Abducted Life

by Patricia Josephine

  The professor took her test and nodded.

  Savannah whirled around, barely remembering to grab her bag. The crowds seemed thicker and slower than normal. She slogged through them. Each accidental brush burned her like lava. She gritted her teeth and focused on making it to the safety of her bedroom. A warm hand latched onto her arm and spun her around.

  James smiled at her. “Earth to Savan—”

  She flung herself against him, kissing him. A moan vibrated through her. She was ready for James to claim her.

  “Whoa.” James grabbed her wrists and put space between them. He grinned. “Easy, kitty cat. I know I’m irresistible but contain yourself. I was trying to get your attention.”

  Savannah stared at him.

  James waved his hand in her face. “Savannah?” Concern drew his eyebrows down. “Savvy?”

  The nickname made her jerk, as if she’d been slapped. Only Evan called her Savvy. She pulled free of James and raced away. In her dorm, she collapsed against the door and released a shaky breath. Heat burned her insides. A persistent voice urged her to find James—well, any male—and mate. She knew she should have played hooky, but she had told herself she had time. It was just her luck the full moon would strike in the middle of class.

  The ferocity of this month’s bout didn’t surprise her. Talk of a super moon had occupied even the people who were barely interested in science. Once a year, the moon’s orbit brought it closer to Earth. The effects on her were tenfold, the drive to mate consuming her. She had to fight tooth and nail to keep from giving in to the primal urge. Sometimes, she’d dragged her dresser in front of her door to keep herself in her bedroom.

  Forcing a sliver of control over herself, she rose and stumbled to the kitchen. A pan of brownies sat on the counter. She snatched it and used her fingers to tear into it. Chocolate was smeared around her mouth when she finished it. She washed up quickly and cleaned the pan. Finding another box of brownie mix, she whipped it together and threw it in the oven. She almost devoured that pan, too, but she didn’t need Mandy asking why she ate all the brownies. Two full pans of brownies wouldn’t satisfy her need anyway. Only a male would.

  “Hey, Savannah.” Mandy strode into the apartment. She paused and sniffed. “Are you making brownies? I made some yesterday.”

  Savannah leapt across the room and crushed her lips to Mandy’s.

  “Savannah?”

  Savannah blinked as if coming out of a stupor. She still stood in the kitchen. Mandy watched her from the doorway with a concerned look. She shook her head. “Uh, you did? I didn’t see any.”

  Mandy frowned. “Huh. Weird.” She giggled and lifted her arms, shuffling like a zombie. “We were sleep walking last night and ate them all.” Tossing her bag aside, she sauntered to her bedroom. “I gotta get ready. Got a date tonight.”

  An image of her knocking Mandy out and going on the date instead flitted through Savannah’s head. She shook it away. Sealing herself in her room once more, she hunkered down. The day was going to be long. A growl from the pit of her stomach vibrated in her throat. She could survive. She had to.

  ****

  Savannah writhed on her bedroom floor. Her clothing was strewn over the bed. She gasped for breath. One hand was trapped between her legs, and the other pinched her nipple. An orgasm washed over her. She bit her lip to keep quiet. Desperation had her trying to quell the fire raging inside her. Mandy bringing home the scent of her date hadn’t helped matters. His smell had seeped under the door and dug invisible claws into Savannah.

  The super moon was a yearly event, and she had survived it before. This time would be no different.

  Savvy?

  She froze.

  Savvy, are you awake?

  Stay put.

  Savvy, can I come up?

  Don’t reply.

  She clutched the bed’s frame and held her breath. If she smelled Evan, she’d lose it. Their first time couldn’t be because she was acting like an animal.

  Someone is coming. Savvy?

  Please, please, please. Seconds ticked by as Savannah waited. Her fingers cramped. Shudders rocked her. The fire pulsed through her body, and she fought to contain it. Images of Evan taking her played on loop in her mind.

  The courtyard was empty when she finally dared to look out the window. She hoped Evan didn’t panic at her silence and interpret it as rejection. She wouldn’t be able to explain until tomorrow night. Stupid moon.

