into darkness above us.
"We want it for different things, old man."
"You're older than me," I scoffed, watching as his eyes moved to my hands.
"Flowers? Don't tell me you've fallen for the pathetic half-witch."
I didn't move a muscle. I couldn't read his mind; it was impossible.
But I knew to fight him would be futile.
"What do you want her for?" I demanded.
Bale stroked his chin, apparently deep in thought.
"She's a sacrifice."
I froze, my features twisting into those of anger.
"Choose someone else," I rasped. "There's plenty of people like her."
Bale shook his head, stepping closer so I could see the fire dancing in his eyes, the coal-black pupils burning into mine as he spoke.
"No, there's no one like her. I don't want anything but the shell."
"Shell?"
Sacrifice?
Shell?
"One night. You can have one night with her, but tomorrow she's mine. Agree or don't, either way; I'm having her." Bale gazed at me, his finger tapping his temple as he raised his eyebrows. "I'm sure it would be fun to fight, but I don't think it would be very fair, do you?"
"Can't we come to an agreement?" I asked, wondering if I was willing to die for her.
Bale grinned, waving his hand in the air.
"I just gave you one."
I swallowed, knowing she was just one woman.
Like I'd said, there was plenty more like her.
"One night?" I repeated as Bale nodded, relaxing.
"All yours. Then she's all mine."
Our eyes met, and I had no option but to agree.
We were no match for him.
"Alright. One night," I agreed, moving the broom handle. The door flew open behind me, and warm hands tugged at mine, dragging me into the warmth of the house.
Soft lips brushed my ear as she exhaled with relief, wrapping her arms around me.
"I thought he was going to kill you; I couldn't imagine…God, Jackal!"
One night.