Running From the Pack (closed)

[heartofcourage]

The howling of the northern wind outside her window provided the only other sounds that evening besides the clicking of her keyboard. Angelica Seton was working late into the night, the words of her latest story flowing from her like water was she thought about everything she’d learned after coming to this place.

She had heard stories about the strange commune outside of the town Rancic in upstate Washington ever since she’d moved to the state four years ago. She brushed it off as simply gossip and legend, laughing at her roommate as she tried to tell her that the stories were true. When her boyfriend, Danny, had told her the same things, she simply shook her head and told him that it was just make believe. She had heard every explanation as to what those people were, from vampire to hippies. Of course, she didn’t believe any of those explanations.

Near the Canadian border, Rancic had seemed like the ideal place for Angelica to set down some roots. She’d had a rough childhood, bouncing around state agencies and foster homes in the California justice system until she was 18 and finally gained her freedom. Her father had killed her mother on night in a drunken rage while Angelica, then seven, had watched the whole scene. When he’d turned the gun on himself, she knew that her life would never be the same. It had instilled in her the need to find a home, to be stable, to take care of herself no matter what.

She’d put herself through college, attending UCLA and graduating Cum Laude from the school of journalism. Her first assignments had been in Los Angeles, but the fast pace of the city had worn thin on her. Shortly before her 28th birthday, she had applied for a post in the small town that she now called home. It wasn’t glamorous, but as the editor of the paper, she had the freedom to do what she wanted and felt passionate about.

She still freelanced on the side, writing articles for some of the largest papers and magazines in the country. She’d won awards and accolades, which is perhaps why she had taken a sudden interest in the commune that was secluded in the middle of the Washington wilderness. Her highly tuned sense for a good story was intrigued when truly strange things started happening.

People had been disappearing recently. The most high profile of them had been the mayor’s son, a kid of 18 that was known for heavy drug use. He’d been busted about a half dozen times by the local police and was on his way to a nice long stay in rehab when he’d simply disappeared off the face of the Earth. Angelica had looked into the matter and was surprised to hear from his friends that he’d been seen at the compound outside of town just before he died.

Angelica jumped at the chance to turn her investigative eye towards the strange and unusual happenings on that farm. Her roommate, Katy, had told her that it had started out as a hippy commune. They would grow some weed, sell it to local kids, and everyone was happy. Then some strange people had moved in and they had closed off their land to everyone. To her, it sounded like a cult. Angelica had agreed and set out to contact someone that lived there to perhaps arrange a meeting. Danny warned her to be careful, but she simply reassured him that even if anyone agreed to take her out there, she would just ask a few questions and then be on her way.

She was surprised when after a week of digging, a member of the commune had come to her office at the paper and invited her at the request of the owner. The man that had come to her office was a handsome, well kept man of 30. He said his name was Ted and that his boss, a man named Lucas, had heard about her searching and wanted to meet her.

Whatever had possessed Angelica to agree had burst forth before she could think about the offer. It was too late to back out, she reasoned as she had pulled up in front of the large compound in her SUV. Ted had been there to meet her with a grin and welcoming hand shake. She had been placed the women’s compound, told to make herself at home and ask all the questions she wanted. When she tried to ask about Lucas, she was simply told that he would meet her in the morning.

She had spent that cold, winter day meeting different members of the group that lived on the land. It all seemed to be a simple misunderstanding of the local townspeople of Rancic. The farm was clean and warm, with crops growing in plots and animals grazing. It had been carved out of the Washington wilderness and the tall pine trees formed a natural barrier to anyone who tried to sneak a peak of what went on in the solitude.

She was surprised to find that quite a few people lived there. Men and women worked together in what seemed like perfect harmony. They ranged in age from 18 to 50, each with a certain task it seemed. There was certainly a higher archy established and the mysterious Lucas was at the top of the heap. Everyone she interviewed talked about him in a revered voice, their eyes brightening as they described him as a man of conviction who protected them.

Angelica paused in her writing as she thought about that thought for a moment. That was certainly unusual, she thought as she brushed her long red hair back from her face and looked towards the window of the small room. She was set to meet with Lucas in the morning and then she would be back on her way to Rancic. But what would she tell people of what she’d found? Her first impression was that they were hard working people who lived a simple life. There was something definitely strange about the way they referred to Lucas as their protector.