  He’s going to run from you.

  No. He won’t go anywhere. He’ll want to know why I didn’t respond.

  What if he didn’t, though? What if he saw her throw herself against James earlier? Witnessed the kiss? What if he already left? Vanished from her life? What if she couldn’t find him?

  She opened the window and jumped without a thought. The trees whipped past her as she raced toward the dump. In the middle, she stopped and turned in circles.

  Savvy? What’s the matter?

  Relief whooshed out of her at the sound of Evan’s voice in her head. He climbed out of a rusted car while securing his scarf. His eyes turned as big as the moon. Whipping off his coat, he rushed to her and wrapped it around her naked body.

  “Where are your clothes?!”

  The smell of him enveloped her. Heat exploded in her, sucking her breath away. She slammed him to the ground and climbed on top of him. Her tongue raked over the fabric covering his face.

  “Savvy, what is wrong with you?”

  He attempted to free himself, but she pinned his hands. She wiggled until the front of the trench coat was open. She ground her hips against him. “Mate with me,” she purred.

  Chapter: Evan

  Evan fought to throw Savannah off, but she caught his arms in a vice grip, and her knees dug into his legs. He tossed his head from side to side, trying to avoid her eager lips.

  “Savvy, stop it. You’re not being yourself.”

  “I won’t be myself until you’re inside me.” She released his arms, fumbling to undo his belt. Hands free, he flipped her off him and scrambled back. She climbed to all fours and stared at him like a feral cat, panting.

  “Savvy, listen to me.”

  She launched herself at him. He caught her wrists and fell back, tossing her over his head. She twisted in midair and landed on her hands and feet. When she pounced again, he sidestepped. She crashed into the ground. He cringed but grabbed her and trapped her against the car. She squirmed and twisted in his grip.

  “Savannah, calm down!”

  Him saying her full name stopped her. Panting, she looked at him with wild eyes. “Don’t let go, Evan. Please.”

  He secured his grip on her, and they sank to the ground. Her head lolled against his shoulder. Every so often, she’d squirm, rubbing herself against him with a moan.

  “Easy, Savvy.”

  She murmured something, but it was too soft for him to hear.

  The moon made its way across the sky. Evan watched the giant orb. His muscles ached from restraining Savannah, and his ass had gone numb from sitting for hours. He didn’t let up, though. Savannah needed him, and he wouldn’t let her down.

  “Evan,” she murmured.

  “Hmm?”

  “Mate with me.” The plea was halfhearted. He hoped that meant whatever gripped her was releasing its hold.

  He brushed his nose in her hair. “Not tonight.”

  She shifted her hips to rub against him. “Can you, though? Please tell me you can.”

  A groan rumbled in his chest, but he held it back. “Do you really want to know, or are you trying to trick me to get into my pants?”

  “I want to know.”

  “Then yeah, I can.”

  “Why do you keep pushing me away?”

  “You kinda threw yourself on me.”

  She glared at him. “I meant the other night. You were at the club and saw me.” She laughed weakly. “Stalker.” Her tongue flicked out, reaching for his neck. He leaned back. “What I did was the most obvious invitation
in the world, and you missed it.”

  “I don’t think it was obvious.”

  “Did it make you horny?”

  “…Yeah.”

  “It was obvious.” She sighed and deflated, slumping against him.

  Evan considered letting her go but wasn’t sure if it was a ruse. “I had a plan for our first time. Had the whole night figured out, and it wouldn’t have been some cliché. I was going to make you your favorite food.”

  “Mac and cheese?”

  He nodded. “After we were going to watch your favorite movies. I was going to give you a foot rub and a back rub. I’d kiss your shoulder. You’d giggle because it tickled and…” Bitterness stung the back of his throat.

  It’s not possible anymore.

  “It could happen. I still love mac and cheese. Evan.” She twisted around. Her hands slipped from his grip. His heart raced. Gently, she rubbed her nose against his. “This isn’t the moon speaking… I want you.”

