Chapter 4: Exposure

 I felt a shift on the bed. I opened my eyes slightly. Liam’s eyes fluttered open. It was the first time I had seen him awake since they knocked him out.

“Hey.” I said quietly.

“How long?” He sat up almost too quickly.

“What?” I adjusted myself.

He grabbed my hand, his veins bulged as he pulled the pain into him, “How long have they kept me like that?”

“I don’t know. They have kept me asleep too.”

Liam adjusted. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back, “Shit.” He said under his breath.

“What’s wrong?”

“Shit.” He repeated. He gripped my hand tighter and exhaled.

Ky walked into the room holding a syringe. His expression stated that he was not expecting Liam to be awake.

“You kept me asleep until now?” Liam spoke in a tone I had never heard, “You were going to keep me out and move me weren’t you?”

"You have to go." Ky said to Liam avoiding his question.

"No, I am fine for a bit longer."

"Don't lie. Alex is already starting."

"I can fight it. I'm stronger than him." Liam argued.

"Strength has nothing to do with it. We have to go, now.”

“I am fine”

“What happens when you don't make it?"

"I’m fine."

"Liam, she will be okay. I'll take you down then be with her till I come get you and Alex."

"You can't help her like I can."

"She'll make due. You're strong right Ry?" He pushed my sweaty hair off of my forehead.

I nodded still half asleep from the anesthetic.

"Where is Emma?"

"She's at the hospital, she is going to bring back more things for Ryan after her shift. Don't worry, I will be right back after we take care of what we need to." Ky answered, "You have to go. Now Liam."

Liam leaned over and kissed my hand, "I will be back."

I lifted my head off of his chest, he slowly stood from the bed.

"Ky is going to be right back and I will be here as soon as I can." He gently let go of my hand. He had only been taking pain again for a few moments. I still braced for it as it flooded back into my body. I tried to contain my discomfort.

He stepped on to the ground putting weight on his feet for the first time in what seemed like ages. He followed Ky lingering in the doorway for a moment to look back at me and then he was gone.

______

I had no reference to the time. It felt like it had been hours since Liam left but it could very well have only been minutes. The anesthetic had been wearing off, I felt myself growing stronger but with the strength the pain grew as well. I adjusted slightly trying to take any strain off of my side. A faint scream from down the hall caught my attention. I propped myself up against the headboard. Surly this was some kind of reaction from withdraw.

Then I heard it again.

“Ky?” I called out. My voice was rough; there was no way it projected past the open door of the room.

The screams grew more rapid. Rather than being separated by minutes these were separated by seconds.

I turned and placed my feet on the ground. I grabbed the nightstand next to me for support as I placed weight on my feet for the first time in what seemed like weeks. My balance was off. I slowly stepped forward not letting go of the nightstand just yet.

I took a deep breath and lifted my hand. I was shaking. I just had to make it to the door. One foot in front of the other, I stepped cautiously at a pace similar to a toddler taking their first steps. The door was within feet of me. I reached out for it allowing the frame to take most of my weight.

The screams were coming from down the stairs. With my weight propped against the railing I made my way down old carped steps. Each movement more excruciating than the last. I should have stayed in bed, but it is not in my nature. I stepped onto the wood floor with my bare foot at the bottom of the stairs. I turned to look up at my accomplishment. There was absolutely no going back from here, at least, not without help.

To my left the front door was locked up tight. Large windows that lined the front wall of the living room. It was bright outside for the night. Stars dotted the sky around the large full moon that illuminated the surrounding forest.

The screaming sounded almost like it was coming from the kitchen. I took another breath and crossed the living room. The house was small but in this case it couldn’t have been any bigger. I supported myself on the old retro couches. They looked inviting; I was on a mission though, if I sat there was no getting up.

 

I stopped in front of the pantry door and pressed my ear against it. This is where they were coming from. I was sure of it. I placed one hand on the frame and wrapped my fingers around the cold brass doorknob. The pulling motion sent a shock up mu side. The door cracked open. I flipped the light on and exanimated the room. Boxes of pasta and old soup cans were scattered across the shelves lining the walls. The shelves ahead of me were wrong though, they were sideways, only slightly. A gap was left on the right side where the shelves should meet the wall. I placed my ear up against it. The screams were almost clear. I gabbed a shelf and pushed my full weight on it. The whole wall moved exposing a long dark stairway. 

 

I almost jumped, half way terrified of what I had discovered. Why is there a secret room behind pantry shelves? I braced myself against the cold walls and began to walk down. The screams got louder as I made my way down the stairs. The walls were made of dark brick. The ground was cold and unfinished. Single exposed bulbs lit my way. What kind of a basement was this? My body ached. I struggled to continue moving forward.

