The Dark Kingdom Anthology

by Krissy V et al.

  “This is a fucking mess. Some animal thinks it’s okay to threaten my daughter and cause more pain and suffering to my other.” Jo and I both smile at what dad just said.

  “I love you and I’m sorry,” I mouth to Jo while Trey holds my hand and watches the silent interaction between us. Only he is aware of what it means; the first part of my acceptance. One day, I hope to be able to explain my feelings and actions to Jo, but it won’t be today. She has enough to cope with.

  Dad calls the police, explaining what happened and the past circumstances. He’s on the call for some time while the rest of us talk. “Mum, how is Jake’s mum?” I ask, remembering our conversation from last night.

  “Oh, sweetie, you should go and see them both. I know we have this going on but he needs his friends.”

  “Mum, tell me.” I’m shaking more than I have all day and I’m frightened as to what she might tell me.

  “She has cancer, but it’s treatable.” I stand, needing to go to him. “What about the police?”

  “I’ll be back soon. I just need to see Jake. He has to know I’m here for him.”

  I quickly walk from the room and I can hear Trey trying to reassure my mum that we will both be back soon. I don’t wait for him and rush without running from the house. I’m almost at Jake’s when I hear the screeching of tyres. I turn to see a white van speeding along the road.

  Everything happens so quickly.

  One minute I’m about to walk up the path to Jake’s house, the next I’m being dragged into a moving van.

  “Sophia!”

  I last thing I hear is Trey shouting my name before darkness descends around me.

  Chapter Seven

  My lungs burn as I gasp for breath. My chest is tight with fear and anxiety gripping me.

  I’m cold.

  Very cold.

  My hands are bound behind my back, and as I try to wriggle, something almost like a cable-tie cuts into my skin. I feel a small trickle of blood run from my wrist and I stop wriggling my hands because I don’t need this thing cutting through my flesh.

  I shiver and I don’t want to open my eyes because I don’t want to know where I am. I already know what my fate will be.

  His voice has been loud and clear since I was grabbed and taken. I wish I could say I was wrong, but it’s that bastard. I don’t even know his name but I hate everything about him.

  At the moment, everything is silent and still, and for that, I’m grateful, although for how long I don’t know. Every time I’ve heard the door being unlocked I’ve pretended to still be out of it from whatever drugs they gave me in the back of the van.

  The room is silent and I’m fairly certain I’m alone, no sounds of any one else breathing, except my own. I blink a few times, opening my eyes, trying to adapt to the darkness around me. As my eyes adjust, I can make out the outlines of the walls. I’m lying on a mattress on the floor. I’m still fully clothed which has me sighing with relief, for the time being. There’s no windows and I think I can make out the door as the only way in and out of my prison cell.

  There’s no escape.

  I wonder how long I’ll be kept here as a prisoner?

  Will he play this out like a damn soap opera or will he end my life quickly?

  I think I know he’ll drag this out.

  My thoughts turn to my family, Trey must’ve seen me being bundled into the van and my dad had already called the police, so I expect they will already be looking for me. That gives me hope, if only a little.

  My poor mother will be distraught at this turn of events.

  Footsteps in the distance have my skin crawling. Tears sting my eyes as the footsteps get closer. I stare into the darkness and wait. There’s nowhere for me to run. I have to await my fate. My heart leaps wildly as nerves set in with the turning of a key in the lock of the door. I swallow down the deep dread that is filling me. My throat is dry and so full of emotion that I might throw up. Choking to death on my own vomit is not how I envisaged my life to end, yet it might be better than the alternative as the door opens.

  Bright light shines through and I can finally see the filthy room I’m being held hostage in. It’s just how I imagined it would be. He stands there looking over to me for only a brief moment before taking long, steady strides in my direction. Chills lace my body as I brace myself for what might come.

  I wriggle myself into a seated position with my back and hands against the wall. Beads of sweat trickle down my back. Danger is all I see as he finally reaches me and crouches down beside me.

