Katana
“That’s it, beautiful. Deep breaths for me,” a low, soothingtimbre coaxes, and Imanage a few inhales before mybrain catchesuptomybody.
Hacklesrising,Ilaunchawayfromthestranger,landinginagasping,wetheapofmattedsilverfur Chestheaving,I cough up half my weight in water, my entire body wracked with pain and trembling wildly. My nails scratch against the fiberglassfloor,agonyexplodinginmylegasIscrambletoputmoredistancebetweenus Restinghisforearmsonhisknees, themanleansforward,butdoesn’tattempttograbme.Asmyassbumpsintoatacklebox,itbecomesperfectlyclearwhyhe’s soatease.
There’snowhereformetorun Notonthissmallrowboat
“You’re a scrappylittle thing, aren’t ya? Never meta feral bunnybefore, butI’ve gotta say; bigfan. Keep up the good work”
Thebreezepicksup,whippingthelongertopofhisdarkhairacrosshisface.Throughtheblackstrands,arcticeyespinme inplace,watchingmeintently Hisgazeiscalculatingandintense,butnotcruel Hopefully Okay,it’swishfulthinkingonmy part,butI’mgoingtoclingtoituntilIcanfindawayoffthisboat.
“Storm’srollingin,andIdoubteitherofuswanttofindouthowdurablethisoldrustbucketis,soarmsandlegsinsidethe vehicle while it’s in motion, please” Keeping his movements slow, he picks me up and sets me in a nest of coiled rope Pickinguponeend,hedrapesitovermelikeaseatbelt,butdoesn’ttieitoff.“Don’tworry,prettygirl,I’vegotyou.You’re safenow”Pattingmyheadwithasatisfiedsmile,hesetsuptheoarsandbeginsrowing
“Notsurewhatthehellyoufoughtoff,butbra-fucking-voforsurvivingit.Idoubtyou’llmakeitthroughthenightwiththe shapethatyou’reinwithoutsomehelp,though Youlooklikesomethingthecatdraggedinandspitbackout”
Whileherambleson,Icapitalizeonhisdistractiontomentallycatalogmyinjuriesandoptions,notparticularlylikingthe results.Beforelong,theboatlurches,sendingmefallingforward,buttheropenestiseffectiveinkeepingmefrombashingmy faceonthebottomoftheboat Gracefullyswinginghimselfout,themanglidesthroughtheshallowwater,draggingtheboatup ontotheshore.Pushingthroughthepaintohopupontothebenchseat,Iimmediatelyregretit,blackspotsdancingacrossmy vision
Motherfuckingshitballs.
Whenmyvisionrefocuses,myheartplummetsintomystomach.ThelakeissomassivethatIcan’tseetheotherside,and thesurroundingforestisadensearcblockingoffmyviewineverydirection.
‘I don’t care about acing the social studies final, Dad. I have Google and GPS.’Despitemycurrentpredicament,Istill stand bythe sentiments ofteenage Katana Heck, I’ve spentthe better partofmytwenty-four years provingthatas longas I have WIFI, I’m golden. Who needs friends when I have unlimited access to porn, one-click shopping, and a wealth of informationonallofmytargetsatmyfingertips?
Everything except that Stardust Inc. takes casual Friday to a ridiculous level, Imentallygrumble. Seriously, who brings their pet to work? That has to be a serious health code violation Some poor sap is going to get their blood pressure medication with a free dose of anaphylactic shock
Terriblyirresponsible.Ididapublicservicebyrobbingthem,really.
BeforeIcanmakeadecision,themanscoopsmeup “Let’sgetyoupatchedupsoyoucangetbacktorobbinggardensand pissingofffarmers,orwhateverthehellrabbitsdowhenthey’renotbeingsomething’sdinner.”
Withtheutmostcare,hecradlesmeagainsthischestandgrabsthecoolerfromtheboat,leavinghisfishinggearbehindas anominousrumbleofthunderreverberatesintomybones.
‘People are cruel, Katana Death would be a mercy compared to the things some men would do to a pretty little thing like you, but even that pales in comparison to what would happen if they learned your secret You cannot let anyone know
you used to be human. Ever.’Axel’svehementreminderechoesthroughmymind,andaforeign,uncomfortablefeelingrisesin mychestasI’mforcedtoadmitthatImaaaaaaaayhavetakenthingsalittletoofarthistime.
It’s funkeepingmypissybodyguard onhis toes, watchinghis head explode everytime I come home after successfully pullingoffanotherjobhedidn’tknowaboutuntilIreturned.Hethreatenstopermanentlychainmetohisside,IremindhimI sleepnaked,hestormsofftothegym;it’sourthing ButIalwaysknowthatifshitgoessouthandIevergetinovermyhead, he’sonlyaphonecallaway.
Except myphone’sstillonmybed,becauseIdidn’texactlyhaveanypocketswhenIsnuckout I’mtheonlyonethatcan getmyselfoutofthisnow,butultimately,it’sbetterthatway.Relyingonotherpeopleispractically asking tobefuckedover. Theyabandonyouwhenyouneedthemmost,leavingyouwithonlyheartbreakforcompany.
Ifyouneverexpectanythingfromanyonebutdisappointment,everythingelseisapleasantsurprise
To be fair, not a lot of people would bother fishing a rabbit out of a lake and performing CPR. And if I set out on foot now, I’ll get eaten for sure I can give my wounds a chance to heal, maybe steal his phone while he’s sleeping Axel can pick me up, we’ll circle back for the flashdrive, hand it off to the buyer, and go home to never mention my epic failure ever again
It’snotaperfectplan,butit’seitherthis,orhopeIhealenoughtoshiftbackbeforesomethinginthewoodsbitesmyface off.Procrastinatingdealingwithmyproblemssoundsprettydamnreasonablewhenthosearemyoptions.
Ashortwalklater,we’restridingupthepathtoasmallcabin,thesharpthumpofanaxsplittingwoodoutbackmakingme startleagainsthim.
“Shit!” Droppingthe cooler, he barelymanages to catchme intime as he loses his grip, and a pathetic squeakof pain escapesme.“Ssh,it’salrightsunshine,I’vegotyou,”hemurmurs,gentlyrearrangingmypositionsothatoneofmyshortearsis pressedagainsthischest,andcoverstheotherwithhishand.“Ronen!Ifyourdumb-assselfgetsstruckbylightningswinging thataxaroundinthemiddleofastorm,I’llneverletyouliveitdown!Skipthefirewoodthismorning,alright?”
Resituatingourposition,hefinishesthetrekuptothesteps,leavingthecoolerontheporchwithoutwaitingforaresponse. Headingdirectlyfor the bathroom, he sets me downinside of the emptybathtub like a temporarycage while he rummages throughthecabinetsforsupplies.
I’mashamedtosaythatit’ssupereffective
There’s nothing to grip, and I simply slide down the smooth side when I attempt to climb out. Unless I time my jump perfectlyto land onthe ledge, I’ll just fall off the other side and hurt a lot more thanmypride, so I’mforced to stayput, stewinginsilence.
“Gonnagetinfected,”mysavior-slash-captormurmurstohimself,tossingafew boxesandbottlesasidethatclattertothe floor “Can’tfightthathardtoliveonlytobedoneinbyacoupleofstupidscratches”Findingwhateverhewasdiggingfor,he crouchesbesidethetub.Regretwarmshisarcticeyesasheliftsasmallspraycan.“Mightnotbeavet,butI’mprettysurethe same general rules apply This’ll sting, but I need to clean those cuts before wrapping them” His brow furrows in concentration,andwhileIwasonthefencebefore,I’mnearlypositivenow.
HeseriouslybelievesI’mawildrabbit.Andwhywouldn’the?Shiftersarealwayspredators.Oratleast…bornonesare.
Mybodyjerksasthecloudofaerosolhitsme,butIremainasstillaspossibletogetitdoneandoverwithquickly Allthe whilehemurmursnonsensicalpraiseandencouragement,swappingthecanoutforantibioticointment.Anentiretubelater,my furisaslimy,mattedmessandIwanttogag,itfeelssoawful
Brightside,atleastifsomeonetriestograbmenow,it’llbeeasiertoslipaway.
“Shouldwewrapit?”Hetilts his head,gazeslowlyroamingover mefromheadtotoe “Yeah,let’s giveitashot Ican alwaystakeitoffifyoutrytochewonit.Can’treallyresetabone,butcansplintyourleg,atleast.Staystillforme,alright?” It’s awkward as hell to accomplish, buthe eventuallyhas myribs and bad legwrapped up inenoughgauze to have me readyforHalloween Delicatelyscoopingmeup,hereturnstothemainroom,settingmeonthetabletofreeuphishandswhile hescoursthekitchen.