I turned a corner. Ky stood in the middle of the hallway looking at the wall in front of him.

"Ky?" I said quietly. He didn't hear me over the violent screams. I slowly walked closer, "Ky?" I said a bit louder.

He turned and noticed my presence. His eyes widened, "Ryan, what are you doing out of bed?" He ran to me.

"I heard screaming. What is happening? Where are Liam and Alex?"

"We need to take you back upstairs." Ky wrapped my arm around his shoulder.

"No." I tried to push away, "What's happening?" I took my arm back and pushed past him.

"Ryan, stop." He took my hand. Only his words were trying to stop me though.

"What's going on?" I walked back to where Ky had been standing moments before. I looked up and at that second, I wish I had listened to him.

The wall I thought Ky had been looking at wasn't a wall but metal pillars that created two prison like cells. Alex was inside one and Liam inside the other. Each of them had chains attached to their wrists, ankles, torsos, and necks. These all were attached to bolts that stuck up from the concrete floor.

Their bodies contorted themselves in ways it should not. Both of them screamed. A bandana was tied in Liam’s mouth muffling his slightly. Their faces damp. Alex looked up towards me; his eyes glowing a bright yellow, his teeth jagged and sharp. I almost fell backwards.  A blood curdling scream left his lips.

Liam's fingers drug across the ground. His hands didn't look human though. Long sharp claw like things were at the ends of his fingers. My breathing became shallow. I started to panic. Ky was at my side; he wrapped my arm around his shoulders again.

"What's happening to them?"

"It's a full moon."

"But what's going on? What's wrong with them?"

"You weren't supposed to see this. We need to go." But his feet stayed still.

"What's going on?"

Ky looked at them then back at me. He exhaled slowly as if he didn’t want to explain what was happening, "Werewolves turn on full moons."

I looked at Ky like he was insane, "Don't make jokes, what is happening to them?"

"I just told you. They're turning."

"That's impossible. Werewolves aren’t real.”

"It's right in front of you. How are you denying things that are right there?"

"No. This isn't real."

"We should go." He pulled at my arm.

“I want to stay. I need to stay.”

That's what we did. Ky sat on the ground and I sat next to him. He held my shoulders as I watched every second of their transformation. I had never seen someone in that amount of pain. I mean, I had also never seen someone turn into a wolf.

It was close to sunrise by the time it ended. Alex and Liam laid with their backs towards us completely nude. Scraps of their basketball shorts laid around them.

"Le." Alex's voice was low and raspy. He extended his arm towards Liam, "You okay?”

Liam nodded and pulled the bandana out of his mouth. He reached his hand towards Alex, "We made it."

"We made it." Alex repeated.

They both let out small laughs. Like they were only slightly impressed at their achievement.

Ky stood and grabbed basketball shorts that had been sitting next to him. I hadn't noticed that they were there. I sat quietly. He pulled keys from his pocket and unlocked the doors. He dropped a pair of shorts over Liam then handed him a key before walking to Alex and doing the same. They unchained themselves and got dressed.

"How much did she see?" Alex asked as he stood.

Ky walked back over to him, "Most of it."

"Is she okay?" Liam whispered.

"She is doing as well as you could expect her to."

Alex walked out of the cell towards me. I didn't know what to do. I was afraid. I know I shouldn't be, but I was. My heart raced. Liam walked up next to him. Sky scrapers above me, sitting on the floor with my knees to my chest. Liam slowly kneeled in front of me.

"We can explain," He said quietly, "We will tell you anything you want to know. Please don't be afraid."

"What are you?" I sounded childish.

"Alex and I are werewolves."

"That's not possible." I shook my head, "This is a dream."

"Everything you just saw was real." Alex knelt down next to Liam.

"It's going to be okay though. We would never hurt you."

"How long?" I swallowed hard, "How long has this been happening to you?"

"Why don't we go upstairs and we can talk about everything?" Liam extended his hand to help me up. I shook my head.

“Ryan please. We will tell you everything. I swear.” Alex extended his hand as well.

“Let’s just go back upstairs first. Okay?” Ky reached down and grabbed my hand. I didn’t fight him.

Ky practically carried me up the stairs. I was tired and the pain made me sick. Alex and Liam followed closely behind.

He set me on the bed. I sat with my back against the headboard and pulled my knees to my chest. The three of them looked at me.

"May we sit?" Alex asked cautiously.

I nodded. 

They took seats on either side of the bed. Ky remained standing.

Liam held his hand towards me, "Please let me take the pain while we talk about this."

I shook my head.

"Please." he practically begged.

I shook my head again.

He swallowed hard and place his hand on his lap.

"I know this is a lot to take in." Liam began, "We will tell you everything. All you have to do is ask."

"How long?" I said quietly. I kept my eyes down.

