Bloody Mary // J. Hale

Shadows and Blood pt. 1 (Trigger warning!)

If you've read the books or seen the movie, you'll recognize this scene. It may be upsetting for some readers, as it involves themes of assault. If you're uncomfortable, feel free to skip this chapter.

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Jenna had thought they were simply being followed, but she'd been wrong. This wasn't aimless pursuit—it was calculated. They were being herded, like two lambs into a wolf's den.

The group had grown. It wasn't just four men any more but six. They moved with chilling precision, their eyes glinting with hunger as they began to close the distance.

Jenna pulled Bella closer, giving her arm a reassuring squeeze. She leaned in, her voice low and steady despite the panic pounding in her chest. "Bella, I need you to listen carefully and do exactly as I say."

Bella's head turned sharply toward her, confusion and fear etched on her face.

"When I nod," Jenna continued, "you're going to run. Take the street to your right." She glanced at the shadowy figure lingering near the exit. Perfect. If Bella ran that way, she'd run into someone—help.

Jenna had already made up her mind. She needed to draw the men's attention, to make herself the target. Bella would get away. She had to.

"Once you're out, find someone. Get help."

"What?" Bella gasped, her voice trembling. She clutched Jenna's arm tighter. "No! I'm not leaving you! What are you even talking about?"

"Just do it!" Jenna hissed, desperation rising. Her eyes darted to the men creeping closer. There was no time for this.

"I know how to fight," Jenna said, the lie slipping out effortlessly. "I took kick-boxing. I can hold them off—but not if I have to worry about you."

Bella stared at her, wide-eyed and hesitant.

"Please, Bella." Jenna's voice softened, her grip firm on her friend's arm. "Trust me. It's the only way. You need to get help."

She swallowed hard, pushing down the rising terror in her chest. Bella had to agree. She couldn't let anything happen to her. Too many people cared about Bella. Jenna could handle it. She had to.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Bella nodded, tears brimming in her eyes.

"Good," Jenna said, exhaling shakily. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, steeling herself.

This was it. She didn't know how she was going to do it, but she had to.

For Bella.

"Hello, boys~!"

Jenna's voice rang out with a fake sweetness, a smile plastered on her face as she straightened up. She flipped her hair over her shoulder, a seductive, practised gesture, and bit her lip, forcing the action to feel natural. "I was wondering when you'd show up."

The words tasted vile in her mouth. Each syllable felt like poison, her voice too high, too sweet—so far from the panicked edge she was trying to suppress. It made her stomach churn, but she couldn't stop now. She had to keep the act going.

"Well, well, sugar," one of the men purred, his voice thick with the stench of alcohol. He took a slow step toward her, his eyes scanning her up and down. His stick-thin frame staggered, his body swaying, but his eyes—those hungry eyes—never left her.

Jenna's stomach twisted, but she didn't let it show. She took a step forward, positioning herself between Bella and the men. She kept her face turned toward them, all the while pulling her shirt down slightly, letting just enough cleavage show to keep their attention focused on her.