The Shift

Chapter 10

My heart skips a beat watching both wolves wince slightly at the wail of my voice, my chest tightens as we stand silently not moving a muscle. Tears fill my eyes as I count the seconds passing hoping that a miracle out of a book would happen, that Austin would suddenly break through the brush and save Taylor.  A menacing laugh fills the air as the man in front of us combs his hair back off of his face.

"No ones coming for your little mouse" He sneers peering around me towards Taylor "Will you scream when I kill you? Maybe call out for Mummy?" he laughs walking towards us.

I move slightly blocking his view of Taylor with my own body. It's your fault she's out here I remind myself trying to justify why I'm standing between a wolf and his prey. Mom would be proud of you, if she were here she would have done the same thing for you my mind tells me as I stand unwavering in front of Taylor as the man moves closer.

He slowly makes his way towards us, switching his attention from Taylor to me. His eyes roamed my body freely, almost assessing me. I raise my eyes to meet him in defiance, silently telling him I'm not moving. If I run there is a 50/50 chance he will chase me or stay and go after her and as much as I want to run my body will not let me leave her here by herself. I can't explain why but I cannot leave this girl by herself, it feels like a weight in my feet holding me to this spot.

More quickly than I would like he closes the distance pushing his body against my own making us chest to chest. He smirks down at me before running his claw like a nail down my face, it's hard enough for me to know it's there but not hard enough to draw blood yet.

"So brave for such a fragile creature arn't you?" He whispers in my ear while grabbing a strand of my hair to twirl between his fingers.

I continue glaring up at him, willing the tears to not fall. I refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing I was physically and mentally on the verge of losing it. Keeping silent because I knew if I spoke it would be a shaky plea for my life and that was not how I intend to die. I have been strong for 8 years and I can be strong for 10 more minutes.

My muscles contract as he slips his hand up onto my waist under my shirt. Keep him distracted Cassy someone will be here soon I tell myself over and over again. A sharp sting runs through my body as he runs a claw up each side of my waist towards my chest. Warmth started to seep down, I hardened my glare knowing he drew blood to toy with me and get a reaction from the scared girl kneeling behind us.

"Gotta give her a show darling" He whispers in my ear again laughing slightly as he runs his claws back down the same cuts he just made, deepening them.

A gasp leaves my lips as I hiss slightly at the pain.

"I knew you liked it darling" he mocks as he wraps his hands towards my back, taking his eyes off me and looking Taylor straight in the eye as he slowly rakes his claws down my back.

I hear a gasp behind me as he turns us slightly so I am no longer standing in front of Taylor but twisted now so she can see my face. Tears are running down her face as her body trembles. She makes a move to stand forward towards us but I slightly shake my head trying to let her know to stay where she is.

I watch the horror spread over her face as he continues to rake his claw up and down my back, every so often leaning forward to kiss my neck and then snicker. Taking deep breaths I keep my face emotionless in an attempt to keep Taylor as calm as possible and not give this sick wolf the satisfaction of seeing me cry. The longer I can keep his attention on me the better chances she has of getting out of this mess. I know I'm not strong enough to fight him and he seems to be content slowly toying with me so I don't dare more.

I stand there letting the wolf tear up my back watching my face trying to get a reaction out of me. Slowly my knees begin to weaken and black spots cause me to sway while I give her a soft smile letting her know it's okay. The wolf stops for a second looking down at me like I'm a puzzle.