She sighed and rubbed at her eyes, a weariness sinking into her bones as her mind spun with all the details she’d learned. She’d also begun to notice the way some of the men working the farm had stared at her as if they wanted to throw her to the ground and fuck her right then and there. That was certainly off putting, she thought, but had pushed it out of her mind. No one had laid a hand on her since she’d arrived. She actually felt safe.

Opening her dark brown eyes again, Angelica went to save what she’d written on the laptop when a distant sound caused her to pause and look towards the window. It had sounded like a wolf’s cry. She frowned and made her way to the window, glancing out into the darkness of the cold Washington evening. She was surprised to hear another howl sound, this time much closer. Perhaps there were some strays out there searching for animals.

She was about to turn away from the window and go back to her work when she saw a figure darting from the women’s house and into the darkness. Peering through the glass, she saw a young woman who only looked to be around 18 years old. She was as naked as the day she was born. Angelica frowned, thinking that it was much too cold to be out there on a night like that without any clothing.

As she continued to watch out the window, she saw a man appear. She recognized Ted immediately and was surprised to see that he himself was also nude. What was going on here? She frowned, ducking out of the way so if they looked towards her direction they would not see her.

She watched as Ted caressed the young woman’s hair, a smile on his face as he said something to her. The woman’s own face was graced with a smile as she pressed herself against him and offered her lips to him for a kiss. As his lips crashed down on hers, even Angelica had to blush at the passion that she saw pass between the two of them. As Ted’s hands caressed the young woman’s naked flesh, Angelica couldn’t tear her eyes away.

It was then that she saw something that would change her life forever. As she was watching the erotic scene, both participants began to change. Angelica gasped, watching as muscle and bone began to rearrange into something that wasn’t human. Quickly, she raced to the desk and grabbed her camera, flicking it on and recording the scene.

Ted looked like he was melting, literally. His face was elongating, his teeth sharpening and his body contorting into the shape of a large wolf. Fear passed through Angelica’s veins as she watched the young woman do the same. It was only a matter of moments before two wolves stood where two people had just been. They both howled, playfully tussling for a moment before they darted off into the darkness and the woods beyond.

She had recorded every moment, her shaking fingers turning off the camera as she leaned against the wall by the window. Her heart was hammering in her chest as she tried to get herself together. Most certainly she had seen something that wasn’t normal. She would ask Lucas about what the hell he was doing on that farm when she met him in the morning.

 

[Malvolio]

The morning had been like the one before it. Angelica ate a few breakfast bars and a few sips of water from her bottle when there was a knock on her door. Leanne, an attractive dark haired woman in her early 30s who was the "dormitory manager" for the women's compound, informed her that Ted was outside waiting to escort her to her meeting with Lucas. Angelica gulped nervously to herself and made her way to the entrance, mentally telling herself over and over not to act any differently than she had before she'd witnessed last night's strange events.

Ted was of average height, roughly 5'9" with shortly cropped light brown hair. It was almost a military style cut and the man carried himself like a former soldier, walking perfectly upright and his clothing spotless, despite working and living on a farm/ranch.

"Miss Seton," Ted smiled at her as she stepped out into the morning sunlight. "Lucas is looking forward to meeting you. I'll drive you to him." Ted motioned at his idling jeep.

Angelica nodded and moved slowly toward the passenger side. "Please, let me get that for you," Ted stepped in front of her and politely swung the door open.

"Um, thank you," she mumbled as she slipped inside. Calm, calm, calm, just stay calm...

As they began to drive, Ted pointed out various points of interest and continued an explanation he'd previously begun about how the community supported and sustained itself.

"And it's all about sustainability, Miss Seton. You see, everyone that lives here plays a part..."

Angelica slowly realized she was holding her breath. Her cheeks felt warm and there was tightness in her chest.

"Miss Seton? Are you alright, ma'am?"

"I... I'm fine. Really. Just a little tired. I, um, didn't sleep well."

Ted suddenly looked concerned. "You didn't sleep well? I'm sorry to hear that. Perhaps your accommodations..."

"No, they're fine. Really. Everything is fine. I just, um, had a bad dream." Angelica, what are you doing, she mentally scolded herself.