"I was 17 when I triggered the curse and Alex was 16."

"How?"

"How what?" Alex asked.

"How did you trigger the curse?"

"You." Liam paused as if looking for the right word.

"You have to take a human life." Alex cut him off.

"You have both killed someone?" I looked up.

"It's not like that." Liam said quickly, "They were accidents."

I looked at them blankly.

"Mine was a car accident," Liam spoke softly, "I was driving some friends home from a party. I had one drink but they all had a lot more. One of them began to puke in my car, I looked away for two seconds. I didn't think anyone was out at that time of night.  It was an accident. He was drunk, stumbling in the middle of the road." He paused to collect himself, "I sat in the middle of the road holding his body as the life drained out of it for an hour." Liam looked down. I could tell this was hard for him to talk about, "My father got there before the cops. He kept it out of the papers and had the charges dropped. I don't know how. Sometimes I think I would be better off sitting in a prison cell for what I've done."          Liam shook his head. Alex reached over and put his hand on his shoulder squeezing it slightly, “It was an accident man.”

“I know.” Liam exhaled.

“And we can’t change it.”

Liam nodded, his eyes now glossy. This wasn’t the first time they had that exchange.

"I was in the wrong place at the wrong time," Alex began, "My friend told me that we were picking up something for his friends. Next thing I know he threw a gun at me. One of the guys shot my friend then aimed towards me. I pulled the trigger before I even had a second to think about what I was doing. Then I ran like hell."

The thought of either of them hurting someone shook me, "How did you know that you triggered it?"

"There was pain." Liam looked at me, "Lots of anger. My friend said that my eyes changed to full black."

"It hit me when I was running away. The pain made me fall. I couldn't get back up for a minute. I had no clue what was happening to me." Alex added.

"My father helped me. He knew what I had done. He explained it all to me. He tried to prepare me the best he could. The first full moon he locked me in the cellar. He made me drink wolfs bane.” Liam shook his head at the memory, “It felt like I was drinking battery acid."

"Where did he go?"

"He watched."

"He didn't turn?"

"My father…He… he doesn’t turn. It’s complicated…"

"Okay then, what did your parents do?" I looked at Alex

“All you need to really know is that I found a pack before my first full moon."

"Where is your pack now?"

Alex looked at Liam and Ky, "They're right here."

"What about the one you found?"

"Let's just say that we had some disagreements."

"Do you have a pack?" I turned to Liam.

"We were in the same one."

“There is a lot to explain about everyone else and we will have lots of time to do it” Alex picked up for Liam, “How about we focus on the five of us today.”

I adjusted myself. A shock shot up my side. I did my best not to react to it. 

"Please let me take it," Liam reached his hand out again.

I shook my head.

"You don't have to be afraid of me. Please."

"I'm not afraid of you." 

"Then why can't I help you?"

I looked into his eyes, "I will not let you take any more pain after what you just went through."

"Ryan." He exhaled

"No. Don't Ryan me."

"It's okay, really."

"I have never seen someone-  It's not right. If you can go through that then I can deal with this and let you relax for a while."

"Let me take it." Alex said quietly.

I looked at him confused, "You can do that?"

"It's a wolf thing."

"You have been able to take pain this whole time?" I asked frustrated.

He nodded.

"And you let Liam stay awake and in that state for a week when you could have helped him the whole time?" I was angry, "How could you do that to him?"

"He wanted to keep the secret. He is more protective of it than I am. Trust me, he wasn't happy when I told you about it." Liam stepped in.

"So you left him like that just to keep your stupid secret?"

"He helped when he could." Liam defended. 

"He could have helped more!" I yelled. “And for what? I know about it now anyway.”

"Let me take it." Alex repeated his voice calming, "Let me make up for it."

Cautiously I held my hand towards him. I was shaking. I stopped and looked at both of them then put my hand back on my lap, "No."

"I'm not gonna hurt you." Alex insisted.

"It's not that." 

"Then what?" 

"You said that only way I am going to heal is if you don't interfere, right? So let me heal."

Alex exhaled, "There is more to that than you know."

"What do you mean?"

"Parts were left out to protect you from finding out about the supernatural." Ky said. I almost forgot that he was still in the room.

"What parts?"

"I will tell you if you let him take the pain." Ky nodded towards Alex.

I didn’t like this. They were treating me like a child. I looked up at Alex as he extended his hand. I bit my lip and took it. I watched as the blackness traveled into his body. His veins bulged half way up his arm. As much as I hated that he had to hold the pain I was happy it was no longer in me.

“Talk.” I looked at Ky.

He sat on the edge of the bed, “When Alex and Liam were in a pack they were the only two that weren’t hybrids.”

“Hybrids?”

