Count Your Nights By Stars: Percy Jackson Fanfiction

Chapter One

"You little rat!"

My eyes flew open as I was yanked up by the back collar of my jacket, violently waking me from my nap if I do say so myself. "'Ey 'ey!" I protested, squirming against my attacker's grip, blindly as exhaustion clouded my vision- plus I literally couldn't see the guy. The only light coming into the warehouse was from the giant sliding door in the back, which apparently this guy felt the need to close when he came in. "Let me go, asshole!" I continued to struggle, although I have to say this guy had a grip of steel, as he dragged me across the walkway, down the stairs, and out the sliding door into the alleyway.

I grunted as I got thrown to the ground, the metal water bottle in my backpack banging against my spine. I'm glad I slept with it on, though. This jerk probably wouldn't have given me the chance to get it if I hadn't. "Well well well" another voice slurred, one I regrettably recognized. I groaned and smacked my forehead, mentally preparing myself for the conversation, then propped myself up on my elbows and squinted against the sunlight, glaring at the figure standing above me.

"Look at the little star" the figure sneered, earning snickers from the other two people standing near him. I rolled my eyes. "Oh shut up, T" I grumbled, getting to my feet. "Let's cut the crap, yeah? I know why you're here." "See, but I don't think you do." I exhaled through my nose in annoyance as she stepped closer to me, blue eyes sharply staring up into mine. "You. Owe. Me. Money" she said, sounding cheerful, although her words dripped with venom. "That's bullshit, T" I sighed, slipping my hands into the pockets of my jacket, shifting my weight over one hip. "You know I didn't touch your money. I was never here for that."

Tess sucked in air through her teeth. "I want to believe you" she cooed, stepping around me in a circle. "But... you were the last one near the safe. And I need someone to take responsibility for what went down." "Responsibility" I repeated, giving the sun a sarcastic glare. "Right. You need someone to blame. And I'm the easiest, 'cause God forbid your airhead jockeys find out you were screwing a girl-" She grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked by head back. "Shut your damn mouth" she hissed in my ear, and I chuckled, despite the pain on my scalp.

"You're avoiding their gazes" I whispered, keeping my eyes locked on her two henchmen, who were looking at each other uncomfortably. I know they heard me. If I can do anything, I can control the volume of my voice, and if I want to be heard, I will be. Tess yanked again, enough to get me off balance and fall onto my back on the floor. "You know, Star" she said louder, pressing her heeled foot against my collarbones. I clenched my jaw, but did my best to hide it. That was her pet name for me. Once it was endearing, now it sounds like a profanity. "I liked you. Always hard working. Always loyal. It just broke my heart when Ron told me you were the one who broke into my vault."

"Ron's about as dependable as a politician with a debt to pay" I snapped, propping myself up on my elbows once again. "He's only interested in your money, and even more so getting into your pants. I would know-" She pushed down on my chest with her foot, forcing me back down, eyes sparkling with fury. "Rick" she called, and one of her guys scrambled forward, looking between me and Tess nervously. I flashed him a smile, and he only shrank away. Rick was there when I first got to Tess' underground. Nice guy. Complete idiot, likes fish, will do anything for you for a sleeve of Rits crackers. "Bind our little star for me" Tess cooed, grinning wickedly down at me. "We're bringing her back with us."

She took her foot off my collarbones only when Rick grabbed me by my upper arms, pulling me to my feet and ripping my backpack off my shoulders. "Careful Ricky" I said, eyes locked on Tess. "Wouldn't want to damage Tess' play toy." Half a jab at Tess, half a serious warning to Rick, but nonetheless, it was great to see Tess' nostrils flare with anger. A small whimper was the only reply from the brute, and he was silent as he slammed me face first against one of the buildings around us, beginning to bind my hands behind my back. "HEY!" a voice shouted, echoing through the alley. Rick froze, as did the rest of us, as we all turned our attention to the mouth of the alley.