Jace's Pet Read online

  14

  Rose stirred in her sleep, the feeling of being watched over coming her. There was a creak in the room, as if weight was being placed on an old floorboard. She opened her eyes and peeked around, her heart racing. She swallowed hard, telling herself no one was there. But someone was. Someone with dark, menacing gray eyes, jet black hair and a glistening silver lip ring. Hands, arms, and chest covered in intricate tattoos. She froze to her spot, petrified of who she saw sitting in the chair across from the bed.

  "Little bunny." A wicked grin spreading across his lips. "I found you."

  She tried to move, to run. Even scream. But she couldn't. She was paralyzed. Her heart rate picking up. Her tongue flicked across her lips, her throat dry.

  "I told you, you're mine." His hand wiped across his face. "I gave you a choice." He used the arms of the chair to push himself up. "Be my pet or I'll kill you."

  His footfalls were loud. A thump-thump-thump as he grew closer. He pulled something from his pocket, raising it as he neared her. Her eyes widened when she caught the shining blade of a large kitchen knife. Again, she tried to scream, to will her body to move. He brought the edge to her neck, the metal cold on her skin.

  "You were supposed to be mine, little bunny."

  Her lips parted to speak but all she could make was a gurgle as coppery liquid filled her mouth. Her eyes remained glued to him. The warmth from her body draining and leaving behind a cold, numb pain. Her shirt drenched and sticky.

  Rose shot straight up in bed. Heart pounding, body trembling, and a sheen sweat covering her entire body. Scream after scream ripping through her.

  Molly came bursting into the room and was at Rose's side. She was wearing a plaid cotton nightgown, her hair a mess, and worry written all over her face.

  "Darlin', it's okay. It was just a dream." She cooed.

  Molly took Rose's hand and gently rubbed the top of it. She sat patiently for Rose to calm down. She grabbed a tissue from the nightstand and wiped away the tears that had streaked Rose's face.

  "He-" She swallowed hard, her voice thick. "He's going to find me."

  "No, he won’t. You're safe now. It was just a dream."

  "A very bad one." She whispered, her mind rattling in her skull.

  "Do ya want me to bring ya some tea?"

  "No, thank you." Her voice soft, eyes spacing out. "I'm so sorry for waking you, Molly."

  "Shh, it's okay darlin'." She patted the top of Rose's hand. "Are ya going to be okay?"

  "I-I think so." She licked her lips and ran a hand over her face. "I'm sorry."

  "Darlin', no more apologizin'. Try to get some more sleep. I'll make a big breakfast in the morning and then we'll get ya to the police station. They'll get ya to a place somewhere safe."

  "Thank you." She mumbled.

  Jace's eyes were burning into her memory. Every time she closed her eyes she saw him, saw the knife and the blood. She shook her head, Molly had quietly left while she was in deep thought. She glanced at the chair in the far corner, the same chair he had been watching her from. She knew he hadn't been there. Her hand subconsciously grazed her neck, tracing a line where the knife had slashed into her flesh. A shiver ran over her body. She wasn't sure what he would do if he found her. She didn't really want to think about it but her dream had shaken her so badly that she couldn't sleep. She laid awake in the bed, the soft blue moonlight slowly turning a warm orange.

  She stayed in bed until she could smell bacon coming from downstairs and decided to go see Molly, she didn't want to be alone anymore. She pulled off the covers and swung her feet over the side of the bed, her ankle already feeling much better. She made her way to the door, down the hall, and stopped at the bathroom first to brush out her hair. She was happy to find a brand-new tooth brush and a travel sized tooth paste on the sink. She smiled at the thought of the grey-haired woman putting it out for her. Rose brushed her teeth then made her way to the kitchen. Molly was standing at the oven. Bacon and sausage sizzled in one pan while scrambled eggs came together in another. Biscuits were cooking in the oven and on the counter, was fresh squeezed orange juice. Rose noticed the woman didn't own many appliances. No microwave or toaster. No coffee machine or dish washer. It was oddly comforting.

  Rose took a seat at the table, unsure of whether she should say something or not. She didn't want to scare Molly and decided to remain quiet. She was enjoying all the smells, she couldn't even remember the last time someone cooked for her. As a child, both of her parents had been busy with work. They didn't have time to cook a breakfast, it was always cereal. In fact, all her meals were quick ones. She didn't mind, but as she grew up she realized how detached she was from her parents. She loved them dearly, they were her parents after all. They were never cruel, or abusive. But there was no communication with them. When Rose had moved out, they only spoke at holidays and birthdays. She was also an only child, so she didn't have an siblings to be close to. And being shy made it hard for her to make friends.

  Suddenly, a chill ran through her body. She had been missing for roughly two weeks now. Most cases die out after 72 hours. With no friends, she didn't think anyone would be pushing for her to be found. She wasn't even sure if her parents knew, they were always off traveling. The police probably assumed she was gone, killed off and never to be found. Even though she had reported about the robbers, it was a small town. They may send the info to a bigger headquarters but she doubted it. She was so deep in thought as she stared at the floor that she hadn't noticed Molly speaking to her.

