Magnate (Acquisition 2)

Cal surveyed us and grinned, apparently pleased with our outfits. “Now, we’re going to play a little game. Sound like fun, Acquisitions?”

Some of the masked figures smiled, their teeth showing through the holes in their masks.

“This game is simple. It’s about three a.m. right now. Perfect time for a little stroll in the woods. So, this is what we’re going to do. We’re going to take you outside and let you go. Let you enjoy the fresh, cold air. Stretch your legs.”

Oh, god. I reached for Gavin’s hand. His skin was like ice.

“Then at daybreak, we’re coming for you.”

A barrage of shouts went up, gleeful and bloodthirsty.

“Whoever catches you first, wins. That person will fuck you. That person will do whatever they want with your body, because your body was made for our enjoyment. When the winner is done, they may choose to pass you around or bring you back here for more of their own enjoyment. Anything goes. But the winner gets the first fuck and the final say. Simple, right?” Cal nodded and raised his eyebrows at us, as if wanting us to agree with him.

Brianne did. I just gripped Gavin’s fingers tighter.

“Your time starts…” Cal glanced at his watch-less arm. “Now.”

Another cheer, and the masked figures began filing out. Cal remained and approached, clearly reveling in the power he wielded over the three of us.

“Run, rabbit, run,” he whispered. Then he turned and whistled as he followed the pack the rest of the way out of the room.

Only two stayed behind—one of the masked men and the woman with the long, dark hair.

“Come on. Outside.” Her voice was harsh, but her nerves made the sound wobble.

I took a chance and darted to my bed and sat, pulling on my socks and boots before grabbing my jacket. The knife rubbed against my ankle, reminding me I still had some measure of defense.

“Gavin, clothes,” I urged. “More clothes.”

He yanked on his socks and shoes before throwing his coat on over the white pajamas he was wearing.

The woman came toward us, her baton held above her head. “I said let’s go.”

“Brianne, shoes!”

She jolted at my words and finally moved, the white dress hanging loosely from her as she pulled on her sneakers.

“Hit her.” The male hadn’t moved from the door, but his hand ran up and down his baton.

The woman swung at me. I ducked back, but she nailed me on the forearm when I held my arm up to ward her off. Pain exploded down to my wrist and up to my shoulder. I screamed, and gripped the injury.

Gavin finished donning his coat and advanced on her, but the male guard moved forward.

“Enough bullshit,” the guard barked. “Let’s go.”

Brianne had no coat, nothing to keep her safe from the chill wind in the darkness. My arm stung and ached, but I stood and snagged my sweater off the floor and tossed it to Brianne. She yanked it down over her head as we filed out the door under the watchful eyes of our guards.

They led us through the house and then down to the road. A curve of silver moon hung in the sky, and my breath shuddered out in white puffs. Icy patches dotted the road, and the air was keen and cold, faintly burning my lungs on each inhale. The sting took my attention away from the throb in my arm.

Laughter rang out above. A host of masked ghouls crowded the deck and peeked through the windows of the home. Cal stood at the top of the stairs and raised a pistol into the air.

“As an added incentive to our little rabbits, I am offering them a prize beyond value.” I couldn’t see his eyes from this distance, but my skin crawled enough for me to know he was watching me. “If no one has caught you by noon, you will remain unscathed. No one will touch you.”

The crowd booed and hissed. Cal laughed, the sound loud, fake, and booming. “Now, now calm down. We must have a carrot, after all. It can’t always be the stick.” He grabbed his crotch for emphasis, and the mob erupted in laughter.

May the best man, or woman, excuse me ladies—” a smattering of feminine laughter coursed through the crowd, “—win!” Cal pulled the trigger, and a hollow pop echoed across the ridges and back to my ears.

“Come on.” Gavin tugged at my arm, and we both took off at a sprint away from the house.

I looked over my shoulder. Brianne remained still, staring at Cal and the masked assemblage above her.

“Brianne, come on!” I cried.

She turned and followed us at a jog.

“Which way should we go?” I asked.

“I don’t know. Just away from here.” Gavin took the lead, moving across the parking area, then through an open field, and finally to the tree line.