The Competition

Yelena

I run upstairs to my room and call Viktor. He doesn't answer, so I call Carson, and thank God he picks up.
"What's going on?"
"Noah's got Natalia. Took her, kidnapped her," I sigh, my heart pounding in my chest. "Calm the fuck down! How did this happen?" I don't answer.
"Yelena, how the fuck did this happen?" I hear Viktor yell over the phone.
"I... They're at the warehouse."
"Meet me there."
"No, you stay at home-" I hang up. Stay at home while Natalia is in danger? What kind of friend am I?

My heart pounds in my chest as I sprint down the stairs, my mind racing with fear of what he might have done to her. I burst through the front door and jump into my car, the engine roaring as I pull out of the driveway. The abandoned warehouse is only an hour away from both our homes, but the drive feels like an eternity.

As I speed down the road, headlights appear in my rearview mirror, quickly closing in on me. I squint and recognize Viktor's car, with Carson in the passenger seat. Relief washes over me, knowing I'm not alone. We're all headed to the same place, united by our need to save Natalia. The warehouse looms ahead, a dark and foreboding structure against the night sky. I skid to a stop and jump out, adrenaline coursing through my veins. Viktor and Carson pull up beside me, their faces etched with anger. Without a word, we head for the entrance. The inside of the warehouse is eerily quiet, shadows dancing on the walls. I can barely make out the outline of a figure tied to a chair in the dim light. As we get closer, the horrific scene becomes clear. Natalia, in her undergarments, is tied to the chair, her body covered in bruises and cuts. She's fully conscious, her eyes filled with rage. "Natalia!" I call, rushing to her side. She lifts her head slightly, and tears of fury stream down her face. It breaks my heart to see her like this. Carson's anger explodes. He sees Noah standing nearby with a smug look on his face,
"I just missed her. Why don't you let me have fun with my girlfriend?"
"You son of a bitch!" Carson roars, his fist connecting with Noah's jaw. They fall to the ground, fists flying, and the sound of their struggle echoes through the warehouse. Viktor, meanwhile, is dealing with Noah's minions who are trying to block our path. He fights them off with a ferocity I've never seen before, his movements swift and precise. "Get Natalia out of here!" he shouts at me between blows. I nod, my hands shaking as I work to untie Natalia. Her skin is cold to the touch and she flinches with every movement. "It's okay, Nat. I've got you," I whisper, my voice shaking. The ropes finally give way and she collapses into my arms, too weak to stand. I support her weight and guide her towards the exit. Viktor and Carson are still fighting, but they're holding their own. I concentrate on getting Natalia to safety, every step feeling like a marathon. She clings to me, her wincing tears at my heart. We finally make it outside, the cool night air hitting us like a splash of water. I gently lower Natalia into her brother's car, cradling her in my arms. "You're safe now," I murmur, brushing her hair away from her bruised face. She nods weakly, her grip on my arm tightening.

I look back at the warehouse, where the sounds of the battle still echo. Viktor and Carson have to finish this, and I pray they come out unscathed. My focus shifts back to Natalia, who is shivering despite the mild night. I wrap my jacket around her, trying to offer her some comfort.
"I'm sorry for what happened, I shouldn't have..."
"I don't want to talk about it."

Minutes stretch into what feels like hours, and finally the sounds from inside stop. Viktor and Carson emerge, both battered but victorious. Viktor's eyes lock with mine, relief flooding his features as he sees Natalia safe in my arms. Carson rushes to us, his face filled with concern. "Is she all right?" he asks, his voice cracking.

"I'm fine, just take me home," she manages to get out.

I leave Natalia's side and Carson plops down next to her, taking her hand gently. "I'm so sorry, Nat," he whispers, tears in his eyes.

She manages a small smile and squeezes his hand. "You came for me. That's all that matters." We found her. We saved her. But the scars of this night will remain, a reminder of the darkness we faced together because of the truth she found out. I close the door and walk to my car as Viktor grabs my arm.
"Are you...uh"
"I'm fine, Viktor, just take care of her," I tell him, removing his arm. He gives me one last look before getting into the car and they drive home. Please let her be okay.