They struck fast. Shoving and weaseling their way into the line until they nestled behind her. High on the euphoria of the social gathering, Caleesi flinched at the pinprick in the middle of her back. Instinctively she threw a quick elbow into the gut of her assailant.
"Relax sis! It's just me!"
The groaning man protest, doubling over and cradling his gut. His words made her head cock to the side, a frown etched on her face.
"Caleesi! Be respectful to your brother! It's time to go!"
A firm hand dug into her forearm, wrenching her out the line. Caleesi tried gripping the hand, but another's clasped her other arm. Firmly securing her in between two men. Strangers cast them wary gazes and merely continued with their activities.
"We're fucked, you let your guard down."
A growl rang out, counteracting the dizziness she felt. Unfortunately, her beast, Cali, was correct. The strong presence of wolfsbane soon dried out her mouth. Blinking became a chore, and she stumbled slightly, trying to catch herself by gripping those closest.
Reaching their destination, Tomas hopped out the driver side of the black Suburban. When Caleesi's gaze met his, she huffed loudly before pressing her lips together and spitting in his face.
"Beta Tomas, you rat! What the fu-"
"Behave yourself omega!"
Grimacing he wiped his face, motioning at the two men before hopping back in the SUV. Unceremoniously they tossed her in the back, ignoring her cry as she hit the center console. Wincing she pulled herself up with the little strength she had and flopped onto the seat.
The car jerked and her stomach churned. Raising her hand she fondled the door, searching for the handle. In her pursuit she hit the window button. The cool air elicited a groan from her parched lips.
Suddenly a piercing ache exploded in her right side. Looking down her eyes widened as they slowly processed the blade-like claws buried in her skin. Blood began pooling out gradually, sliding down onto her grey leggings.
"Ah ah ah, your highly needed. Caleesi, is it?"
A voice, smooth as satin, whispered deadly close to her ear.
"Caleesi!"
Looking back out the tinted window, she saw a blurred figure running frantically into stores and the street. As if they were dancing to an upbeat tune.
"Khali-argh!"
White spots formed in her vison, as he withdrew his hand. In that instance, weightlessness overcame her. Leaning back, she hit the headrest. Lolling to the side she tried to make out the figure seated next to her. Even with the blurry vision, the smile on his face was arrogant. Opening her mouth her tongue held still, and she went limp.
*~*~*
"Caleesi!"
Khalia's voice croaked. It was dark outside when the town shuddered their stores and packed up their booths. She had stayed longer, hoping, waiting. That what transpired was a fluke. Maybe she'll pop out from a store, the bar...anything.
"She's not here and you're causing a scene. He took her. We must go now!"
Parasita's voice rose firm. Khalia's torn and bloody shirt caused whispers and stares. A few officers attempted to stop her, the ones that did she concocted a tale of social media and going viral. They glared at her, issuing warnings before descending upon the streets. Mavi and her coven, she found out, left as well, not privy on werewolf politics. Mavi did share a bit of advice before strutting off.
"Wallowing in pity won't save her nor yourself. Get the dagger, hit the heart."
Parasita, she had been quiet till now. Drowning in the confusion and bitterness of the raw betrayal. Everything that dumb Goblin said was right.
"We have to go. We need help. We need the dagger."
Parasita pleaded with the broken woman. Who leaned against the Impreza, face buried in her hands. Hesitantly she nodded, rubbing her cheeks, and grabbing the bags next to her. She managed to scrounge up some of their clothing. The ones that hadn't been picked through while she was being assaulted. Tossing them in the back, she slid into the driver seat.
The drive back was nerve wracking, but not as disheartening as having to explain to Diem Caleesi's kidnapping. She got his sister taken by the same monster who stained his childhood. The thought of those consequences made her pull over multiple times to spew. With Parasita's coaxing did she make it to the cabin.
"Call Diem, we need to gather people quickly. It's her only chance and ours as well."
Khalia scoffed, her grip on the wheel cracking her knuckles.
"You're being unusually helpful."
"Unusually? Girl, crawl out of those delusions. Our...my Fated displayed to me what he thinks, what I am. This is now a vendetta, nothing less. I'll kill him, whether either of us survive or not."
"...For once, I agree Parasita."
Turning the key, the car shuddered then cut off. Stepping out, Khalia paused. The truck she's become so familiar with was parked in its typical spot. Smoke billowed out from the chimney and a dim glow shown through the windows. Checking her phone, the time read 10pm.
"Time is of the essence."
Picking up pace she hurried to the door. Loud shouting made the knob vibrate softly in her hand. Along with more voices, it sounded like she left the T.V on max volume. Furrowing her brows, she twisted the knob, stepping inside.
Immediately the room fell silent, and Khalia was met with stares and scowls. Gian and Nyla stood by the bedroom door. Their eyes a mixture of emotion, contempt blazing the brightest.
Casting her eyes quickly away she turned to Diem, who hung around the fireplace. She didn't have to look into his dull eyes. Gasping, the hairs on her body stood on end at the immense wretchedness he flooded her with. The disappointment, the anger...the betrayal. She didn't bother wiping her cheeks this time round. She couldn't, his presence rooted her.