"Oh." Ted grew silent and they continued on without another word for 10 minutes before pulling up to a large mansion, slightly removed from the main road that ran through the heart of the community and secluded in a densely wooded area.

"This is Lucas's private home. His office is here and he often works here when he's not busy elsewhere in the community."

Ted parked the jeep and led Angelica through a pair of large double doors with brass handles. The interior of the home was more like an office with high ceilings, black polished wood and thick carpeting throughout. Ted navigated through a series of rooms - a reception room, a game room with a pool table, a small kitchen, a dining room and, finally, a library.

"Miss Seton, may I present Mister Lucas Vance."

A tall, raven haired man in his early 40s rose from behind a large desk in the middle of the room. The man was dressed in dark blue jeans, a fitted white button down shirt with an open collar and top 3 buttons undone, brown loafers that were immaculately clean and a large gold ring with some sort of crest on his right ring finger. He had thin five o'clock shadow and wore his short. But as he approached, Angelica could immediately sense his charismatic nature and felt almost as if she was in the presence of a movie star or dynamic politician.

"Miss Seton, welcome to my humble home." Lucas extended a his large hand in a firm, but polite, handshake. "Ted, that will be all. I'll drive Miss Seton back later."

"Yes, sir," Ted nodded and departed from the room, closing the doors behind him.

"Now then, Miss Seton, I take it my people have been treating you well. We don't get many journalists around these parts, so what can I tell you about our humble little community?"

Lucas motioned to a pair of plush leather couches on either side of a coffee table. Water and a plate of fresh meats and cheeses sat on the table.

"Please, help yourself," Lucas smiled as he snatched up a small piece of ham and popped it into his mouth.

 

[heartofcourage]

Angelica kept careful care to watch everything around her. She had made a plan in case she needed to escape. It wouldn’t do to walk into a situation that she could not get out of, she thought to herself as she followed Ted through the series of rooms that finally led to a library.

Lucas Vance was certainly clean cut, perhaps a little fussy with his appearance. Simply standing there in front of him made her feel frumpy in her leather boots, well worn jeans, and yellow sweater. She was nervous and wondered what kind of man he was. He reminded her of a politician, perhaps a bit cold on the outside and use to getting what he wanted through any means necessary.

Angelica forced a smile on her face as she shook his hand, noticing how much power the man had as he enclosed her hand with his. Certainly he was a man that was use to hard work. She would have to be very careful.

Glancing over her shoulder, she watched as Ted nodded his head and exited the room, closing the doors and leaving her very much alone with the elusive Lucas Vance. She turned her attention back to him, brushing her long red hair off her shoulder and watched as he made his way to a leather couch and motioned for her to take a seat.

He asked her a very loaded question, one that she wasn’t sure she could actually ask. She had her camera in her bag, her laptop also stowed in the bag over her shoulder. She had the evidence she needed to ask him the hard questions, but she needed to ease into it.

“I’m fine. Thank you though.” She took a seat on one side of the couch, watching as he settled across from her. “You have a very nice place here, Mr. Vance. I’m very impressed with everything that I’ve seen so far. Certainly a lot more peaceful then I had been led to believe.”

She placed her bag next to her on the floor, opening the top and withdrawing her camera and a pad of paper. “As you know that I’m here doing some research for an article I’m hoping to write for a few publications. Mr. Vance, how do you respond to the people who say that you’re running a cult here? I’ve also heard that you take in pretty much anyone who happens upon the compound. Is that how most of your people have ended up here?”

She was asking some difficult questions to start off with, hoping to catch him off guard and then spring the video evidence on him. After he answered that question, she wiped her sweating palms on her jeans, taking the camera into her hands and showing it to him.

“This is my video camera. I hope you don’t mind but I’ve been taking some video of the things that I’ve seen here. It helps me to remember when I get to writing.” She said, a smile on her face as she opened the screen and fast forward to the part that she had shot the night before. “I did have a question about this.”

She turned the screen towards him so he could see what she had. She watched the expression on his face suddenly go blank and she knew that she had probably seen something that she shouldn’t have.

“Do you have an official comment on this?”

