Page 6 of Eternal Pieces

They’re playing me, but did I actually get it wrong? I never mix them up. Ever.

“I’ve played this game before and won. You two were my prizes. So don’t think you can scare me like this now.” My casual act is wavering.

“There’s only one prize up for grabs this time,” the one who I think is Max says, but now I don’t have a clue, especially not with the voice changers on.

At the exact same time, they pull their hands out of their pockets and take a step toward me.

With my wide eyes fixed on them, I match their pace and keep the distance between us. Any cold I was previously feeling is long gone as my body is engulfed in flames at the thought of what they’ll do once they catch me.

“The only way you’re winning is if you make it back to the cabin with your clothes on.”

“But a filthy little whore like you doesn’t want that.”

Another step has me struggling to stay upright as the snow gets deeper.

“No. Little whores love to be chased and punished.”

My head swivels between them as I try to keep up with their taunts while keeping my footing on the uneven ground.

“She’s not even trying to run.”

“It’s like she wants to be caught.”

“She wants to be fucked.”

“To be used.”

“To be bred.”

“No, I don’t!” I shout, my defiant, bratty side slipping out.

“Alright then. We’ll give you a fair chance to get away. Throw a snowball at who you think is Maddox. If you get it right, you can run,” the one on the left says.

Quickly, I bend down and grab a handful of snow, packing it tight in my gloved fist. This shouldn’t be hard. I know them. Know every little thing about them inside and out.

Which is how I know the one who spoke must be Maddox. He’s bluffing and throwing his brother under the bus, hoping I’d assume he’s Max. But what if they’ve already planned this out? Is this what they were whispering about earlier?

Going with my instincts, I toss the snowball at the one on the left. Slowly, he looks down at the white smattering of snow clinging to his chest and lets out a low growl that sounds animalistic through the deep resonations of the voice changer. The one on the right barely reacts. Just keeps silently watching me.Max. If I had hit him, then Maddox would definitely be laughing. Which means I got it right.

“I got you!” I laugh, surprised.

In unison, they reach out to grab me, and I duck, running in the opposite direction with a huge smile on my face.

CHAPTER 4

MADDOX

Max and I watch as Violet runs from us, back toward the trail, thanks to how we positioned ourselves and not deeper into the woods where we could lose her.

I brush the snow off my chest before lifting my mask up, and say to Max, “I still can’t believe you actually said yes to this. You’re usually such a control freak.”

He shrugs. “She looked so proud of herself, how could I say no to that face? Anyway, if you were her, would you want to hear us arguing the entire week?”

I suppose not.Tugging my mask back down, I roll my shoulders and limber myself up for the next chase.

“Told you she’d get the snowball trick right. Our girl’s got a sixth sense when it comes to us.”

“Yeah, yeah. Stop gloating and go get her. You won the bet after all.”

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