Fated To A Vampire

Chapter 7: Stranger Danger Part 1

---Athena's POV---

My shoulder shaking lightly has me jumping to my senses. Opening my eyes, I saw James looking at me. His gray eyes looked slightly concerned, his thick black brows drawn together slightly.

"I didn't mean to scare you, but we are here," he said softly. Looking around, I notice the sun is setting, but we are parked at a motel. By the looks of the busy city around it, we were on the richer side of this town. Neatly paved side-walks, smooth roads, and expensive-looking houses and shops.

"Whe-" my voice cracked and I cleared my throat. "Where are we?" I asked.

"Hudson. We have got to go deeper into the mountains though. There is another storm coming tonight, so we will head out tomorrow as long as the roads clear." Hudson? We traveled over an hour. Stretching slightly, I looked at him. He was already moving to get out. Turning, I reached for my handle and open the door. The air nips harshly against my skin. The air is crisp, almost stinging my lungs. Letting out the fog as I breathed, I close the door and shuffled towards him. He looked at me sternly and walked straight to room 409. He opened the door. Gesturing for me to walk in, he smiled. Putting my eyes to my feet, I walked in, slipping off my shoes a few feet from the door. Walking along the fuzzy carpet, I turn and look back towards him as the door shuts. He locks it. I'm not sure if it's to keep people out, as much as it is to slow me down.

"Go take a shower, I will have clothes and food for you." He said, almost demanding. Scoffing, I took a pace towards him. My heart felt as though it was racing, but I wouldn't let him boss me around.

"How are you going to get me clothes? You don't even know my size," I stated. He smiled at me, clearly amused by my bravery.

Grabbing my sneaker, he pulled the tag back, "You are...a 7 and a half shoe." He let the shoe fall from his hand, and it thudded on the floor next to the other. He took a step forward and my feet took me back, "You could tell me your size, or I can figure it out myself." He smiled sweetly but I was honestly terrified.

"Small.." I whispered and took another step back.

"Okay, I assumed so." He looked at me, and it was as if he was waiting for something.

"What about shampoos and stuff? I doub-" I tried to sway the conversation, but was cut off.

"I have already arranged it. There is everything you could need in the bathroom. I will be gone one hour, and you are not to leave." His eyes stared hard at me. "I will find you." Gulping, I turned and made a break for the bathroom by closing the door. I locked it. With my eyes shut tightly and holding my breath, I waited to hear the footsteps that signaled he had left, and the door shut behind him. Waiting for another twenty breaths, I opened the door and peaked my head out. He was gone.

Padding out, I walked over and slipped my shoes on. Like hell, I was going to stay put. Twisting the knob after unlocking the small twist lock, I tried to push the door open. The door didn't budge an inch. Pushing again, it would not move. Did he lock me in?! Walking over to the window, I peaked out and saw nothing, trying to lift the window, and it wouldn't budge either. Tracing my fingers along its seams, I trailed down both sides. At the bottom, it had been screwed shut. What the hell?... Looking around the room, the two beds sat in the center, a small TV sat on top of a long dresser. A bedside table on either bed with a lamp on top. It was minimal but nice at the same time. Pacing back to the bathroom, I searched for another window. What I found was a basket that had lavender and strawberry soap. How did he know what I liked?... Not only were they expensive brands I could never afford, but there were also razors to shave, bath-bombs to soak, and scented salts. What the hell was this? There was no window and no escape.. Sighing, I took my shoes off and threw them at the wall outside the bathroom door, muddy prints dirtying the wall and carpet. Like I should care anymore. Closing and locking the bathroom door again, I shut myself in. Facing the standing shower, I contemplated it. The bath was a clawfoot tub though, massive and deep. Turning back to the basket, I groaned. "Dammmn it." I said out loud, starting the tub as I drew a bath for myself. The hot water slipped through my fingers as I checked for its warmth. Plugging the drain, I double-checked that I had locked the door. I walked over and snatched the lavender-scented salt, dumping a bit into the tub. Using a strawberry scented body wash, I started creating bubbles and suds in the clear water. Setting it down and grabbing shampoo, conditioners and body wash and setting them in the shower, before stripping my clothes.

Standing in front of the mirror, my hair was distraught and tangled. The usually brown wavy hair was frizzy, dull looking. My eyes had dark circles, and bruises still faded against my porcelain skin. My green eyes were duller than usual, but only brought attention to the fading blackeye. Huffing, I turned. I don't want to face my reflection today. My feet moved to the shower and I turned it on, waiting a few moments for it to get warm and rinsing off the dirt and grime that was on me. Steam filled the room as I scrubbed and rinsed. Straining my hair before stepping out and carefully getting into the full tub. The water encased my body like a cocoon. Turning the spout off, I leaned back and tried to drift away. The warm water and bubbles scented the air, filling the room with two of my favorite smells. With my head resting against the tub, I close my eyes and breath slowly. As much as I did not want to do what he said, it was needed. Drifting into nothing, I lay with my eyes shut.

A good amount of time passes, putting my hands on either side of the tub to brace myself up. Without time to think, my hands slipped as the top of my head was pushed under. Straining to hold my breath, I fought hard. Bracing my feet, I pushed up, but the suds made it slick, my feet continuously moving and splashing water. Bubbles escaped from my mouth and nose as I struggled. Water threatened to flood my lungs....

_ TO BE CONTINUED _