  Chapter: Savannah

  A hand running through Savannah’s hair woke her. Her eyes fluttered open. Her feet hung out the back window of the car, and her head rested on a lumpy pillow. A tattered blanket covered her. Evan leaned over the front seat and looked down at her.

  “Hey, sleepy.”

  Springs creaked as she sat up. Pain throbbed from multiple spots along her back and neck. “Ow.”

  “Sorry for the cramped space, but trust me, it’s preferable than the ground.”

  “I’m not sure.” A muscle in her leg tightened. She hissed. “Charlie horse.”

  “Let me help.” Evan ducked through the front passenger window. The back door groaned as he opened it. Holding her ankle, he stretched her leg. His hand glided up to her calf, massaging gently.

  The pain disappeared, but he kept rubbing. She dropped her head back and closed her eyes. “I haven’t shaved my legs.”

  “Like I care.”

  “Good because now you’re doing the other.” She held it out and wiggled her toes.

  He shifted to his knees and massaged her other leg. She hummed in delight. His fingers crawled past her knee. Desire simmered in his eyes, and she heard his heartbeat double. Her own was pounding as well. She grabbed his shirt and pulled him close.

  “You know I’m naked under this blanket.”

  He nodded.

  “And it’s kinda chilly out. I could really use your help keeping warm.”

  He gulped.

  She hooked her fingers on the edge of his scarf. His pulse hammered, but he remained motionless. She grasped his face, tilting her head and leaned forward.

  “What has possessed you?” He sat back.

  The heat coursing through her was snuffed out like a candle. He didn’t want her. She had changed too much, and her actions last night had disgusted him. Her heart shattered. There was nothing that could heal it. She pulled her knees to her chest and picked at her toenails. “I see.”

  “Um, okay. See what?”

  She shrugged.

  “Savvy, look at me.”

  She couldn’t stop the tears from forming.

  He brushed them away. “Why are…” He laughed and shook his head. “Savvy, I want you. I do, but last night you were behaving like an animal in heat. I’m making sure you’re thinking clearly.”

  “Really?”

  Hugging her, he grazed his nose down her neck and inhaled. “Absolutely.”

  She sniffled, disentangled herself from him, and pulled the blanket up to cover herself. He looked disappointed. “You did the right thing. I’m still not myself.” She sucked in a deep breath. Her eyes closed. “This is me now. Once a month, I get a little crazy. And not like the PMSing crazy guys joke about. I’m like… well, as you said, an animal in heat. Whenever there’s a full moon, I have this drive to mate. It burns me. Chocolate helps a little. Masturbation makes it worse. I’ve learned to lock myself in my bedroom, but sometimes it’s not enough.” She glanced at him, gauging his reaction at her next words. It was tempting to stay silent and keep the dirtiest part from him. That wasn’t an option, though. He deserved to know what the change caused. “I’ve woken up in guys’ beds, not remembering how I got there.”

  Evan’s eyes showed no emotion, but he was as motionless as a statue.

  “Luckily, some part of me has enough sense to bring condoms. I’ve been tested a few times, too, and thankfully, I haven’t caught anything. Last night was worse because of the super moon.”

  “What’s so super about it?” He eyed the sky suspiciously. The sun had risen, but the moon was visible to the west.

  “It’s the closest to the earth on this rotation. Happens once a year, sometimes more, but its affects are stronger. It’s why I didn’t answer when you were outside my window. I was trying not to do,” she motioned to the dump, “what I did out there. I hope you don’t think I’m a whore.”

  He cupped her face in his hands. “Never.”

  Over the years, she had endured slut shaming. She always managed to shake it off and hold her head high. But the one person whose reaction she dreaded the most was Evan’s. When she thought he was dead, she had been able to ignore the fear. He’d never know. But he was here, and she had laid herself bare before him.

  And he accepted her.

  She slumped against him. He draped his trench coat over her shoulders. “I’m definitely not at my best,” she whispered.

  “I’m stuck at my worst.”

  “No, you’re perfect.” She curled against him and sighed at the feel of his warm body, but she was able to ignore the dying heat inside her. “Once the full moon passes, it becomes easier to handle. I can get control of myself around men.”