“It’s a mix between a werewolf and a vampire.” Alex began, “They have always existed but they’re rare. While Liam was with the pack his father told him that there was a way to breaking the werewolf curse. That cure is becoming a hybrid. Liam’s father knew that the key to becoming a hybrid was out there but, he didn’t know how to find it. So, he told Liam to search. When Liam told our Alpha, Maddox, that once he found the key to turning that he intended on protecting it rather than using it to become a hybrid himself him and the other hybrid Travis went ballistic.” Alex took a breath squeezing my hand tighter.

 “I feared my father,” Liam picked up, “I wanted to be nothing like him. I trusted Maddox and Travis though, they were hybrids but, I didn’t think they were anything like my father.”

“Until they tried to force us to become hybrids, without having any idea where the key to turning was. Which would have forced us to find it or die.”

“But we ran before they succeeded.” Liam shrugged, “They have been chasing us ever since.”

“Why don’t you just look for this key to more hybrids?” I looked to Liam.

“I am, but when I find it I will protect it with my life. They would create an army. A whole pack of monsters that have more power than you could imagine; immortal and practically un-killable I never should have started messing with that kind of magic.” Liam shook his head.

“Maddox and his pack did this to you to try and force Liam into helping them find the key to creating hybrids. You won’t heal without the cure that they have.”

“And if that wasn’t enough, the pain will increase over time for whoever is taking it. They bested us and I don’t know how to fix it.” Ky shook his head.

“So, they still don’t know what it is?” I was having a hard time keeping up.

“No, no one does.”

I leaned my head back on the wooden headboard. I closed my eyes and exhaled. I tried to wrap my mind around everything. I was dizzy. I had been dizzy for days; it didn’t bother me until now though. Now I needed to focus. I needed to understand how the world I thought I knew could be so insane. I needed to figure this out.

I opened my eyes and looked at the three of them blankly staring at me, “How do we get our hands on this cure?”

Liam exhaled, “We would have to contact Maddox or one of them. Set up a meeting then-”

“Then figure out some kind of trade.” Ky picked up his thought.

“Can’t you just lie about finding the key?” I adjusted myself on the bed.

“If it was that easy we would have gotten the cure by now.” Alex looked down.

“Why can’t it be?” It sounded simple enough to me.

“They’re smarter than that.” Liam crossed his arms, “They’re going to want something to guarantee it.”

“I have a plan. It may work now that she knows.” Ky said quietly. He was out of the room before anyone could ask questions.

Liam and Alex looked out the door then to me.

“Go. Both of you.” I halfway smiled, “I’m okay.”

Liam slowly walked closer to me. His hand shook as he reached to touch the top of my head. He cautiously leaned down and kissed my forehead as if the slightest thing would make me jump. I couldn’t blame him. He probably still thought I was terrified of him. I wasn’t, but now was not the time to convince him of anything.

“We’ll be back.” He pulled away his eyes didn’t leave mine, “I’ll send Emma up when she gets home. She will have more pain killers.”

I nodded. Alex stood and gently let go of my hand. I tried to hide my discomfort.

“We will be right back after we find out what Ky is thinking.” Alex walked out of the room.

“This is all going to be over soon,” Liam lingered in the doorway, “I promise.”

He left the door open.

Chapter 3: Breaking Point

 It worsened for him. He held my hand tighter. I felt his body shake as he exhaled. Sweat dripped down the strands of his brown hair. He shuttered back and forth between cold and warm; like a fever that was trying to break. The shirt he was wearing lie soaked on the floor.

"You don't have to take it." I whispered to him.

He pulled me closer, "I know." He clenched his teeth and leaned his head back on the headboard.

"Why are they doing this?"

"Because they know I won't let you go through this. They thought it would get them what they want." He squeezed my hand tighter. The bed creaked as he adjusted himself slightly. I pulled the blanket higher up on him.

"What do they want?"

His breaths became short and uneasy again. I cupped my hand around his chin. His facial hair grown past his usual well-kept stubble.

"Stop." I snapped.

"I'm okay." He assured me.

I pulled my hand away from his. The pain returned immediately. It moved through my whole body, originating from my side and pulling on every tendon and nerve as it made its way to my head. I was sweating too, half way from the heat his body had been giving off and half way because of the pain. I began to shake. Liam took my hand back quickly. I watched his veins bulge as black made its way up his arm and half way across his chest. He swallowed hard.

"How do we make it stop?" I whispered.

"I don't know."

“It's going to keep getting worse for you.”

He exhaled, "That's what they want."

"Who?"

"It's too much to explain," He clenched his fist around the sheets, "I am so sorry, you got caught up in this."

"In what?"

"I can't."

"Is it because you can take other people’s pain? Does someone want to use you?”

