Flight

by Alyssa Rose Ivy

  “You don’t have anything on you, do you?” Riley asked as he brushed tears off my face. His actions were much gentler than I expected. “I don’t want to make this any worse for you.”

  “I don’t have a tracker. I swear.”

  “Okay, I’ll take your word for it.”

  “What?” Relief flooded me but I was looking for a catch.

  “But there are a few conditions.”

  “Conditions?” I bristled; afraid his conditions would be worse than a more thorough pat down.

  “Yes. Some conditions,” he repeated.

  “What are they?”

  “You let everyone think I finished the search. I’d be up a creek if Trevor found out, and you would just have to deal him doing it himself.”

  “Okay, I’ll agree to that, but what else?” I asked nervously. I didn’t want to know the other conditions.

  “Tell me your name.”

  “You want to know my name?”

  “Yeah. I want to put a name to your face.”

  Stunned with disbelief I answered. “Allie. My name is Allie.”

  “Allie? I like that. Allie. A pretty name for a pretty girl. It’s nice to meet you, Allie.” He held out his hand to shake mine and then dropped it down after realizing my hands were still tied. “Sorry.”

  I nodded, terrified of making him back out of the deal. “Is that it?”

  “Oh, I might call in a favor later.” He ran a finger down the side of my face, and I tensed wondering what the favor would be. “Come on, we need to get back. Remember what I told you.” Riley took my arm pulling me back out to the open area.

  Another round of catcalls awaited us. “Are you sure we have to give her to the Blackwells?” someone yelled.

  “Yes, and in the same condition we got her.” I couldn’t ignore the heated look Trevor gave me.

  “Did she feel as good as she looks?” Harriston said with a harsh smile.

  “Of course she did,” Riley said with a much more confident voice than he used with me. “And she enjoyed it. Said she’d stay with me if she could.”

  “Did she now?” Trevor asked, coming closer to us. I flinched as he brought his arm towards me but relaxed as he wrapped a blanket around my shoulders. I let out a sigh of relief; maybe the worst was over.

  “Yes, she did.” Riley avoided my eye. I understood he wanted to be convincing but this was ridiculous.

  “Is that right?”

  I tried to muster a confident voice. “You know, I’ve always been a cat person…” I shrugged awkwardly, careful not to lose the blanket.

  The room erupted into laughter.

  “Nice to know you have a sense of humor.”

  “Yeah, I have a really great personality usually, that is when I’m not being held captive.” I couldn’t believe I was acting so calm, but breaking down would only make escape less likely.

  “Trevor, I’ve got the Blackwells on the line,” one guy called, holding up a cell phone. I was surprised they even had service out there.

  “You might as well sit down, this might take a while.” Trevor pushed me down onto a couch. Readjusting the blanket around me, Riley sat down next to me almost protectively before anyone else could.

  I shot him a dirty look for his earlier performance and he winked. I decided to let it go and let the guy feed his ego. Maybe he’d forget about the favor.

  Struggling to hear Trevor’s conversation from across the room, I wanted to yell at the rest of the men to shut up, but I didn’t want to draw any more attention to myself. Thankfully, Trevor took care of the noise himself. “Enough!” he bellowed.

  “Sorry about that. As I was saying, I have someone of extreme value in my possession right now.” He paused, likely listening to the caller on the other end of the line. “Before I give any details, let me emphasize that as far as anyone is concerned our hands are clean, she came willingly.”

  What the hell? I wanted to scream but before I could argue, Riley had his hand over my mouth. Arrg, for the second time today I had a dirty hand on my mouth.

  “What would the mate of Levi Laurent be worth to you?”

  “Trust me. It’s his mate. The reason you haven’t heard is that it just happened last night.” Trevor glanced at me. “There is no question it’s the ring.”

  “Not so fast. What will you give me?”

  “Bull. She’s worth a hell of a lot more than that to you. I want 1.5.”