"See! Look at that filthy Kirma! She's safe while Caleesi is taken! By her Fated no less! It was a trap! I warned you! All along she played us like a cheap fiddle! Pawns in whatever scheme they have planned! They likely came to take this dominion!"
Startled by the hateful voice, Khalia looked to Chase. He marched in the center of them. His purple robe twirled as he raved on. Waving a manilla envelope in the air, he glowered at Kahlia.
"I've given you all the proof Luna Nyla, Alpha Gian! What else do you want! It's time you do the right thing for Cruel-Mane!"
The stench of his hate was overpowering. Tension had its hand on all their throats while she looked at everyone.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"What? No! That's not true! I would never betray Cruel-Mane!"
"Are you sure?"
Nyla hissed at her, cracking her voice. A voice Khalia's come to hold in high regard.
"No! No, Caleesi came to me! She- you approved her to leave for the day. The paper, it's in the bedroom! It was signed by you! Chase handed her the paper!"
"You lying piece of shit! Where is this paper Kirma? We looked through your things. There was no paper, a lot of drugs though. I have evidence of your misconduct! You can fool the others but certainly not me!"
Ripping open the top of the envelope he tossed it at Khalia, striking her in the chest. Pieces of paper fluttered out, scattering in the air and on the ground. Leaning down she grabbed one and watched as Diem did the same.
Holding the sheet, her mouth fell open. They were pictures, printed and blown up to fill the entire page. Pictures of her and Theo in the alley. Unlike what truly happened, these displayed the moments her body cheated her. A snarl erupted from Diem and he tossed the paper he held at her feet. Khalia let out a whimper, covering her mouth. The one he had held showed departure, with Theo giving her the most demeaning kiss of her life.
"No! Fuck no, that's bullshit! He assaulted me! I didn't- I would never fucking hurt Caleesi! He's setting me up!"
Khalia lunged towards Diem, clutching his arm forcefully. For a moment a look of repugnance crossed his face, then pain. Stepping back, she pulled him closer to her.
"Goblin please! You, you were right and I'm fucking sorry. I'm so sorry. I would never harm Caleesi. You chose to open a bond with me. I can't give that up. I won't! Please! As your friend...your Luna, believe me."
"Luna?" Gian, Nyla and Chase spoke in unison.
Diem's face contorted with confusion at Parasita's cry. Her voice obscuring his thoughts. This wasn't Khalia, he was sure of it. Searching her face, he opened his mouth to speak but a certain alpha beat him to it.
"Khalia Schaffer,"
The low rumble in his voice commanded everyone's attention. A heavy malevolent aura replaced the tension and Khalia found herself letting go of Diems' arm. Backing towards the door, her body convulsed while Gian moved closer
"You...you are exiled from Cruel-Mane. Don't return here. If any pack member spots you in this territory, you are to be executed swiftly. I will extend you five minutes...Kirma, to remove yourself from my land."
The weight of his words caused a sparked pain in her chest, as if a link had been severed.
"Run."
Parasita whispered, a quiver in her voice.
"Wait! Please! We have to save Caleesi! Diem he knows about you, that you're here!"
"Alpha Gian-"
Diem spoke striding towards Khalia with a look of surprise. The splintering of bones filled the cabin as Gian and Chase began stripping their clothes.
"Three minutes left."
"Run! Run now!"
Stunned Khalia gave a parting look to Diem. His eyes held a look of urgency and desperation.
"Go, go now." His soothing voice filled her mind and she shakily groaned.
Closing her eyes she yelled out in frustration before bursting out the door. A howl broke out as she sprinted past Caleesi's car.
"Parasita!"
"Don't worry."
Hitting the road, the snow kicked up behind her as she ran. A soothing warmth filled her body. Travelling down her spine. This time, as her bones cracked and shifted, she felt nothing. The ground grew further away and soon black fur covered her feet as her shoes ripped apart. Replaced by paws her speed quickened and she raced up the mountain.
"Where do we go?"
Parasita questioned, at the forefront of their shared consciousness. Khalia shivered with defeat. It was her turn now, hugging her knees, she buried her face in her palms. There was no fog, only darkness, and she welcomed it.
"Away from here. Far away."
Nodding, she dug her paws into the ground. As the others exited the cabin, Diem could only watch while she crested the mountain, disappearing.
*~*~*
"Elaina, I hear something."
The words thrummed like a siren, splintering her mind. Gasping softly, she strained to open her swollen eye. The poorly sanded concrete captured bits of her skin when she dragged herself to her knees. The room he held her in was chilly and dim. The only light source, a dirty lantern that barely reached her.
"Get off me!"
Young and aggressive, the feminine voice carried in the dreary cellar. Stumbling to her feet, Elaina stepped back into the shadowed corner, wincing ever so often at the stinging of her joints. Shallow pants slipped past her lips, that stilled when the commotion came into view.
Shifty eyes analyzed the young girl, who was giving the two brawny guards a lashing. She kicked, spun, and punched on the men; with a practiced accuracy she's witnessed in MMA fighters defending their coveted titles. The ferocity in each hit made Elaina exhale a shaky breath. If human, the girl would have ignored her strained breathing.
