Even a tiny sound puts me on edge.
I inch toward the window and push aside the curtain.
There’s a car parked right outside. But it’s not the one Beast left in.
Oh God. They’re here.
Panicked, I close the fabric and step away from the windows. Sweat drops roll down my forehead as I walk backward into the bedroom and lock the door, even though I know it will never stop them from reaching me.
Nothing ever will.
Not without him.
Oh God, where is he?
Please, Beast, come back.
I grab my weapon, the knife, and hide underneath the bed. It’s cold and musty down here, but it’s the best place I could think of while my mind is going crazy.
I should’ve gone with Beast when I had the chance.
I don’t want to end up in Lex’s claws.
Not again.
He’ll force me to go back into that cell, into the never-ending darkness, used only for his abominable, disgusting needs.
The thought of that wretched man putting his hands on me makes bile rise in my throat, but I swallow it back down.
BANG!
I jolt up and down from the noise of wood. That sounded like … the front door.
And it was definitely opened with violence.
Feet stomp all over the house. Not just two of them but multiple.
Adrenaline courses through my veins as things get pushed and shoved and thrown across the house. Every sound makes my eyes flicker and my heart rate shoot through the roof.
BAM!
Someone slams the bedroom door.
I have to slam my mouth shut to stop the squeal from escaping.
Oh God. Will they see me?
Can I fight them off with this knife?
My fingers dig into the handle of the knife as I prepare myself for the worst of the worst.
BANG!
The door falls to the ground as though it was made of mere paper. Two feet appear from the rubble, and a man slowly walks inside.
I hold my breath and stare at the boots as they walk by the bed and circle around the room. My hand is shaking, and I physically have to hold it steady.
Until the man leans over the bed … and stares right at me.