  “You’re fine now, and the moon is full.”

  “The full moon only lasts for a few seconds. All those werewolf stories are bullshit. What happens is the heat builds until the moon becomes full. After, it’s like going downhill until I reach the bottom. The rest of the time is easy. If I don’t feel as if I have to have sex, I’m good.”

  “I certainly hope it’s not because you can’t get aroused.” He coughed. “I mean I—”

  She silenced him with a kiss to the chin. “I know what you were saying. Yes, my sex drive returns to normal.” Twisting to look at him, she smiled and fluttered her eyelashes. “I’ll even show you if you’d like.”

  A twitching in his pants widened her grin. She clutched the trench coat to keep her hands off him. Their first time would be authentic, not driven by an animalistic need.

  “I’m borrowing your coat for the day.” She turned and walked away, swaying her hips. Pausing, she half turned. “You can retrieve it from my body tonight if you’d like.” She disappeared into the trees, leaving Evan stunned in her wake.

  ****

  The breeze fluttered the curtains and whistled softly. A paper blew off her desk and under the bed. Savannah stuffed it back into a notebook and shoved it into her bag. She returned to her dresser. Photographs of family and friends smiled at her. Her heart ached. Evan wasn’t among them. She had folded the images in half, cutting him out and unable to endure the reminder. Later she’d fix that. Now, she had to locate the set of lingerie she bought earlier in the day.

  “I have too much underwear.”

  “What?” Mandy stopped in her doorway.

  Savannah flashed a plain pink pair. “I own a ton of underwear. Why do I have so much? No one but me ever sees it.”

  “Something tells me you aren’t the sole person seeing your panties anymore.” Mandy held up a red bag and swung it back and forth on her fingers. She pulled the sky-blue thong out. Gasping, her mouth hung open, but she still managed to smile. “And who is this for?”

  Savannah snatched it. “No one. I just want to feel sexy.”

  “Suuuuuure.” Grinning like an imp, Mandy raised the matching bra.

  Savannah grabbed for it. “Where was it?”

  “In the living room. Someone’s mind is preoccupied,” Mandy sang.

  Savannah grimaced. She swor
e she had put the lingerie in her dresser, not left it where everyone would find it.

  Mandy threw up her hands. “Why do you look unhappy?” She examined the bits of fabric. “You obviously have a special night planned. Is it the same guy you were sneaking out to see the other night?” Her grin widened. “Or the guy I saw you talking to a few times. And kissing.”

  Ice shot through Savannah’s veins. “When did you see me kissing someone?”

  “Yesterday.”

  Savannah struggled to not react.

  Mandy continued. She either mistook her silence as confirmation or didn’t notice. “But remember, as you said at the club, you’re mine.” She tossed the bra to Savannah. “I suppose I’ll disappear for the night. Have fun with your guy.”

  Do I have competition?

  Savannah whirled around. Evan was perched on the window ledge. He slipped inside and closed the window and curtains.

  “Are you nuts?” She hurried to shut and lock her bedroom door. “How long have you been there?”

  “Relax. I’ve learned how to be invisible. No one saw me, especially not your roommate.” His gaze dropped to the underwear in her hands. The amber color of his eyes smoldered.

  She didn’t stop her smile. “Want me to put it on?”

  “Yeah…”

  She motioned him to turn around. Giddiness filled her as she stripped down. Her palms dampened with sweat, and her skin prickled as she pulled the thong on. A glance over her shoulder showed him peeking.

  Oh fuck. He quickly turned back.

  Bra on, she added one last thing: his trench coat. “Okay.” He faced her. The lust in his eyes turned to confusion. She grinned. “I said you could take it off my body personally.”

  He moved to stand in front of her. Hands shaking, he pushed the coarse, dirty fabric off her shoulders. It pooled at her feet. Batting her eyes, she smiled at him.

  I’m not going to last ten seconds.

  “Better not be that fast.”

  “You’re going to hear a lot of my thoughts because I can’t…”

  She placed his hands on her breasts and leaned into his touch. Brushing her lips against his ear, she purred, “Can’t what?”