I could hear her pulse quicken as she thought over the dangers that she had been pushing from her mind. I smiled at her knowingly.
“I’m the world’s best predator, aren’t I? Everything about me invites you in – my voice, my face, even my smell. As if I need any of that!” I got to my feet swiftly and ran around the meadow once. Her eyes never left the spot I disappeared from. I knew she hadn’t seen me fast enough.
“As if you could outrun me,” I added laughing bitterly. I reached up with one hand and ripped a two-foot-thick branch from the trunk of a spruce with a loud crack. I balanced it in my hand for only a second before throwing it against another tree shattering the branch, as the tree trembled. Then I ran to her stopping two feet away.
“As if you could fight me off,” I said gently. The look on her face confirmed that I had frightened her. Good! She needed this. I thought to myself. She didn’t move. The longer I stared at her the more it sunk in. I had frightened her. Why did I do that? Surely she will run now. Why wouldn’t she?
I looked at her, sadness blanketing my face. What have I done? I am a monster! “Don’t be afraid,” I spoke softly not want to frighten her again. Even if it is good for her. “I promise . . .” I hesitated. “I swear not to hurt you.” I tried to convince her, knowing it was me I was trying to convince. “Don’t be afraid,” I whispered again walking towards her. I sat down slowly a foot apart from her. Our faces now on the same level.
“Please forgive me, I can control myself. You caught me off guard. But I’m on my best behavior now.” I said smiling. I waited for her to speak. She didn’t.
“I’m not thirsty today, honestly.” I said winking at her.
She laughed but it was shaky. She sounded out of breath.
“Are you alright?” I asked, slowly, carefully, placing my hand back in hers.
She looked down at my hand, then to my eyes. Whatever she saw there was enough. She looked back at my hand again and started tracing the lines in my hand with her finger tips.
I smiled charmingly.
She looked up and smiled.
“So where were we, before I behaved so rudely?” I asked.
“I honestly can’t remember.” She replied.
I smiled trying to hide my mood. “I think we were talking about why you were afraid, besides the obvious reason.”
“Oh, right.” She said, staling.
I couldn’t take it. “Well?” I asked impatient for once.
She looked down at my hand.
Ugh! Why must she do this to me! I stared at her, waiting. She wasn’t going to answer. My irritation got the best of me. “How easily frustrated I am,” I sighed.
She looked up. Awareness dawned on her face.