She pulls back, and a new countdown begins while the rest of us seem to hold our breath. A second later, the arrow pierces the object, splitting it in half. A mixture of moans and cheers break out around us as the crowd reacts. The vampire who hadthe object on top of his head finally pulls the arrow from his shoulder and begins to heal himself.
“These people are fucking crazy,” I whisper to Sienna, who still has her eyes wide.
“Crazy, huh?” a voice bellows from behind me.
Before I have time to turn around, I’m being dragged by both arms out into the grassy area. The crowd immediately stills, their eyes locked on me.
“Let go!” I try to break free, but it’s no use.
“Who wants a chance at the human pet?”
The last two words come out like a curse, and I’m shoved to the ground. When I turn around, I see that it was the man standing beside me who dragged me out here.
I quickly get to my feet while the group of leaders push and shove each other in hopes to be selected.
“I do.” The voice that cascades over everyone is one that I recognize. The crowd seems to part, and Kole steps forward with a look that could kill.
“Wait!” I shout, as I’m pulled to the spot where the previous vampire stood.
“Try not to move,” the man who brought me out here advices with a grin as he sets an onion on top of my head.
The ground seems to shift beneath my feet as the effects of the champagne begin to kick in.
“Stop moving,” Kole orders from his position across the field.
I watch as he nocks the arrow, and a rush of fear shoots through me when I see the vengeful look in his eyes. The werewolf begins to countdown once again, but Kole releases the arrow early, and I instinctively shut my eyes.
Loud “boos” echo, and I force myself to open one eye.
“You should’ve missed!” someone yells out. Kole is already headed toward me, but pauses, turning his attention to the mob of onlookers.
“I never miss, and you’d do well to remember that,” he threatens, making the entire crowd immediately fall quiet. I do a quick once-over to make sure I haven’t been impaled. “What’s the matter, Grey?” Kole says, closing in. “Don’t trust me?”
I’m about to make a mocking remark of my own, but I end up in a fit of laughter instead. His angelic face scrunches as he looks to Sienna and then back at me.
“I’m sorry,” I try between breaths. “It’s not funny. I just—”
I can’t even finish my sentence. I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol or the elation of not being skewered, but the whole thing suddenly seems hilarious.
“What’s wrong with her?” Kole asks, when Sienna walks up to join us.
“She’s had a little bit to drink,” she answers nervously.
“A little?” he repeats with an arched brow.
I finally pull myself together and wipe the tears from my eyes.
“It’s not her fault. She’s an innocent bystander.”
“We need a redo!” A voice from the crowd calls out, and all three of us turn to see the woman with the short platinum hair from the other night step forward.
“You’re right,” I agree, walking up to meet her. “I never got a chance to shoot.” I turn to face the crowd. “Surely you’re not scared of a little human girl.”
Though I’m speaking to her, the crowd erupts at my suggestion.
“Let’s see what the pet can do!” someone calls out.
“Yeah! Give her the bow!” another voice follows.