“Potatochipsaretechnicallyvegetables,right?”Hepoursahandfuldirectlyonthetableinfrontofme,studyingmeintently togaugemyreaction.
Starve, or chips for dinner Twist my arm, why don’t you?
AssoonasIdivein,hemakesasatisfiedsoundlowinhisthroatandpullsoutachairforhimself.Layingonearmonthe table,hecreatesabarricadebetweenmeandtheedge,attentionraptonmyeverytwitch.
“Idon’tgiveashitifit’sstormingornot,you’renotstickingmewithguttingdutyagain,youlazysonofabitch,”someone growls.Duckinghisheadtogetthroughthedoorway,aliteralgiantshutsthedoorbehindhim,andIfreezemid-bite.
Theguy’smassive;probablyusestreesasLincolnLogsandwrestlesbearsforfun Hairadeepshadeofbrownandashort beardframeshisface,hazeleyesnarrowedasheglaresatthemanbehindme.He’sgotthewhole‘couldcrushyourheadlikea grapewithzeroeffort’lookgoingon,andit’sdoinghimallkindsoffavors.
Thatpromiseofdangerisanadrenalinejunkie’swetdream,andI’mpattingmyselfonthebackformypotentiallyterrible ideaoflettingastrangertakemetohiscabininthewoodsandpatchmeup,now.Mightgetmurdered,mightgetsplitinhalf.
Butwe’refirmlybackinfunobituaryterritory.
Ronenpointsafingerinmydirection,lookingovermyheadtomykeeper.“What’supwiththebunny?”
Keepingmyeyesonhim,Icranemynecktobiteanotherchip
Anarmcurlsaroundme,cagingmeinandattemptingtoblockmefromthegiant’sview.“Fishedheroutofthelake.” “Wellthat’slucky Wantmetoroastitupwiththefishtonight,orsaveitforlunchtomorrow?”
Awarninggrowlrisesinmysavior’sthroat,andhescoopsmeupoffthetable,clutchingmeprotectivelyagainsthischest. “Noeatingher,she’smine”Hisheartbeatpicksup,hammeringinhischestashisbreathsbecomequickandshallow “She’s hurt,Ro.Sheneedsmetotakecareofher.”
Ronenholdshisstareforalongmoment,silentlycontemplatingsomethingashestudieshisfriend’sface.Breakingthespell withagrunt,hesnagsasetofkeysoffthecounterandlumbersbackoutthefrontdoor “StoreshouldbeopenbythetimeIget intotown.Textmealistoftheshityouneedforher.”
“Letmegetthisstraight.”GivingTitanonelastscratchbehindhisears,Irisetomyfullheightwithdeadlygrace.Myhead of securitytakes a large step back, pickingup onthe cold furyhidingbeneathmydeceptivelycalmdemeanor. “Four guards were onthe premises,yetwe were robbed? Andyouweren’tevenaware ofthe situationuntil Iaskedyoujust nowwhowasinmyofficelastnight?Doesthataboutsumitup?”
Marcoaudiblyswallows “T-thatwouldbecorrect,sir Therewasatwenty-fiveminutewindowwhereTitantookoffwhen Ilethimouttopissandhadtochasehimdown,buttheotherswereinthebuildingtheentiretimedoingtheirrounds.”
TurningmyattentiondowntomySiberianhusky,Iquirkaneyebrow.“Lookslikeyoucouldteachthesemenathingortwo. Isthatwhyyou’vebeenmopingaroundallmorning?Youcouldn’tcatchthethief?”
AsifheknowsexactlywhatI’mtalkingabout,hisearsperkup,tailwaggingamileaminuteinexcitement,andIcan’thelp thesmilethattwitchesatthecornerofmylipsdespitehowfuriousIamatthesituation Reachingintomypocket,Ipullouta treatandtossittotheonlyoneworthrewardingaroundhere.ItmayhavebeenaflukethatIhadtoleaveTitanhereyesterday, anemergencyatoneofmyother companies demandingalastminuteflightandMarcogettinghiredtodogsit,butitseems to haveworkedoutforthebest.
Whateversuicidalidiotdecidedtostealfrommethinkstheygotawayscot-free,butTitanhasthethief’sscentnow.Itmight taketimetotrackhimdown,buthe’llbeabletogivemeconfirmationthatIhavetherightman AndonceIdo?
TheworldclearlyneedsareminderofwhathappenswhenyoumakeanenemyofViperDeLuca.
THREE HOURS LATER,myeyesarepracticallybleeding,myhair’sadarkdisheveledmess,andI’mpissedofftoalevelIhaven’t been in years I’ve reviewed the security footage fromlast night dozens of times, and I’ve found nothing Cyber security confirmedthatthefootagehasn’tbeentamperedwithinanyway,somythiefclearlyknewwherethecameraswerelocatedand managedtoavoideveryfuckingoneofthem I’vemappedouttheroutestomyofficethatavoidthemajorityofthecameras,but thereisn’tasinglepaththatavoidsthementirely, andit’sdrivingmemadtryingtofigureouthowtheypulleditoff.
Ifitwasn’tforthefacttheroomfelt off, thatindescribablesenseofknowingsomeonehadbeeninmyspaceandtouched mythings, Inever would’ve pulled up the logonmycomputer and noticed a flashdrive was connected justafter four-thirty a.m.
Shovingawayfrommydesk,Ipacetheroom,Titanhoppingupfromhis dogbedinthecorner tojoinmewithaserious expressionthathelpssoothethebruntofmyanger.It’swhyIadoptedhimafterthedragonsthatoverseeusshiftersdecidedit was a good idea to reveal our existence to humans a little over two years ago;he helps keep mymore violentimpulses in check.
Imighthaveacoupleofmorticiansworkingformetoskatecertainissuesundertheradar,butIdon’townthemall.Andmy brand ofvenomisn’texactlyindigenous to this area, so itwouldn’ttake a genius to rule a cause ofdeathas shifter-related murderifIslippedup,andeventuallyconnecttheratherlongtrailofbodiesbacktome.
Murder’s still on the table, I just need to be more creative about it now No one steals from me and gets away with it
“Okay,let’sthinkaboutthislogically.Weknowhedidn’tloopthecamerafeed,sohecouldn’thavepickedthelockonmy door Thatleaves-”Istifleagrowl asmyfingerscatchinthetangledmessofmyhairwhenIrunmyhandthroughitagain I jerkmyhandfree,afewblue-tippedonyxstrandscomingwithme.Theyfluttertothegroundastheairkickson,blowingthem offcourse,andmyheadwhipsupasitfinallyclicksintoplace.“Theairvent.”
HeftingTitaninmyarmswithagrunt,Imanagetolifthimabovemyheadenoughtosniffthesmallmetalgrateatthetopof
thewall,andhestartsbarkinglikecrazy.Grinningnow,Isethimdownandthrowmyselfbackintomyleatherchair.Inamatter ofseconds,Ihavetheschematicsofthebuildingbackup,comparingaccesspointstotheairductsagainsteveryblindspotthe cameraswouldmiss Itleavesmewiththreepotentialroutes,andIreturntothesecurityfootagewithrenewedenthusiasm
Yet,twentyminuteslater,I’mstill comingupblank.There’snothingandnoone… wait. Rewinding,Izoominonthetop corner where there’s a partial frame ofTitan’s paw as he bolts fromthe building And infrontofhim? Izoominagain, the partialpictureblurred,andspendagoodtenminutesenhancingthepixelatedimage.Igroanindefeatwhenitrevealsitselfto benothingmorethanafuckingrabbitthatcaughthiseyelastnight,notthethief
AwetnoseflipsmyelbowupuntilIrelentandletTitanincloser,scratchingbehindhisears.“It’salright.We’llstartover withfresheyestomorrow.”
Hebarksatthecomputer,gettingallworkedupagain,andIsigh Preparingtominimizetheimage,asmallblobmakesme pause.Lettingmyvisionshiftforclearerfocus,Iscrutinizethescreenagain,mychaircrashingtothegroundasIjumptomy feet Heartsprintingoutofmychest,Itriplecheckthestill-framefromdifferentangles,butthere’snodoubtaboutit There’sasmallblackstickinthatrabbit’smouththatlooksahellofalotlikeaflashdrive.
