CHAPTER III

"Really? I am not putting that thing on." I scowl at an excuse of a dress Sam is dangling before me.

"I am afraid that is not your decision for tonight." Sam ignores my protest bringing me in front of the mirror with the dress to my front.

"Perfect. We don't have much time left. I don't want to miss out on the good things so you better have the dress on before I return."

I sigh staring at the dress down on the bed. Sam never takes no for an answer. I have no energy to fight her on this. Skimpy and tight outfits are not really my thing but one night couldn't hurt. I am sure Julian is going to be there parading Zoe. This may be the perfect outfit for the night.

The vision for the dress code tonight is cat woman and Samantha, a succubus. I really might not like my outfit that much but it's rocking.

Once we pull over in Teddy Waters' compound, social anxiety kicks in. Did I mention that I hate parties? I really hate college parties and nothing could change my opinion.

Outside my window, I spot a red riding hood, some witches and Chucky. People took the costume thing seriously. Samantha technically yanks me from the car to the backyard where the party is.

Couples making out, ping pong table, cigarettes, weed and sex. This is totally not my ideal scene. I would rather rot in bed watching movies.

A few minutes into the party and my eyes find Julian. He is that easy to spot. Show me a rowdy crowd of loud cocky basketball team and there he is. I am glad we dated. Now I wish we hadn't.

Thank God I have my first solo cup filled with whatever Sam made. All I hope that it is strong enough to get me through the night.

"Hey beautiful ladies." Keith dressed with a gargoyle mask greets enthusiastically.

"Nice outfit." I compliment.

"Thanks." he sings loudly gulping all the liquid in the glass.

"Have we missed anything interesting?" Samantha asks.

"Not as far as I know except if you mean half naked Ray." Keith points to Ray who is up on the table left only in his boxers. Tell me about it.

In no time, I am left alone with a solo cup in hand and bored out of my head. Samantha ditched me for Nick, the guy he has been seeing for the last two weeks. She keeps saying they are only hooking up but I know better.

My girl is falling in love and she might not even realise. Either way, I am happy for her. She deserves the best. Keith is hammered already. I am left to deal with this party again.

I promised to call mom later but party preparations have had me busy all evening. Excusing my self further from the loud music, I pick my phone from my jacket pocket.

Before I dial the number, an all too familiar voice interrupts. My body immediately goes rigid.

"I see you're still not a fun of parties."

I am suddenly aware of my entire surrounding. I have tried to avoid Julian the entire night. I am not in the mood for chit chat with my ex.

"What do you want Julian?" I glare.

"Can we please talk?" he asks. I scoff.

"Talk about what Julian? Your new girlfriend or do you need closure for your guilty mind?" I spit annoyed.

"Listen Lyka..."

"No, you need to listen. I don't want to talk to you. I don't care who you are sleeping with Julian. You and I ended the day you slept with her." I snarl.

Before I attempt to walk away, Julian catches my hand.

"Lyka..."

I freeze at his touch. Not long ago, his touch ignited something in my body. Now it is repulsive, almost scalding. I glance at where his hand holds mine before he quickly takes it away.

"I am an asshole, I know. I just wanted to apologize for what I did. It was shitty and I am sorry." Julian apologizes.

"I am not getting back with you Ju..."

I don't know how fast it happens but one second Julian is pleading and the next I am staring at his lifeless body on the ground. I freeze in place unable to move or shout.

My brain is in shambles and trying to piece the events. It is the pool of blood around Julian's body that has me regaining my senses. I am too late to act especially when someone covers my mouth and two pairs of arms forcefully grab me.

Even with my judo tactics, I can't tackle any. They are too strong and covered in masks. When I feel their hold tightening, my whole body alerts to the danger. My survival instincts kick in.

In my line of vision, I notice a needle. A million reasons for what the needle might contain rush through my brain in a matter of seconds. Adrenaline courses through my body. I stamp the feet of one who loosens his tight. Victorious of one force gone, I struggle with the next one but he is strong.

The other gains composure resuming his hold on me not before smacking me against my face.

You slut!

It hurts. I can taste rust on my tongue but that doesn't deter the fight inside me. I feel the prick on my neck. It stings.  Inside my head, I am screaming and crying. This is it. No one told me that this is how I was going to die.

Hopeless, I fight to regain balance before the hold on my sides are gone and I fall to the ground. Through hooded vision, I see my savior. He is wearing dark pants. He is beating the shit out of the kidnappers but I can't focus for long.

Before I close my eyes, I hear someone call my name. Struggling to lift my gaze, steel gray eyes are the last thing I see before darkness envelops me.