"Be still." He arched his back. I was silent for a moment. He took deep breaths. I tried not to move but the pain continued to increase. I could see it in his face. The veins on his chest bulged and the black blood crept further along his chest.

"Le. Please."

He clenched his teeth and swallowed again. His body trembled.

"Alex!" I called, "Ky. Someone help."

"What are you doing?" He could barely get the words out. Alex ran into the room followed closely by Ky and Emma. They couldn’t have been far. It wouldn’t have surprised me if Alex was sitting outside of the door this whole time.

Emma pulled the curtains back blinding Liam and I. I had no idea it was even daytime. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Liam said through his teeth.

"Make him stop." I pleaded, "He can't do this anymore."

Alex walked over and placed his hand on Liam's shoulder. Liam turned my face to look at him. His body relaxed. I heard Alex; a noise left his lips that he wasn’t intending on making.

"Liam you can stop." Emma took my hand, "I managed to get anesthetics and pain killers from my shift last night, I can give them to you."

I nodded.

"Will they work?" Liam practically whispered.

"You will be asleep." Emma looked up at him, "It's going to be okay."

"I am not leaving her." Liam protested; his voice forced from his lungs.

"You don't have to." Emma walked towards the door, "I'll be back."

"Alex." Ky sounded concerned. I wanted to look; Liam prevented me from turning my head.

"Be still." He whispered; he pushed my hair away from my face.

 Emma returned with her med kit. She placed it on the foot of the bed and unzipped the bag. She pulled out a long needle and a jar with a rubber lid and stuck the syringe into the top. Clear liquid pulled up into the tube.

Liam looked at me, "This is not going to help you like I can."

"But it's going to help." I assured him.

Emma took my hand and faced my palm towards the ceiling. The tip of the needle entered my arm; I looked away. I felt her remove it. I tried to pull my hand away from Liam. He didn't move.

"It's okay."

"What if it doesn't help you?"

"It's helping." Alex exhaled from behind me, "We should have done this sooner." Alex walked next to Emma at the foot of the bed, Liam's body tensed slightly.

I tried to pull my hand away again, "Let go. It's okay."

Liam shook his head. I began to feel the drug overtake me. My eyes grew heavy. Alex reached into Emma's med kit and pulled out a second syringe. This one was already filled with something. He handed it to Ky. They took slow steps toward Liam and I.

Liam shifted, "What are you doing with that?" I could feel his heart rate increasing.

"This is for your own good. She is going to be okay." Alex held his hands out in front of him, as he spoke calmly, “You haven’t slept in days. You haven't relaxed in a week."

"Stop." He pushed back against the wooden headboard.

Alex gently grabbed his arm. Liam tried to pull away.

"Don't fight. You're too weak already. We're doing this for you."

"She needs me." Liam protested. He pulled at his arm again trying to shake it free. Alex was right though. He was too weak.

"She needs you to be alive." Ky stuck the needle into Liam's arm.

"Stop." Liam tried to fight, "Don't do this. Please. What if something happens?" Desperation hung on the end of his words.

"You're both going to be fine." Alex assured as Ky injected the liquid into his system. Against his will Liam's body fell limp. I felt a small bit of pain return. His hand was still intertwined in mine; I held it tightly for the security. I opened my heavy eyes and looked up at him. He was asleep, completely out cold. I looked at Alex who was closing Emma's med kit at the foot of the bed.

"What did you do to him?"

"Emma says it's for patients who are stubborn."

"Will he be okay?"

"He is just asleep. You should try and rest too." He picked the kit up of the bed, "I will be right down the hall if you need anything. Sleep."

"Thank you." I whispered. I closed my eyes and placed my head back on Liam's chest. I let the drugs overtake me falling asleep listening to his slow and steady heartbeat. For the first time in what felt like forever we both slept. I knew it was only because of the anesthetics but I was okay with that.

I slept without a dream and woke up before Liam, whatever Ky gave him knocked him out hard. I reached my hand up and pushed his matted brown hair back from his face. It fell as soon as I pulled my hand away. I pushed it back again and placed my hand on his cheek. He was so warm, I hoped that he didn’t have a fever. I pulled my body up and kissed him on his forehead. "Thank you." I whispered. I curled back up with my head on his chest listening to his heartbeat I let sleep come again.

 

Every once in a while, Emma will walk back into the room with Alex. She sits on the side of the bed next to me with her med kit on her lap. She injects more anesthetic; it keeps me out for hours at a time. I have yet to see Liam open his eyes. They must be keeping him asleep to buy time while they look for a cure. I know that they mean well, if he is asleep than it is easier. If we are both asleep than it is much easier, less to worry about. I don’t fight it. I would rather it be this way. I don’t like seeing Liam in pain, especially because it’s my fault.