“Come on, boy” Tongue lollingoutofhis mouthhappily, Titanbounds after me as Ilockup myoffice and head for the elevator.“We’regoinghunting.”
Hunched over the table, shoulders tense with his arms creating a barrier, Grey makes a living cage for his new pet. Pullingoutmychair,Itakeaseatacrossfromthemandpeerinsidetheconfinesofhisarmstostudyhisnewobsession.
Thetinysilverrabbitisbundledupfromtheneckdown,afewdotsofbloodstainingherbandages,butshebarelylets herinjuriesslowherdown It’snowonderGrey’snervousshe’sgoingtofallofftheedgeofthetable;she’ssurroundedbyso muchproduceit’salmostguaranteedshe’lltripoversomethingwiththatbumlegofhers.
“Ifyoudon’twanthertolooklikedinner,youshouldn’tputheronthetablenexttoasalad”IcatchtheknifeGreyflings mywayeasily,rollingitbetweenmyfingers.
Shortearstwitch,andtherabbit’sheadswivelsmyway,meetingmygazeheadoninsteadofrunninglikesheshould.With alow rumbleofwarning,Greycarefullypicksherupandholdsheragainsthischest,narrowinghiseyes “Forthelasttime, nobody’seatingher.She’s mine. ”
Obviously,themoredefensivehegets,themoreinterestingourlittlehouseguestbecomes IfI’dhaveknownallitwould taketoshakeGreyoutofhisdepressivefunkwasapet,I’dhavebroughtafishtankhomemonthsago.Atthesametime,I’m nervousashelloverthewholeidea Whoknowshowoldshealreadyis,andevenifthatlegheals,it’llneverbecompletely thesame.Comewinter,it’llslowherdownenoughthat something isboundtosinkitsteethintoher.Thishasdisasterwritten alloverit.
Whenshedies,it’sgoingtotipGreyovertheedgehe’sbeenprecariouslybalancingonsincehelosthispack
Snatchinguponeofthecarrots,Ispintheknifearoundandstartwhittling.“Ifyouwantsomethingtotakecareof,weshould getyousomethingsturdier Aturtle,maybe Oradog”
I regret the suggestionthe second it leaves mymouth. Greystiffens, clutchingthe rabbit hard enoughthat it squeaks in protest Allthecolordrainsfromhisfaceasherepliesinavoicedevoidofemotion,“Nodogs Ever”
Silencefalls,thickandoppressive.Givinghimtheillusionofprivacy,Ifocusonmakingsurethateachsliceofcarrotthat fallsfrommyknifecriss-crossesoverthelast.Beforelong,IhaveaperfectpileofvegetableJengatocontributetothefurry interloper’snewhabitat,butIdon’tspeakuntilGrey’sbreathinghasleveledout
Carrot-shivcomplete,Islide ithandle firsther way.“Nojudgment,man,Idon’tgive a shitifyouwanttoplayprincess withthe woodlandcritters Notlike there’s anythingelse todoaroundthis fates forsakenplace,anyway” Wettingmylips,I choose mywords more carefullythis time.“I’mjustworriedaboutyougettingattached,is all.Rabbits don’texactlyhave a longlifeexpectancyaroundtheseparts,youknow?”
Iwatchthe lightflicker outofhis eyes as Greyfixes the full weightofhis cold, soulless stare onme. “Everyone dies, Ronen,whether welikeitor not.Webothlearnedthatlessonthehardway,soletmehavethis for as longas itlasts,okay? BecausegodsknowIdon’thaveanythingelsetoliveforanymore”
Eightattempts later, Ifinallymanage to escape myholdingtankand flop onto the bathroomfloor, strugglingto catchmy breath.Myleghurtslikeasonofabitch,butit’snothingcomparedtotheyearsofhelltha-
Nope, not going down that rabbit hole No amount of brooding will change the past, so I’m not going to waste another moment of my second chance looking behind me. Closed that chapter of my life for good and moved on to bigger and better things
Aboutaweekandmylegshouldbegoodasnew.Thatgivesmeafewdaystogetmyshittogether,circlebackfortheflash drive,andhanditofftothebuyerinenoughtimetosalvagemyreputation.Solongastheriverdidn’twashmehalfwaydown thestate,I’vepulledthingsoffwithworseodds
Nudging the cracked bathroomdoor open with my nose, I extend my hearing, waiting with the patience of a saint, but neither ofthemcomes to investigate the softcreakofhinges Onhighalert, Islinkinto the mainroom Hobble is probablya bettertermwiththisdamnsplinttrappingmyleg,butIimpressivelykeepmystepsrelativelysilent.
Muchtomydismay,thereisn’tacomputertobefound,whichleavesthefarriskieroptionofstealingoneoftheirphones For now, Isettle for rootingthroughtheir mail. Anaddress should atleastnarrow downthe cityIwound up in, and fingers crossedit’snotsoobscurethatIwon’trecognizeit.Scanningtheroom,mygazesettlesonthesmallpileonthekitchencounter, andImentallyweep
Nolessthantwentyminutes,anewfracture,andabrokentoelater,Ifinallymakeitacrosstheshortdistancebetweenthe tableandthecounter Draggingthedeadweightofmybadleg,Irummagethroughthepile They’re more off grid than I thought.
Noutilitybill,notevenanoverduelibrarybooknotice Genericflierafteraddresslessflier,Iwadethroughthejunkmail untilalittlepinkcardcatchesmyeye.
There’snocabinintheworldremoteenoughthatajurydutysummonswon’tfindyou. Unfortunately,theiraddressmayaswellbegibberishforallofthegooditdoesme Shovingitaside,myeyecatchesonan image ofa lake, and Iunearththe brochure witha mental fistpump. Inthe corner is a roughmap ofthe area, the noticeable landmarkofthe lake onone side, and a prominentlittle dotof‘Youare here’Better yet, there are a few highways marked alongsidethebiggercitiesinthevicinity. Those Irecognize,andIsighinrelief.
I’mnotquiteaslostasIthought.
Bitingthecorner,Iclumsilyreturntothefloor,stowingthebrochureunderneaththefridge.I’mgoingtohavetostudyitno lessthanfifteentimesbeforeI’llbeconfidentenoughtoleaveitbehindandforgemywaythroughthewildernessonnothingbut memoryalone Whenyou’reactuallyinaforest,youcan’ttellonetreefromanother,oreastfromwestwithoutfollowingthe sun’splacementinthesky.Leafycanopiesmakethelatternearlyimpossible,andit’snotlikeIcansimplyfollowtheroadout intheopenwithoutbeingpickedoffbysomething
From the moment I was born, warnings were drilled into my head that the world wasn’t safe and never would be, especiallyforagirl.That’sjustthewaytheworldworked,andIwassupposedtoacceptit.Butthemorepeopleunderestimate me,themoredeterminedIamtoshowthemthatyoudon’thavetobeafraid.
Youjusthavetobealittlecrazierthantheotherguy.
Asoft snore bolsters myconfidence as Icreep into Grey’s room, the spilled bottle ofwhiskeynearlydrowningout his naturallemongrassscent.Hehasonearmslungacrosshisface,lipsparted,andathinblanketdrapeddangerouslylowaround hiswaist
Of course he sleeps naked. If I had abs like that, you’d never catch me wearing a shirt either.
It’sasimplesetup;atwinbedwithanightstandbesideit,aTVbalancedontopofadresseronthefarwall,andasmall closet The only personal touches to be found are the bottle of lotion and tissues beside the bed, and an overflowing
wastebasket.