  “Don’t insult me, 750 Gs for a chance to run the show? I’ll take a cool mil, that’s my final offer or I call the Dalys.”

  “Fine. But I want the money first.”

  Trevor hung up the phone and strolled over to me. Riley removed his hand. “Thanks sweetheart, you just made me a lot of money.”

  “Don’t call me sweetheart!” I’d had enough of the fake endearments.

  “Wow, down girl,” he said as he mimed cracking a whip. A few men laughed.

  “So they really agreed to a million, Trevor?” Harriston asked, licking his lips.

  “I could have pushed him harder but I didn’t want him to call my bluff. I don’t want to mess with the Dalys.”

  “You can’t be serious? Why would anyone pay that kind of money for me?” The only person in the world that interested in me was my father, and I knew he wasn’t on the other end of the phone.

  “You are the prince’s mate. He can’t take another. Without you, there is no heir and the Laurent line dies out. The other high ranking Pterons would pay a lot to get control of you.”

  “You mean kill me.”

  “No, you are worth more alive. Theoretically if you died by hands other than his own, your boyfriend could take another mate if he got hold of the ring.”

  “Okay, slow down. Why do you keep calling him a prince?” I was still trying to figure out how all these people tied together.

  “You have to be kidding me.” He wrinkled his brow in confusion.

  “Just pretend for a second that I’m not.”

  “You had no idea you were involved with the crown prince of the Pterons?”

  “Um, no. I thought we already established that. So you think of him as royalty too?”

  “Yes. Unfortunately, the Pterons have been in control for years. Really, it’s all been in the hands of the Laurents.”

  I didn’t know what to say. Once again, I was discovering something that Levi should have told me himself.

  Trevor noticed my expression. “Relax princess, there’s no reason to worry about Levi, you’re never going to see him again anyway.”

  “If I am so important, don’t you think he’s going to come after me?” I asked, not so sure of it myself.

  “Only if he can find you.”

  “And you don’t think he will?”

  “Not before the Blackwells get here. The family was quite anxious to get you in their hands; they have already sent some expendables to get you.”

  “Expendables?”

  “You don’t think the family wants their own hands dirty in a kidnapping? No. These families have others to do their dirty work.” A look crossed Trevor’s face and I sensed there was more to his words than he was telling me.

  I looked out into the darkening sky hoping like hell I would find a way out of the mess I was in.

  “So what now?”

  “We wait. Can I get you something to drink?”

  “Seriously? How about untying my hands again?”

  “No, I don’t think so.”

  “Please? Just for a few minutes?”

  “What could you possibly expect to do with your hands for a few minutes… oh wait, can’t keep your hands off Riley huh?”

  “Gross. He wishes.” I ignored Riley’s grunt beside me. “I need to use the bathroom, okay?”

  “Well, you’ll just have to do it with your hands tied. Riley, why don’t you help her?”

  “No, on second thought I’ll hold it.”

  “You think it’s going to be better where you’re going next?”

 
I’ll take my chances. Of course, I didn’t plan on going with the Blackwells; I just had no idea how I was going to avoid it. I just wished I wouldn’t have to make a break for it with a full bladder.

  “Come on Trevor, can’t the girl use the bathroom? With all of us in here what’s she going to do?” Riley argued.

  “I suppose we should be good hosts. Be my guest.”

  I let out a sigh of relief as Riley steered me out of the room again. He led me up a staircase and gestured to a small bathroom. Ugh. The place was disgusting but beggars can’t be choosers.

  “My hands?” I asked, holding them out to him.

  “Don’t cause any trouble.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Looking out the small window of the bathroom into the darkness, I noticed a bird fly past. I couldn’t be sure, but it was the right size for a crow. I hoped like I never had before that I was right. As angry as I was with Levi, I’d rather take my chances with his family and friends than these Blackwells, whoever they were. Quietly I pushed against the glass but it wouldn’t give. It didn’t matter anyway, since it was far too small for me to fit through.