 

[Malvolio]

Lucas settled onto the couch and leaned back in a relaxed, comfortable pose. He smiled a broad, carefree grin at her and even flashed a quick, flirtatious wink. His eyes casually wandered over her shapely body, making no secret of his attraction to her.

"Thank you for your kind words about my home, Miss Seton. You flatter me."

His tone didn't sound flattered. He was a man used to being respected and admired.

"Certainly a lot more peaceful then I had been led to believe."

One eyebrow slowly rose.

"Oh? And what have you heard?

“As you know that I’m here doing some research for an article I’m hoping to write for a few publications. Mr. Vance, how do you respond to the people who say that you’re running a cult here? I’ve also heard that you take in pretty much anyone who happens upon the compound. Is that how most of your people have ended up here?”

Lucas smiled and chuckled dismissively. "A cult? Well, I suppose I can understand that. People get suspicious if you don't come to the neighborhood picnic every year, eh?

"Well, Miss Seton, I can assure you, this is not Waco and we are not a band of messianic religious nuts. People here are free to practice whatever they like. We have people of many different backgrounds. I am Agnostic myself.

"Do we just 'take in' anyone? When did kindness become a crime? Yes, we have accepted and welcomed people who were struggling with personal demons. Drug addicts, former prostitutes, thieves. The sick, including individuals battling cancer, MS and other ailments. The depressed. The lonely. Society's outcasts. Anyone willing to work to earn his or her keep is welcome here. Even reporters."

His grin broadened at his final comment.

“This is my video camera. I hope you don’t mind but I’ve been taking some video of the things that I’ve seen here. It helps me to remember when I get to writing.”

"Certainly. We have no secrets here. Film whatever you wish."

“I did have a question about this.”

Lucas's smile faded and his face went blank as the video played before him. His eyes narrowed, shifting from amusement to anger.

“Do you have an official comment on this?”

His eyes slowly rose from the screen to meet hers. Malice burned beneath them. She could practically feel his burning rage. Suddenly he blinked and it was gone. The charismatic Lucas was back, smiling again.

"Nice special effects, Miss Seton. Care to show me how you did it? Those Mac editing tools sure are something now, aren't they? What I see is a dark screen, a rendezvous by a pair of consenting adults, and some blurring in of what look like German Shepherds. I'd give your student film a B- though. What's the point? You're implying a former army officer and veteran can turn himself into a dog? Sounds like somebody's been watching too much 'True Blood'. What's next, vampires?"

Lucas rolled his eyes and seemed bored now. "Do you have any real questions for me, Miss Seton, or is this going to be a hatchet job? I mean, who would believe this? Your video will go viral, I am sure, and you'll be a hit at the 'Bigfoot' conferences. As a journalist, however, your career will be destroyed when you're labeled a flake and kook by the mainstream media."

His eyes wandered over her body again. "Why don't you come with me? Let me show you something far more interesting." He rose to his feet and motioned for her to follow him to a bookcase along the far wall.

 

[heartofcourage]

Angelica listened to Lucas as he spoke. She was writing down his comments, keeping her features schooled as he spoke in a dismissive tone. He didn’t think much of her. That was alright. She was use to men underestimating her and she took some pleasure in knocking them on their asses. It seemed that Lucas Vance was one of those kind of men that needed a gentle reminder that she wasn’t some shrinking violet.

When he watched the video, she could feel the cold fury coming off of him in waves. She watched his face, the flash of hatred and the tightening of his jaw that was apparent for only a brief moment before it was gone again behind that cool mask. He was smiling again, relaxed and then he started on the defensive.

He was accusing her of all sorts of bad journalism. Angelica simple smiled sweetly and let him think whatever he wanted to think. She knew what she’d seen and she knew that it some how bothered this man before her.

“Mr. Vance, it seems that you’re bothered by this tape. I can assure you that this tape is 100% genuine. In fact, I believe that one of the people in this tape is Ted.” She turned the screen back towards herself and smiled as she could easily make out Ted’s figure in the image. “Oh, most certainly it’s him.”

“It’s very real, Mr. Vance. It’s very real and I would like to know why you automatically assume that this is something supernatural. I never said that. I just wanted to know your opinion.”