Same, dude, same Fill the void with orgasms Masturbate yourself out of depression, my friend Godspeed
Thetinydevilonmyshouldergrinsandgivesmetwothumbsup,givinghisunspokenblessingasIfindGrey’swalletinthe backpocketofhis discardedjeans.Noworries ofhoppingontohis bedandriskingwakinghimuponmyquesttoreachhis nightstand;I’veapparentlybeenpunishedenoughforonenightalready Limpingover,Ipulloutatwentydollarbillandreturn hiswalletbacktowhereIfoundit.It’sabitchtoaccomplishwithoutthumbs,butdesperatetimescallforanimpressiveamount ofdetermination
A few minutes later I’mhobbling out of his room, stowing the money away with my growing stash of pilfered goods beneaththe fridge. I might not be able to gather muchwhile I’mhere, but until I canget home, a few bucks canmeanthe differencebetweenbeingstrandedonthesideoftheroad,oraburgerandapayphone
“Fuck.”Ronen’shissedbreathhasmepausingasIapproachhisdoor,butwhenhesaysnothingelse,Iinchclosertopeer throughthecrack
ThemomentIseehimsprawledoutnakedonthebed,workinghiscockinatightfist,mythoughtsfizzleoutuntilI’mleft staringlikeatotalcreep Ashestrokeshimselfharder,faster,Ican’tbringmyselftolookaway Eyesclosed,he’slostinhis ownfantasy,completelyunawareofmypresence.Andthroughitall,Iremainrootedtomyspotinthedoorway,watchingthe musclesinhisforearmflex,hislipspartingwithasharphissoftorturedpleasureashetiltshisheadbackagainstthepillows. Withalowgroan,cumcoatshisfistandstomachasheslowlystrokeshimselfthroughtheaftershocks,leavingmetransfixed I’ve had myfair share ofhookups over the years, and yet, theyall fail incomparisonto a one-manshow Iwasn’teven invitedto Ifmencouldgetwiththeprogramandstartsendingvideosofthemjackingoffwithaudioinsteadofunsoliciteddick pics,Imightactuallystartcheckingmymessagerequests.
Bythe time I’mnestled inmytemporarycage again, I’manexhausted, hornymess unable to do anythingto relieve the tension,withanuncomfortabletouchofguiltwormingitswaypastmytypicallyiron-claddefenses.
Stretched out on his stomach on the floor, Ro keeps perfectly still, our new pet nestled between his shoulder blades. Comparedtohimshe’scomicallytiny,andIcan’twrapmyheadaroundthefacthethinksit’dbebettertotossherouton herass Thesewoodsarecrawlingwiththingsthatwouldhappilytearherapartatthefirstopportunity He’sworriedabouthowI’llreactwhenshedies,yetwantstocondemnhertodeath.Absolutelyridiculous. And bears like to call Goldilocks a picky bitch They can’t make up their minds on what they want either “She can’t keep sleeping in the bathtub,” Ronen points out. “As soon as her leg heals she’ll escape, and you’ll be an insufferablebastardtolivewith.Ifyouinsistonkeepingher,weneedarealcage.”
“IfIhavetolockherinacagetomakeherstay,sheisn’treallymine”IcarefullypluckheroffRo’sbackandsetherloose towanderaroundthemainroom.“Don’tworry,I’lltakesuchgoodcareofher,shewon’teverwanttoleave.”
Asifsheunderstandsthatwe’retalkingabouther,mylittlerabbitpausesinherexploration,turningthoseprettysilvereyes ontomyface.Grabbingahandfulofdehydratedfruitandvegetablespieces,Iholdmypalmoutinofferingtogethertocome back Ifwewantanyshotofherleghealing,sheneedstostayoffofitasmuchaspossible,andfood’sbeenagreatmotivator togethertositstillforawhile.Limpingover,shereturnswithouthesitation,literallyeatingoutofthepalmofmyhand.
“Acabinisstillacagetoawildanimal,”Ronensayssoftly.
Mychesttightens “What’souttherethatshecouldreallymiss?Otherrabbits?Wecouldswingbythepetstoreandpickher up a boyfriend or two. It’s goingto be fine, Ro. Markmywords, this time nextyear, you’ll be thankingme for bringingher home” I runmyfingertips over the soft fur ontop of her head, avoidingmeetinghis eye “It’s not like youhad a problem bringingstrayshomewhenyouhauledmydrunkassoutofthegutter.”
“BecauseifIlosecontrolandkillyou,itdoesn’tmatter,”hesnaps “AtleastIboughtyousomeextratime You’dalready bedeadifIdidn’tstepin,soIwasn’triskinganythingbybringingyouhere.”
“Yeah?Well,sowouldshe.Andyouknowdamnwellshewon’tmakeitonherown,soifyou’rereallythatdangerousto be around, maybe tryputtingit to good use and help me keep her safe and happyfor however longshe has left instead of watchingherwasteawayinacage.”
Hedoesn’tbotherresponding,andIdon’thaveanymorefightinmelefttofillthesilence Thelongeritstretcheson,the loudermythoughtsgetuntilI’mdrowninginthem.
Thepastyearhasbeenthemostbrutalchallengeofmylife,andit’sonlythankstoRonenthatI’vemadeitthislong.Even thoughthings are startingto geta little better, insome ways, that’s actuallyworse. Survivor’s guiltis a bitchonthe bestof days,anddamnnearunbearableontheworstof‘em.
Itfeelslikeabetrayal toeveryonethatdiedtokeeponliving,yetaninsulttotheir memoriestothrow mylifeaway I’m frozeningrief,unabletomoveforwardorgiveup,andI’mnotsurehow muchlongerIcanendurethishellishexistenceI’m trappedin
“Shit!”Ronensuddenlydivesforward,catchingthesilverballoffurthatplummetsoffthesideofthecoffeetable. Fuck, I was so lost in my head, I didn’t even notice she wandered away Onehandcurledovertheother,Ronenslowlysitsupandglaresather.“Areyou trying togetyourselfkilled?”Tome,he huffs anannoyedgrunt.“Maybeshedoes needyoutolookafter her.Nodamnsenseofself-preservation.”Removinghis top handcagingherin,hestaresdownathercuriously,browfurrowed “Tinylittlething,isn’tshe?Barelythesizeofmypalm” Bitingmytongue,Imanagetokeepthesmugsmirkoffmyface,lettingmysweetgirlworkhermagic.Assoonashetears his gazeawayfromher andstarts scanningtheroom,IlosethebattleandbreakintothefirstgenuinesmileI’vefeltinages Ronencanpretend he isn’temotionallyinvested all he likes, butIrecognize thatprotective lookinhis eye. Idoubthe even realizesthathesubconsciouslypulledhercloserwhilehesearchedtheroom.
“Whatifsheslipsbetweenthecouchcushionswhilewe’reatwork?”heaskssuddenly “Issheevenbigenoughtoclimb
out?Shecouldsuffocate.”
Phantom sirens wail in my ears, barely audible over my thundering heart beat, the heat searing into my ravaged palms as I yank another chunk of rubble off the pile The ghostly brush of my fingertips against a body burned beyond recognition. Flashes of the faces that trusted me to take care of them assault me one after another like a flipbook from Hell
Myamusementevaporatesasmyheartratespikes.“Wecan’tleaveher herealone,anythingcouldhappentoher.”Sweat beads onthe nape ofmyneck,tricklingdownmyspine “Okay,Ichangedmymind;you’re right We needa cage sowe can bringherwithuswhenweleave.Ican’tprotectherifshe’sherealone,sheneedstostaybymysidewhereit’ssafe.”
Rolooksfrommypanickedfacetothesweetgirlwho’slifenowrestsentirelyinourhands,andswallowsroughly.Gently placingher inmylap, he gets to his feetand snatches his keys offthe counter “Watchher, I’ll rigsomethingup thatwe can bringtowork.”
You can’t fix broken men, Katana, no matter how hot they are Run away before they lure you in with their huge dicks and tragic backstories.
Over the past couple ofdays, I’ve overheard enoughthat guilt is eatingawayat me more thanIevenknew Iwas capable of feeling. I lean heavily into the whole ‘it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission’ideal, and shamelessly do whatever’sinmybestinterest,becauseifIdon’t,nobodywill ButthelongerIstayhere,themoremystomachgetstangledup inknots,andthemoretheygetattached.EspeciallyGrey.
Theguyscreams alpha.Heneedstobeneeded,thrivesontakingcareofothers,andwithoutsomeonegivinghimasenseof purpose,isutterly,miserably,adrift AsmuchasIwantedtobewrong,themoretimeIspendwiththem,themoresureIamthat they’rebothshifters.Wolf,ifI’mreadingthesignscorrectlyforGrey,andI’mgoingtotakeashotinthedarkandassumethe giant,grufflonerissomekindofbear
It’scruelofmetostayhereanylonger,nottomentionrisky.Soreadyornot,it’stimetogo.
Inchingthebathroomdoor openalittlefurther,Iscanthemainroom All ofthelights areoff,themoonlightstreamingin throughthewindowsplentyformetoseeby.Earsperked,Istrainmyhearing,butallIpickuponisRonen’ssoftsnoring.