  “I see you’re finally back with me. Now…” He coughs, almost choking, and in this dim light, I see the dark red under his eyes. He clears his throat. “You’ll be with me for a while, so I hope your new surroundings are up to your standard, your lady?”

  “I think we both know it’s not.” He starts coughing again. “If my hands were free I’d be able to help relieve the tension that’s building in your back. You have a cold, and if I’m not mistaken, it won’t be long before it turns into flu.”

  “There’s no way I’m freeing you.” He leans closer to me, his dirty hands inching their way closer to me. I hold my breath as he reaches out and grabs my breasts, kneading them both. I watch as he closes his eyes, obviously enjoying what he’s doing, completely oblivious to the fact that his touch repulses me. He moans, and I wonder how far he’ll take this. I tense and pray he’ll stop, but with every small touch and each groan, my hope starts to vanish. Right now I wish I were dead.

  That he’ll just end my life.

  But I know he won’t. He wants to use me, to play whatever sick and twisted games are in his head. His body starts to rock beside me and I know… I know he wants his own pleasure, at my expense.

  “Sophia, Sophia. What shall you do for me?” he asks with cloudy eyes when he finally opens them. He removes one hand from my breast and there’s a deep churning in my stomach as I watch his hand move to his trousers. He undoes the buttons and fumbles with the boxers, freeing his erection. Waves of sickness wash over me.

  There’s nothing I can do to escape.

  With one hand still on my breast, he runs his free hand up and down his erection. He closes his eyes, allowing himself to feel enjoyment. I watch as his hand picks up speed.

  I want to be sick.

  I don’t want to watch, but I do. I want to see him in his moment of complete weakness. Maybe then I can make a plan for the next time he decides to take enjoyment from me.

  “Oh, God,” he whispers, and I know he’s close. But he stops and opens his eyes. “You, sweet lady, are going to finish me.”

  I stare at him, puzzled, until he moves closer to me. His cock is now only millimetres from my mouth. I clench my jaw shut and shake my head. His roar of laughter rings around me.

  “Ah…” I scream as he grabs my hair and pushes his cock into my mouth.

  “What you have to remember is that I always get my way.” He thrusts into my mouth and I gag, but there’s nothing I can do to stop him. I don’t know how long I’ve been here. Has it been hours or days? I’m not feeling hungry and drained, so I’m going for hours.

  He continues thrusting, his eyes closed. I have maybe a few more moments before this is over.

  But…

  I move, inching closer to him, taking him as deep as I can, hoping he thinks I’m enjoying this as much as him and I bide my time. He releases hold of my hair and his hands rest on my shoulders as he pushes himself closer and closer.

  Energy floods my veins.

  I have nothing to lose.

  “Fuck, fuck…”

  I bite down as hard as I can and I feel blood on my face. I kick at him as he pulls away from me, my teeth still clenched around him. I can see the colour drain from his face and I know now is my chance.

  He falls to the floor as he screams. I rush to my feet, and even though my hands tied behind my back are an obstruction, I run as fast as my legs take me straight out the open door and along a corridor that leads me outsid
e. I don’t look back, but I know it won’t be long until he’s on his feet and racing toward me.

  Outside is bright and my eyes hurt but I’ve no time to wait for them to readjust. I have to make the most of the opportunity I’ve got.

  I recognise this as an old part of town; the buildings are all empty and rundown. Any hope of finding a stranger that can help me diminishes so I keep running because it’s all I can do. Run and hope that it doesn’t take me too long to make my way back to somewhere more populated like the busy road.

  Every turn I take looks the same, making me think I’m running around in circles, going nowhere.

  A hand grabs my shoulders and I gasp before another covers my mouth as I’m pulled into an alley.

  It’s too late.