  "Darlin'?"

  "Hm?" She snapped out of her thought and looked up at Molly. "I-I sorry, I'm still a little shaken I suppose."

  "Of course ya are. I can't imagine what you've been through."

  Rose smiled softly in response. She didn't want to tell Molly what she had been thinking about and was happy when she didn't ask. Instead, the woman filled a plate full of food and poured a glass of juice for her, then placed it on the table in front of her.

  "Eat up. You'll need it. I can always make more if ya'd like."

  "Thank you, Molly." She smiled.

  Molly had put some of everything on the plate. She didn't want to be rude and ate everything she had been given. Even when her stomach ached from the amount, she forced it down. Once she finished, she gulped down the orange juice. Molly had walked back into the room as Rose finished.

  “You can help yaself to more, if ya’d like.”

  “Oh, no thank you. I am so full. Everything was delicious.”

  “I’m glad ya liked it. It’s been a while since I’ve cooked for someone other than myself.” Molly smiled faintly. “I’m going to finish my coffee and then we’ll head to town.”

  Rose stood up and placed her dishes into the sink. There was a window close by that caught her attention. Now that she was warm, full, and inside she thought the forest looked rather pretty. All the trees crowded together, blocking out most of the surrounding land. It was nice, peaceful. It didn’t take long for Molly to finish her coffee. They headed out, as promised, to an earthy green Trail Blazer parked in the back of the house. A few spots had started to rust but otherwise the car was very well taken care of. Rose climbed into the passenger side as Molly started up the truck. She felt a little odd sitting in front and almost wondered if she should be ducking down to avoid being spotted. Molly didn’t waste time pulling out of her drive away, making Rose disband her worries. She was just being paranoid.

  The ride into town took about 30 minutes. The sun now high in the sky and the town had a few people out and about. Molly went straight to the police station, parking the car right in front and head in. They had to wait a couple of minutes before someone was available and when they did they weren’t treated very friendly.

  “What do ya mean ya can’t do anything?” Molly’s voice raising above normal.

  “Ma’am, you need to calm down-”

  “I will not! Your telling me that even though you are here
to protect and serve, that ya can’t help out this woman? Ya heard the whole story!” She was completely outraged.

  “There really isn’t much we can offer as far as protection. We’re a very small town with a small force. This young lady right here also has no identification, how do we know she’s not a teenage runaway whose come up with an elaborate kidnapping story?”

  “I’m 26, sir.” Rose weakly butted in.

  “How do we know? You have no proof of that, I’m sorry.”

  “What about setting her up in a hotel? Or having someone on duty to guard her?”

  “I suppose we could set her up with a hotel room if it would make you feel better but we don’t have people to waste on babysitting.”

  “Babysitting!? Is that what ya think this is!” Molly’s voice reaching higher.

  “Ma’am, you need to calm down.”

  “I will not-”

  “Molly, it’s okay.” Rose spoke in almost a hushed voice.

  “No, it’s not!”

  “Like I said ma’am, we just don’t have the resources for what you’re asking. As far as the story goes, who to say these people haven’t cut their loss and moved on? Surely they wouldn’t waste time to find one person if they really are the criminals you say they are.”

  Rose was shocked by what the man was saying. It was bad enough that they couldn’t do anything to help but to go as far as saying that really bothered her. She felt as if something wasn’t right with the officer but there wasn’t anything she could do about it. Rose had to pull Molly away from the fat, balding man before she attacked him and got them both arrested. She sat quietly the whole ride back to the cabin, completely disheartened about not getting help, while Molly kept her angry outburst going on in the car.

  “I’ve been saying for years that that police station is corrupt and this only proves my point!”

  “It’s alright, Molly. I really appreciate you taking me.”

  “We’ll figure something out. For now, ya’ll stay at my place.”

  “Thank you.” Rose smiled weakly even though Molly’s eyes were on the road.

  Back at the cabin, Rose felt drained despite it only being 3 in the afternoon. Their dishes from this morning were sitting in the sink, untouched. Rose decided cleaning them would be the perfect temporary distraction. Molly had tried to stop her, but Rose insisted that she needed to help out. The rest of the day dragged on. She didn’t want to eat or really do anything for that matter. Molly eventually forced her to eat a grilled cheese sandwich and a cup of tea around 8pm. After that, she decided to have a nice shower and go to bed. That night she had the same dream as before but didn’t scream as she woke up. She sat in bed, her sweat eventually drying on her body as she watched the sun rise. Breakfast wasn’t as large this morning but Rose was fine with that. She didn’t need so many options. Molly sat across from her while she ate her pancakes and scrambled eggs.

  “How’d ya sleep last night?”