Makingadetourtothekitchen,Ifeelaroundbeneaththefridge,slidingoutthemaponthebackofthebrochure.Staringatit intentlyonemoretime,Itrytomemorizeeverylandmark
Keep the lake on my right hand side. North until I hit the highway, then follow it until I find signs of civilization. Hole up somewhere until I can shift, rob someone ’ s clothesline, and look pathetic enough that someone lets me borrow a phone All I need is to not get eaten, hit by a car, or picked up by a perverted weirdo before Axel comes to get me. Piece of cake. Pushing it back under the fridge, my paw bumps into the wad of petty cash I’d managed to steal, and I sigh in defeat CarryingitforalittlewhilebeforeIshiftbackisonething,butfortymilesposesmoreproblemsthansolutions.Withonelast pininglook,Itakeoffforthecouchemptyhanded.Thewindowswereall leftopenafew inchestocombatthesummerheat, andwithsomecarefulmaneuvering,Imanagetoscalethebackofthecouchandnailthejumponmyfirstattempt Squirming underthewindow,Ichewandclawatthescreenuntiltheholeisbigenoughformetosqueezethrough.
Hoppingdownintothegrass,Iswallowbackthebilethatrisesinmythroatasawhite-hotlanceofpainshootsthroughhalf mybody.Thewoundsinmysidesarefullyhealed,butmylegsureasfuckdoesn’tappreciatethesixfootdropjustyet.Taking afewsecondstobreathethroughthethrobbingpainandnausea,Itakeatentativestep,testingmyweightonit,andhiss. Suck it up, buttercup. You got yourself into this mess, you can get yourself out of it. Nobody’s coming to save you, Katana.
Fallingintoasteadyrhythm,Ilimpmywaythroughthegrassandbeneaththecoverofthetreeline Keepingthelaketomy right,hyper-focusedoneverysound,Ihobblealong.Thedarknessdoesn’tbotherme,butthatdoesn’tmeanI’mstupidenough tothinkit’ssafe Iknowperfectlywellwhathidesintheshadowyunderbellyoftheworld,Ijustrefusetoliveinfearanymore I’ve danced withdeathenoughtimes to know thattomorrow is never guaranteed. Ifyouletthe monsters keep youfrom living,they’vewonbeforeyouwereeverevenontheirradarinthefirstplace.AndI’llbedamnedbeforeIletsomerandom assholedecideifIdeserve toliveordie.
Theycansuckmymassive,metaphoricaldick.
“Youhustledme”ImmediatelyfreezinguntilIpinpointtheoriginofthescathingvoice,Iwinceatthebrutalcrackofafist strikingflesh.
Adarkchuckleisfollowedbysomeonespittingontheground “Ididyouafavor Letyougetsomegoodshotsintosave face.”
“Forlosing?Comeonnow,mate,bestyoudeserveisaparticipationtrophy.Youlost.Acceptitandmoveon.”
Creepingforward,Istickclosetothetwistedtreeroots,slidingunderonetohidewhilegettingabetterview.Grey’slittle morethanabloodypulp,standinginthecenteroffourpissed-off,hulkingbastards,buthelooks relaxed Theusualtension alwaysclingingtohimisnowheretobefoundforachange,likethedemonsinhisheadhecanneverescapearefinallyquiet,if onlyforalittlewhile Butthey’llcomeback.Theyalwaysdo.
TheburlyblondguydrivesafistintoGrey’sjawthathedoesn’tevenattempttoblock “You’renotexactlyinapositionto tellmeno.”
StreaksofbloodcoverGrey’sfaceinamacabrepainting,mattingpartofhisunrulydarkhairtohistemple.Themoonlight catches the manic glintinwhatremains ofhis lightblue eyes,pupils blowntohell as his latenthalfprowls justbeneaththe surface,itchingforfreedom.
“Soit’strue,whattheysay”Grinning,Greycrackshisneckfromsidetoside “You’reonlygoodforoneround Thathit waspathetic,Morelli.”
Morellitakesastepcloser,facecontortedwithindignantfury “Youhaveadeathwish?Shutyourfuckingmouthandfork overJ’smoney!”
Grey’s smile onlygrows, hitchinga thumb over his shoulder. “Jacksonagreed to the terms, and Ibenevolentlygave him timetoworkoutsomeofhisfrustrationsonmyfacebeforefightingback Whywouldyouthinkitwouldend better outsideof theringwhenthere’snoonearoundtostopmefromgoingtoofar?”
Ina flurryofmovements nearlytoo swiftfor me to follow, he throatpunches the one to his right, palms the side ofthe wheezingguy’shead,andbasheshisskullintoMorelli.Sidesteppingtheattacksoftheothertwo,hedropsthemjustasquickly withprecisehits,leavingallfouroftheminanunconsciousheapathisfeetinunderaminute.
Dropping the smile, Grey stares down at them with a soulless, haunted look, and in a cool voice declares, “Not everybody’sluckyenoughtobegivenafightingchance,youknow.It’swastedonthelikesofyou.”
ArockscuffsbeneathmyfootasIinchbackward,andhisgazesnapstomine Swipingthebackofhishandacrosshissplit lip,Greysimplymanagestosmearthebloodacrosshisarmandface,thedamagetooseveretobesimplybrushedaway.
Hisfeaturesinstantlysoften “Heythere,sunshine Didyoumissme?”Quicklyclosingthedistancebetweenus,hecrouches infrontofme.“SorryI’msolate,Ididn’tmeantoworryyou.ThefightsstretchedonlongerthanIanticipated.”Eversogently, hepullsmeoutofmyhidingspotandcradlesmecarefullyagainsthischest,scratchingbehindoneofmyears.“Let’sgohome. Youcansleepwithmetonight,andtomorrow,I’llpatchwhateverholeyouslippedoutof.You’regoingtokeepmeonmytoes, aren’tyou?”
Hestridesaway,neverlookingbackatthepeopleheleftbloodiedandbrokenbehindhim “Thesewoodsarefilledwith dangerousthingsthatwouldlovenothingmorethantosinktheirclawsintoyou,sunshine.You’reluckyI’mtheonethatfound you”
Theguysbickerbackandforthforawhile,andIhavetomakeaconsciousefforttoactlikeIdon’tunderstandwhatthey’re saying.Grey’sbeensmilingmorethelastcoupleofdays,andevenRonen’sbeenlessstandoffish,embracingtheideathat apetisexactlywhathisfriendneededtogivehimasenseofpurpose
It’sterrifying.
I shouldn’t care I should have robbed them the first day and left before ever learning their names But every time I convincemyselfit’stimetogo,oneofthemsnugglesmeagainsttheirchestandsayssomethingnewthatconvincesmetostay ‘justafewmoreminutes.’
ButIcan’tpretendtobetheirpetforever,andIcan’timaginecomingcleanisgoingtogooverwell Trustisafragilething, andeventhoughIphysicallycouldn’tsayaword,andit’sformyownsafetytoplaymycardsclosetothevest,itfeelslikeI’ve beenlyingtothemfromthestart So,likeacoward,Icontinuetosoakupeachandeveryoneoftheiraffectionatetouchesto holdontowhenIinevitablyhavetoleavethembehind.
“Stophoggingher”Greycarefullyslideshisfingersbeneathmystomachtopickmeup Ronenrollshiseyes.“Fuckoffandlearntoshare.I’vebarelyheldheratallyettoday.”
“Becauseshe’smine.”Settlingintotherecliner,Greylaysmeonhischest,gentlystrokingfromthetopofmyheadtomy tail inasteadyrhythmthathasmyeyelidsgrowingheavy “You wantedtotossthedefenselesslittlefluffball backoutinthe woodsalone,remember?You’reluckyIletyouholdheratall.”
“SSH, EASY NOW,”RonenmurmursasheplucksmeoffasleepingGreyandslipsoutofthecabinonsurprisinglylightfeetfor hismassivesize Oncethedoorisclosed,headds,“Ihaveanidea,butyou’regonnahavetoworkwithme” Ronenstripsoffhisshirt,andI’mprettysurethathejustdiscoveredthesecrettowinningeveryargumentever.Scrunching it up beside the pile of firewood against the back of the cabin, he sets me inside the makeshift nest more delicately than someonehissizeshouldbecapableof,surroundingmeinthesubtlescentofwoodsmoke.Withhisknuckle,hetiltsmychinup tofacehim,andmybreathhitchesinmychestasheleansintonuzzlemycheek.
