Take Me

“Well, now. First thing’s first.” He took his time looking me up and down, not bothering to hide his interest in what was probably plainly visible under my wet clothes. “How do you intend to pay me for my service?”

What did he want? For me to fuck him in the boat before we left? I wanted to scream. I wanted to throw him in the water and take the boat myself, even if I had not the first idea how to sail.

“I'm afraid I don't have any money,” I admitted.

“There are other forms of currency just as valuable. Some would say more so.”

“I know all about that.”

“Well? What of it?” he demanded.

Another look at his shiny, pointed teeth gave me an idea. I didn't much like it—in fact, the idea made me cringe in horror—but I had to try. I had to get to Jett by any means necessary. “You can have my blood. That's all I have to offer.”

“So, I look like a Synian?”

“No, but blood is still valuable, isn't it?”

He licked his lips with a forked tongue. “I might be able to reach a compromise, especially seeing as how you’re in need.”

“Thank you. Please, we have to go.”

“Now, now. Some things need to be taken slowly.” He licked his lips again, coming to me. I forced myself to stay where I was. The sooner we got it over with, the better. I lifted my head and turned it to the side. “Here. Take it. Quickly. We have no time.”

“So, you've said,” he replied. At least he was quick about it, throwing an arm around my waist and pulling me close before sinking his teeth into my neck.

And right away, I knew it was a mistake.

My eyes flew open wide, my fists beating his shoulders before I knew what I was doing. He had to stop. This wasn't the same. I opened my mouth, ready to beg him to stop, but not a sound came out. My skin was burning like he'd lit me on fire, the worst of it coming from the place where he'd pierced my flesh.

Finally it was over, just when I was sure I was at the end of my endurance.

He lifted his head, my blood dripping down his chin, while I slumped over his arm. “A little too much for you, was I?” he laughed, lifting me off my feet and carrying me to the boat.

I was barely conscious, weak, and hardly able to keep my eyes open. All I saw was the boat in front of me before it rushed toward me all of a sudden—no, before I was thrown inside.

Something was very wrong. This wasn't the way it was supposed to be.

She tricked me. It was the last thought I had before losing consciousness.