It makes me wonder what their lives are like, and I look away when they glance in my direction as if they can feel my gaze on them. It’s always sad when things don’t work out, and I wonder if they’re breaking up or hiding their relationship away.
There’s a long line at the women’s restroom, and Bellamy looks bemused as he joins the much shorter one on the other side of the building.
“I wish people wouldn’t take so long,” Cassidy mutters under her breath. “We’ll just make it in time to watch the fourth act if we’re lucky.”
I nod in agreement, already beginning to shift my weight uncomfortably. Unfortunately, we’re at the end of the line, and it feels like we’ve been here forever. Cassidy lets me go ahead of her as soon as there’s an open stall, and I race in to pee.
Sighing happily once I’m done, I clean up, listening as people leave. By the time I flush the toilet and fix my clothes, there’s no one in the restroom as I walk out of the stall.
Not worried, I wash my hands at the sink, certain that Bellamy and Cassidy are outside waiting for me. An awful headache hits me out of nowhere, and I hiss as I flinch.
Bell?I ask through the bond. There’s no reply and I hurry as I dry my hands. I’m looking away from the mirror in my worry, so I’m surprised by the person behind me as I turn.
“Excuse me,” I say immediately, glancing at the person’s face as I almost bump into her. Wait, I know this person… “Avery?”
She’s wearing black cargo pants and a cropped top, appearing very different than when I first saw her at the charity event.
“You’re a little slow on the uptake, aren’t you,” she sneers, reaching out to fist my hair.
Without thought, I push and hit her to drive her away, using what I know about self defense. Shiloh and Abbott have taught me a few things, but I left my purse with my pack. That’s where my stun gun is, and it’s all because this fucking dress doesn’t have any pockets!
“Let go!” I scream. “Cassidy!”
As I move my hand to my bracelet, Avery knocks my arm away and pulls it behind my back.
“Everyone went back to their seats,” Avery chuckles. “Apparently, the women’s restroom is out of order. It’s silly how everyone believes a little piece of paper.”
Throwing me to the ground onto my stomach, she sits on my back and pins my arms behind me.
“A little help, please!” Avery complains, lifting up on her knees before plopping back down to push the air out of my lungs.
I didn’t know you could get the breath knocked out of you, but apparently it’s possible. Gasping like a fish as my body screams at my mistreatment, black high heels step into my field of vision, along with a pair of black boots.
“Sorry about this,” a voice that I know says.
“Jake, don’t apologize to the inventory,” Clara sighs as he shoves a gag into my mouth roughly and secures it behind my head.
I can barely make a sound because I can’t get enough breath in my lungs. Avery’s little body is fucking solid.
“The sun has set at least,” Avery grumbles. “It’ll be easier to carry her right out of here.”
Clara’s blonde hair brushes my face as she leans over me, and I feel her fingers brush my hair away.
“Trust me, Winter. This is for your own good,” she mutters. Avery shoves my cheek roughly against the tile floor, and I realize that my wrists are now tied behind my back as well.
There’s only so much I can do to try to buck Avery off me as a needle slides into my neck. I can’t help the whine that escapes me, and Avery shushes me softly.
“Are the other two already gone?” she asks.
“Already in the van,” Jake reports. “It’ll be less noticeable for me to just carry her out.”
I can’t scream at him that my alphas trusted him, or remind him of the death waiting for him if they find him. My eyes begin to close as Avery moves and Jake flips me onto my back before scooping me into his arms.
“Don’t worry, I hate this too,” he mutters under his breath as he begins walking. “It’s not what I want to do, but I have to.”
Whimpering as the ache in my chest begins to ease, I accept the darkness as it takes over.
Why can’t I just be happy? Why does the universe hate me so fucking much?
