The others are just scared and hurt. They’ve all had it much worse than I have, so I don’t judge their fear.
That's only because of my mom, though. The things she went through to protect me…horrible, horrible things. She survived six months of pure hell. But no one survives a bullet through their brain at point-blank range.
“Okay, we go together,” I agree, but I know that only one of us is making it out of here. It has to be him. If he doesn’t make it out, he’ll die tonight. If we’re caught, he’ll die. But at least we die fighting.
Just like Mom.
Some might argue that my fate is worse than death, but you can’t fight if you give up. I can’t live if I don’t try.
I can’t guarantee my survival, or anyone else's, if I run and get caught. This way I know at least someone got out.
I’ll face my fate and whatever consequences come from saving this boy.
I listened to his screams, wishing I could do anything to help him. Just like I have with so many others that never got to go home. I’ll save them all, if I can.
He likes when I sing to him as I clean his wounds, so I hum a little to help calm him as much as I can.
Today, one of us will be free.
“Once we’re out, you have to promise that no matter what, you’ll run. As fast as you can, for as long as you can. You can’t look back. Not for me, or anymore. Please, promise me you’llrun…” I beg him, knowing he won’t like what I have planned, but it’s the only way to make sure he gets away.
“I won’t leave you behind.” He frowns, watching me as if he can see right into my heart and already knows what I have planned.
I won’t tell him the deal I made. What I promised to get him out. The only thing someone like me has to offer in a place like this.
“Can I kiss you?” I whisper, surprising him. I don’t want my first kiss to be from someone that wants to hurt me. He leans in, his lips pressing against mine. It’s soft and sweet. It only lasts a couple seconds, but it’s everything. I’ll never forget this moment, and in the days to come, I’ll hold the memory close to my heart like a shield.
“Get in the bin,” an angry voice growls behind me, making me startle. Felix crouches low, ready to attack, but I stop him with a hand on his chest. The guard is twice his size and armed, but he’d fight for us. Pain claws at my heart.
“It’s okay. He’s going to help us.”
“Get in the fucking bin, or I’ll walk away right now. You can deal with the fallout," the guard hisses.
“Get in the bin. I have to walk,” I murmur, hating that I’m lying to him. My scent spikes with anxiety, and I’m sure he can tell I’m not being honest, even if it's a faint pre-perfume scent.
“You’re coming too? You’ll be safe if I do?” He searches my face for any sign that I’m not being honest with him. I have to believe the words I say, or he’ll never get in, and they’ll kill him right now…
“Of course. All you have to do is trust me. Get in the bin, and then we’ll both be free.”
I don’t tell him that my freedom will cost me everything. That my body will be free of this building, but my heart andmind will never escape. That escaping one hell for another isn’t true freedom.
But my lie works.
He nods, taking in the sight of my face for just a moment longer, before climbing into the stinking trash bin. It’s not a dignified escape, but it’s the only one we’ve got. The second he is secured under the lid, the guard wraps his meaty fist around my throat, grinning at me with his dirty yellow teeth.
“Once he’s out there, he ain’t my problem, but you’ll be mine. I’ll give you my bite, and you’ll accept it. Your first heat will be mine once I force your perfume,” he snarls out lowly, spittle hitting my face at the same time as his breath.
“Yes, Alpha.” I nod, but… “You promised proof that he made it to safety. I’ll die fighting you without it,” I warn. As cruel and violent as he is, he’s an Alpha. He’s got nefarious intentions for me, but he wants me alive. “I’ll do anything you ask—no fighting, no questions—I just want proof,” I vow, even as the words taste like bile rising from my throat, choking me in disgust.
Every cell in my body is rejecting them. Twisting in my gut until I’m ready to die. Felix needs me. If he stays, they’re going to sell him. They'll torture him until he dies…
I can do anything. Even if I die a thousand deaths inside, I can survive.
“I’ll get you your video, but then I want you on your knees.”
“Yes, Alpha,” I whisper, swallowing thickly. Tears sting my eyes, but I hold them back. I can’t break down here, not yet.
I know what my fate will be, what awaits me after this.