I have lost a concept of time though. I think I am out for hours but sometimes I wonder if it has been longer. I don’t ask. It’s not necessary. 

Chapter 2: The Aftermant

             My head on Liam’s chest I lay cradled with his arm around me, nearly asleep. His hand on his chest, fingers locked between mine, I watched as the darkness traveled from my skin to his. I found it hard to let myself rest when he hasn't in so long. His body never relaxes. A few times, he has started fall asleep and as he does the pain slowly travels back into my body. I try not to react. My movement wakes him and the cycle starts again.

I have rolled the word magic over and over and over again through my head. There is nothing else to explain what Liam was doing other than magic.

I decided to leave it alone for now and ask when I am better. I am physically too weak for much more than resting, but mentally I continue to ruminate on that evening. I needed to remember more but all my memory collected was full of gaps.

Alex walked in the room; a yellow legal pad in one hand, a cup of coffee clutched in the other. Whisps of brown curls frizzed out from his bun in all directions. He hadn’t taken it down in days. Dark circles underneath his eyes confirmed that Liam wasn’t the only one losing sleep.

"We figured it out."

Liam looked up, his icy blue eyes heavy with exhaustion, "Tell me."

"Here?" Alex questioned, "Are you sure?"

"I'm not leaving her."

"I'll be fine for a bit. You can go." I assured him.

"I'm not leaving." He repeated.

Alex sat the coffee on the dresser, clicked the side table lamp on, and took a seat on the edge of the bed. He scratched the side of his head unsure of how to start. He looked over the scribbles on the note pad and then began, "They did this to target you." He paused, "They know that you won't let her suffer. The longer you take the pain the worse it becomes."

"Who did this?" I asked, "How are they doing this?"

"Whatever she was cut with was- laced with – um, an herb." Alex continued not even acknowledging my questions.

"Why is she not healing?”

"She won't heal without a cure." Alex said quietly. "At least, that's what Ky and Emma found."

"What kind of cure?"

Alex looked at me than back at Liam. He hadn’t prepared for me to be present for this conversation. What was he hiding? Why was he choosing his words so carefully, “It’s made from,” He bit his lip and shrugged, “Something that you can only get from them. You could make your own if you could find the key." 

"No." Liam shook his head, "Tell them to check again. That can't be it. I don’t know where it is. That can’t be it."     

"They think you do."

"What do these people want from you? Why would they do this to me? I don't even know who they are. Why would they do this to you?" I looked up at Liam.

"Find another way to heal her." Liam ignored me.

"Le, the pain is just going to get worse for you the longer you do this."

"I don't care."

"It hasn't changed for her though. If you stop then she will only feel the pain level felt in the beginning. Not what you're feeling now."          

"Is that a fact?" Liam questioned.

"They're pretty sure." Alex nodded.

"Liam you can stop. It's okay." I tried to pull my hand from his.

"No." His eyes began to glaze over, "They did this to me and you will not suffer from it."

"They cut me. Not you." I protested, "I can handle the pain. I promise."          "They only hurt you because of me." He held my hand tighter, "Please," His voice shook, "Be still."

I looked at Alex, the light from the lamp cutting his angular face with a harsh shadow. "We will find a way to heal you." He stood and walked over next to Liam. He placed his hand on his shoulder. Liam relaxed a bit.

"I promise," Alex's voice had changed. He exhaled slowly then began again, "I promise we will make this end quickly."

"Thank you." Liam body jolted and remained tense. Alex began to walk towards the door stopping to turn off the lamp. He looked back at us; how pitiful we must have looked. A sweaty, bloody mess. He said something I couldn’t quite make out and then left the room.

Chapter 1: Taken

             My t-shirt stuck to the crimson gash that ran diagonally from my hip to my ribs. My head pounded with the rhythm of my heart that desperately tried to push blood to my body. Someone yelled my name. They sounded close. My eyes were too heavy to open, it didn’t matter anyways, everything was dark. I didn’t remember how I got here. It was cold. I thought I was alone, but then he appeared. And suddenly there were more of them.

"Ryan?" A light appeared from around a corner. I tried to sit up. Pain shot up my side. I winced, exhaling trying to block it out closing my eyes tightly. Blood covered my hand and soaked what was left of my shirt.

"Did you find her yet?" A difference voice echoed through the walls.

"Ryan? Are you here?" The first voice repeated.

"She has to be there." The second voice shouted.

I could barely get out a whisper, any cry for help was too quiet. I adjusted myself slightly only making my pain grow.

My surroundings got a bit brighter. I heard footsteps speed up. I tucked my head down. Someone was coming. They were coming to hurt me.

