Page 48 of Howling
What a bunch of fucking psychopaths.
I twist in my seat, letting my ire show. The last thing I can afford is a new fucking car if we trash this one. It might look like shit, but it’s gotten me out of a lot of tight spots. “Do you honestly believe that if I wanted him dead, I wouldn’t have handled it myself? I could’ve knocked him out, tied him up, and left him behind. What gave you the impression that I’m a weak female who needs a male to come to her rescue and make decisions for her?”
I glare at all three, knowing the other two wouldn’t have hesitated to do the same if given a chance.
Foxy just acted first.
The men glanced at each other, as if trying to think of something to say to appease me. None of them offer an apology, each of them completely un-fucking-repentant.
It pisses me off more.
“I came back for you instead of leaving, but maybe that was a mistake.” I reach forward and slam the car into gear. “I’ll take you to the next town, but then I think it’s best we part ways.”
“Frankie—”
“No, I don’t want to hear your excuses.” I refuse to listen to Foxy’s plea, twisting the rearview mirrors to avoid their imploring gazes, unwilling to have my resolve weaken. My insides cramp at the thought of never seeing them again, but I can’t risk it. If they don’t listen, they will only end up in even more danger, which will increase my chances of being captured.
I won’t go back to Kyperian because they ruined my only shot at freedom over some macho bullshit. “You made your opinion of me glaringly obvious. I’m done.”
As much as I hate the decision, I have no choice.
If I want to live, I have to leave them behind.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
BELLAMY - FIVE MINUTES EARLIER
Imentally curse myself for being an idiot and allowing her to capture me, but the thought of letting Francesca leave without me was untenable.
Because I let my emotions get the best of me, I now find myself battling for my life.
I deserve that for allowing myself to be swayed by a pretty face and tragic eyes.
Straps dig into my flesh, and the lack of oxygen slows my reaction time. When her claws inch ever closer to my throat, I’m helpless to do anything to defend myself. I use all my strength to break the bolts on the seat. Two have already snapped—only two more to go.
My thighs scream under the strain. Just as another bolt snaps, my feet punch through the plastic of the dash with a crunch, stealing my only chance of escape.
My arms strain as I reach for the straps, but the stupid fucking chains keep me locked down tight, preventing me fromdefending myself. I wore the chains often enough in my youth that I know escape is futile.
The metal was created to zap my strength, leaving me feeling as weak as a human.
I’m helpless to do anything as my vision begins to dim.
I knew I’d eventually die wearing the chains, I just thought I would be alone in the dungeons of Kyperian when that happened.
At least I had a tiny taste of freedom before my life was taken.
Just as my lungs protest the lack of oxygen, Francesca calmly reaches out with claws that could easily slice my throat and end my existence. Instead, she shows compassion and shreds the fabric wrapped around my throat. I flop forward, half in shock, half because the pressure holding me disappeared so suddenly.
I greedily suck in air, hacking and coughing as my body protests the abuse, and my mind reels.
She saved me.
Why?
It would make more sense for her to kill me and rid herself of the problem. If the situation were reversed, I’m not sure I would’ve done the same, and an uneasy sensation bubbles in my chest.
I twist, resting my spine against the door to keep the fuckers from coming after me again. I want to call them cowards for attacking me when my back was turned, but it was my own fault. My anger at learning of Givvens’ death has been festering for months.