She could see that she was bothering him with her questioning and he brushed her off, standing and walking to a bookcase on the far wall. “What’s more interesting then talking about people who can transform into dogs? Please, Mr. Vance, I’d really like to know your opinion! After all, it happened right here on your property and it involved a man that is obviously high in your regard.”

She was pushing him, hoping that he cracked or lashed out. If he did, she would have her story and she could leave this strange place. He was wanting her to follow him and but she stayed where she was. She knew better than to stand from that sofa and enter a space that was unfamiliar.

 

[Malvolio]

"Please, Miss Seton. Call me Lucas."

He paused and turned, noticing she wasn't following him.

"You're not coming? I'd like to show you one of my recreational activities."

He stood, staring with an amused look on his face.

"Really, Miss Seton? If I meant you any ill, isn't it enough that I have you alone in my library with me? What's to say the door isn't locked with a double alloy Swiss vault lock, the combination to exit known only by me on a hidden access pad somewhere in this room? But I'm just speaking in hypothetical terms."

He smiled and beckoned her again.

"Come now, Angelica. I think you will find what you are seeking."

 

[heartofcourage]

Angelica watched him carefully as he brushed off her comments like they were nothing. He looked amused, like he was waiting for her to do something rash. Her heart was racing a little faster as he mentioned being locked in the room and then laughed about how it was simply a hypothetical situation. Somehow, she didn’t believe him.

Tucking the camera into her bag, she pulled the strap over her shoulder and stood. She looked at him for a moment as he smiled and beckoned her closer. If she didn’t go, she would probably find that the door to the library really was locked. If she did go with him then he very well might not like what he was about to show her. Choosing the lesser of two evils, she walked closer to him.

“And what recreational activity is going to give me the answers that I want, Mr. Vance?” She wouldn’t call him Lucas. Getting too personal with him would be a very bad thing.

 

[Malvolio]

"Now, now, Angelica. I won't bite," he chuckled as she approached him standing with his back to the bookcase.

His eyes remained locked on hers as one hand tugged at a seemingly random book on the shelf. With a soft CLICK, the shelf slowly sank deeper into the wall, revealing a doorway sized opening. The space beyond was dimly lit by a redish glow.

Lucas stepped through the doorway and motioned for her to follow. "Careful, there is a small step down. I'm going to show you something I've spent a great deal of time on."

He disappeared into the darkness.

 

[heartofcourage]

Angelica watched as he pulled a book from the wall and the shelf sank, revealing a hidden passage. Well, if that didn’t scream horror movie, she didn’t know what would. She said nothing as he mentioned for her to be careful when she stepped down. Apprehension filled her belly as she watched him disappear into the darkened area, a red glow the only light in the area.

She reached into her bag quickly, retrieving the camera and dropping it into a decorative pot that was on the neighboring bookshelf. Should anything happen to her, at least it was safely hidden where he probably wouldn’t look any time soon. She simply had to play this little game for a while longer and then she would be home free.

She slung the bag over her shoulder once more, stepping down into the darkness and allowing her eyes to try to adjust to the eerie red glow. She was having trouble seeing, squinting as she entered further into the darkness and the case behind her snapped back into place.

She turned to stare at the portal that was now gone and felt her mouth go dry. Clutching the strap of the bag more firmly in her hand, she turned to see where Lucas might have disappeared to.

“You do know that false imprisonment is illegal, don’t you Mr. Vance? Combined with the fact that there are two people who know where I am right at this moment and are expecting me home this evening must make you furious. You know the police are looking for any reason to come out here and poke around?” She heard nothing as she took another step into the gloom. “And then there’s the fact that the mayor’s son has been missing and his friends swear they saw him here last. Makes it kind of suspicious, doesn’t it?”

 

[Malvolio]

Her words were met only by silence. The corridor she was in gently sloped downward for about 20 yards and was lit on one side by dim red emergency lights built into the floor. She followed the hall, neither seeing nor hearing any trace of Lucas. Eventually the floor leveled out and the red lights ended. Before her was utter darkness.

After a few minutes of silence, he called out to her.

"Just a few more steps, please. Don't worry, I'll turn on the lights momentarily."

Behind her came the sound of a pair of metallic doors sliding shut. The red lights were now gone and the blackness surrounded her.

