Whisps

Stolen

"Mommy, don't let them take me!"

My daughter's cries split the night air, shattering it into pieces. Silent tears formed in my eyes as my only child was wretched from my grasp. A sob escaped my throat and I lunged at the nearest man.

He wore a black t-shirt and blue jeans. His shirt was fitted so much that it outlined the chiseled muscles that lie underneath. His jeans were pulled down slightly and flashy silver chains hung down from his front pocket, tying to the back. His shoulders were thick with muscle, just like his arms. His mouth was set in a tight line. His vibrant green eyes sparkled with amusement at my approach.

His arm shot out; gripping my hand I had raised to strike him. He chuckled, low and menacing, "Poor mommy trying to protect her child." He smiled showing perfect white teeth. The smile was not pleasing. It sent a shiver through me, sinking deep into my bones.

"Give me my daughter," I said with way more confidence than I felt. Hot tears still slid down my face but they were more of anger than fear or sorrow.

He laughed coolly, throwing his head back like I just told a ridiculously funny joke. When he looked at me again his smile was gone. His eyes flashed with hate, rimmed with humor and pleasure. He threw my hand back with such force I lost my balance and crumpled to the ground.

Pushing me over with his foot so I am on my back he crouches down, "You know, if you wanted to get out of this unharmed you shouldn't have put up such a good fight." He runs his hand over my bruised thigh and scans his eyes over my bloody body. He moves his hand up to my face and strokes the scratches gently with his thumb. "Shame really," he continued, the smile etched on his face again, "you are such a fine female. I would have loved to play."

"Fuck you," I spit at him.

Dropping his hand from my face he wipes away the wet saliva from his own.

Seizing this moment I roll over and stand up. I will my legs to move as I catch sight of the man holding my screaming child.

"Mommy!" Another of her heart wrenching screams rang out, punctuated by violent sobs. I could hear the green-eyed man's angry footfalls behind me. With every step he seemed to be getting closer.

With all the strength I can muster I push my legs to move faster. Soon I reach my target. I wrap my arms around the second man's neck and tightened. He grabbed at my arms, dropping my little girl. Having that fuel my blood lust I tighten my hold on his neck and grit my teeth as his nails scraped at my skin.

Broad arms encircled my waist. I was jerked back but my grip didn't falter. Another sharp pull and the man I held fell backwards, losing his balance. His head slipped from between my arms from the force he went down, gasping for breath.

Twisting around in my captors arms the green-eyed man smiled at me. He tightened his hold, making us touch in places I wish we wouldn't. He brought his lips close to my ear and softly whispered, "I told you I would love to play." He brushed his lips against my neck teasingly.

Fear skittered down my spine and flashed with anger as another scream filled the night air. I knew the man I once held was reaching for my daughter again. Taking a quick glance I saw that I was right. One hand was tenderly rubbing his neck while his other reached for her.

Turning back I brought my knee up and connected with green eyes right below the belt. He grunted and his eyes swam with pain. Letting go of me he crumpled to the ground moaning.

I turned and jumped on the man reaching for my little girl. "Don't touch her!" he screamed.

He collapsed under the added weight on his back. His arms shot out to catch himself but not fast enough. His face hit the concrete floor and a loud snap reverberated through the room. He reached up and grabbed his nose. A steady flow of blood streamed onto his hand, dripping on the ground. I crawled off of him and wrapped my arms around my daughter backing us out of reach.

The man looked from his hand to us. His eyes were an odd color, like a hazel mixed with a soft gold. Short stubble covered his chin. His upper lip was crimson from the blood streaming from his nose. He, too, wore a black t-shirt and jeans. He was thinner, less muscular than the green eyed man.

He stood up, a little wobbly, and advanced towards us. I pushed my little girl behind me and balled my hands up into fists. His eyes were filled with anger, burning like a fire.

I cringed slightly but threw my fist up when he got near.

He chuckles as he caught my arm. "Best effort you got for a punch?" he raised his eyebrows questioningly. When I didn't give an answer her gripped my neck in a vice grip, cutting off my air supply, and proceeded to pick me up off the ground.

He held me there for what felt like ages, struggling to breathe. When he let go of me I fell. I fell past the floor, like he dropped me in a never ending hole. I begin to let a scream past my lips when my leg was met with a sharp pain that shot through my leg and to my spine.

The pain was searing. Every move I made caused another rush of fire to move through me. My voice was stuck in a silent scream as I closed my eyes against the pain, holding my leg. I knew in that instant that my leg was broken in more than one spot.

I could still hear my daughter's screams through the ringing in my ears. I did not trust my voice, fearing that if I opened my mouth again I would not say what I wanted. Instead a scream would come out other than the promise I wanted my little girl to hear.

Making the promise to myself and to her that i would always find her i open my eyes as i catch a glimpse of her puffy red eyes. Her arms reached out to me, beckoning me to come save her and hold her close to me.

A small glimmer by her neck caught my attention. I smiled, quickly replaced by a grimace, when i realised what it was. I forgot she wore it today. The elegant gems in the heart cast a soft ruby glow, her birthstone and mine. Picturing the silver ribbon that wrapped around the chain, i brought my hand to touch mine, a replica of hers.

Nausea overwhelmed me the next instant. A thick fog clouded my mind and i struggled to stay conscious. My vision blurred and i heard a far off, hoarse voice, "maybe next time. I'll be back for you." Another wave of pain blackened my vision and all strength left my muscles.

Laying there I slowly slip into unconsciousness. My daughter's terrified cries forever imprinted in my mind. As they faded, my heart felt empty, dead, a hole never to be filled again. Only my little girl's smiling face, her soft hand holding mine, the gentleness of her hugs, and her little lips touching my cheek as she gave me a kiss each night could fill the void.