The air was thick with mist as the sun hung low on the horizon, casting a pale, almost sickly light over the tangled woods. Every step you took sent sharp pains through my soles, too many rocks, too many brambles gnawing at my ankles, and Remmick? He was striding ahead like a bloody deer, grinning like he’d been born to stalk these woods. I couldn’t help the groan that slipped from my lips as I stepped on another sharp stone.

“Remmick!” you bit out, barely hiding the irritation, your voice barely more than a growl. “I swear to God, I’m about ready to take your boots and shove ‘em down your throat. My feet are on fire.”

Remmick glanced over his shoulder, the glint in his eyes a mix of amusement and something far too dangerous. “Ah, you’ve got the heart of a lion, but the feet of a kitten, eh?” He teased, voice thick with that Irish lilt, the kind of sound that made everything feel heavier, more potent. “That don’t even make no sense.” you said to yourself, but he heard. “It’s a long hunt. A few more miles won’t kill ya.”

“Won’t kill me, no,” you muttered, limping to keep up, “but I might start hobbling like an old woman if I don’t get a break soon.”

He let out a slight laugh. “You may just be the laziest vampire i’ve ever known.” You rolled your eyes in return. Despite him saying that, he still slowed just enough for you to catch up, the slightest of smirks tugging at his lips. “Keep complaining and I’ll have you crawling back home without supper.” He mocked as if you two were hunting for rabbits instead of people.

You shot him a look that could’ve melted steel, but he was already turning back to the woods, the focus returning to the hunt. Damn him and his never ending patience. Your feet throbbed, but despite the aches, you kept following him.