Three Ways To Live

CHAPTER 3. A Helpful Hiding Spot

  I hummed a song, not sure what is was though. It was catchy as I stirred the large pot of curry, and I smiled at the end result. It smelled amazing, I had yet to taste it though.

I glanced at the rice I had started cooking and turned off the burner as the water disappeared completely. It was peaceful in the kitchen, even though I thought my mother would somehow shout my name at any moment.

I faltered and went back to stirring, shaking my head to clear it quickly. I was at an internship for the supernatural! That was insane, and I half expected to see some demented film crew jump out at any moment.

I fished around for a spoon and paused when the kitchen door blew open. It was Caledon, and his red eyes narrowed on me. He almost looked startled to see me, like he had expected me to run away.

"You've been cooking," it was a question, but a statement. My fingers left the drawer I had been searching in as I nodded.

He was terrifying. He seemed so incredibly angry, the scariest part- I wasn't sure he had any reason to be angry; meaning he was filled with rage over simple things.

So he's going to yell at me. All my excitement over cooking fizzled away, and I found myself curling away from him.

"Did you make anything worth while, or did you waste my shit?" I flinched as he peered into the pot.

I held my breath as he inhaled it's aroma. He looked annoyed, but didn't start cussing me out. "It smells decent," he told me and I stared at the spoon he had in his hand, wondering when it had gotten there. Or if I had been so focused on his eyes, I missed it all altogether.

He tasted my food, and spit it back out. I flinched again, staring at the spoon as he tossed it across the room. He hated it, he's going to start screaming at me, and I'll end up like Sofia. I thought with wide eyes. I glanced at Caledon and choked on my spit.

His eyes, oh my god, they were glowing! He turned to face me, and I ran.

I ran like a coward, because I didn't want to become dinner after Caledon sliced me with his knife because he hated my cooking.

I heard, after a moment, him start chasing after me, once I had made it out of the kitchen. His shout of 'fuck' made me run all the faster. Knowing I couldn't make it far, I slid past the living room and front door, opening the door to the office, and ducking under the front desk.

I gasped for breath and closed my eyes, praying I would live to see tomorrow.

"You're going to have to slow your breathing, he'll be able to hear you." I looked up, scared for life.

Malcus sat their, in his spinny office chair, looking at me with dark eyes. I swallowed and nodded, trying to calm myself closing my eyes again.

"There a reason you chose to hide in here?" I opened my eyes. He wasn't looking at me, he was writing something on a piece of paper. I watched his hand move.

"I- uh," I closed my eyes and inhaled. "I made food, Caledon spit it out," I said slowly. Malcus's hand paused.

"Hmm, hide however long you like then," he sounded amused. I smiled in relief, happy he didn't seen angry with me.

"How long have you worked here sir?" Malcus faltered and frowned.

"My name is Malcus, use it," he sounded suddenly stern, and I nodded quickly. "I've been here four years now," his eyes went back to his paper. "What beings you to Supernatural Retreat Center?" My gaze drifted to the floor.

"Just wanted some freedom I guess," I mumbled. Malcus suddenly put his fingers to his lips, and my spine stiffened.

"Have you seen that little shit?" Caledon's voice made my eyes close.

"What little shit are you referring too?" Malcus asked calmly.

"The little shit hiding behind the counter," Caledon said in a low tone and I jumped - hitting my head. I hissed at the pain and crawled out. Malcus watched me rise to my feet, lips lifting.

"How did you know?" My voice was soft, and sounded whiny. Caledon leaned on the counter and raked his eyes down me. I didn't know what to think of the heat of his gaze, but quickly decided it was his rage.

"Your smell," Caledon told me and looked at Malcus, who met his gaze. They seemed to have a silent conversation, and by the end Malcus had a grin on his lips.

He's even more handsome when he smiles. I thought and tore my eyes away, feeling ashamed of the way I was looking at him. Like he was a piece of meat.

"My blood, or my real smell?" I asked, interrupting their stare fest. I recalled all my vampire stories as those red eyes met my boring brown ones.

"Which do you think?" Caledon asked, and my tongue felt heavy in my mouth as he looked at Malcus again, seeming distracted. "Come on, little shit, you're supposed to be in my kitchen." Caledon suddenly snapped.

I flushed. "My name is Justice!" I hissed through clenched teeth. Caledon looked at me again, and I flinched.

"If I wanted to use your name, I would have. Follow me, we need to talk about that curry." Caledon turned, walking away. I felt my shoulders sag.

"I don't wanna die," I muttered.

Malcus laughed and looked at me with amused eyes. "You'll be fine, see you at dinner?"

My eyes lit up. "Yes!" I agreed, and paused at how quickly I agreed. I walked out swiftly, shaking my head in horror at myself. Act cooler, for like, two seconds Justice!

I took a deep breath and slowly walked to the kitchen, easing the door open and peeking my head in. "Little shit, inside," Caledon was standing in front of my curry, arms crossed.

"Why did you suddenly run? Did you poison the food?" I shook my head mutely. Caledon placed a big hand on the counter. "Verbal answers," I flinched and looked at the ground.

"You spit the food out! I thought you are going to kill me!" I exclaimed. I glanced up at Caledon, who narrowed his red eyes at me.

"It was hot," he said flatly.

My face heated as he went on. "Do I scare you that much?" I bit my lip.

"Maybe," I admitted.

He stirred the curry seeming annoyed. "How can you call yourself a man?" He asked, and I faltered.

"A man? Since when?" I asked in a high voice.

Caledon paused. We stared at each other.

"I'm going to make falafel patties, I'll teach you." Caledon said blankly.

I nodded fearfully.

"If you don't pay attention," Caledon said slowly, making me snap my eyes all the way up to meet his as we stood side by side.

"You'll be in trouble,"

I saluted weakly. "Yes, I understand,"