Just a Taste Part 19

As mentioned in the new art, the book will have a sequel! Woo hoo! Have no idea when, but I will begin the writing process ASAP.

Thanks for all your support!

Rain Dayze

Ch 19: On the Run

Isabella

December 23rd, 2024- Woodside Motel- 10:18 AM

As if on cue, we heard several vehicles approaching the motel. 

"Shit, the locals are coming!" Margaret hissed, firmly clutching her shotgun. "A lot of criminals hide in these woods, so this is always their first stop. You two need to leave!"

Dylan tossed me over his shoulder like a caveman and sprinted back to our room. Once there, Margaret bagged up anything that might have our DNA on it and chucked it out into the snow. 

"Don't worry, they'll get burned today." She assured us, handing Dylan his duffel bag and weapons. "Take the back path. It'll take you through a dense section of woods. No one's landscaped it in years. It stretches back about five or ten miles. And at the end, there's an old building. Used to be the adoption center/orphanage. Hide out there. I’ll check in when I can."

A kind smile spread across her lips. "Honey, your eyes told me the truth. You were a victim." She looked at Dylan. "And this young man here is your hero, even if he carries certain... qualities."

Tears formed in my eyes. Margaret was the most genuine person that I've ever met. She just wanted to help us.

"I'll never forget this." Dylan muttered, adjusting the duffel bag on his shoulder. "Someday, I'll pay this favor back. You have my word."

Margaret sternly locked eyes with Dylan. "All I ask is that you take care of my sweet Emma. She might be Isabella now, but she'll always be Emma to me. And I love her with all my heart."

"Thank you," I sniffled, holding her free hand with mine. "Please be safe, Margaret."

She nodded, lips trembling. "I will. I left a few clothing items in your bag. Now go!"

As Dylan turned to leave, he proclaimed, "I promise to care for, protect, and love Isabella until the day I die."

We rushed to the car. Leaving poor Margaret behind; silvery tears streaming down her face, a contented smile on her lips.

The car barely started up before we saw the intrusive high beams of four black and grey pickup trucks park near the office.

Dylan stared at the vehicles in the rearview mirror as he slammed on the accelerator and sped off, following Margaret's directions.

After a few minutes of driving, we realized that nobody was following us.

I sighed in relief as Dylan swallowed harshly and tensed his shoulders. He's concerned about stragglers, I think.

"Dylan?" I questioned, touching his knee. His gaze flickered to mine. "Is it true? Do you love me?"

He interlaced his fingers with mine and confessed, "In a way, yes."

My head tilted in confusion, I inquired, "What does that mean?"

"My feelings are beyond simple 'love', Isabella." Dylan rasped, squeezing my hand. "You are my beginning, my ending, and the air that I breathe. I never felt enraptured or addicted to anyone before you. With all my decaying heart and blackened soul, I vow to care for and protect you."

"Dylan," I gasped, cheeks flushed with emotion.

"I've never been in love, but if any of what I said matches it, then yes. I love you." Dylan murmured, raising my hand to his lips.

My breath hitched. For once, I was speechless. Someone whom I've only known for a few weeks confessed their devotion to me. Not only that, but he's sinfully handsome and fucked like an animal.

Before I could reply, Dylan interjected, "You don't need to respond now, Isabella. Take your time to situate your feelings."

Was he serious? The two of us were running for our lives; if not now, then when?

What if... I never got the chance again?

I didn't say any of that though; instead I chose to nod in agreement.

Neither of us spoke again. Comfortable with the thought that the topic would arise again.

The car rumbled loudly; crushing branches under its weight, bobbing and weaving in between the various trees and rocks along the hidden path.

Eventually, we reached the deepest, darkest section of the woods. That's when I saw it. An enormous grey building covered in gnarled vines and tangled tree branches. The structure looked like grey bricks that were painted a different color, but it slowly peeled off with age, giving the building a creepy and dilapidated vibe.

Dylan killed the engine. “Let’s go on, those crazy rednecks could be on our asses any minute.”

Once we got inside, we realized something disturbing. While the exterior looked neglected, the interior was perfectly intact.

Cream-colored walls covered from black baseboards to the ceiling with wildlife photography. Each encased in a custom silver frame and dust-free. Neutral grey furniture elegantly decorated the expansive space, and sheets of plastic and masking tape meticulously draped it.

If people left this place, why is it still so clean and well-kept?

Dylan locked the front door, then flicked the nearby light switch.

Numerous dim string lights turned on, illuminating the area in a warm, inviting glow.

"Someone's either living here, or used to live here." Dylan observed, grabbing my hand. "There are some stairs. Let's investigate further. Are you feeling well enough to do so?"

"Aside from the fear and anxiety? I'm great!" I answered with a smirk.

He smacked my ass playfully with his palm. "Smartass."

Upstairs was cleaner than downstairs, almost sterile in fact. The hardwood floors were pristine; the walls completely bare, almost as if someone didn't want artwork up here. Hanging above the various doorframes were small, black electrical boxes. Thin, snake-like wires ran from the strange devices all the way to the end of the long hallway.

"Dylan, what's going on here?" I questioned as we ventured toward the collection point.

"I don't know. Keep close." Dylan said, tightening his grip on my hand.

As we approached the door, an uncomfortable knot formed in my stomach. I doubled over in pain.

Dylan wrapped his arms around my waist, preventing my fall. "Breathe, darling."

Closing my eyes, I focused on my breathing. In and out, repeating this task until the pain subsided. Mostly.

I looked up at the simple wooden door surrounded by wires, and the sight instantly ignited my nerves. Fear worse than any I've ever experienced to this point washed over me. Almost as if my body were rejecting its presence.

Whatever lies behind it was pure evil.

Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, places, and incidents are fictitious and the product of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, organizations, or events are entirely coincidental.

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