Chapter 19: A New Need

Within a matter of minutes I can see the house. I have to stop for a second and catch my breath, flushed with exertion and relief, but I barely get more than a few seconds. The extreme wrench in my gut is back with a vengeance and the need to keep going consumes me all over again. It's beyond strange, even a little frightening, but I don't have time to think about it-I have to get inside.

Glancing in both directions, I dart across the street, hoping no one sees me. Thank God it's pretty much a ghost town this early in the morning, the light from the sun barely peaking over the horizon. I have no doubt I look like a lunatic, that crazy girl on her way to a house, rumored to be haunted.

I run as fast as I can to the window, the same window that completely changed my life. I nearly trip when I sprint through, almost landing on the disgusting mattress. I couldn't see it until now because it's so dark but there's just enough light for my eyes to adjust. I scan the room and my first thought is to call out, announcing to the house that I'm here, but somehow, I'm sure it already knows.

Creepy.

Taking in a few deep breaths, I steady myself against the wall, wishing my body would stop shivering.

"Hello?" I call out, panning from one side of the room to the other.

There's only silence, but I'm grateful to have more control over my emotions again.

I'm just about to call out again when a door shuts in another room, practically making me jump out of my skin. I don't have that good feeling like before. It's really cold in here, colder than it is outside. I'm starting to doubt why I'm even here and consider making a run for it.

"Candice," a male voice whispers.

My eyes go wide. I try but fail to see where the voice came from. The only thing I know is that this time it isn't my imagination.

The room is still too dark to see much, which makes hearing my name even scarier. I start to tremble, then full-out shake when I hear a door open with a long, slow creak. I instantly understand why people pee their pants when they're terrified.

"Do not be afraid," the voice says.

"Oh my God!" Something touches my shoulder and I yelp, just before a wave of calm washes over my body. It's as though my panic button has been switched off.

"Much better," the same voice whispers in my ear.

The close proximity of his breath to my ear should've made me scream, but I only want to hear it again. I need to hear that beautiful voice again.

"Please," I softly beg. "Don't go."

I whip my head to the right when I see movement. Without thinking, I clasp a hand to my mouth as I watch a shadowy mist rise inches away.

"You must trust me."

His beautiful voice is all around me again and the amazing feeling is back. I close my eyes automatically because his voice sounds like the most incredible music I have ever heard-all I want to do is take it in.

Something isn't right.

It feels like I'm playing tug-of-war with my mind, fighting my own survival instinct to run. Everything about this is wrong. I can feel it gnawing at my insides, but I can't get enough of this euphoria.

Bending my knees, I'm able to slowly ease down into a sitting position. Hopefully, the more submissive I am the less likely I'll be murdered.

I keep scanning the room but there's no hint of him or the black mist. Somehow it vanished as easily as it rose.

"You will only see me when I wish it."

Again, I nearly leap out of my skin. His voice resonates with a soft echo, like we're in some kind of canyon. I'm shaking again and my fear overrides the calm I just felt.

The silence in the room is deafening. The crickets chirping loudly just ten feet away outside the window seem like they've been muted. My mind keeps playing tricks on me because I think I hear footsteps. Or maybe it's the wind hitting the house. I can't be sure.

Practicing my breathing, I'm suddenly gifted another dose of relaxation with what feels like a hand on my shoulder. This time I'm a little more prepared. I don't jump or call out, only close my eyes while my body is soothed all over again.

I'm so relaxed I'm no longer afraid to ask him a question. "Who are you?"

There's a pause before he says, "My name is Atticus."

Oh. My. God.

I look up, leaning in the direction of his voice, but can't make out a clear picture of his face. Now the shadows are playing tricks on me.

"I d-don't..." Stumbling for words, I stop in mid thought, trying to unscramble my head.

"I have chosen you," he whispers.

I see him walk out of a corner shadow that kept him hidden and I'm completely enthralled. He lifts his head, revealing emerald green eyes that seem to actually glow in the un-lit room. Those same mesmerizing eyes from my glorious dream.

"I-it was you." I pause to catch my breath. "In my dream."

The way he looks at me answers my question.

"I will not harm you." His hand takes mine and I look down to see white, perfect skin that's cool to the touch.

"I don't understand," I admit, hoping I don't start to hyperventilate when another burst of calm washes over me. How he's doing it, I don't care because I'm starting to want more every time. This is better than any medicine.

"You may ask me anything," he says, still holding my hand.

"Are you homeless?" I ask, hoping I don't offend him.

"No," he simply says, looking away.

The shadows move across the wall, away from me as if agitated by my interrogation, but I keep going.

"How could you have been in my dream? Why do I feel like we've met before?"

He turns back to me, giving me another glimpse of his beautiful eyes. It seems like he wants to tell me more. "I am capable of more than you can imagine," he admits after a slight sigh.

"Like reading minds?" I blurt out, like someone who just figured out a riddle.

His lips curl into a smile and I immediately feel a warm pulse between my legs. "Something like that, yes."