I get up and then I feel an arm around my waist. That’s when I start to scream. I struggle, I kick, I bite, but it’s no use. This person is clearly bigger than me, and on top of that, they put something to my mouth and all I see is black.
I wake in the back of a van, and I have no idea where I am. The van is clearly moving and my arms are tied to my feet in the back. I try to get my wits about me, but I feel groggy. I hear someone talking and it isn’t clear until I hear, “Tell him we have her. Let him know what’s at stake here. We won’t hesitate to kill her.” Oh God. This cannot be happening. Would this be a repeat of my dad? Sophie, you shouldn’t even think like that. Jason is coming for you. Then I hear, “If Creed doesn’t want her, make the call to Lindy.” My eyes get big. This was about Marshall? Groggily I start to speak, “Why would Creed want me? Don’t start with him. He’ll never comply.” They completely ignore my existence and we come to a stop. I keep my mouth shut, because I needed to figure out a way out of this. I start to calculate, and it would be a lot easier if I knew how long we had been driving for. I start to work at the knot that is in between my hands. We start to move again and I realize that we must be at stop lights. I look out the darkened windows and realize we must be in a town. We were still going rather slow when I feel the knot give. I see the handle that would give me the ability to open the hatch. We get to a stop light and I wing the door open.
My feet hit the ground running despite my rolled ankle and I see that it’s dark. I get to the closest building and go inside. “Please, help me. I’ve been kidnapped.” The man behind the counter starts to walk toward me when I hear the door open behind me. I turn back around to see a man standing there. I get a glimpse of Junk’s face right before he backhands me and I fall over his arm. I don’t know what happened after that, because I was knocked out. Again. Shit!
I wake up in a room by myself. I look around and realize that I have a gag in my mouth, and my hands were now cuffed behind the chair. My feet were tied to the chair and I couldn’t move. Apparently, they weren’t going to take any chances on me running again. I know that at this point, Crowley is the one who has me, and I know that Junk is obviously the muscle of the club. I can feel my face throbbing from where he hit me, and I try to come up with a plan. The room I’m in doesn’t have any windows, so it’s not like I could sneak out. It looks like there is a bathroom though, so maybe there is a window in there. I try to move the chair, but it seems like it might be physically impossible to do that without falling over. I hear footsteps at the door, so I hang my head as if I’m still passed out.
I hear the door open, and then I feel water hitting my face. When I don’t move, they start to slap at it so I whip my head up just to make them stop. I don’t know who the guy is that was slapping my face, but I see Crowley standing there. The guy takes my gag out and I spit, “Jason is going to kill you.” To this he laughs, “Jason won’t even get close to me. I want Marshall Creed, and I need to know how much you know about him.” I quirk my eyebrow, “He didn’t even get past first base. We dated for three months. I was still in love with Jason. I can’t tell you anything else about him, because I didn’t even know he was in a club, let alone President.” He gives me a look like at first he didn’t believe me, but I must’ve said something that convinced him. “Why take me? I mean, you had to find me first. Why the trouble? If it isn’t Jason you want, then why am I still here?” He smirks, “I like your tenacity. Let’s just say…” He runs his finger down the side of my face as he says, “I think we can come to some sort of agreement.” I want to puke. No seriously, I’m going to puke. I’m puking. Right on Crowley’s shoes. That’s so gross. I hate throwing up, but if ever there was a time that it was necessary, it was now. Not a word is said as they both exit the room.
I try to look and see if I could figure out where I was, but all I saw was a concrete wall when they opened the door. I needed to get myself out of here and I needed to do it fast. I see the door open and a man walks in that I don’t recognize. He starts to talk before I can even realize what’s going on. “Listen, out the door and make a right. Instantly, make a left. Long dark hallway with a door leading to the outside. When you get outside you make a break for the woods. I have a guy there waiting for you. Make it a straight shot, and you’ll run right into him.” My mouth drops open. “Who are you?” He smiles, “I’m from a sister club to yours. Infiltrated about a year ago. Been watching Crowley for everyone up until a couple months ago. Is your ankle okay to run?” I shake my head, “No, but I’ll do it anyways. Thank you so much.” He smiles again and I realize it’s a smile. I can’t even help but smile back because I was getting the hell out of here and no one was going to stop me. He gives me the all clear in the hallway and I book it.