  Chapter Eight

  Tears fall and I can’t stop them as I think about what he’ll put me through for what I’ve done to him. I was stupid to think I’d get away with it

  “Ssh. You need to stay quiet or he’ll hear us.” I’m tired and disorientated but I recognise the voice behind me and it’s not who I expect.

  I spin around and take in his form. Mason. Relief fills me as my tears fall. He looks completely different to how he did last night when he first came to my rescue. Today, he looks fresh, clean, and I can see all his handsome features so clearly, except the concern that is in his mesmerising eyes. Eyes that could easily hypnotise me and hold me captive all day long, and the funny thing is, I’d be willing to let him hold me captive, crazy as it sounds given what I’ve just run away from.

  My weak body falls against his and he wraps his arms around my shoulders and I continue to cry against the crock of his neck.

  “Hey, it’s okay. I’ve got you. You’re safe now.” His words are comforting, and standing here with his arms around me, I really believe I am safe.

  “You’re hurt, let me look at you.” I lean back from his hold with my hands still behind me. “Sophia, whose blood is this?” he asks, pointing to my face and lips.

  “It’s his,” I reply firmly. “Can you get this off?”

  I turn around so he gets a better look at my hands. “I don’t have anything but we’ll get it cut off.” He takes my shoulder and walks with me tucked in beside him, eyes darting around, checking the area as mine do the same.

  We walk a few minutes before he stops and leads me through a large gate. Anxiously, I glance around, taking in my surroundings; we’re outside what I think is an Italian restaurant. The back door is open and Mason guides me inside to the kitchen. There’s a few staff busy working away but a rather large man, who I presume is the chef from what he’s wearing, stops and starts shouting in Italian, rushing over to us. I freeze, but Mason starts talking. “Sergio, please help me get this off her.”

  “Ah, si, si. Is the lady okay?” the chef asks.

  “She will be.”

  The chef grabs a knife. “Please stay still.” I do as he says and sigh when I feel that my hands are free.

  “Thank you,” I say.

  “Come, the restaurant isn’t opened yet. Let’s get you a seat and a warm drink.” The chef urges me to follow him, but I look to Mason. “I’ll be right here with you. Sergio, can you call the station and tell them I’m here and that I have Miss Weston. She’s safe.”

  “Si, of course, Detective.”

  I hear the word but I’m confused. I stop walking and stare at the man walking before me. He’s a detective.

  “Detective?” The word falls from my lips and he spins around.

  “Come on through and we can talk. I’ll tell you everything you want to know once you give me everything you remember from being bundled into the van until now.”

  I nod and shiver. Suddenly, I’m cold again.

  He should’ve done something about him last night, then today’s incident would never have happened.

  I take a seat and Mason sits opposite me as the chef brings me a cup of tea. I graciously accept, although I’m sure I could really do with something stronger. “I’ve called the station and passed on your message.”

  “Thank you, Sergio. We will be out of your way soon.”

  “Oh, no, no. Take your time. Make sure the little lady is okay first.” Sergio smiles warmly before leaving us alone.

  “Mason, why didn’t you tell me who you are last night?” I ask.

  “I was undercover on a case, but when you stopped and gave me money, I recognised you straight away. I didn’t think much about it until I saw him following you. He looked familiar but I couldn’t place him until today when the call came into the station from your father. At the mention of Jo, I remembered. Stuart is very like his brother in the looks department.”

  “That’s his name?” I ask, wishing I still didn’t know it.

  “Yes. Now tell me what you remember.”

  I tell him everything, including Thursday night at the club. I pause more than a few times as I retell today’s sordid story, but Mason waits patiently. His jaw clenches along with his fist when I get to the part about him thrusting his cock into my mouth. I smile as I tell him what I did and how I made my escape. Mason laughs and I get to see his smile for the first time today.