“Predators should be more hesitantto bother youifyou’re covered inour scents.” Pullinga handful ofdehydrated fruit chipsoutofhispocket,hesetstheminfrontofmeandscratchesbehindmyear,risingtohisfullimpressiveheight.“Thisway ifyoudecidetorunoffagain,itshouldofferyousomeprotectionuntilIcanfindyou”
Withaneffortlesstug,heyanksanaxoutofastump,shootingmeapointedlooktostayput.“Andmarkmywords,Iwill. BecauseGreybedamned,you’reminenow,too”
Perchedonthetreebranch,Iscowlatthesceneinfrontofme.FourdaysnowI’vewatchedthemplayhousewiththelittle thief,coddlingandfussingoverher.Andstill,Idon’tunderstandwhatthefuckI’mseeing.
I’ll admit, discovering the thief I’ve been hunting was a woman was as much of a shock as the fact there are apparentlypreyshiftersoutthere.Buttobefair,theideaofafemaleshifterwillinglyputtingherselfindangeroussituationsis ludicrous;especiallyonewithnonaturaldefenses
ThelongerIobservethemthough,themoreI’mconvincedthatneitherofthesemenknowthey’reharboringacriminal.It’s theperfectcon,really,ashifterpretendingtobenothingmorethanapet.Sneakingoutwhenthetimingisright,neverhavingto worryaboutanalibi ButIcan’tfigure outwhere she fits into the puzzle There are onlytwo reasons someone would steal information fromStardust; they wanted to know something personally, or they wanted to sell the information to one of my competitors Ifshesoldofftheinformation,whycontinuetoplaythesemen’spet?Ifshewanteditforherself towhatend?
“Sunshine?!”theotheronecallsrightbeforethedooristhrownopen,crashingagainstthesideofthecabin.
He’sfrantic,headwhippingaroundbeforefinallyspottingtheschemingballoffurcurledupinthebehemoth’sshirtonthe ground.Alloftheairleaveshiminarushashedropstohisknees,pickinguptheentirefabricbundleandclutchinghertohis chest.
“You’reafuckingasshole,Ro,Ithoughtsheescapedagain”Surgingtohisfeet,hestormsbackinside,slammingthedoor behindhim.
Withnarrowedeyes,Ireevaluatethesituation Ifthey’reholdinghercaptive it’sunderstandableshewouldn’twanttobe humanwhilelockedinthemiddleofnowherewithtwomen.Ifthatwerethecase,Icouldevenforgiveherattempttoselloff mycompany’ssecretstobuyhertickettofreedom
Aflamesparkstolifeinmychest,andwithoutTitanheretokeepitincheck,itspreadsquickly.
I’ll kill them. Toss their bodies in the lake, or leave them for the wildlife to dispose of. By the time their bodies are discovered, the evidence linking back to me would be long gone, so there’s really no reason notto kill them
Takinga steadyingbreath, Iforce myselfto be logical. All Ihave rightnow are theories. Ifshe’s beingheld againsther will, I’ll remedythe situation IfIwitness themhurtingher, I’ll remove their hands fromtheir bodies and shove themdown theirthroatsuntiltheychoketodeath.Andifshe’snothingmorethanaconartist,I’llmakeanexampleofher.
Someofthetensioninmybodyuncoils,andIleanbackagainstthetreetrunk,settlinginforthelonghaul.Fornow,all I candoiswatchovermylittlethiefandwaitforhertoshowherhand.
“She’ssosoft,”Markmurmursinaweasmysweetgirldozesonmychestinthebreakroom.Theguyscangivemeshitall theywanttosavefaceinfrontofeachother,butthroughoutthedayeverysingleoneofthosehypocriteshassnuckoverto seeorpetheratsomepoint “What’shername?”
Ipause,staringdownatthelightofmylife.“Stillhaven’tsettledonone.Itneedstobeperfect,yaknow?AndnothingI’ve comeupwithhasfeltrightforheryet”
“Don’twaittoolong,or oneoftheguys will giveher one,”hewarns.“Beforeyouknow it,it’ll catchonandbeall she answersto,whetheryoulikeitornot.”
Baringmyteethathim,Ibathishandaway “Thatlotcanfuckrightoff,theydon’tgetasayinanythingtodowithher She’s mine.”
Markholds up his hands insurrender and takes anexaggeratedlylarge step backward, not evenattemptingto stifle his laughter.“Noneedtobitemyheadoff,nobody’sgoingtostealyourpreciouslittlebunnyrabbit,Grey.”
Narrowing my eyes on him, I wait until he takes another step back before turning my attention back where it belongs “Sorry,prettygirl,butbothofourfreedom’shavecometoanend.Break’sover,timetogetyoubackinyourcage.”
It’s more ofa modified catcarrier thana cage, butRo was able to setitup like a miniature habitatwitheverythingshe needed,evenifit’scramped Butit’seasytransport,smallenoughthatIcanhideitquicklyifthebosscomesintothegarage, andkeepsherbymysidewhereshebelongs.
Scratchingbehindhereartogentlywakeherup,shenuzzlesherfaceagainstmyshirtanddoesafull-bodystretch Hersoft, silverfurbecomesevensilkierastheweightonmychestincreases.Theentirebreakroomstopsbreathingalongsideme,all conversationstaperingoffmid-sentence Mybrainshortcircuitsinconfusionasonehandremainstangledinsilkyhair,butthe othersettlesonthenakedbackofthewomansuddenlysprawledoutontopofme.
Thedoorfliesopen,Ronenduckinghisheadtolumberintotheroomwithascowlonhisface."Alright,whothehelltook mytorquewrench?Ifyoucan’tkeeptrackofyourowntools,Isureasshitdon’ttrustyouwith mine"
His eyes widen, I lift my hands in surrender like a guilty teenager caught sneaking a girl into his room, and the silver bombshellstartlesawake Bracingahandonmychestasshepushesherselfup,shewhipshergazeoverhershouldertoRonen, thenbackdowntoherspreadfingers.Panicradiatesoffofherintangiblewaves,andthesuddendesiretoripsomeone'sthroat outslamsintomehardenoughthatasnarl’srippedfrommythroatbeforeIevenunderstandwhat’sgoingon,tighteningmyarm aroundherwaist.
"Shit!"Withasqueak,shelaunchesoffmylap,butthechairlegcatchesherfootandtripsherup.RonenandIbothsnapa handouttocatchher,butonlymeetair Beforeshehitstheground,shepracticallydisappearsrightinfrontofoureyes,untilall thatremainsisatiny,silverbunnyonceagain.Myheartmissesabeatbeforepickingupindoubletime,mypalmsslickwith sweatandshallowbreathsmakingmychestachesomethingfierce
The faintflashofsilver fur blurs byas she bolts underneaththe vendingmachine, and ImeetRonen’s equallyhorrified face.Forafew seconds,weremaincompletelyfrozeninplace.Awhirlwindofthoughtsracethroughmymind,strugglingto catchuptomybody’sinstinctivereactions.
For nearly a week, I've treated this woman like a pet. Why would she let me? Was she spying on us? Why bother? We’re nobody important She didn’t even shift back to save herself from drowning, was bloodied and broken when I found her
Theonlyrealizationthat’strulyimportantsnapsmeoutofmypanickedspiralbeforeitcangaintraction.
Somebody hurt her
Crossingthe roomto her hidingspot, Istretchoutonmystomach, arms folded beneathmycheekwithwhatIhope is a reassuringsmileasIpeekbeneaththevendingmachine.“Hey,it’salright,sweetgirl.Iwon’tletanyonehurtyou.”
Gods, she looks so tiny scrunched up next to that cord Has she always been this small? Theairinmylungsturnstolead
And yet, she still thinks she’s safer like this rather than human. She’s not scared of getting eaten, she’s scared of people like us Like me
Shiftersareunpredictablewhenitcomestounmatedwomen,butespeciallysinceour kindcameouttohumans,you’dbe hardpressedtofindanunmatedwomanthatwasn’tescortedbyatleastonepersonwhenevertheyleftthehouse.They’retoo rareandcovetedtobeleftunprotected,andsomemenmakereallystupid,unforgivablechoicesintheirquesttofindamatefor variousreasons.
Mostofusaredrowninginourstruggletocontainourcounterparts,andthethoughtofamatetohelpshedenoughlightto makeourexistencebearableisagreatenoughtemptationthatmanyarewillingtoriskdeathattemptingtoabductone.It’snot likewecanreproducewithhumans,andheck,malewolvescan’tevenshift unlesswereceiveaclaimingbite.
Myfate is a tickingtime bombconstantlyweighingonmyshoulders,andIalways justassumedI’dself-destructwhenit becametoomuchtobear.ButthatwasbeforeImetmyreasontofightforsomethingbetterthansimplyexisting.BeforeImet her;thelittleshifterthatcouldn’tfightherwayoutofawetcardboardbox
Sheneedsme.AndI’llbedamnedifIletanyoneelseIcareaboutdowneveragain.
