Page 32 of Blood Taken (Blood Mafia 2)
Once Maria cuts free the ties around my ankles and helps me to my feet, everyone sees how hurt I am. I can barely stand straight after those punches to my stomach. Maria takes the flashlight someone hands her and lifts my shirt, gasping at the new bruises blooming across my skin. Nicole's eyes are stuck on my chin.
"What happened?" Nicole asks.
Maria whips her head toward her friend. "Not here." Then her eyes go to where Gerry stands, surrounded by Hunters. The three guys from earlier are lying on the ground. When the cavalry arrived, they quickly apprehended them and shoved them down.
Discontent settles over the crowd like a thick blanket.
I see Tyra in the throng, shuffling back and forth on her feet next to Zander. X is whispering fiercely to both of them, glancing my way on occasion.
They weren't Daniel's biggest fans. Still. . . He was a Hunter. Part of the compound. I’m an outsider.
Nicole eyes the Hunters. "Let's get her inside. Quorana can help with the pain."
I grit my teeth and walk without Maria's help.
"Demi, let me help you."
"I'm fine, Maria."
She starts to say something, but Nicole shushes her. "Let's go before someone comes over to ask questions."
They begin to steer me toward the third building. I don't trust Quorana right now.
"Take me to my room, please."
"You're hurt, you need—"
"Mother, please. Take me to my room and I'll tell you everything."
The term of endearment does the trick. Her eyes soften and she dips her head, hiding her misty eyes. It's the first time I've called her that name without spitting it out in anger.
"Of course."
She and Nicole follow me, running interference for me when X and Tyra try to come see if I'm okay. My new friends frown at the older Hunters, but agree to give me space.
Once we're inside my room and the door is locked, I head into the bathroom. First things first, I need to rinse my mouth out. I can still taste the gag and it's driving me insane. I swish water around, spit it out, and wipe off my mouth with a towel. Then I wet it and rub down my face and shoulders to cleanse the cold sweat I'd broken into when Gerry held the gun at me.
My hands tremble when I set the cloth aside. I dig my fingers into the countertop, breathing in through my nose and out of my mouth. I drop my head for a second, letting my emotions wash over me. Then I slowly loosen my grip and stand. Holding my head high, I nod at myself and brush my hair down with my hand.
When I shut the door, I see Nicole leaning against the door, acting as a human barricade for anyone who'd try to storm in. Maria is sitting at the edge of my bed.
I'm taking a chance by trusting these women. I hardly know either, but Maria has to have some sort of motherly loyalty and Nicole is her best friend. They're the closest thing to confidants I have, and someone needs to know the truth about Gerry.
"Daniel didn't threaten to shoot me. Gerry did."
Nicole gives nothing away. A simple blink is all I get in response. Maria, on the other hand, growls.
"I knew I saw him pointing it at you."
I nod. "Do you know why?"
Nicole brushes a hand through her hair. "Something to do with those vampires?" she guesses.
Blowing out a hard breath, I wipe my sweaty palms on my shirt. "I've exchanged blood three times."
Maria stands. "What? Three times?”
"Lower your voice," Nicole says through gritted teeth. "With the same vampire?"
