Page 7 of Insatiable Hunger

“We’re stayinghere?” The question was whispered from my lips. An older man, who I hadn’t noticed before now, stepped down from the porch of the cabin. He held a small lantern in onehand and a shotgun firm in the other, dancing shadows hiding his features. He stood, watched us intensely as Cain killed the engine, the world around us falling into the immense sounds of the active nightlife. The strange man’s close presence made me nervous.

“You’re not scared of the dark now, are you, Bambi?” Cain grinned. Our eyes met for a moment before I forcefully pulled mine away in submission.

The six of us all exited the car, enamored by our surroundings. Alastair stiffened, his fur touching my leg as he remained close, immediately aware of the stranger. Cain approached the man, shaking his hands as the rest of the group began to unload our luggage. The old man nodded to Cain, speaking no words as he silently stepped past him with his lantern and shotgun. As he walked by, his dark eyes fell to Alastair, who growled a warning. The man grunted as his eyes moved, meeting mine, his expression immediately changing. My fingertips burned a warning as he watched me, noticing the faint glow from my hands.

“Careful.” He glanced up, his eyes moving across the clear night sky. “Looks like it might rain.” He walked past us, continuing down the gravel road until the light of his lantern faded into nothing.

“Who was that?” I asked, over my shoulder.

“That,” Cain approached me, his bags in one hand and mine in the other, “was the owner of this cabin.” He dropped my bag at my feet, almost hitting Alastair. “He wanted to make sure we got the key. Now, let’s go.” He smacked my backside rushing to the front door of the cabin.

Alastair huffed, reflecting my annoyance as I grabbed the heavy bag. The faint sound of water caught my attention as I glanced around the car to the other side of the cabin. I stumbled across the loose gravel and approached the wooden railingwhich thankfully prevented me from stepping further, the sight of what lay beyond lightly startling me. Just inches away, the ground dropped, immediately forming a deep ledge rooted into what appeared to be a lake surrounded by the forest. Somehow, on the drive up, I missed it.

Alastair and I stood in place, staring at the black body of water below. “I wonder how far the drop is,” I questioned out loud, leering over the railing, glancing down.

“I’d say it’s at least a thirty, maybe forty-foot drop.” His voice startled me, causing me to jump. “Woah.” His hand gently touched my shoulder. “Careful, darling.”

I turned to face Lazarus, the moon highlighting his features. “What do you think you're doing, sneaking up on me like that?” A blue glow reflected in his dark irises as they stared down at my hands. I quickly shook my palms, putting out the fire.

“You seem on edge,” he stated, leaning against the wooden railing.

“This place just feels…off.” I absorbed the scenery around us as the nightlife sang their late-night lullaby. Together, we stared at the calm water below in silence, listening to the gentle rhythm of the lake.

“Give it a chance. Not all scary remote locations are bad.” He smiled. “Besides, you’ve got Alastair.” We both glanced at the wolf as he stared back at us, his golden eyes full of life.

“That I do.” I smiled, petting his sweet head.

“And who knows? Our cabin here could even have its own resident ghost.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “Come on,” Lazarus leaned down, picking up my bag, “the others are all inside.” The smell of smoke quickly filled the air. “Seems Cain finally got that fire going.” He looked back at me, smiling. “How much you want to bet Ruby had to help?” I nudged him in the chest as the three of us stepped towards the cabin.

Chapter

Seven

LAZARUS

Alaska and Alastair had settled into their room of the cabin while I joined the rest of the group. Cain and Ruby were bickering near the fireplace, the stone masonry reaching high to the ceiling. Jinx sat on the leather couch across from them, snacking on a red licorice candy rope.

“Okay, Cain, whatever you say,” Ruby groaned, rolling her eyes as she walked to Jinx, “but we both know that fire isn’t burning ‘cause of you.” She grinned, pointing to the maroon-colored flames, pleased with herself as she plopped down next to her girlfriend.

“Fuck off, Ruby,” Cain hissed, staring into the dark fire. Ruby may have enjoyed teasing him, but she needed to be careful. Cain was not the one to antagonize. He was known for having a short temper and wasn’t afraid to lash out in whatever way he felt. His short fuse always worried me, especially when it came to Alaska.

Alastair bolted into the room, rushing to my side as he licked my hand. Jinx snapped, directing his attention to her as he galloped onto the couch, running over Ruby to reach her.She giggled as Alastair licked her face and wagged his tail in excitement, the black fur brushing across Ruby’s face.

“Alaska!” Ruby groaned, attempting to shove him off her. “Get yourmuttoff me!” Ruby really seemed to dislike him, but despite her obvious disregard, the only person Alastair wasn’t fond of was Cain, but who could blame him?

A soft whistle made the wolf freeze, his ears perched high and alert, his tail raised as his head rose. He launched from the couch and immediately joined Alaska’s side as she entered the small living room.

“He’s not a mutt, Ruby,” she growled as he sat at her feet. Ruby crossed her arms, ignoring Jinx as she signed to her. She was asking Ruby to calm down. “Why do you dislike him? He’s never done anything to you.” Alastair sat, his tongue hanging from his mouth happy as could be.

“I’ve got my reasons,” she grumbled to herself, rolling her eyes.

Jinx bit her lip, staring at me. “Do something,” she moved her hands.

“What?” I silently asked, unsure of how to change the topic.

“What about a story?” she asked.

I snapped my fingers, pointing to her. “Now that’s a fun idea, Jinx.” I glanced around at the group, all eyes except for Cain’s watching me. “Who here has a scary story they would like to share?”

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