Chapter 2

“Fuck. I think we are getting close to shore,” a man mutters, stealing my attention from my thoughts.

“We’re on a boat?”

“Oh, God. Help us.”

“Everyone, shut up.”

“I don’t want to die.”

The voices mingle and sound through the air. I try not to pant, but my breaths are hard to come by as I hyperventilate. Fear clenches my body, and my chest tightens. The world lifts and drops again, and I can’t stop myself from screaming. The bag sucks against my mouth, and I cough, my terror grabbing hold of me and refusing to let go. I rattle my chains and fight against the bindings. I will fight with my last breath. I’m not going to be a slave. I’d rather die than face this sort of life.

“Someone help her. She’s freaking out.” The voice sounds muffled as it reaches me.

“Hey, lady. What’s your name? Tell us your name.” The deep, velvety voice wraps around me, trying to break through the pounding in my head.

I still can’t manage to calm down. I’m having a panic attack. I feel like I’m going to die at any second.

“Listen, we’re going to be okay. We will stick together. Don’t mind that one asshole. We can shove him to these monsters first if he doesn’t want to stick by us.” Something touches my leg. It’s not a hand but another leg. The person tries to grab my attention with their body. “Do you feel that? I’m a runner. I’m strong as hell and can protect you.”

Another man laughs in exasperation. “Are you gonna pick my ass up too?”

“Depends on if you’re hot. Do you put out? I make assholes like you work for it. Only ladies get things for free,” the runner responds.

It’s my turn to laugh. And with my sharp inhalation, I puff the fabric away from my mouth as I breathe out.

“Keep talking, you two. It’s working.” This man’s voice comes out softly as if he’s afraid to speak up.

“You like the idea of me being chivalrous to this pansy-ass, don’t you? What’s your name, lady? I’m Evan.” The man nudges me with his body, the heat of his skin helping me overcome my panic attack.

I clear my throat. “Sasha.”

Evan doesn’t get the chance to respond as the world lifts and drops again. A couple of people scream, and I tense, bracing myself. Silence falls over us apart from the sound of the waves.

Someone whistles, the sharp noise stinging my ears. My heart smashes against my ribs, trying to throw itself out of me. I can’t blame it. I kind of wish something like that could happen. I’m terrified. Whoever whistles is commanding someone… no, something. A cool, wet nose touches my arm, and an animal steps right onto my lap. I cringe and recoil, my fear making me whimper. I think it’s a dog. Maybe a guard dog of some sort.

“What? You’re not going to fight? You’re just gonna let the big bad wolf tear your face off?” The deep voice startles me, and I feel teeth nip at the front of my shirt. “I expected more.”

I gasp, afraid that I’m about to be mauled to death. “Please, don’t do this.”

A laugh cackles through the air, and a deep growl reverberates through my bones. The heavy paws of the dog shift, and something tugs at the head covering. I scream as it’s ripped off, and I come face-to-face with a gray, black, and white canine... a wolf? Holy shit. I think it’s a wolf. I can’t be certain, but it’s no dog.

The wolf bares its teeth at me, growling again. I struggle against my chains, despite it being pointless. I just can’t sit still. I never expected this could possibly be how I’d die.

A shadow crosses over me as a man comes up behind the wolf. “What do you think? Is she a good one? You want to go on a hunt for this one?” A hunt? Fuck me.

Tears burn my eyes, threatening to spill onto my cheeks. I flick my gaze away from the wolf to look around. There are two other men standing in front of an elevator. We’re not on a dingy, old vessel like I expected. And while this cell looks like a disgusting prison, the elevator gleams with metals and marble. This must be a luxury yacht. I’ve been on one with Mr. Beck before he thought I was more his property than anything else.

The wolf growls again. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think it was responding to the man. Whether or not the guttural noise is a good response? I have no idea.

Bending down, the man shoves the wolf off me and onto who I think is Evan. But his head is still covered. Everyone’s heads are. No one speaks or tries to move. No one threatens or fights. It’s the only thing that keeps me complacent. If I act out, they might use me as an example, and that wolf looks ready to devour me on command.

“Listen up, Sasha. I’m going to unhook you from the wall. You’re going to go with those nice gentlemen over there. You will strip out of your clothes and do as you’re told. Do you understand? If you don’t, this big boy will do it for you. And he’s not gentle with his teeth, if you know what I mean.” The man looks at the wolf and scratches his fingers between his ears.

My stomach flips, and I sniffle, the idea of being forced to undress in front of strangers is terrifying and humiliating. I can only think the worst. I’m being sold into sex slavery. I know it. Why else would he demand such a thing?

He grabs my chin, forcing me to look at him. “Did you hear me? I need you to answer when you’re spoken to, Sasha.”

It dawns on me that he knows my name. How the fuck does he know my name? This must not have been random. Maybe I’ve been stalked. Fuck.