HIS

He's always hunted me. I've felt him in shivers upon my skin, thundering heartbeats and nervous butterflies. I'm afraid yet, the knowledge that someone - something - dangerous stalks me is arousing.

I've never seen him, just teases of silhouettes, but he speaks to me; secret words of dark, seductive promises telling me that when I'm ripe, I will be his forever.

He's getting closer. I think tonight is the night. My mind argues stay or go as I stand at my bedroom window, open to the night breeze. My white, lace nightgown flutters wistfully across my skin and auburn curls dance across my face. "Stay," I whisper.

A cold hand gently brushes my shoulder. I gasp. It's time.

"I've waited 21 years for you," a velvet voice murmurs in my ear.

"I've waited for you," I reply shakily, knowing it's true.

I turn to face him. Oh! He is so beautiful I cry. He kisses me and I fall limply into his arms. He rips my nightgown and his teeth find my neck, sinking deep. I sigh. Then something warm and wet presses to my lips. I drink and I am born again. My fate is sealed.