CHAPTER FORTY
Bianca screamed at the top of her lungs as Cliff dragged her into the old, deserted barn. The echo of her own scream told her that no one was coming to help her.
There were no houses, no buildings and dwellings for miles around. Just trees, rocks and dirt.
And the ravine.
Bianca hiccuped a sob when she thought of Sariah lying bloodied and broken at the bottom of the ravine. Was that where she would end up as well once they were done with her? Would they just roll her body down the ravine after they’d tortured and killed her?
“Murderers!” she screeched at Cliff and his sons. “You won’t get away with this!”
Rake and Rufus had shifted back to human form and were following their father into the barn. Rake, the elder son, closed the heavy barn door behind them and bolted it.
Cliff shoved her forward and Bianca fell to the ground with a cry. She pushed herself up from the dirty floor and glared at her captors.
“Let me go,” she said in a firm, defiant voice. She wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of seeing her cower.
Cliff smirked. “If you ask nicely, maybe you’ll get what you want.”
Rake strode forward and kicked at her legs. “Beg, you little bitch. Beg on your knees.”
Bianca scrambled to her feet, grimacing. She refused to bend her knees for these louts. “I will never beg you for anything,” she spat. “You’re nothing!”
Rake raised his hand to hit her, but Cliff stopped him. “Easy, boy,” the older man said. “There will be time for that later. We don’t want to mess up her pretty face just yet. Why spoil our own fun?”
Bianca’s blood froze as she comprehended the true import of his words. She tried not to let them see her terror and revulsion.
“Don’t...don’t come any closer,” she said, backing away. She looked around desperately for a weapon. But all she saw were some cardboard boxes, dried grass and tissue paper.
Cliff laughed. “You’re a pretty little thing. It’s a pity you have to lose an eye,” he said. “But debts must be paid, in kind. Justice must be served.” He lifted his eye patch to show her the mangled mess beneath.
Bianca grabbed the broken cardboard box from the corner and threw it at him. “Get away from me!” she screamed. She saw that there was a side door at the other end of the barn and made a dash for it.
Rake caught her and pinned her against him. “Where do you think you’re going?” he growled in her ear. She flinched when he sniffed her face and neck. “You know we’re wolves. When a prey runs, it gets us all excited. You can run, but we’ll catch you in the end. And the end will be much worse for you. So just behave yourself and we’ll make it good for you.”
He loosened his hold and she scrambled away. “Still want to run?” Rake asked lazily.
Bianca shook her head mutely and wrapped her arms around herself. She was determined to escape, but she realized that she had to be smart about it.
She had to get them to lower their guard.
Bianca let big, fat tears roll down her cheeks. “Can I just sit down for a while?” she said, sniffing and shivering. “I don’t feel well...”
The three men stared at her and exchanged glances. They were silently debating whether to believe her.
“Sit down,” Rufus said suddenly. “Go sit on that overturned crate by the corner.”
Bianca flashed him a grateful smile and limped over to the crate. “Thank you,” she said softly. “You’re very kind. You’re all kind men.”
Cliff snarled. “Shut up! I can see what you’re trying to do. You’re a lying, devious, deceitful little female.” Over his shoulder, he said to Rufus, “Don’t be taken in, son. She’s just like your mother. These bitches are all the same. They look sweet and soft on the outside, but inside, they’re cold, cruel and cunning. They snivel and scheme, and they drag you down with their tears and lies. Bitches are good for one thing only. Remember that, Rake, Rufus. Don’t ever get soft on a woman.” Cliff spat and added, “Don’t be like me.”
No, Bianca thought. You’re lying, Cliff. You want them to be like you. Exactly like you.