  I looked at the dirty toilet, debating how badly I needed to go. I decided it was okay because I wouldn’t actually have to touch it. I washed my hands, leaving them wet, unwilling to touch the towel.

  “You about done in there?” Riley said as he ripped open the door.

  “I guess I am now.”

  “Took you long enough,” Riley snapped at me, and I wondered where the sudden hostility came from.

  “If you say so.”

  “Hold out your hands,” he ordered.

  “Come on, seriously?” For a second I contemplated escape but knowing there were at least ten large men downstairs it didn’t seem realistic. It wasn’t time yet; I needed to wait ‘til the right moment.

  Riley didn’t wait for an answer; he pulled my arms and began to tie them.

  “Hey!” I yelped as he tied the rope so tightly it bit into my wrists.

  “I’m not taking any chances. I already put myself on the line several times for you tonight.”

  “I know, and I appreciate it.”

  “How much do you appreciate it?” he said with a smarmy grin. “You still owe me a favor you know.”

  I searched his face, hoping his words were meant as a joke but I found no hint of humor.

  “Let’s go in here.” With a hand on my shoulder, Riley led me into a small bedroom at the back of the cabin, closing the door behind him before pushing me down on the bed. I looked out a dirty window and saw nothing but woods.

  “We have some time; I figured there was no reason to bring you back downstairs when we can get to know each other better up here.”

  “Umm, does that thing work?” I nodded toward the ancient looking TV on a rickety stand in the corner of the room.

  “Yeah, why, you want to watch TV?”

  “It’s something.” Riley seemed like a half-decent, albeit creepy guy, but I didn’t know how long I could trust him in a room alone with me. I needed to get his eyes off me so I could figure out a way to escape.

  “Can’t we do something more fun?” His eyes devoured me, and I was completely aware of how little I was wearing.

  “How can we do anything if you don’t untie my hands?” I pointed out, grasping at straws.

  He smirked. “There’s lots you can do without your hands.”

  He came to sit down next to me on the bed, and I cringed as he ran a finger over my lips and I realized exactly what he was implying.

  “I’ve been awfully nice to you, haven’t I? If it weren’t for me, who knows what would be happening to you right now. I want you so bad, baby.”

  I tried to hold it together. “If you want me so bad, why are you going to let Trevor give me to the Blackwells?”

  He frowned. “It’s a lot of money.”

  “How much of the money will you get?”

  “I know what you’re trying to do, and it’s not going to work.”

  “It’s not?”

  Riley wiped sweat from his brow. “No. Trevor’s the pack leader; his word is final. I’m lucky he’s not with you himself. Maybe he’s waiting to take his turn later.”

  His turn? Bile rose in my throat.

  “I still don’t understand how the prince could let you leave his sight—if you were my girl, you’d never leave my room.” He ran his hands over my legs again and I whimpered, things were getting intense.

  “I’d like to do this better, but I won’t get another chance.”

  I panicked as Riley undid his belt with one hand, his other hand like a vise around my arm. I tried to twist from his grasp, but I didn’t get far.

  “Please don’t do this,” I begged, hoping to get to that decent part of him that had surfaced earlier.

  “I’m never going to have a chance to get with a girl like you again. I can’t waste it.” He moved on to his button and began to slide down his jeans.

  Shaking uncontrollably, I tried to speak. “I’m sure you can get plenty of girls who actually want to be with you, don’t do this.”

  He froze. “Who actually want to be with me? You saying you don’t want to be with me?” He glared at me and I realized I had said the worst possible thing. “You want to be with me, baby, and I’ll show you why.” His hand that had been near my knee moved to my thigh and didn’t show signs of stopping. I tensed.

  The room shook and a huge crash reverberated. “What the hell?” Riley pulled his pants back on, removing his hand from my leg and releasing my arm.

