Chapter 185

The beast shifted in its hiding place, rested from its nap although its belly rumbled with hunger. The thick growth of wild shrubbery formed a dark cocoon, protecting it, yet it could still see the empty line shack. The odor of human prey clung to the structure. The beast was sure its quarry would arrive before too long.

And not a moment too soon. The small critters it had feasted on for the past couple of days barely slaked either its hunger or thirst. Moisture gathered in its mouth at the thought of ripping into succulent human flesh, draining the blood and sucking it deep into its body. The hunger would ease and so would the pain in its head. The signal would abate and it could rest again, at least for a little while.

Leaves rustled nearby and the beast huddled farther into its hiding place. Whatever was out there did not smell like what it was after. If threatened, it would roar its anger and other creatures would scatter like the wind.