We regrouped around the swarm of helpless demons. Dark logic led the beasts here but it was up to us to get rid of them. Many had an odor of violent death oozing from their pores eliciting a gag reflex from most people. I felt helpless as nausea tore at my guts. I ran from the site.

The evil had been wearing on me for the past few months, eroding my courage, making me embarrassed whenever I met with other hunters. Could they see the fear in my eyes? Did they hear the queasiness in my voice? Hopefully with so many hunters present no one would notice my absence.

I took refuge in an abandoned factory almost a mile from the fight. The door clanged metal on metal as I threw it open. The other hunters had been certain that we'd rounded up all the demons so I knew I'd be safe.

My footfalls crashed loud against the concrete flooras I staggered into the vast building. Darkness blinded me. I ran at random in the great unlit room until I retched and fell to my knees. I vomited until only putrid air shot from my mouth. Then I blacked out.

I awoke to humiliation and stale puke.

Rolling over away from my shame, I caught a movement near one of the walls. I sprang to my feet, groaning at the pain in my knees.

My eyes had adjusted but the place still had worse lighting than a cave. Someone or something lay on the floor, head bowed down, that much I could make out. Whatever it was it wasn't very big so I approached it with caution.

A woman's figure stirred then lifted her head.

"Please don't hurt me again." Her weak voice reminded me of a newborn kitten, frightened and hungry.

A rope bound her wrists and ankles together. Tears striped her dirt encrusted face.

"What are you?" A desire drew me to her but I needed to be sure.

"Callie. My name is Callie."

I didn't move.

"I'm human!"

I tore her bindings and raised her to her knees so that I could look into her eyes. Green. Almond shaped. Human.

She held onto me and wept. Confusion stunned me for a moment then I placed my hands on her shivering back. Her greasy auburn hair barely reached the collar of her shredded shirt. Beneath the sweat and filth another scent aroused a sleeping need.

I lifted her and forced her against the wall. Her eyes filled with shock as I ripped the remaining clothes from her body.

"No!" Her face scrunched up like a crying infant.

"I saved you from monsters!"

She tried to kick me as I held her in place but she had no shoes. I shoved my forearm under her chin. She shut up and began to turn red in the face. She squirmed as I unbuckled my belt. The skin on her clutching, desperate arms flushed. I looked at her body and it burned a deep demon red.

She threw me to the floor.

"You call us monsters?"

Her fist aimed for my heart when a shot rang out and echoed like a soul lost in the darkness.

"Fucking idiot, Sanders." Another hunter pulled me to my feet. "Check properly before enjoying yourself."

We regrouped around another swarm of helpless demons. Monsters carrying within us the darkest logic.