Why is this so hard? In the ocean, I’d simply set out to catch the biggest fish my hunting skills are capable of. But somehow, I don’t think Sammy would be impressed if I presented him with a raw tuna.
But maybe he would? My hand clutches the pebble around my neck. It’s around an hour’s drive to the nearest shore. I could go hunting, and then squish my catch into the trunk of the car and get it to Sammy before it smelled too bad.
Perhaps a shark would be more pleasing? Humans sometimes stuff shark heads and put them on their walls. I’ve seen it. But sharks don’t taste very nice. I think Sammy might prefer something to eat.
As I turn and start heading towards the parking lot, a man smiles and winks at me.
Cold unease twists my guts. I saw him earlier. Is he following me? I ignore him and keep walking. I’m probably panicking over nothing. Humans like the way I look. They are drawn to my physical appearance. Amongst my own kind, I’m scrawny with a face that is too round and soft. Here, I fit the beauty standards. Ritchie claimed the other boys and I were the most beautiful in the world.
This man is likely just hoping to try his luck. He’ll accost me with nothing more than a cheesy pick up line and try to give me his number. It’s fine.
I scan the reflections in the shop windows until I find one that shows a clear view of behind me. He is trailing after me. Hands in his pockets. And another large man is walking by his side.
My lungs are tightening. My muscles are trembling. Amphitrite, I’m such a baby.
Another man in a dark suit walks out of a shop in front of me. He only looks at me briefly, but something about his eyes makes me shudder.
Now another man walks out of a shop on my right. He doesn’t look at me at all, but he does look at the dark suit man. I’m cornered. Two men in front of me, two behind.
I’m being paranoid. Ritchie is dead. I’m free. No one is going to imprison and enslave me ever again.
I drag a hand across my sweaty brow. Ritchie had very powerful friends. Very rich ones. He brought them to the penthouse and made his harem entertain them. What if they liked it? Liked it enough to want to start their own harem? What if one of the many people who used my body liked it so much that they want a repeat? They might want to keep me and use me over and over again.
My hand trembles as I reach for my phone. Somehow, I manage to send a garbled, incoherent text to the group chat, even though I feel like I’m going to pass out.
I can’t use my voice here. There are hundreds of humans. Each with a camera on their phone. Nevermind the security cameras. I can’t reveal the paranormal world. Whatever the price. Humans would hunt us all down, and I’m not so selfish as that.
At the porno shoot, everyone was within range to be affected by my power. And I was behind the cameras. And who would believe a handful of pornographers?
This is a very, very different situation.
My phone vibrates in my hand, and I nearly jump out of my skin. I glance down at it. Red is telling me to get to the nearest shadow.
My head spins. Gray is coming to get me. It’s going to be okay.
I look around frantically. There! By the entrance to the toilets. The adjoining shop juts out and is creating a deep shadow on a patch of empty wall. I hurry over to it.
The man behind me picks up speed and the two in front suddenly turn towards the toilets. It’s strangely satisfying. It feels good to know I’m not causing drama over nothing.
I get to the shadow and turn around as if I’m simply resting by leaning against the wall. The men following me are suddenly very interested in the window display of the shop next to me. I’ve lost sight of the other two.
An arm emerges from the wall behind me and yanks me backwards. I yelp, and then I’m standing in the dining room at home. With Gray, Pink, Jade, Ned and Sammy’s worried eyes on me.
Sammy. Sammy is here. This is wonderful. It truly is. I already feel better, but my mind is still full of panic.
“Are you okay, Blue?” he asks. He looks so worried.
I can’t breathe, let alone talk. My thoughts are spinning and whirling and I can’t grab a single one. I need my pool. I need to be in water where it is safe. Where I can breathe.
I stride towards the pool. Sammy is walking beside me. I can hear his voice, but I can’t understand his words.
The water glistens in the late afternoon sun. I dive in with all my clothes on and sink to the bottom. The relief is almost instant.
I look up at the surface. Why isn’t Sammy joining me? He seemed concerned. I want him by my side. Maybe even to hold me. Where is he?
Then it hits me like a tsunami. Sammy is no longer my mate. He can’t breathe underwater. My gift has been revoked. Oh hells.
I look up at the sparkling surface. He is still up there. I could go to him. Except I can’t. Fear has paralyzed me. Now I’m in the water, I don’t think I can leave.