Besidethedoorway,Ronenbarks,“Everybodyout Now ”Thereareafew protests,butonedeathglarefromthehulking giantisenoughtohavethemscramblingoutthedoor.Oncethethreeofusarealone,hegrowls,“They’regone.Youcancome outnowandexplain.”
Somethingeerilyfamiliar flashes across her silver eyes, and mystomachtwists insympathy Guilt “If you’re worried aboutusbeingupset,we’renot.Surprisedandreallyfuckingconfused,obviously,butnotmad.Roforgetsnoteveryonespeaks neanderthal,isall Buthe’sinnoway,shape,orform,angryatyou, sunshine”
Warily,sheinchescloser.Attentiondartingtothedoorwayandback,shemapsoutpotentialexitsanddangersintheblink ofaneye,andthesmileI’dbeenforcingfallsasalowrumblebuildsinmychest.Closingmyeyesforamoment,Isuckdowna deepbreath,releasingitinaheavyrush,butitdoeslittletocalmmedown.Ifanything,bythetimeI’mcaughtinherethereal gazeagain,I’mevenmorepissedoff,myimaginationrunningwild.
“Sorry Itdrivesmyinstinctscrazyseeingyouscaredlikethis Alltinyandhelpless ”
Pressingthetipofmytongueintomyincisor,thetasteofbloodtakes abitoftheedgeoff.Ifshedoesn’tcomeoutsoon, though,I’mafraidIwon’tbeabletostopmyselffromdoingsomethingincrediblystupid Theimpulsetoflipthemachine,grab her,andhideherawaysomeplacesafeiswaytoofuckingtempting.
Afewmoresecondsandshe’swithinreach,butIforcemyselftoremainabsolutelystill,barelyevenbreathingnow.When she’s finallyoutfrombeneaththe vendingmachine she shifts back, one armslungacross her chestina futile effortto cover herself.
Thevulnerabilityjustaboutkillsmeasshecringesandoffersahalf-hearted,“Surprise?”
AsIslowlygettomyfeet,Ronenwhipsoffhisoil-stainedblackt-shirtandyanksitoverherhead.“Here.” Ithangstoherknees,drowningherinhisscent Shortsilverhairmussedandcladinmybestfriend’sshirt,shelookslikea wetdreamcome to life, and Ihave to clenchmyfistuntil mynails breakskinto keep fromscentmarkingher too. Restless energyfloodsmysystemasItakeasecondtopullmyselftogether.
“It’sapleasuretomeetyou I’mGrey,andthehalf-nakedmountainmanisRonen SorryIkidnappedyou,buttobefair,I’d totallydoitagain.”
Immediatelyclosingmyeyes,Ipinchthe bridge ofmynose,wishingthe groundwouldopenupandswallow me whole What the fuck is wrongwith me?
Obviouslysheknowsournames Ronensnorts.“AndyousayI don’tknowhowtotalktowomen.”
Alightclickson,andIrealizehowthatfallsunderthat‘toohonest’categoryRo’salwaysgivingmeshitfor,soeventhough Idon’tmeanit,Ipolitelyamend,“Imeantsaveyoufromthelakeandnurseyoubacktohealth,evenifIknewyouwere,well, you, andnotawildrabbit.I’dstillhavehelped.Wouldn’thavestuffedyouinacatcarrier,though.”
“Goodtoknow”Amusementbleedsintohervoice,andIriskpeelingopenoneeye Herfearmayhavehadmybloodboiling,buthersmileshortcircuitsmybrain.
Fuck, she’s pretty Too pretty I don’t think I have enough knives on me to remove everyone ’ s eyeballs so those bastards can’t look at her when we walk out of here.
Shit, several of them saw her shift back. Naked.
Well,thatsettlesit
I’mjustgonnahavetokillthem.
“Katana,” she announces,thatsingular wordshiftingsomethingdeepwithinmysoul “Thanks for everything,butIreally needtofindaphoneandgetoutofherebeforeAxelkillsme.”
Katana
Nobodyeventriedtostopus.Notlikeitwasn'tclearwhatweweredoingonceRonenandGreyclimbedintothecarasI waspeelingoutoftheparkinglot,butIdidn'tgetsomuchasanangryfistwaggleorsomeonedramaticallyjumpingon thehood
MyfirstGTAexperience,andI'vebeencheated.
"Ifeellikeweshouldbeconcerned"Greycatchesmyeyeintherearviewmirror,lipstwitchinginamusement “Youdidn’t evenhesitatetostealacarinbroaddaylight.”
“Thissortofthingactuallyhappensmorethanyou'dthink.Peoplepissingmeoff,mestealingsomethingtomakemyselffeel better”
“Youshouldlookintoadifferentcopingmechanism,”Roneninsists,bucklingmyseatbeltwithascowl.
“Like homicide?” Waitingfor the light to turngreen, I strummyfingers onthe steeringwheel, scanningthe horizonfor somewherethatmightletmeborrowaphone.Orpants.
Greysnorts “Likeatreadmill Burnoffyourfrustrationwithout makingenemies”
“TheonlywayI'msteppingfootinagymistoseduceaphysicaltrainerbacktomyplaceforpizzaandamarathonofhot sex.IthinkI'llstickwithpettythefttofilltheholeinmyheart,thanks.”
RonengapesatmelikeIhavethreeheads “Petty theft?YoukidnappedtwogrownassmenandstoleaCamaro” Ishrug.“It'sabighole.Besides,Ididn't kidnap you,youtwojumpedintoastolencarwithahalfnakedwomanyoujust metwithoutevenblinking I’mflatteredyouthinkI’mprettyenoughtoriskjailtimefor,butseriously,Icouldbeaserialkiller forallyouknow.Makebetterlifechoices.”
Aveinthrobs inRonen’s temple “Us? You’re the one thatstole the car inthe firstdamnplace We couldhave takenmy truck!”
“Haveyouseenthepriceofgaslately?Iwasbeinghelpful!”
Greybarks outa laughthatserves to ease the buildingtension Takinga few deep breaths, Iwaituntil mytemper fades completelyandexhalealongbreath.
“Ireally needtoborrowyourphoneorthisisn’tgoingtoendwell Please”
It was alreadya tight fit, but Iswear, Ronengains a few more inches and a couple pounds ofsolid muscle. His growl reverberatesaroundtheconfinesofthecarashewhite-knucklesthe‘oh-shit’handleonthepassengersideuntilitcracks.“He wantedto buy you.”
“Ialreadytoldyou,he’smybodyguard. ”
Grey’shandclampsonthebackofmyseat,andI’mhalf-convincedhe’lltrytodragmeoutofthedriver’sseatdespiteus beinginthemiddleofhighwaytraffic.“Clearlyhe’sterribleathisjob,orIwouldn’thaveneededtofishyououtofthelake.”
Myshoulders slump “He’s actuallygreat at his job, it’s me that’s the problem” Shakingoff the uncomfortable feeling churninginmygut,Itakeanothershotatexplaining.“Look,Iknowitsoundedbadoverthephone,butthinkaboutitfromhis perspectiveforasecond,okay?He’ssupposedtoprotectme.I’vebeenmissingfornearlyaweek.Thefirsttimehehearsfrom me,I’mwithsomeguyshedoesn’tknow.Ofcourse he’sgoingtoassumeI’mbeingheldforransom.”
I catchRonen’s curious expressionfromthe corner of myeye and cut himoff before he starts askingquestions I can’t answer “ThemoralofthestoryisthatAxelwasn’ttryingto buy me,hewasdemandingtohearyourtermsformysafereturn Totallydifferent. And honestlyguys, he’s trigger-happyonthe bestofdays, letalone whenhe’s ona mission, so unless you haveadeathwish,Ireally needtocallhimbackandclearthisup”
Greyand Ronenhave a silentconversationbefore Ro reluctantlypulls his phone outand offers itmyway. “Fine, we’ll meethim.”
couldn’thave heardhimright.“I’msorry,Ithinkwe mighthave our wires crossed.Sure,youcanmeethim,butthatdoesn’t changeanything.”
Greysighsdramatically “Ofcourseitdoes Ifwegetabadfeelingfromtheguy,we’renotlettinghimtakeyouawayfrom us.That’sjuststupid,Katana.You’refartoovaluabletothrowtothewolvesandcrossourfingersthateverythingwillturnout alright”
Iblink,thenblinkagain.“It’snotyourcalltomake.IfIwanttoleavewithAxel,Iwill.Whetherornotyouapprove.”