  “Stuart wasn’t a very smart man, leaving so many doors open. Now, I really should get you into hospital to get you checked over and cleaned up, but…”

  He leans across the table and takes my hands in his. The warmth spreading through me surprises me. But it’s the look in his eyes that captures my attention the most because I’m unsure what it means. It’s a look I’ve seen so many times before, on the face of my dad when he looks at my mother.

  “For some strange reason that I can’t fathom, I want to keep you here with me just for a few minutes longer.”

  “It does seem strange, but I’m more than comfortable with you and I’m not sure I’m ready for all the attention my going missing, even for a short time, will bring.”

  “I’m sure a lady such as yourself will cope with the attention. I’m more worried about how your heart and head will cope in the aftermath.”

  “What will our dealings be?” I ask, wanting to know I’ll see him again.

  “I’m not sure,” he says, his eyes glancing down at our hands for a brief moment before they return to my face. “But, I have this need to see you again.”

  And I feel what I felt last night when I first saw him; a connection of sorts. Last night it didn’t matter to me that he was a homeless man sleeping in a doorway. I still felt it.

  “Oh…” is all I can say. “Is it okay if I go and wash my hands and face?” I ask, because I want rid of Stuart on my skin, but I’m aware that I might not be able to, for evidence.

  “Yes, and I’ll arrange a lift to take us both to the hospital, and I’ll make arrangements for your family to meet you there.”

  Maybe Trey was right about me going on a journey of acceptance; he wanted me to start with me. But I need to start with someone more important than me. Someone I’ve been so consumed with for all these years. Jo.

  I shouldn’t have been so jealous and angry toward her because this has shown me that family is worth fighting for. Love is worth fighting for.

  “So, another hot date tonight?” Jo asks as I sit putting my make-up on in my old bedroom at my parents’ house. I’ve been staying here for the last few weeks, building bridges with those closest to me. Jo and I are closer now than we’ve ever been, and for that, I’m eternally grateful. She’s been the one to help me deal with everything.

  “Yes, now how do I look?” I ask, standing and turning to face her as she stands in the doorway.

  “Perfect. You look perfect. Mason is one lucky man.”

  “I think I’m the lucky one, and he’s having dinner here with us tonight.”

  “Is that why Trey and Jake are already here sitting in the front room?”

  “Yes. I want you all to like him.”

  “Sophia, we already do. He’s made you smile more in the last few weeks than you’ve done in years.”

&
nbsp; “I hate myself for what I’ve put you and I through.”

  “Enough. It’s in the past and you and I are fine. Stronger than ever. I have my best friend and sister back in my life where she belongs after thinking… Oh, it doesn’t matter. I can’t dwell on that day. You’re here, Stuart’s behind bars, and that’s all that matters to me.”

  My eyes fill with tears at what she said. I’ve been so stupid, acting like a spoilt bitch for all these years, but no more. The doorbell rings and my heart flutters.

  “That will be your man. Come on.”

  I walk to the front door and Jo slips into the front room where the rest of my family are waiting to meet Mason officially. Opening the door, I see he has his back to me, but he spins around with a lovely bunch of roses in his hand. I’ve seen him look excited and angry over the last few weeks, but tonight, he looks nervous.

  “Hey, handsome. Are these for me?”

  “They were, but then on the drive over I thought I should give them to your mum.”

  I pull him inside, and boy do I smile at him. “Mum will love them,” I say, brushing my lips against his, and I feel his whole body relax. Poor Mason.

  “Relax. They will love you, and after dinner, how do you fancy taking me home and staying with me tonight?”

  His eyes sparkle and he nods in silence.

  I’ve not been back to my apartment in weeks, but something tells me now is the right time to go back.

  The end. x

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  Something else to read by Karen….

  Scripted Reality

  Prologue

  Gracie

  “How much longer do I have to stay?” I whisper to my mom without moving my lips. I’ve got really good at ventriloquism so I can talk while everyone is looking at me and I want to say something without them knowing.

  “Another twenty minutes and then we can leave,” Mom says, without moving her lips either.