“I don’t think so.” I manage to get that out but then my chest starts heaving frantically as I see how close to the stairs we are. Lizzie finally takes her eyes away from the stage and places her hands on my shoulders while we continue to move forward.
“You’re all right, babe,” she says reassuringly. “Now tell me the same.”
“We’re fine, Lizzie. Nothing bad is going to happen to you, or to me. I promise.” I do a quick count and there are only four women ahead of us now.
“I love you, Lizzie.” Tears start welling up in my eyes. I have to tell her. Just in case.
Now there are three.
“We’re not saying goodbye,” she whispers, sounding hopeful and I nod.
Only two ahead of us now.
“I love you too.” She kisses my cheek as her name is called. I finally let go of her hand and immediately feel the loss.
Now one.
Breathe.
Miss Redhead walks up.
Breathe.
My name is finally called, marking the end of this year’s offering. It’s so close to being over. Just a few steps and it’s done.
Although I hear my name ringing in my ears, my body falters and my fingers and toes go numb. I force my shaky legs up the four steps and try to control my breathing. Licking at my dry lips, I grip the clutch dangling from my wrist tight in my hands like it can protect me. My heels make loud clicks on the metal stage as I walk, and I concentrate on the sound. I remind myself that I just need to take one step at a time and then it will all be over.
As I let out a small breath at the calming thought, three things happen at once: the werewolf I just passed starts walking off the stage, I feel a large hand on my back, and I hear Lizzie scream. My eyes shoot up to locate Lizzie but before I can run to her I’m pulled against a hard chest by a strong arm made of corded muscle. I’m held firmly in place as a scream tears up my throat. My fingers frantically work to pull the werewolf off of me, my nails digging into the large hand splayed across my belly, but it’s useless.
She’s still screaming, and I can’t even look at whoever’s holding me, I can only stare as Lizzie struggles to free herself. “Somebody help her!” I scream. Slamming my elbow against the wall of solid muscle behind me doesn’t do a damn thing. Panic turns my skin hot and chaos whirls around me. With all my strength I shove my weight forward, once again pushing away from the beast holding me while shouting her name.
“Lizzie!” I shout as my feet fly off the ground. The shifter restraining me has one arm wrapped around my waist, lifting me up as though I weigh nothing at all. His other hand cups the side of my head, bringing my ear to his lips. The forceful move makes my entire being instantly still.
“Calm her down,” his baritone voice whispers, and his breath burns hot against the shell of my ear. His tone is gentle, but there’s no doubt in my mind that his words are a command. My mind finally registers what he’s said and I take in the scene as if in slow motion. The stage is now empty except for the shifter holding Lizzie, who’s fighting like crazy with tears streaming down her red face, and me. Blocking the stairs on either side of the stage are the other two shifters, who act as guards.
Not a soul in the crowded stadium is moving from their position in the least. No one is coming to help her. It’s only me. The only humans even remotely close to us are Mr. Horga, who’s on the grass where I was just standing moments ago, an expression of complete shock etched on his face, and Miss Redhead. She’s huddled in a ball on the side of the stage where she’s been allowed to go and venture off. Everyone is silent from both terror and surprise while Lizzie is shrieking and crying, held tightly to the mammoth shifter’s chest. Her fists beat against him, not doing any good, but the werewolf allows it, making no move to stop her. It’s useless and he lets her waste her strength.
After repeating his command, I’m slowly released by the beast of a man holding me. I nod and the tears that had gathered in the corners of my eyes slowly trickle down my face while quiet sobs rock my body. Not Lizzie. Not my best friend. They can’t take her. The realization finally hits me as I’m lowered. They’re taking Lizzie. As soon as my stilettos touch the ground, I dart over to her, the trance broken. I wrap my arms around the part of her torso I’m able to reach, the part not restrained.
It’s surreal. I would give anything in the world to deny that this is happening. That it’s only a nightmare. The glare behind me sinks deep into my back and I remember his wish: calm her down.
“Lizzie!” I have to shout at the top of my lungs for her to hear me. When she doesn’t respond, I yell her name again. It doesn’t stop the wretchedness that wreaks havoc inside of me.
“Lizzie!” She stops shrieking for a moment and looks at me with frightened, glossy eyes as she grabs me with the half embrace that she can manage, yet with such force that I’m surprised I don’t fall over. As soon as she’s quiet, stifling her sobs in the crook of my neck, the shifter holding her gently places her feet on the ground. She nearly collapses as her spiked black heels scrabble to find purchase on the stage. I’m vaguely aware that the people watching us are a mix of emotions. Some are crying, while others have started screaming. But all I can really focus on are Lizzie’s whimpers.
A force flows through me; I need to try and say something to calm her. It’s like a wave, but I stop it. My body stiffens as I feel the werewolf from earlier approach me from behind. His hand comes down and lands on my shoulder. At first he squeezes firmly, causing me to go rigid, but then his hold loosens and his thumb starts rubbing soothing circles against my nape. I blink away the haze of fear and confusion to look up past Lizzie, who still has her head buried in the crook of my neck. She hasn’t stopped crying hysterically.
“It’s okay,” I say. The words rush out of me even though I know it’s a lie. My breath is warm in the air between us and my heart pounds in my chest so hard I can hardly hear myself.
I hold her tighter when I see the face of the werewolf behind her. He’s staring at me with darkness in his eyes, like I’ve stolen his prey. I suppose that’s exactly what I’ve done. His chiseled jaw is covered with dark brown stubble and his narrowed eyes are silver, but beyond that he looks human. He would look utterly breathtaking if he could turn his scowl into something less menacing. At his stern expression I take a step back, survival instincts warning me to take flight, but I’m prevented from escaping by the shifter holding me tight from behind. We’re trapped. Lizzie looks up at me when I flinch at the thought. My eyes dart from hers to the silver stare of the wolf behind her. My body goes rigid as two hands grip my hips to steady me.
“Follow him and bring her with you,” the dominating man behind me whispers and again I feel his hot breath tickle my neck as his lips brush against my ear. He releases me without another word and I try to walk while supporting the bulk of Lizzie’s weight. We stumble and I almost fall, but the strong hands behind me reach out to steady us before forcing me forward. My chest heaves and my body shakes when I realize I’m going to lose Lizzie forever. They’re using me to calm her down and lead her to some unknown fate.
“No,” I whisper in defiance. “You can’t take her.” I try to protest, but the hand is strong and then something else, something I’m not able to fight, grips ahold of me.