"Ky! I found her!" I opened my eyes for a second. Emma knelt down next to me. Her long black hair was pulled back into a bun. Her pale skin made the dark circles that surrounded her hazel eyes even more prominent. Still in her dark gray scrubs from work she looked like she could be a first responder.

Ky was at my side, "It's okay. You're safe now." He knelt down and scooped me up in his arms.

I screamed at the sudden pressure around my body.

Ky pulled away. My blood had already stained his baby blue t-shirt. Emma turned her flashlight to my side.

“Ky.” She grabbed onto his arm, “We have to get her to the hospital.”

“We have to get her out of here first.” He wrapped his arms around me again, “We’re gonna get you home.” He lifted me.

I tried to hide my discomfort as he picked me up from the ground. I looked up at him as he carried me back the way he came. Stubble had grown around his strong jaw line. How long had I been here?

I did my best to hang on as he walked. The pain worsened with every step he took. My whole body tensed. Ky carried me through a large doorframe out of the darkness. I had no clue where we were; I couldn’t get my barring’s. A single street lamp lit the side of Liam and Alex’s faces. They stood about five feet from Ky and I. They must have come along to find me. Liam probably led the expedition. For a moment I wondered why he was not the one that was bringing me out of that place.

The gravel kicked up under Liam’s feet as his walk turned into a run, "What did they do to her?"

"We will find them and they will pay for it. You know that." Alex’s pace picked up as he ran after Liam. Their long strides carrying them quickly towards us.

I couldn't stand the pain. My body tensed. A faint cry left my lips as I swallowed hard.

“Le-” I took my hand from Ky’s neck and reached up towards Liam like a child does for their parent.

Liam took my hand in his. They were rough, covered in callouses. Ky didn’t slow his pace down. Emma was practically running to keep up.

"I have to take it." Liam said towards Alex.

"What are you going to tell her?"

I was falling in and out of consciousness. I was probably missing half of the conversation. I hope they weren’t trying to talk to me.

"We're gonna get you home." Ky held me tighter as we walked.

"They did this because of me. We will figure out what to tell her later.”   “Liam."

"I can't just leave her like this."

"At least wait till we get her out of here." Emma opened the back door to her father’s old mini van. Liam sat down and Ky placed me on his lap. Ky pulled the door closed; I could hear them talking outside. Voices that were all so familiar speaking in tones I hadn’t heard before.

"Do you think it was them?" Ky asked.

"It had to have been." Alex shrugged.

"We need to get her to a hospital.” Emma began, “She has lost a lot of blood and-"

"We can't take her to a hospital, are you insane?" Alex snapped.

"We have to do something." Emma insisted.

"Take her home." Ky agreed with Alex, "What are we going to tell the people at the hospital?"

It was quiet for a moment then Emma spoke, "I'll go grab my kit. I'll meet you at the house in half an hour. Keep her awake."

Ky pulled out a set of keys from his pocket, “If you wreck my car-“

Emma snatched the keys from him and handed him hers, “Don’t wreck mine.”

Liam pushed my knotted blonde hair away from my face, "You're gonna be okay." He whispered.

The passenger seat opened and Alex climbed in. Ky started the car up and put it into gear.

My stomach turned and on came the sensation of spiders crawling up my throat. I began to cough, I tried to cover my mouth with my hand but it hurt to move. Blood splattered onto my already ruined outfit. Liam pulled me closer and wiped the blood off of my bottom lip.

"Faster." Alex demanded.

"If we get pulled over then we are really screwed." Ky said under his breath.

"Liam keep her awake." Alex turned around.

Liam sat me up a bit in his lap, I opened my eyes again. "It hurts." I whispered. Liam looked at Alex.

Alex shook his head, "Not here."

Liam pushed my hair back again, "Just stay awake. You're gonna be okay."

___________________

 

I don’t remember the drive to the house. Despite Liam’s best efforts, I must have passed out in the car and woke up when they moved me. The flights of stairs took longer to climb up and the room felt even farther away than it should have. Liam set me down on a bed. Towels were spread out under me so I wouldn't stain the pretty silk sheets. Tungsten light from the tall lamp in the corner of the room and a lamp on the night stand on the left side of the bed made the ugly tan paint on the walls look slightly better. Emma’s med kit sat on the refinished wood dresser across from the bed.

The four of them were standing over me. It was easy from here to notice how much taller Liam and Alex were than Ky and Emma. They towered at over six feet while Ky and Emma stood somewhere under five nine. Emma hadn’t changed from her scrubs yet. Ky and Liam’s clothing was stained and spotted with my blood. I looked back at all of them, their faces calm, bodies at ease. If this was the attempt to make me feel more relaxed, it wasn’t working. My pain hadn't dulled in the slightest. I held my side and clenched my teeth.

"Make it stop." I begged.