  “Better than last night.” Rose forced a smile, her eyes felt scratchy from the lack of sleep.

  “That’s good.” Molly paused to take a sip of her coffee. “I was thinking this morning we’d head to the next town over. It’s a much farther drive but hopefully they won’t have as many crooked cops.”

  “I don’t want to be such a bother.”

  “It’s not, don’t have much to do now-a-days. I’d like to help ya, if I can.”

  “Thank you, Molly. You’ve been far to kind to me.”

  “You kinda remined me of my daughter, when she was still around.”

  “Did she move out?”

  “No.” A pause. “She passed away about 3 years ago.” Her head lowering slightly.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry.”

  “S’all right. She had a nasty addiction. I tried to help her but in the end, it claimed her.” She sighed heavily. “That was when I found out how corrupt our police could be. I knew the bastard who had sold it to her. Gave them a description, full name, and where he lived. All they said was they’d keep any eye out for him. A few months past and they did nothin’. Bastard skipped town and I haven’t seen ‘im since.”

  “That’s awful.” Rose wasn’t sure what else to say.

  “I was hopin’ I was wrong about them, that maybe I was blinded by my own emotions and that they would be able to help ya. Boy, was I wrong.”

  “It’s not your fault, Molly.”

  Molly nodded her head, but her mind was clearly somewhere else. She felt awful for the woman, no one should have to go through something like that. Life was tough already. They sat quietly for the next couple of minutes. Rose finished up her food and was drinking her juice when she heard a knock on the front door. She choked on a mouthful and coughed hard. She struggled to get herself under control and mentally told herself it was probably someone for Molly or maybe it was the police who decided they could help. However, the look on Molly's face said something else.

  15

  "Go over to the pantry. Don't make a sound, do ya understand?"

  Rose nodded her head, then bolted over to the pantry by the fridge. She squeezed herself inside and pulled the door shut. Molly placed all the dishes into the sink before walking to the front of the house and answering the door. Rose's heart pounded, doubt filling her head. She shouldn't have run. She should have stayed and gave to Jace. Morgan would be alive and Molly wouldn't be in danger. She took a few deep breathes, muffled voices could be heard but she couldn't make out the words.

  The front door closed a few moments later, yet Rose couldn't shake her fear. She had an awful feeling, something was wrong. Her ears prickled with anticipation of Molly's voice saying everything was fine and that she could come out now. That they were going to the next town, that she was going home. But instead of reassurance, she heard the two words she feared more than anything.

  "Little bunny."

  His voice was gentle, not a trace of anger, yet it was full of warning. Her heart skipped a beat, only four days and he had found her. She clamped both hands down on her mouth, a few tears falling as she waited.

  "I told ya, it's only me here." Molly butted in.

  "I'm giving you a second chance." Jace ignored the older woman. "Come here."

  Rose didn't know what to do. Molly had told her to stay put but she knew Jace, knew he did whatever he wanted. She didn't want Molly hurt or killed because of her.

  "Now, Rose."

  "She's not-"

  "You have her clothes drying outside." He cut Molly off.

  "Fine. She was here. But she gone now. Sent her into town"

  "What, she's running around naked?" He almost laughed at her.

  "Said she didn't want those clothes." Molly snapped. "Gave her different ones."

  Their voices fell silent, making Rose worried for Molly's safety. A click and smashing vase confirmed her fear and made her whimper. She placed her palms on the closet door, debating on what to do.

  "Where the fuck is she?"

  "Told ya-" A pause, struggling. "She's not here."

  "Then you won't mind us looking around."

  "I most certainly do!"

  "Axel. Raiden."

  Rose moved closer to the door. She could hear Molly arguing and yelling at them for the home invasion. One set of foot sets thumped up the stairs, the other into the kitchen. Her palmed began to shake and sweat. She took a step back, her body hitting a shelf behind her and crushing a bag of chips. She gasped, her eyes widened and the pantry door flew open.

  "There you are." His voice dark and dull.

  "Ah-Axel." Rose instinctively tried to take another step back but the shelf stopped her. "I-"

  His hand shot out and wrapped around her neck, his grip firm and effectively cutting off her words. She used both of her hands to pry at his large one. Unfortunately, she was unable to loosen his hold. He gave her a faint smirk and pulled her to him.

  "What a shame, getting caught after what Morgan did for you. It d
idn't even take long to find you." He spat.

  Tears spilled over her cheeks, her lips parted to speak but only a squeak came out. Axel spun her around, his hand around her throat pinning her back to his chest. Her back instinctively arched, desperate to break their contact. He shoved her forward, making stumble. If it wasn't for him holding onto her she would have fallen on her face. Her toes barely touched the floor and she was gasping for air. He didn't release her until they were standing in front of Jace and Molly. Her lungs pulled in air the first chance they got and choked on the big gulps as she did. As she looked up, her eyes locked with Jace's.