to my knees from exhaustion. The rough twigs and dirt grind into my palms with each movement, each drag of my limbs to keep me in a forward motion. From down here, the scent of pure earth, dirty, dead leaves, and twigs assault my senses. Still, I drag on.
Sometime later, I’ve paused, resting my head against my forearms as I lay on the dirty forest floor. The wind gently blows, and on each gust, I feel as if I can hear the forest calling my name. “Marlena,” the wind whispers to me, telling me that she knows I’m here. I close my eyes when I hear her again, “Marlena.”
“Marlena!”
This time, it’s not the gentle wind calling my name, but a deep male voice, which can only belong to Travis. Fear rockets through me like a cannon ball, and I scramble to get on my hands and knees, to find purchase on the rough earth beneath me. I dig my fingernails into the dirt, trying to pull my torso along. Feet thunder towards me, the pounding echoing beneath my bruised, battered chest, and as they draw near, I whimper, pulling my knees into my chest to form a tight ball.
“I’ve found her!” someone yells, and I’m confused because it’s not Travis. He wouldn’t be telling someone else he found me; he’s the only one out here.
“Marlee, Jesus Christ,” he swears. I’d recognize that voice anywhere.
Now that the panic is fading, I realize Elias has found me. However, something is nagging at me. Through the heavy fog in my head, a memory of a few days ago surfaces. Of running through these woods away from the dark cabin. Of running from Travis and into Elias. Of being afraid.
The pictures.
The whores.
Am I afraid?
“Baby, I’ve got you; I’ll get you home. God, I’ve missed you,” Elias says, as he strokes a warm hand against my battered skin.
Exhaling a sigh of relief, I have my answer. Just being in his presence again, I know without a single doubt in my body Elias would never hurt me. “I am home,” I breathe around the ache in my raw, dry throat.
Elias clears his throat audibly, and I wish I could see his face. Someone approaches from behind him, and I tense as terror rushes through my veins.
“A blanket. Wrap her up.” I recognize Sin’s voice. Elias takes the blanket from him, draping it lightly over my shoulders, and I wrap it tightly around my naked body. As the adrenaline dies down, I feel my brain detaching from the moment, surrounding itself in a protective bubble.
“Marlena, I’m going to lift you, okay?”
“Marlena?”
I turn my head to look at Elias, but I don’t respond.
“She’s in shock. Let’s get her out of here.”
My body shifts with movement, and I allow him to carry me, settling my body into the rhythmic lullaby of Elias’s stride.
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
Blue and red flashing lights shine brightly up ahead, and I bury my face deeper into Elias’s strong, warm chest. I hear voices, both male and female, but I don’t try to decipher what they’re saying. Now that I’m out, I just want to be home. I don’t want to deal with the questions that I know are coming.
A white light shines above me and Elias stops. Peeking out of the soft, fleece blanket, I see overhead lighting stationed around several police cars, civilian cars, and an ambulance. Elias walks us over to the big vehicle where a stretcher is waiting next to the back bumper.
“I’m going to set you down for a minute, okay? I want to get you some water, and they’re going to make sure you don’t have any injuries that need immediate attention.”
“Don’t leave me,” I grip the sleeve of his jacket, halting him from getting the water I so desperately need. I need him to stay with me more. His face softens noticeably, and he wraps his hand gently around my frail one.
“I won’t.” He nods his head to Sin who takes off, probably in search of water. “I’ll be around you so much from now on you’re going to be sick of me,” he teases halfheartedly. Looking into his handsome face, I can see the weariness etched into his strong features. Oh, Elias.
“Marlena, my name is Mike. I’m a paramedic, and I’m going to take a look at your injuries. Are you comfortable with me placing this mask on your face? It’s only some oxygen to help you breathe.”
I nod, and when he slips the plastic mask over my