I hit the instant left and I get to the door at the end. I slowly open it and as soon as I don’t see anyone around I hightail it for the woods. I see a light at the edge of the woods and then it’s gone. That must be what I’m running for. I get there and there is a man there waiting for me. He puts a coat over my shoulders and I’m grateful because I was just wearing a cami and it was pretty cold out since it was night time. I don’t say a word as he guides us through the woods. Whenever we get to an opening I see that he has some sort of side by side.
He gets me in one side and gets to the driver’s side taking off immediately. I don’t know how long we ride for, but I realize that we’re holding hands. I go to let go and he gives me a reassuring squeeze. Well, at this moment I didn’t need to be told twice that it was okay to hold his hand. I see a car parked somewhere in the distance and when we get there we both get into the back. The driver takes off and my rescuer turns to me and says, “Do you need medical attention?” I shake my head, “No, my face feels cut and I rolled my ankle when I ran from them the first time, but I’m okay.” He nods while he pulls me into him. “You’re freezing. Just stay here and take my warmth.” I was not going to complain. Jason would be pissed, but I was cold. I snuggle in and I hear, “Lindy ain’t gonna like that.” I look to him as my rescuer says, “Lindy also wouldn’t like it if she died from hypothermia.” This was true. I suspect that’s why the guy shut his mouth. I smirked a little at the man as my teeth chattered. “Did anyone touch you?” I shake my head, “I only saw Crowley once, and I sort of threw up on his feet.” To this I feel him laughing. “Sorry, what’s your name?” He looks down to me and says, “Names Falcon.” My mouth drops a little. That was hot. “Hey, I’m Sophie…” He smiles, “Know who you are babe.” Of course. “Well, thank you so much for that. I seriously didn’t know what the outcome of that was going to be. Does J know that you have me?” He shakes his head, “Not yet. He’s gonna be pissed that he wasn’t read in on the play. I couldn’t have him here wanting to kill everyone in that building. I needed to get you out. Fast. Creed was making a play and I didn’t need you there when Creed showed up.” I nod, “But Marshall wouldn’t hurt me.” He smiles again, “Know that too. I just don’t need Jason trying to kill everyone around us.” Point taken. “So, where are we?” He sighs, “Louisiana.” My mouth drops. “We’re in Louisiana?” He nods. “Holy crap.” It was whispered.
I was knocked out for a lot longer than I thought. “You jumped outta the car in Georgia. The shop owner made a call and we were able to flag you almost immediately. That’s how we found you so fast.” Thank God. I lean into him. He has his arm around me and I take in all of his warmth. Jason would just have to deal, because I needed this right now. With that thought, I completely pass out. Before I did I heard Falcon say, “Sleep, babe. You’re safe.” I’m safe.
Chapter Seventeen
“You wanna let her go?” I feel a body laughing all around me. I sigh and snuggle into Jason’s body. Then I hear Jason say, “Seriously?” I snap my eyes open and realize that it wasn’t Jason’s body that I was snuggled into. It was Falcon’s. Retreat! I jump to the side and let the jacket fall off my shoulders as I slam myself into Jason’s body. His arms instantly take my weight and he
lifts me up into his arms. He takes in the fact that I’m here and I’m okay and then he sets me down on the ground asking, “Are you hurt anywhere?” I shake my head, “I rolled my ankle, and they hit my face, but I’m okay.” He nods as he pulls me back into his arms. “Listen J?” He pulls away and nods, “Don’t be mad at Falcon. He saved me. I was freezing, that’s why we were sitting like that.” He half smirks at me and then nods. Then I say, “Um…are you gonna kiss me now?” To this he chuckles and pulls me into his arms and his lips hit mine. Thank God. I kiss him back and I take in the feeling that I thought I would never have this again. Again. “You got a lot of people worried about you. Let’s go show ‘em that you’re okay, so we can go home.” I nod, “My mom?” He gives me a worried look, “She’s all right. I called her as soon as I knew you were safe. You can call her to let her know you’re okay.” I nod, “All my stuff is there.” He shakes his head, “I already have it all.” Geeze. He had everything figured out. I wonder if my mom was going to take a phone call as a good enough sign that I’m okay.
