Chapter 2 Kidnapped

As Nigel drove, Kristen stayed with me in the backseat. My gaze darted out of the car window, the cool wind whipping through my hair. My mind was in turmoil as what happened with Luke haunted my thoughts. Whatever happened there wasn’t ordinary and I was starting to believe what my dad told me. Finally, we arrived at my apartment building and Kristen walked me to the entrance. “Are you okay? I can spend the night if you want.” she offered. Her concern warmed my heart. “I’m okay. Don’t worry about me.” She held my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze, and gazed at me apologetically. “Part of this is my fault, I shouldn’t have forced you to come to the party.” her voice tinged with guilt. “It’s not your fault,” I said. “And your chances with Luke are ruined.” I couldn't help but grin. “He kinda deserved it.” Waving them goodnight, I waited till they drove off, then as if in reflex, my gaze was drawn to the Range Rover… whoever owned it didn’t want to leave. Two huge men stood by the entrance, their gaze fixed on me as I walked past them. Climbing up the stairs, I could still feel their eyes watching me closely. I kept looking behind me, relieved there wasn't a sign of them till I got to my apartment door. Out of nowhere, one of the men materialized in the corridor, and my heart began to race faster. How did he get here so fast? My instincts screamed that these men meant trouble. This was probably how girls get trafficked, and I wasn't going to let myself be a victim… I had to think and act fast. Pretending I was at the wrong apartment, I walked in the opposite direction, hiding my suspicion. With a quick pace, I dashed through the stairs, my mind spinning. Were they robbers? Or was I just being paranoid? I certainly didn't want to find out. I reached the outside of the building and bolted down the streets, searching for any form of help. Remembering I hadn't seen the second man, as if on cue, he emerged suddenly from the dark alleyway of the building, startling me. His sudden appearance sent chills down my spine, and before I could react, he grabbed my arm, dragging me along with him. “I-I don’t have any money” my voice quivered with apprehension. “I don't need your money” his voice was gruff. I scanned around me, trying to get anyone’s attention, but the streets were nearly empty and we were concealed in the shadows. I struggled against his grip and tried crying out, but his large hand clamped my mouth shut, stifling my cries. He dragged me towards the Range Rover and shoved me forcefully into the backseat, my head slamming against the door with a painful thud. He got into the backseat beside me, while the other settled in the driver's seat. The engine roared to life, and panic seized when I realized what was happening. I was being kidnapped. “Who are you people?” I asked, fear evident in my voice. Silence. “Where are you taking me?” Still no answer. I needed to get out of here. I realized my phone was still in my purse, but the man beside me watched me closely. The thought of fighting my way out dropped in my mind, but the sheer size of this man was frightening. No doubt, he could easily end my life with those enormous hands of his. I was helpless. My thoughts raced. Who were these men and what did they want from me? Was I being trafficked? Were they serial killers planning to kill their next victim? I didn't believe in God but I said a silent prayer to him, hoping a miracle would somehow happen. The car suddenly jolted to a stop, almost sending my body flying. I peered through the car’s window and saw we were parked in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by towering trees. Blood drained from my body… the woods were never a good sign. The man beside me lifted his nose in the air and sniffed like a damn dog. “They’re here,” he said. “No Shit.” The man in the driver’s seat hit the wheels aggressively, making me jump. Before I could tell what was going on, the men exited the car, leaving me alone in it. I could hear faint thuds and guttural noises coming from outside, causing my fear to intensify. Whatever was happening out there certainly didn’t sound good, and I wasn't ready to find out. But at that moment, my survival instincts kicked in… this was my chance. With trembling fingers, I reached for the handle and pulled. The door opened immediately, the night air rushing in. The darkness outside was eerie, but that wasn't going to stop me. Determination welled inside me as I looked ahead, ready to run. I wasn't going to let myself become another missing person on the news. My life was at stake and I was ready to fight for it. Adrenaline surged through my veins, and without looking back, I ran. I sped through the dense bushes and overgrown trees, leaves rustling beneath my feet as I trampled on them. I didn’t know where I was headed to, but I was determined to get far away from my captors, and hopefully, find help at the other side of the woods. Time passed but the woods didn't seem to end as I sped through. My heart pounded hard against my chest, my breaths came in ragged gasps and every muscle in my body burned, but I couldn't stop. Suddenly, I heard loud thuds coming from behind me, and my blood turned to ice… something was chasing me. I raced faster, my ears ringing as I pushed further. The woods became a blur as I ran, but whatever was chasing me still followed behind me relentlessly, its reverberating steps growing louder. The grunts and the thuds coming from my pursuer made me come to the realization that whatever it was wasn't human and that made everything so much worse. I made the mistake of looking back and felt my gut wrench deep in my stomach when I caught sight of the monster chasing me. My feet immediately connected with something, making me lose my footing. I fell hard to the ground, grazing my knee and hands on the coarse ground. I tried to get back on my feet but sharp pain radiated through my limbs, leaving me helpless. The monster, however, was on top of me in an instant, its vicious snarl revealing bloody razor-sharp canines. What I thought was a monster was an enormous wolf, with icy blue eyes that glowered at me. I could hardly contain the terror in me when the wolf moved its large head closer to my face. “Go away!” I screamed, my voice quivering as tears streamed down my eyes. At that point, I knew death was inescapable as it stared down at me with its blue eyes. Knowing I was about to be wolf dinner, I shut my eyes, bracing for death and hoping it would be quick and painless, but it never came. When I dared open my eyes, it met the wolf’s now curious gaze. It cocked its head as if trying to figure me out, and its nose twitched as it sniffed me. I remained still as it did, hoping the wolf had a change of heart about eating me. I felt my heart pound faster when it dipped its head lower, and then it nuzzled its wet snout into my cleavage, sniffing provocatively. “Hey! Back off!” I shoved the wolf away impulsively, as it flared its nostrils in return. Perplexed, I couldn't understand why I was still alive, and why this wolf wasn't licking on my bones yet. My attention was immediately drawn to the two wolves who had silently appeared behind me and I felt dread wash over me. There were more of them. The wolf on top of me growled back at them, as if in a defensive manner while they just simply stared. The distinct sound of bones snapping suddenly filled the air and I watched in disbelief as the two wolves transformed into naked humans; a man and a woman. “Jesus,” I muttered, my eyes widened as I gaped at the man and woman who now walked towards me. “You’re coming with us” the woman’s voice was soothing, while the man walked towards the blue-eyed wolf and patted it gently. “Come on, let's get going,” he said. The wolf released a low grunt and the unmistakable sound of bones snapping followed. It transformed into a man just like the others. I stared in absolute shock, my mind refusing to decipher what I had just witnessed. I was losing my fucking mind. The woman crouched down in front of me, extending her hands. “Let me help you up,” she whispered. A wave of dizziness washed over me, the weight of the night’s events finally taking a toll on me. Witnessing the wolves turn into humans had been my last straw, as darkness closed in on my vision.