Suddenly there was a loud click and dim black lights sprang to life around her. She was in a 15 foot by 15 foot room. The walls were black and a pair of black metallic doors were closed behind her. Lucas stood before her, grinning, his pearly whites glowing under the blacklights overhead.

Beside him was a person-sized table in the shape of an 'X'. It stood at a 45 degree angle and metal shackles hung free from each end of the X and in the center.

"Welcome, Angelica. I'm going to give you a simple choice. Cooperate and lay down here," he patted the 'X' table, "or... I'll make you cooperate."

He held up a black wand the length of a man's forearm. The tip crackled with electricity.

 

[heartofcourage]

Angelica felt her way down the corridor, pausing as the lights ended and she stared into a cavern of complete darkness. He was in there, she knew that even before he called out to her to take the last few steps into the darkness. Her heart was racing, blood rushing past her ears as she moved once again into the pitch dark.

His voice made her shiver, the sound of the doors slamming behind her making her jump. She stood there in the darkness for a moment before dark lights snapped on and spread an eerie glow around the room. She turned and saw Lucas standing next to a wicked looking contraption that made her shiver. His voice was lazy and confident and she gritted her teeth to keep from telling him what she thought about his demand.

It was then that she saw the prod in his hand, the electricity crackling loud in the small room. She looked at him as if he were crazy and slowly started to back towards the door that had just slammed shut behind her.

“We are both sane adults, Mr. Vance. If you let me go, then I’ll keep quiet about the whole matter.” Her brain was working a mile a minute trying to think through the situation. Her car keys had a can of mace on them but they were tucked in the pocket of her satchel, far out of her reach. She did have another plan as she felt the hefty weight of her laptop on her shoulder.

 

[Malvolio]

Lucas approached her slowly, menacingly, the crackling cattle prod held low in a less threatening manner.

"Ted was careless. He shouldn't have done that while you were visiting. I don't want to hurt you, Angelica. You're a beautiful young woman and I'd hate to harm one hair on your head. Just lie down on the table and I will explain everything."

He glanced down at her bag.

"And take your camera out. Now."

He drew closer, his patience clearly beginning to wear thin.

"Last warning, Angelica. Don't make me angry."

 

[heartofcourage]

“I don’t have my camera.” She said as he drew closer and she pressed backwards against the metallic door that was shut tight behind her. “And I’m most certainly not getting on that table. Do you think I’m an idiot? You bind my wrists and then I’m at your mercy. That’s not the way this is going to work.”

As he got closer to her, she swung her laptop bag as hard as she could, catching him on the side of the head as she tried to sidestep away from him to put distance between the two of them.

Get the prod, get the prod, get the prod….her mind was screaming at her as she reached out and wrapped her hands around the black wand, jerking against his grip as she tried to wrench it away from him.

 

[Malvolio]

Lucas snarled in surprise as her bag smacked the side of his head, knocking him off balance. The cattle prod was suddenly pulled from his hands and he stumbled backwards.

"You fucking bitch!" he growled in a deep voice. "I tried to be nice."

His eyes met hers. In the dimly lit room, they seemed an almost pale yellow.

 

[heartofcourage]

Angelica held the prod before her, making the electricity arch as he snarled and growled at her. Nice her ass, she thought to herself as she watched his eyes change colors. She felt ice run through her veins then, chilling her very bones.

“You step any closer and I’ll jamb this prod down your fucking throat! Open the door!” She growled at him, her eyes narrowing as she refused to back down from this fight.

 

[Malvolio]

Lucas stood, unmoving, the whites of his teeth shining in the darkness. As Angelica watched, his incisors seemed to elongate, protruding slightly like the fangs of a vampire.

"You pathetic little girl. You have no idea what you're up against."

Lucas grabbed the front of his shirt and tore it open, sending buttons flying across the room.

"Go ahead, bitch. Try your best," he taunted her.

 

[heartofcourage]

Angelica watched as the man before her started to grow fangs. Her jaw dropped as he tore open his shirt, sending buttons skittering across the floor. What the hell was wrong with these people?

She stayed where she was, the prod held firmly in her hand as she waited for him to make his first move. He was certainly stronger then she was, but that didn’t mean that she couldn’t escape him. She was panting, trying to draw in enough air to make her brain work, but all she could think about was fleeing.

