When Luke looks back to me, I try to convey my acceptance and trust. “If you think we’ll be safe there, then I trust you.”
Cody and Chase both nod their heads in agreement as Luke stands to retrieve his bag. The rest of us follow suit, each grabbing our own bags, waiting for Luke to lead the way. Two days on foot will be rough, especially for my team. This isn’t something we’re used to. I guess you could say we’ve lived a pampered life behind the walls of the compound, and now we are about to hike through the woods, me in what looks like a wedding dress, to some unknown destination two days away.
Looking at the faces of Cody and Chase, it’s clear they aren’t looking forward to this either. Cody has the most experience in this department, having been a hunter for the church. He’s used to traipsing through the woods in all sorts of weather. Chase on the other hand, has served as an intern under my father in the infirmary, and until last night, had never set foot outside the church. He was born inside the compound, so this will be the biggest adjustment for him. And as for me, while I didn’t come to live at the compound until I was five, I don’t really have many memories of life before that, and I’ve only been outside its walls a handful of times before today. The church has spent the last couple decades convincing its members the only safe place left on the planet was inside the church compounds spread throughout the globe. So while I’ve seen enough in the last few weeks to know the church can’t be trusted, that doesn’t make me feel any better out here; exposed.
As our group follows behind Luke, headed east, my thoughts wander to all the dangers we may face in the coming days. There are too many unknowns outside the walls of my former home. And despite my nerves surrounding this journey, I can’t help thinking things may be so much worse for my best friend.
chapter 4 - Chocolate Or Something
DAVID
After stopping off at Michelle Hoya’s office this afternoon and ensuring mine and Tara’s files had been altered, I felt confident she would be assigned as my wife. Her placement had been put on hold last night, but I planned to put a bug in the Mutter’s ear to make sure they didn’t delay too much longer. After all, even after her placement and our assignment, practice dictated we wouldn’t marry for another three months. I’m not a patient man. So once I decide I want something, I’ll stop at nothing to get it, and fast.
When I make it back to my apartment, I stop to take a breath before entering. I havn’t moved Ash yet. She still sits on the other side of this door, bound and gagged, guarded by one of my most trusted men. While the Vater knows I have her in my custody, he doesn’t know where she is, and I plan to keep it that way for a few days at least. I’ve spent every spare second since I headed out to find Anna this morning dreaming up ways to torture the petite little thing; ways to make her suffer.
As I step through my front door, a chill goes up my spine with the anticipation, and I nod at the guard I assigned to watch her before stepping through the door to my spare bedroom. Getting the first glimpse of her, I’m immediately ready. I wouldn’t say I get off on hurting little girls, but I’m definitely gonna enjoy every minute of her torture. I love to hear them scream.
“Have you been a good girl while I was gone?” I run my finger through the tear tracts on her cheek as my other hand unstraps the gag in her mouth. When she doesn’t respond, I grasp her hair on the back of her head, yanking her head back so she has no choice but to look at me. “Answer me, little bitch!”
She stutters out a, “yes,” as her dried tears are replaced with fresh ones. Yes, I am gonna enjoy this.
“Your best friend, hell, even your brother left you. That’s how worthless you are,” I hiss before licking my tongue down her tear streaked face.
I like to tear them down, makes them more compliant.
Her body visibly shudders as she lets out a strained sob. Letting go of her hair, I walk to the chest of drawers on the far wall, squatting down to open the bottom drawer. This is where my toys are. Most of these were gifs from Elder Jacobs, but a few I picked up from traders or scavengers. Rummaging through the drawer’s contents, I search for what I’m looking for. I find its best to start off small, working my way up to the big stuff. When my hand lands on the black riding crop, I hum my approval.
“Yes, this will do nicely. Don’t you think?” I ask, turning and showing her my find.
Her wince at the sight only serves to confirm my choice. Walking back to her side and kneeling before her, I stroke the keeper up her leg, stopping short at the hem of her dress and leaning in to whisper in her ear.
“Your time with me doesn’t have to be painful. In fact, it could be the opposite.” Leaning back so our eyes connect, I continue, “Tell me what I want to know, and I promise to take very good care of you, little girl.” I stroke the keeper back down her right leg, then up the left one as I ask my first question. “Where is Anna Cress going?”
I pause my strokes, letting her know should she answer correctly, all of this could stop. She opens her mouth to speak before closing it again,