Ronenpins me witha serious lookthatbrokers no argument, hazel eyes glintingwithdetermination “Ialreadytold you, you’reminenow,angel;nomatterwhatskinyou’rewearing.I’llmeetthisAxelofyoursandgivetheguyafairshot,butit’son himtoprovehimself.”
Myheartskipsabeat,heatspreadingthroughoutmybody
Not arousal; hate. Fury, even… probably. Definitely not horny. Enraged at the audacity like a normal person. “Andifhefailsyourimpossible,madeuptest?”
Ronenshrugsasingleshoulder.“ThenGreyandIwillflipacointodecidewhichoneofusgetstokillhim.”
Growlinginfrustration,IgrabRonen’sphone Itdoesn’tlightup,soIholdthepowerbutton,butitdoesn’trespond Slowly raisingmyhead,Ilevelhimwithanannoyedglareandtosstheuselesshunkofjunkbacktohim.“It’sdead.”
“Must’veforgottochargeitlastnight.”Unconcerned,hetucksitbackinhisjean’spocket.“Oops.”
Rollingmyeyes,Ishoveopenmydoor
Grey’sasplit-secondbehindme.“Whereareyougoing?”
“Toborrowaphone”
Hefrowns.“Youcan’twaltzinsomewherelookinglikethat,you’rehalf-naked.”
Jaw clenched,Ijaba finger atthe signbeside the door.“Noshirt,noshoes,noservice.Doesn’tsaya damnthingabout pants.”
I RUB MY TEMPLES,failingmiserablyatstavingoffmyrapidlybuildingheadache.“Whatdoyoumeanyoudon’tletanyoneuse yourphone?Whataboutemergencies!?”
Not even looking up fromscrolling on his phone, the cashier taps the sign next to himthat says No Public Phone or Restroom.
Takingadeepbreathtokeepfromscreaming,Igrabaminibagofcookiesandtossthemonthecounter Ronenreachesfor hiswallet,butIslapafivedollarbilldownfirst,grabmylunch,andstormoutthefrontdoor.
Hotonmytail,Greyasks,“Whenthehelldidyouevenhaveachancetopickpocketsomeone?”
Iofferhimoneofmycookiesasanolivebranchbeforepoppingmineinmymouth.Reachingdownmyshirt,Ifreethefew billsfromwhereIwedgedthemundermylefttitandholdthemoutbetweentwofingers.“Youreallyshouldbemoreawareof yoursurroundings”
Snorting,hepushesmyhandback.“Keepit.Impressiveworkdeservestoberewarded.”
Notonetopassupfreecash,Iwedgethebillsbackintoplaceandhopetheystayput Withoutabrait’safifty-fiftyshot, butseeingasI’mdrasticallylackinginpockets,myoptionsareprettylimited.Hoppingoffthesidewalk,theheatassaultingmy feetkeepsmyannoyancealiveandburning,andIquickenmypaceacrosstheparkinglot
“Wheretonext?”Ronenasks,soundingmorecuriousthanannoyed,butthatmightbewishfulthinkingonmypart.
“The nearest residential block to start knocking on doors until somebody lets me borrow their phone. I assume you’re coming?”
Greycatchesuptomefirst,knockingthebreathfrommylungsashethrowsmeoverhisshoulder.“Notyet,butgivemea fewminutesandI’msureIcouldgetthere”
Itakeashotathiskidney,buttheangleisterribletoputanyrealforcebehindit,andhedoesn’tsomuchasflinch.I’mleft tryingtobracemyselfagainsthisasstokeepallofthebloodfromrushingtomyhead “Icanwalk”
“AndIcancarryyou,”hedeclaresjustaseasilywithoutbreakingasweat.“Whileyoutakealoadoff,it’dbetheperfect timetofillusinonwhyyoupretendedtobeourpet,don’tyouthink?”
Myangerflickersoutwiththereminder,mystomachroiling Itdoesn’thelpthathe’stakingthescenicroutebacktothecar, loopingtheparkinglotandplayingintomyanxietytogetbackontotheroadtospurmeintotalking.ButIsuckitup,becauseI owethematleastacoupleofanswersafteralltheydidtohelpme,evenifIcan’ttellthemthefulltruth
“Likebeingonthebottomofthefoodchainwasn’tbadenough,mystupidinstinctsareconvincedthatI’msaferretreating intoanimal formwhenhurt. I couldn’t shiftbackuntil myinjuries were prettymuchhealed, eventhoughIwanted to.” Guilt churns inmystomach, butIdrownitwithanother cookie to reward me for beinganadultand discussinganuncomfortable subject. “Ieventried to leave whenitwas clear youwere gettingattached. Didn’tmake ita mile before youfound me and
broughtmeback,though,soatthatpointitmademoresensetostickarounduntilmylegfinishedhealing.”
Bothofthemremaincompletelysilent,andmyheartratepicksup.“I am sorry.Really.Ipromise,Iwasn’ttryingtotake advantageorexploityourneedtotakecareofsomething;that’dbealowblow,evenforme Therejustwasn’tmuchIcoulddo besidesrideitoutandhopeyou’dunderstandwhenIshiftedbacktoexplain,and-”
“Stoptalking”Ronen’svoiceisasoftdemand,buthitsmelikeapunchtothegut
Swallowingtwice,Icroak,“Ihonestlydidn’tmeantotrickyou.Iknowsorrydoesn’treallycoverit,bu-”
Usinghisknuckle,RonentiltsmyfaceupsoI’mforcedtomeethishazeleyes,myalreadyrapidlybeatingheartjumpingto asprintatthefierceglintinthem.“Stop.Apologizing.Youwerehurtandalone.We’rehappyitwasusthatfoundyou.Endof story.”
“ Justlikethat?”
“Justlikethat.”Hestrokesathumbacrossmycheeksolightly,I’mhalf-convincedIimaginedthegentlecaress.“Gettingto spendtimewithyouisagift,notaburden And,”asubtlewarmflushrisesinhischeeks,“itwasnicehavingsomeonewaiting formeathome.Thatneededmetotakecareofthem.Icouldgetusedtothat.”
Itwouldhavehurtlessifhe’dsmackedmeacrosstheface
Unaware ofthe effecthis declarationhad, Ronencaresses mycheekonce more before nudgingGrey’s shoulder, silently givingpermissionforustogetbackontheroad.Greyleadstheway,fingersdiggingintomythighashecasuallystridesacross theparkinglotwithoutacarewhatanyoneelsethinksaboutthepicturewemake
Ahalf-nakedwomanthrownoverhisshoulderasheandalivingmountaincasuallystrolltowardastolencar.Anydecent personwouldhavecalledthepolicebynow,butonthesideofthehighway,wherepeopleareovertiredfromhoursofdriving and used to minding their own business, I’mnot surprised when the guy we pass at the gas pump suddenly finds the sky extremelyinteresting,notwantingtogetinvolved.
Ronentalksagoodgame,butwhenpushcomestoshove,peoplewillpayouttheassforthesakeofconvenienceinthisday and age. They don’t let some randomperson throw a wrench in their plans unless it benefits them, since nobody has the emotionalbandwidthtogoaboveandbeyondwhenthey’realreadyhangingonbyathread,andIcan’tfaultthemforthat Not whenI’mjustas guilty. Youhave to concentrate your energyonwhatever ittakes to getyouthroughthe daysometimes. To handletheprioritiesfirstandforemost I’mjust…notoneofthem.
Mom’saperfectexamplethatevenfamilyisn’texemptfrombeingdroppediftheyrequiretoomucheffort.
“Sunshine?”Greymurmurs,andIcleartheemotionfrommythroat,plasteringonmygameface.
“Yes,abductornumberone?”
Hesnorts “Abductor,myass Lietoyourselfallyouwant,sweetheart,butthepavementwasburningthehelloutofyour barefeet.”Turninghishead,henipsmythigh,grinningasIhissinasharpbreath.“Andyou like beingthrownaroundalittle, don’tyou?Sohowaboutwestopplayinggames,andyouletmedr-”
Hiswordsaredrownedoutbymultiplegunshotsandagrunt.Whippingmyheadup,IgetabriefglimpseofRonenonhis knees in a rapidly growing pool of blood, and a familiar, furious expression as Axel holds a gun to Ronen’s temple, his murderousglarelockedontoGreyashewhirlsaround “Givemethegirl,orthenextbullet’sgoinginyourbuddy’sskull”