Jason keeps me in his arms as he takes me to my car. He helps me in and then I see him having words with Falcon. I decided I couldn’t go without saying thank you again. I jump out of the car and hobble over to them as best I can. I throw myself into a hug with Falcon with Jason standing right there. “Thank you so much for bringing me home safely.” I feel him rub his arm up my back soothing me. “Anytime. We always have your back.” I sigh as I let him go and turn hugging Jason one more time before I get back into my car.
I sit there and wait and Jason gets in the car looking seriously pissed off. “J, what’s wrong?” He looks over at me and dead serious he says, “Stay away from Falcon.” My mouth pops open, “Seriously? I was just thanking him.” He nods, “To you that’s what it is. To him, he wants someone that looks like you and is loyal to the brotherhood to a fault. You impressed him with the way you handled all of this, and he wants in on the action. Just made his play for you.” My mouth drops, “I don’t know what that means.” He growls, “He told me he wants you to have a choice. Since we aren’t married, then obviously you still have a way out. Soph, stay away from him.” I nod. “I will, J, I don’t want anyone but you. You know this already.” He nods, “Yeah, I do and I know that even if you didn’t want me anymore it wouldn’t be because of a guy like him.” Geeze! This was crazy. “Can you just take me home please.” He nods, “That I can do. Let’s go baby.” Thank goodness I think that’s over. I have no idea where we are, but it only takes us an hour to hit the outskirts of our town.
When he pulls me into the house, I see lots of people standing there waiting to see me. Hugs were passed around and I ended in Jason’s arms. He saw everyone out after another hour and I got to get in the shower. I was dirty. I had not only run through the woods at my moms, but then again with Falcon. I was ready for a shower and bed. That’s why as soon as I was out, I put on my pajamas and passed out in Jason’s bed.
I know it’s a dream. You’re safe Sophie. You are not running through the woods. That’s when I feel Junk getting closer. No this can’t be. I fall and hit the ground hard. Then I feel an arm around my waist and I shoot up in bed opening my eyes. Jason is here. His arms are around me and I my breathing is labored. “Baby you’re okay. You’re safe.” I take in his words and stand right up out of bed. My ankle was really sore this morning, and I could tell it was swollen. I walk right into the bathroom and turn the shower on. I get out of my nightgown and hop into the shower. I turn the water on so it’s boiling and I let it crash over my body. I hear the door open and I know that Jason is standing in the bathroom. I don’t cry. I refuse to cry. I hurry through my routine and I know that he’s just in here to make sure I’m okay. I also know, that I am very far from okay. I made it through it all, but it’s obviously brought up old memories.
I get done and step out of the shower as Jason wraps a blanket around me. He doesn’t dry me off, he just pulls me into his arms and holds me. I stand here feeling kind of numb. I don’t know how to fix any of this, and I don’t know how to make Jason feel better about it. He feels like all of this is his fault. Although, I didn’t want to be left at my mom’s without him, he couldn’t have ever predicted this. Now we have to deal with the aftermath, and I have no idea how to make it better. I step away from him and walk into his bedroom to get dressed. I hurry through the process and sit on the bed brushing out my hair. I’m tired. No. I’m exhausted. My sleep was interrupted with my reality, and unfortunately I don’t think I’ll be able to get back to bed. I need to keep reminding myself that this all could’ve been a lot worse. Had the Shifters from Louisiana not found me, I still wouldn’t be back with Jason. I sigh as I hit a knot in my hair and brush it out. Jason comes walking out of the bathroom and sits on the side of the bed looking at me. I see the look that I’ve avoided for my entire life. I start to shake my head at him as I set my brush down. “No. No, please Jason.” He gives me a questioning look as I continue, “I can handle all of this. I’ll get through it all, but I cannot handle it if you’re pitying me. Please. I can’t take that look.” He turns me in his arms and pulls me close. “Soph, it’s not pity. I wanna take all your burdens away, and I don’t know how to do it. These dreams aren’t just going to go away, and I hate that you have to go through something like this. It should’ve been prevented, and it’s my fault that it wasn’t.” I shake my head again in his chest, “Jason, you couldn’t have prevented this. No one could’ve seen this happening. I was only gone for three days? How did they find me so