Serpentine Desires

The prey-164

Judas left.

And I was still not feeling well.

My head was light, my body weak, but none of that mattered. Not when he had just walked away. Not when I had seen the look in his eyes before he left.

He was hurting, I could tell.

I didn't know why it made my chest feel tight. Didn't know why the sight of him storming off like that made me want to chase after him.

But I did.

My legs moved before I could think. I ran after him, my hospital gown billowing in the night air, but it was useless.

When I reached the exit, he was already in his car. Already gone.

My heart slammed against my ribs as I stopped at the edge of the hospital parking lot, my breath coming in sharp, uneven pants. Why did I care? Why did it feel like my ribs were caving in as I watched his car disappear?

I should go back inside. I should rest. But since when had I ever done what I should?

Where could he have gone this late at night?

Should I ask Kyle?

Yes. He'd know.

He was Judas's side-chick, after all.

The thought made me snort, but the sound was hollow. Because deep down, I knew Kyle wasn't just a soldier. He was Judas's shadow. His right hand. If anyone knew where he was, it would be him.

I turned back toward the hospital, intending to find my phone and call him.

But then—

A flicker of movement in my periphery.

Something fast. Something deliberate.

I barely had time to react before a sharp force slammed into my back, shoving me forward. My stomach smacked against the hood of a car, knocking the air from my lungs.

Then—

Cold metal pressed against my spine.

Oh, God.

Not again.

I couldn't afford to get kidnapped again. I couldn't keep being a pawn in a game I never wanted to play.

Panic exploded in my veins, hot and blinding. I tried to push up, to twist away, but a heavy weight kept me pinned.

"Don't fight," a rough voice growled near my ear.

Fuck that.

I threw my elbow back as hard as I could, catching him in the ribs. He grunted, stumbling slightly, and in that second, I turned and swung. My fist cracked against his jaw. Pain shot up my knuckles, but I ignored it, shoving him away.

I had to run.

Had to— 

A thick arm wrapped around my waist, jerking me back.

No—

I kicked out wildly, catching another man in the shin. Someone cursed. Another hand grabbed my hair, yanking my head back. My skull screamed in protest, but I didn't stop struggling, didn't stop fighting.

Then—

A sharp blow landed against my temple.

Pain.

Blinding.

Then nothing.

Everything went black.

******