  Shouts followed by what sounded like animals howling filled the air.

  Riley went to the door. “Stay right here, this isn’t over.” He slammed the door shut, and I heard a piece of furniture move into place outside the door.

  I had no idea what was going on downstairs or outside, but I hoped that I could use the chaos to my advantage.

  Waiting until I heard his footsteps retreating, I awkwardly maneuvered so I was kneeling on the bed. This put me at the right height to try to jimmy the window open, which was no easy task with my hands tied.

  “Ouch!” I cried as the metal of the window frame cut into the skin of my wrist. Finally, the window moved upwards. I used the wall to move to standing and kicked out the screen. With only a moment’s hesitation, I ducked and took a step out onto the roof, thankful there was an overhang. I looked down into the darkness, glad I was only one story up, and hoping I wouldn’t kill myself in the descent.

  With a deep breath I jumped for it, landing hard on one ankle before falling to my knees. Pulling myself up I winced. The pain in my ankle was incredible and my knees were bleeding.

  Trying to ignore the inhuman noises filling the night, I fought through the pain and took off running. Thankfully, I was on the backside of the house and had quick access to the woods. I prayed no one had seen me jump. With no thought to where I was going other than knowing I was moving farther from the house, I stumbled through the dark. I would have been quite the sight for anyone watching me run with my legs and wrists covered in blood and wearing only a bra and panties.

  I pushed myself to keep running but the pain got worse until I could barely keep going. Just as I contemplated resting, a searing pain shot through my leg and I was knocked down onto my knees again. I rolled over onto my back, coming face to face with a cougar.

  Terrified, I started to scream when suddenly a blur flew in kicking the animal off me. As the blur slowed, I realized it was a winged figure covered in streaks of blood. Two cougars lunged for the Pteron, but he flung out his wings knocking both several feet away instantly. With a crack they knocked into a couple of trees. I flinched at the sound of the impact.

  Without warning, I was jerked up from the ground. Arms wrapped around my waist. Unsure of who held me, I struggled afraid it was the mysterious Blackwell family.

  “Cut that crap out!”

  I was in so much pain and so overwhelm
ed that I didn’t try to place the voice and continued to struggle. Soon, I felt us land. We were surrounded on all sides by deep forest.

  “What the hell, Allie! Do you want to get us killed?” Jared shouted as he stepped away from me.

  “Jared?” I took a few steps towards him, tears of relief and fear slipping down my face.

  He opened his arms, pulling me against his chest, letting me cry.

  Jared held me for a moment, running his hands down my back to comfort me. His movements were stilted and I guessed this kind of contact was unusual for him.

  Regaining some semblance of composure, I removed my head from his chest.

  “Are you okay?” His eyes searched mine while revealing layers of fear, anger, and concern. He carefully untied my hands.

  He moved back a few steps and looked me over. “Damn Allie, you look like shit.”

  “Gee, thanks.” Now that I was with Jared I allowed myself to breathe. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to cover up.

  “Did any of those brutes touch you?

  I looked down at the open wounds on my leg. “Define touch?”

  “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

  “Then no. It uh, got close but it didn’t happen.”

  “Thank god.” Jared surprised me by pulling me to him again. It felt strange. This wasn’t Jared. “Levi would have been destroyed.” So that was it. I pulled away. Just the mention of his name brought out the anger in me.

  “Don’t even say his name.”

  “Why not? What the hell were you thinking leaving by yourself like that? You just took off. You didn’t give Levi a chance to explain himself. You ran away before Hailey could even talk to you.” Evidently, Jared’s anger had returned as well.

  “You can’t seriously be asking me that! After what Levi did to me.”

  “You’re the one who decided to sleep with him, it was your choice.” He sneered, any semblance of the concern from moments earlier all but gone.

  I slapped him across the face instinctively. “Shut up. I had no idea what it meant.”

  He touched his face where I hit him. “I just saved you. You get that, right?”