fast?” He sighs, “We’ve had inside jobs before. I hate to think that something like that has happened again. I mean, if they noticed you were gone, they may have just looked into your background. Would’ve found your mom, and I would’ve started there.” Oh. I guess. I nod into him and he kisses the top of my head. “Sophie, did they touch you, baby?” I shake my head, “No, I threw up on Crowley’s shoes. He left shortly after that. That’s when the guy on the inside came and let me out.” He sighs with relief and I can tell his entire body is now relaxed. “J, I ran. When they got to my moms, I thought it was you. When I came around the corner and realized it wasn’t, I ran into the woods. That’s where I sprained my ankle. I fell and Junk caught up to me. They had me hogtied and I got out of the back of a van and ran into a store. That’s when Junk hit me and knocked me out. When I woke up I was in a room in the basement of some sort of house or warehouse.” I look up into his eyes, “I knew you would come for me.” He closes his eyes and I see him letting that soak in. “J, I love you.” He half smiles, “I love you, too, Soph.” He kisses me quickly and says, “Can you try and sleep?” I sigh. “I don’t think I could now if I tried. I really feel exhausted though. J, I’m just so glad to be home.” He nods. “You have no idea. We need to face this though, and obviously sending you away isn’t the answer.” I nod, “My mom is not satisfied with my “I’m okay” phone call. I’m gonna need to see her soon.” He nods, “I know, she called me too.” I roll my eyes and plunge my head back into his body.
My mom and Jason on phone conversation terms. When did this happen? I feel him chuckle and I just sit here taking in the feel of him all around me. That’s when I realize I need to address something else too. I look up into his eyes and blurt out, “I’m sorry about Falcon too. I made that worse for you. He was there and when he found me I just felt massive amounts of relief. When we got into the car I was so cold, I didn’t think. The guy driving said you wouldn’t like it, but Falcon said you also wouldn’t like me to have hypothermia. I had to agree in the situation, so I leaned into him. With the relief, and the warmth I fell asleep. When I heard your voice, I thought it was you I was laying on and I snuggled into him. I don’t want you to think I want anything other than where I am right now. Jason, please don’t be mad at me.” He smiles at me and says, “Soph, I was never worried about you. He’s like me though. If we see somethin we want, no matter what, we fight for it. I know where he stands, and he knows where I stand. I just need to ask tha
t you stay away from him.” I nod, “That’s easy, because I don’t think I’ll find myself in Louisiana any time soon.” He nods, “Yeah, you would think it would be easy as that, but he’s stayin in our clubhouse right now.” My mouth drops, “Why?” He shakes his head, “He won’t leave until you’re taken care of. That means until Crowley is taken care of him and his crew are here.” So weird. “But why? I didn’t even do anything to make this seem like this is something that would happen.” He looks frustrated, “I don’t know, Soph. No, ya know what I do know what it is. It’s you. You don’t even realize everything you have goin on. It’s magnetic. A man in our type of situation sees a woman that looks like you, react the way you did to a situation that you were in, he wants one of his own. No ring on your finger, no cut on your back, he sees that as fair game.” Shit. “I wanted this to be something special, but I have something for you.” I give him an odd look as he stands up and grabs something out of his top drawer. He turns back around and hands me a box.
Clearly too big to be jewelry, but I look at it and then look to him. “Open it. Please?” I nod and take the top off of the box. I gasp as I see the Shifter’s colors. I run my fingers over the hand sewn patch that says, “Property of Skull Shifters MC VP Jason”. Through all of this, I haven’t cried. Right now, I was crying. I look up to him and he says, “Be my Ol’ Lady?” I smile up at him. People think it’s absurd, but they don’t realize that if you love someone in an MC this is just a term. A highly respected term in the club that Jason belonged too. Few made it that far. I close my eyes as Jason swipes the tears from my face. “Baby?” I open them and nod my head at him, “Jason, of course. As long as you aren’t just doing this because of Falcon.” He shakes his head, “Had that made before we had to take you to your mom’s. Thought about it for weeks before that, but knew it was too soon to ask you.” I smile at him, because had he asked earlier I still would’ve said yes. He kisses me soft and slow, and I take in this moment.
Shifting Minds (Skull Shifters MC Book 2) Page 12
