“You’ve been fighting?” I asked, surprised.
“It was the only way to not only get to you, but to also really know what was going on. There are quite a few of these fighting rings across the southeast, but Alexander is the only one using the drug. Thankfully, word hasn’t spread yet about the side effects of cocaine on shifters.”
“So what’s the plan? They’re going to wonder why there’s no blood soon,” Jordan said.
As Teij and Jordan spoke, I looked out at the crowd and caught Sam’s eye. She was watching the fight intently, and I could see the worry written all over her face. We locked gazes for a moment and everything began to fall away until it was only the two of us.
Suddenly, the connection was broken, as Lee grabbed Sam roughly and pulled her up out of her seat. He began to drag her down an aisle towards an exit. I growled causing Jordan and Teij to glance my way.
“Whatever that plan is, it better be now, because Lee is taking off with Sam.”
“I’m sorry your girl has had to go through this. Paul was concerned about it, but we couldn’t have him suddenly defying Alexander. He would’ve been suspicious.”
“Damn it! She should have never been brought into this!”
“I know, and I am sorry,” Teij said regretfully.
“Well something has got to happen and like now! He’s leaving with her!”
We all turned to see Lee and a struggling Sam getting closer to an exit.
“Don’t worry, boys. Everything is right on schedule.”
At those words, the first shots of gunfire echoed throughout the arena.
36
Sam
I blocked out all of the shouting people, as I watched the men I loved fighting for their lives against the biggest tiger I’d ever seen. Jordan and Alex had shifted into their jaguar forms, and I was in awe of how beautiful they were.
Alex looked just as I remembered. He had a bulky build, with broad shoulders and thick paws. His black fur shined under the bright florescent lights, and his tail whipped back and forth as he circled his opponent.
I had never seen Jordan shift, and I studied him, hoping it would not be the last time. He was leaner than Alex, yet obviously just as deadly. His muscles bunched and twisted under his spotted coat. He was mostly a tawny gold, with a white underbelly and dark spots covering his entire length.
I couldn’t take my eyes off of either of them, as they lunged and rolled, trying their hardest to take down the massive tiger. I hoped with the odds being two against one they had a better chance at a win.
Jordan’s father, Lee, grabbed my attention by pulling roughly on my arm. I gasped and pulled back, but it was of no use. He only tightened his hold, until I whimpered from his harsh grip.
His disgusting breath blew against my face, as he leaned closer. I had no idea how Jordan could be related to him. Yes, they both had blond hair and blue eyes, and Lee was a tall man, but nothing else matched. I did know that Jordan would never, nor could ever, be anything like his father.
I looked back down at the fight and caught Alex’s gaze. We stared at each other, and it was just like every time before. We connected, and I could not look away. That is until Lee spoke, causing me to shiver with fear.
“Come on, let’s get out of here. I’m tired of waiting.” His breath smelled strongly of alcohol, and I almost gagged when he smiled, showing off yellowing teeth.
“I’m ready to have a little fun, aren’t you?” He asked, as he leaned in and nibbled on my ear.
I pulled away and felt my stomach convulse, ready to empty its contents at any moment. Fear had me trembling, but I was trying hard not to show him.
“Aw, it’s okay, my little slut. I know you just gave birth, but I don’t mind. It will be more painful for you, but that will only make it more fun for me.”
He laughed and pulled me up from my seat and began dragging me towards the exit.
I struggled with all I had, putting my entire weight into it. I tried to plant my feet, but they just dragged across the floor, as he jerked me behind him. Panic speared through me and tears began to run down my cheeks. This can’t be happening!
I dug my fingernails into Lee’s arm, hoping he would loosen his grip so that I could escape. I yanked so hard, I thought I was going to pull my arm out of my socket, but he ignored everything I did, as he made a b-line towards the door only a few yards in front of us.
Two loud bangs had Lee stopping in his tracks. As the crowd quieted, I looked around, searching for the noise. Two more bangs, sounding closer and suspiciously like gunshots, had the crowd screaming in panic.