Sustainable

Chapter One

**Author's note** As a few of you might already know, I started this story on a different account here on Wattpad; but it was abandoned for a newer project as it wasn't getting enough interest. Now I'm restarting the story on this account, and it's going in a different direction. Some of the names will be different, as will the settings. So, in short, hope you enjoy and any comments and votes are much appreciated! Thanks :) xx

"Stay calm and don't move."

A hand clapped across my face, and a slow, breathy voice tickled my ear. My breath came out in ragged gasps, and my entire body froze.

"We're not going to hurt you. We want to take you to a safe place. Just promise not to draw any attention."

This voice was different, and I felt another set of hands on my shoulders. I closed my eyes and nodded slowly, and I waited with bated breath to see what would happen next.

"I'm sorry, but we need you to stick this on."

Another voice; a soft, feminine British one; spoke next and I began to wonder how many there were. A rough piece of burgundy fabric - frayed and stained - was placed around my head and tied at the back, obscuring my vision. My heart beat frantically in my chest, and I was led into the unknown.

"Watch it, there's a step there, love."

The second voice, a deep male one, spoke again and I found myself confused over his term of endearment. He was kidnapping me and he had the gall to call me 'love'?

I was sat down and strapped in, and my heart sank at the realisation that I was in some sort of vehicle. As of now, I was in a position where I hadn't a clue where I was.

"Don't worry, sweetheart." The English woman spoke again, and I felt a soft touch on my bare arm. "When we arrive, we'll explain everything."

I tilted slightly as the car started, and a large hand pressed against the small of my back, keeping me upright.

"I know you must be terrified, but we're not going to hurt you. We've been watching you for a while, and we know enough to know that you are very special. You need to be kept safe."

Watching me? I inhaled sharply, and the large hand patted me roughly on the back.

"I really am sorry that we had to do it like this, but there really wasn't any other way. I promise you, Amelia, that we're only thinking of you."

I licked my dry lips and cleared my throat to speak. "Who are you? Why have you kidnapped me? How do you know my name?" A million questions whizzed through my mind, and my concentration rested on Keiran, my brother.

"Where is my brother? I was with him when you took me; is he okay?" I heard my voice raise, and the man rested his hand on my arm again softly.

"Your brother is fine. We will answer any questions you have when we arrive. It's not safe to talk here."

An agonising wait was next, completely silent except for my muffled breathing. My blindfold had slipped downwards a bit with every bump in the road; still blocking my view but now also obstructing my mouth, so the man had to keep pulling it up for me - due to my hands being bound. Even if my hands were free, I didn't want to risk putting my hands to the blindfold in case they thought I was resisting. However nice they seemed now, they were still my abductors and could turn hostile at any given moment.

My wrists shifted uncomfortably; my restraints were making my arms ache. The bonds themselves felt strange; unlike anything I had felt before. They moved constantly, in a writhing motion, yet felt light as if there was nothing there. Despite this, they were still unbelievably strong.

"We're here." The woman with the breathy voice spoke, and the car lurched as it came to a halt.

"Be careful of the step." The man spoke, and he guided me out of the car.

I stepped out awkwardly, almost falling over despite my captors' best warnings, and was guided away. I heard the car behind me drive away, and a hand pushed me lightly to signal to start walking. I held my head high, still blind, and managed to trip several times along the way. The same man kept catching me, and my cheeks burned in embarrassment when I heard him chuckle.

"Wait a second." He spoke in a hushed tone, and I halted. Three short raps on what seemed to be a metal door was followed by a metallic scraping sound, and a gruff male voice answered. "How many?"

This voice was different; a smooth and unemotional one, and the soft feminine voice answered.

"Four."

This was followed by more scraping and clicking, and I realised it must be some kind of door being unlocked. The hand goaded me forward again, and I complied. After walking for about ten minutes, I was placed in a seat.

"I think we can take the blindfold off now." The man spoke, and a hand began to loosen the fabric.

"Close your eyes." The English woman spoke this time, and I opened my mouth to protest. Before I could utter a word, she cut across me.

"It's extremely bright in here. You've had the blindfold on for about half an hour, and the light is going to be uncomfortable. Close them and let your eyes get used to it. You can chastise us later." There was a hint of humour in her authoritative voice, and I pouted. The man laughed this time, and I blushed again. I closed my eyes and held my breath as felt the rough fabric pull away from my sore skin, and I braced myself.

For the first time since meeting my captors, I was going to come face to face with them. And boy, were they going to answer some questions.