“What I’m up against? I’m up against a freak of nature.” She said back, taking a step closer to the large X that he had been standing next to earlier. “What’s the matter, Mr. Vance? Afraid of me?”

 

[Malvolio]

Lucas's body was trembling now. Thin brown hairs began to sprout across his formerly hairless chest. His hands shook and his nails began to extend into sharp, pointed claws.

With a sudden growl he sprung, not at her, but toward the wall. A second later the lights went out, plunging the room intol complete darkness.

A low, deep throated chuckle echoed off the walls.

"An-gel-ic-aaaaa!"

His voice sounded deeper, raspier. The sound of tearing cloth was brief, but gone seconds later.

Deep breathing achoed around her.

 

[heartofcourage]

Angelica jumped when he leapt across the room, his nails clicking against the stone wall as the lights were suddenly shut off. She ducked, crawling beneath the cross as she heard his laughter echo off the walls. She shivered and controlled her breathing, the prod held tightly in her hands.

The way he called her name made her blood run cold and she prayed that someone might come and save her. He was crazy. He wasn’t human. This wasn’t looking good, she thought to herself as she tried to listen to his movements. She heard cloth tearing and then nothing but his breathing echoing around her. Stay still, Angelica. Just stay still.

 

[Malvolio]

The room grew silent. The darkness seemed so thick and endless. And soundless. Angelica slowly realized she could hear nothing but the soft crackle of the cattle prod. Were the walls sound proof? Had he left? What about the breathing?

Suddenly there was a rumbling noise. The doors were opening! However, the dim red lights from the hall were extinguished and Angelica merely faced additional darkness.

 

[heartofcourage]

Angelica watched as the doors across from her opened and bathed the space in soft red light before those too were extinguished. She was faced with a dilemma. She could either run for the now darkened hall and face the fact that he would probably hunt her down or she could stay where she was and think this through.

Angelica stay crouched behind the cross, her hands fumbling for her bag as she took it from her shoulder and aimed it for the hallway. She a quick flick of her arm, she threw it towards the hallway, listening to it clattering down the deserted area and then she listened for any movement after it.

 

[Malvolio]

The bag made a loud thump as it landed and its contents spilled out, sliding across the tile flooring. And then... silence.

Angelica's feet and legs were asleep now, having been crouched under the table for so long now. The air around her seemed still and warm.

 

[heartofcourage]

Shit, she thought to herself. He didn’t go after the damn bag! She gripped the cattle prod in her hand and thought about what she was going to do next. Could she outrun him? She was certainly small enough that she could probably get to the end of the hall before he knew what was happening.

She made her choice then. She was running for it. She kept the prod close as she slowly stood from her spot and took a calming breath. She then bolted for the opened doors, racing down the hall. She winced as her feet pounded loudly against the hard floor, her boots stomping over her spilled bag without missing a beat.

Get to the end! She screamed to herself, her arms pumping as she struggled to see the end in the darkness. What if that door were closed too? She was screwed!

 

[Malvolio]

Angelica nearly ran into the closed bookcase at full speed. The sight of the reflection of the blue light from the prod against the stainless steel door/wall at the last second was her only warning. She tried to skid to a halt, but her shoulder slammed into the door hard and the prod slipped from her sweaty grip and went clanging to the ground.

A sudden animal like growl came out of the darkness and before she knew it, Angelica felt rough, clawed hands seize her and pull her back and away from the door and the prod. She was being dragged back down the hallway, one hand around her waist, the other over her throat.

"Fight, and I'll tear your throat out," a deep growling voice whispered into her ear.

 

[heartofcourage]

Angelica hit the wall with a thud, the air whooshing from her lungs at the force of the impact. She was coughing and wheezing as she slid to the floor, the prod sliding from her grip and skittering across the floor. She gasped and dropped to her hands and knees, her hands searching the floor for it when she heard a growl in the darkness.

She screamed when clawed hands grabbed her, pulling her away from the door and her weapon. She struggled against him, screaming again when the claws around her waist tightened and a hand clamped over her throat, choking her.

She whimpered as a growl sounded in her ear, whispering a menacing threat. She shook her head to get free, to breathe! She whimpered again, her feet dragging down the hall as she tried to make him slow down.