"We need to see what they did." Emma said taking a step closer, her voice was light and relaxing.

"Just, make it stop." I tried to hold back the tears.

Liam looked at Alex then climbed onto the bed and sat in the center of it. His shirt was stained with crimson patches where he held me earlier.

"Think about this Liam. There is no going back from here." Alex said quietly.

He gently pulled me onto his lap and took my hand in his, "Everything is going to be okay." He whispered. His hand tightened around mine. I slowly felt relief from the pain as Liam's body tense slightly. Darkness ran out of my veins and traveled through my hand into his.

"What's happening?" I pulled my hand away from his. All of the pain rushed back. I screamed out of the shock of it returning.

Liam quickly grabbed my hand again. "It's all right." He assured me as the pain left my body. I looked down at our hands. His veins bulged with black blood running up his hand and disappearing beneath his tattooed skin. I jumped. He didn't allow me to have my hand back though.

"What are you doing to me?"

"I can take away pain. You feel better right?"

"Where does it go?" I relaxed slightly.

"Into him." Alex answered quickly.

"Stop." I tried to pull my hand back, "That's not possible."

"How are you questioning what is happening right in front of you?" Ky asked.

"It's a gift I have." Liam exhaled.

"A gift to take someone's pain and make it your own?"  

"Just to take pain away. Where it goes is not your concern."

"Stop."

"No. Please stop fighting." Liam's voice shook. I did as he asked. The movement probably made it worse.

"I'm going to look at it, okay?" Emma said calmly.

I nodded. Alex pulled his dark brown hair into a small bun keeping it back from his face. He grabbed the bottom of my shirt and slowly began to pull it up. A long deep cut became exposed.

Liam gently turned my face towards him. "It will be easier if we don't look." He assured me. I nodded and laid my head against his chest. I closed my eyes. I could feel Emma touching my side her hands warm against my freezing flesh. She pressed down making it ooze more dark blood. 

"Le, I need to clean this and cover it. Like now." She sounded worried.

"Do it."

"Are you going to be okay?"

I felt Liam nod. Emma and Ky left the room for a moment. Alex stood to the side of the bed. He watched as the darkness traveled from me to Liam. I wondered if he was mad at me for allowing Liam to do this. I could never tell what he was thinking. His dark features made him harder for me to read, or maybe he was just good at remaining stoic.

They returned with a bottle of vodka, a zip lock, and more towels. Ky spun the top on the vodka.

"Is that really what we're cleaning this with?" Alex asked.

"Hell no, Emma has all that stuff in her kit. This is for Liam.” Ky extended the bottle towards him. Liam smiled and shook his head politely. Alex snagged the bottle and took a large gulp. It went down smoother than it should have.

"You ready for this Liam?" Emma asked as she handed a bottle of sterile saline solution to Ky.

Liam nodded. I held his hand tighter.

"You're going to be fine." he assured me.

Emma took a piece of gauze and pressed it against the wound. Liam didn’t even flinch. She pulled it off and placed it into the zip lock. Ky then began to pour the saline solution over my side. Liam's entire body tensed, he exhaled.

All I felt was the cold of the liquid. "Give me some back." I practically demanded.

Liam shook his head, "I'm fine. You're fine."

"You're not fine." I looked up at him.

"Be still." he exhaled, "I have dealt with much worse. This is nothing to me."

"I can handle it."

"Be still." He repeated. His body shook. He swallowed hard and held my hand tighter.

"Almost done Liam. I'm gonna bandage it and it will be over." He nodded Emma pressed a second gauze pad against the wound. Ky handed her strips of medical tape to attach it with. Alex placed his hand on Liam's shoulder. Liam's body relaxed slightly.

"You okay?" Alex asked. Liam nodded. Alex removed his hand from Liam’s shoulder and walked to the foot of the bed.

Emma pulled Ky and Alex aside, "She needs stitches, they could have cut some of her organs with this. It is bad guys. I honestly don’t understand how she is still alive."

I focused with everything to hear what they were saying.

"We can't do anything else till we know if there is anything in her. Obviously, there was some kind of magic with it." Alex said quietly.   

Did he say magic?

"Even if that is the case." Emma crossed her arms, "We can't just leave her like this. She is losing too much blood and if her organs are damaged-"

"Clearly this is more than just a normal wound.” Alex rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands, “Just leave it wrapped. Go make it tighter if you need to. We can't close it yet.”

“It may not even be able to be closed."

"Is Liam going to be okay?" Emma asked changing the topic. She knew it was an argument she wasn’t going to win.

"It's better than her feeling it." Alex shrugged.

"He is strong." Ky assured Emma.

"I know." She walked over to the window and pulled the curtain closed. The sun would be rising soon and no one has had enough sleep tonight.