However, hearing the life of another caused a falter in her assault, and she turned defensively to the barred cell. One of the battered men, seizing the opportunity clamped down on her limbs. The other hastily wrestled with the keys. Yanking the creaky door open, they chucked her inside.
*~*~*
Cursing under her breath Caleesi ran at the closing door. Her body slammed against it, causing a rattle just as it locked. A soft sizzle erupted under her palms that clasped the bars. Pulling them away she shook her hands.
"Son of a- wait till I'm free assholes! I'll drain the blood from your bodies and sell it cheap to the vampires!"
A snort sounded from the corner that distracted her earlier. Squinting, Caleesi made out a haggard looking woman. While she couldn't see her face, she could see her clothing. Least what was left of it. When the woman raised her hands, Caleesi impulsively did as well. Though, with her state, she assessed she could take the woman down at any given time.
"Sorry...I didn't mean to cause you to lose. It's nice to see a well-rounded fighter, and young. I thought they stopped training kids."
"Did you see them? I didn't lose...who are you? Where are we and why are we here?"
Caleesi took tentative sniffs in her direction, arching her brow at a vague yet familiar scent. Elaina did the same, the best she could with a busted nose. Her eyes lit up slightly with the scents that came off the girl.
"You- is she here? Is Khalia with you?"
The insistence for an answer lured her out of the comforting dark. Elaina tried to ignore the shock that graced the others' face while she looked her over. Caleesi lingered on her face causing Elaina to hastily look down. Her cheeks reddened at the embarrassment she caused the woman.
"I'm sorry, I just...I wasn't expecting.... are you a friend of Khalia's? Is that why we're here? That man...he's her Fated?"
Caleesi watched the woman give a curt nod.
"I wouldn't say friend but...I'm a detective. I came to warn Khalia about Theo, unfortunately I failed."
"Did they do this to you or did he?"
"He, but I did him worse."
Caleesi smiled at the chuckle that escaped the woman. She watched her lower herself to the ground on her behind. Her weight seemed to favor one side.
"He'll be down here. I'm assuming he's going to use us to get Khalia. Hopefully, she's smart and she won't come here."
"Ah, she'll come, and so will Diem, Alpha Gian, and Luna Nyla. He'll have no chance. This cell is enchanted?"
Walking closer to her, Caleesi plopped down a few feet away. An ache travelled her backside. With the dried and caked on blood, it was difficult to read Elaina's expression.
"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't. What is your name?"
"Caleesi, you?"
"Elaina. You're very optimistic about them coming. A word of advice, sometimes you must rely on yourself, and yourself alone. People can't be trusted nor helped. They're unreliable."
"...Who hurt you? That's bleak as fuck. I promise once my family comes and rescues us, we'll track down the person who made you say such shit."
At that Elaina scoffed, somberly smiling at her prison mate.
"Hm, if rescue does come, I'll take you up on that offer Caleesi."
*~*~*
"It's clear."
Khalia only nodded, staring at the row of copy and paste townhouses. Arms tightly wrapped around her breast; she stepped out onto the desolate street. Dogs soon sang into the moonless night, forcing Khalia to run. The slap of her feet resonated sharply against the concrete. Nearing an alley she ducked into it, kneeling behind a row of trashcans. Eyeing the police cruiser creeping by she held her breath until they rounded the corner.
Like a cat, she slinked carefully down the paved path, going around the many light sources that gleamed from around the houses. Eventually she stopped in front of an old rickety privacy fence. The wood bleached and damaged from years of sun. Remarkably, Diesel never tried to escape, as he would easily have made it through the barrier.
Grabbing the planks, she pulled herself up, looking around as the wood whined under her weight. Landing on the other side, Khalia stared up at her adobe. The grey house looked monotonous. No lights shown from the windows nor came on as she moved towards the back door.
"Hopefully I have some clothes left here."
Khalia sighed, turning the doorknob. A bit shocked that it opened, she remembered why she left in the first place. Inhaling, she caught multiple scents from individuals. The strongest one being of cedar and ash.
"Pfft, they better give us all our shit back."
Grumbling, Parasita growled, locating Theo's scent in the mixture. That vermin will perish by her hands.
"I doubt they would. Maybe-"
Swinging the door open, Khalia stepped inside. The back door led to the kitchen, or what used to be a kitchen. Glass lay strew about on the counters and floor. Either from the dishes or the windowed cabinets, she couldn't tell. Chairs were broken to pieces, and her table was folded in on itself. The fridge had a large dent in the door, which barely closed. Rotten food odor wrinkled her nose, and she wheezed loudly.
"What the fuck happened here!"
Waiting for Parasita to speak, Khalia froze when a sharp click sounded next to her ear. The hairs on her body stood up and her heart lurched into a rapid beat. She knew that sound. The smell of ash hit her nose and Khalia arched a brow. Curiously she twisted to the side.
Her eyes crossed as she looked down the barrel of a shotgun. Earlier, this would have caused piss to flow down her leg. Now, she only squinted at the man, his face concealed in the shadows. The cherry from his cigarette illuminating the thin wisp of smoke.
"...Ranger?"