Page 18 of Shift of Destiny
“Nah, just dopey from the darts and bleeding a little. Bitches always need obedience lessons.” Before she knew what was happening, Richie zip-tied her hands in front of her, then her ankles. “Let’s get Adam before he shoots himself and get out of here.”
The face-masked man scrambled up to the front. Richie’s gaze strayed to her crotch, then upward. He licked his lips as he lingered on her breasts. He shot a furtive glance toward the masked driver, who’s attention was elsewhere, and forced her head to the side and leaned down to lick her exposed neck.
She shuddered in revulsion. He reared back with a disgusted snarl. “Fucking hell.” He wiped off his tongue with the sleeve of his black T-shirt. “You taste like a goddamn cat.” She sent silent, grateful thanks to snuggly little Pandora.
The van started moving. Richie shoved her legs out of the way and sat on the edge of the seat, facing the open van door.
The van seat smelled new, like maybe it was a rental. She surreptitiously turned on her side to face the back cushion and slid her bloody hand into the fold of the seat, hoping she was leaving enough forensic evidence for the police… and maybe the sharper senses of shifters. She’d even take vampires. She really wanted Chance’s version of the world to be true.
Her fingers brushed what felt like a wadded paper napkin. While Richie’s back was still turned, she gritted her teeth around her gag and deliberately bumped her nose on the seat again, to keep the blood flowing. Her eyes watered involuntarily with the agony of keeping quiet. She eased out the tissue and got it good and wet with her blood, then shoved it back between the cushions.
A cold wave of dizziness washed over her. The overhead light dimmed with her vision.
“Where is he?” asked the driver. “If he’s pretending this is a game of Ageless Assassin, I’ll kill him.”
“Pull into the driveway,” said Richie, sounding exasperated. “I’ll go find him.” He started to leave, then turned back to look at her. He plucked the yellow-feathered dart out of her thigh and the back of her arm and dropped them on the floor. “Check her pockets.” He snorted. “Don’t want her butt-dialing anyone.” Richie launched himself out of the open van door.
Sleepiness eroded her consciousness for long moments.
The van rocked as two men scrambled in and slid the door closed, but she felt too sluggish to turn and look.
“Go, but slow,” said Richie. “Don’t turn on the lights until we get to the street. And take off those fucking ski-masks. Both of you.”
She was glad elderly Mr. Maxen was out of town, out of harm’s way.
Maybe once Witzer had her, he’d call off the invasion. Otherwise, the quaint, sleepy little town of Kotoyeesinay wouldn’t know what hit it.
She hoped with all her heart that Witzer’s goons couldn’t find Chance and Shepherd. The last thing she saw was a too-bright reflection on the chrome trim of the overhead light as everything faded to black.
