Chapter 9

I was running in darkness but no matter how fast I ran I couldn't escape it. Suddenly I hear an evil man's laugh. My blood ran cold through me and I tried to run faster but something grabbed my leg making me fall hard to the ground. Whatever had a grip on my leg wasn't letting go and I was swallowed by the darkness.

I woke up gasping for air and covered in sweat. I looked around, not noticing anything in the room or even the covers that were on me. I slowly got out of the very large bed and slowly looked around. I noticed there was a bathroom on the other side or the room and a window in between. Then it hit me like a train, everything that happened last night. Working, the fights, the alley, the large men, Gary raping me while I was held down and the dark figure that saved me.

My stomach churned and I ran to the bathroom to throw up until there was nothing left. I flushed, closed the lid and cried so hard my body shook violently.

It felt like it took forever for the tears to stop. I stood up slowly and looked into the mirror, I felt shattered. I rinsed my face then realized that I wasn't wearing my clothes. I was wearing a baggy guy's shirt, flannel pajama bottoms and no socks. Only thing I had on that was mine was my bra. Thank goodness. The clothes gave off a very nice smell, like Old Spice and rugged man.

Coming out of the bathroom I began to look around to see if I could find out where I was. A picture caught my eye, it was a man, woman, a baby and a little boy in black and white. Cute little family. My eyes wandered to the window as I walked up and grabbed the thick curtains then threw them open. Sun light spilled into the room and I had to shut my eyes at the sudden brightness. When I opened my eyes all I could see were trees. In every direction.

"Great, I'm in the middle of no where." I muttered to myself.

"Actually you're still in Washington but far from anywhere you'll know"

I screamed and jumped back. Turning to see a girl about my age with a tray of food. She was my height, auburn hair that was in an updo that looked exactly like Rikku in Final Fantasy X-2, she was thin and graceful. Like a ballerina. She had these amazing hazel eyes that seemed to sparkle with colors.

"Sorry! Sorry! I didn't mean to scare you! Brought you some food. Um, could you close that? It hurts" she said as she looked at the curtains.

"It's ok. Uh yea" I quickly shut the curtains and was cautious when I turned back around.

"No need to be afraid. I won't hurt you. I'm Sophia. Erik asked me to bring you some food." She said happily setting the food down on the seat at the end of the bed.

"I'm Marina. Nice to meet you. Who's Erik?" I said stepping closer to the food.

"He brought you here last night and you are looking better. Oh! And Erik didn't change you, I did. I made sure none of the guys saw you." She was like a hyper child but elegant and light like a fairy.

"Uh....thank you. Where am I?" I asked as I sat on the bed an nibbled the food.

"Oh, he doesn't want you to know yet." She suddenly looked sad.

"Why?" I asked.

"To protect you" a guy was suddenly at the door and leaning against the frame.

"Sorry, I just wanted to make sure she was ok" Sophia said smiling at him.

"Who are you?" I asked. They both looked at me. I looked at him, those eyes...piercing emeralds and I realized I've seen them before.

"Erik....from the fair" I said and Sophia looked at me confused.

"You followed her?" She asked as she walked over to him.

"No, I followed them and she was there" Erik said to her.

"Followed who? What's going on?" I tried to butt in.

"No one. Just eat the food. Sophia lets go." He demanded. She got up and left.

"Wait! You can't keep me here! That's kidnapping!" I took a few steps toward them. He moved so fast that he was a blur and suddenly I was sitting on the bed with Erik in front of me.

"It's for your own protection but if you would like to die, fine I'll take you home. If you want to live then shut up and let us handle it. Got it?" He was intimidating but there was something there that made me feel safe. All I did was stare at him.

"I understand but...."

"No buts" he partially growled and that's when I saw his teeth. Pearly white and sharp....something in my brain clicked. They were fangs!

I've only seen him at night. Sophia has me close the curtains because the light hurt. Oh yes, I'd cooperate. I didn't want to die.

"Fine" I said and tried to give off the 'you don't scare me' stare.

"Good. Sophia let's go" he said backing away from me.

"But I wanted to talk to her more." She said with a pout on her face.

"No we have work to do" he said sternly.

"I'll sneak in later" she winked at me and followed him out.