125

Background color
Font
Font size
Line height

Most versions of this chapter are broken and you can't see the start, but if you can see this message congrats you can see the start of the chapter lol

-

This can't be happening right now.

I never even considered this as an outcome.

How, why.

Why would he come here.

Maybe he was more invested in tormenting me than I thought.

...What a horrifying revelation.

You need to move.

Now.

Get up.

"It's rude just to stare, aren't you going to say hello?" He stared down at me with a condescending smile, similar to one you'd give a child.

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

Calm down.

I feel sick... I'm sweating already.

"Why are you here..." I eventually managed to ask quietly and his expression brightened.

"It's nice to finally hear your voice after so long, you're so hard to contact you know, Dove? If you would have just talked to me maybe I wouldn't have had to go this far." He sighed and shook his head with fake annoyance.

Well, everything about Finn's demeanor was obviously fake, it was unnerving.

Please don't feint right now, get a hold of yourself.

Stand the fuck up you idiot.

"They would know it was you." I swallowed. "If you hurt me."I threatened, managing to stare into his empty hazel eyes for a few seconds.

He frowned at me, seeming offended.

"Well, I say. How insulting. Know it was me if I hurt you? Of course not." He chuckled. "I have an alibi."

"Why..."

He gave me a look. "Why do I have an alibi? Because I am a being of reasonable intelligence?"

"Why are you here..."

I can't breathe.

Please stop reacting like this...

"Well because I wanted to see you of course! That and your consistent attempts to block contact from me was starting to get on my nerves." He sighed. "Where is that step-brother of yours anyways, the one that has your old phone?" He smiled at me, and I clenched my fists around some grass blades.

"I'd love to talk to him." He smiled and I glared at him before gathering the power to stand up.

"If you go near any of them..." I lost the nerve to finish the sentence, swallowing hard.

"Ohhh, a little bit of fire in you. More like...a flicker, rather pathetic, like the remains of a campfire." He chuckled, looking me up and down. "You've grown a little, Dove."

I took a step back, before feeling a little unbalanced. Please don't fall.

This is a nightmare. This isn't happening.

"Still got that talkative flare like you used to huh?" He raised a brow, before sighing. His sighs always reminded me of a bad actor. They were overly heavy and exaggerated, obviously fake. Like he was hired for a low budget film just for his looks. With his stupid platinum blonde hair and hazel eyes, he'd be a pretty decent human being if it wasn't for everything inside of him.

"Anyone home?" He waved his hand in front of my face and I jumped back with a start. He chuckled in amusement. "Wow, still got those jumpy deer instincts."

"Don't." I glared at him and he smiled.

"Don't what?" He tilted his head. He sighed when I didn't say anything for a while. "Oh don't look so worried. I'm not actually interested in even seeing any of those stupid housemates of yours." He huffed, before smiling 'sweetly'. "It's you that holds my heart."

"You don't have a heart."

"Um, rude. That's not how you're supposed to respond to a love confession. Taking it for granted huh? Get too many of those?" He quirked a brow and I glared at him.

"You don't have the ability to love." I commented, and his expression faulted, seeming a bit put off.

"Oh, shut up, you have no idea what I'm capable of. I know what I want and my desires, that's good enough for me." He had gathered up his fake demeanor again by the time he finished the sentence, smiling.

"And what is your desire?" I dared to ask, feeling a jolt of nerves.

He started walking around me while studying his nails. "Well..." He sighed. "Of course I want to treasure you and be with you, I don't want to hurt you."

I grit my teeth when he went behind me. Turn around you idiot.

"But." I tensed up when he leaned next to my ear. "There are some past deals I made with you, that I unfortunately have to uphold. It's a shame really."

I almost gasped from the unpleasant burst of electricity when he touched my arm, and span around.

He smiled, staring at me, before stepping forward. I swallowed nervously and grimaced when he tilted my chin up, staring into my eyes.

"Oh, it will be such a shame...but I always go through with my... threats, you know that."

My eyes widened when I remembered what threat he was referring to, and slapped his hand away.

"Don't touch me."

"Well that wasn't very threatening was it little Dove. You might want to try harder than that." He was smiling brightly at me, then suddenly frowned as he looked behind me. "What was that useless watchout even for." He sighed to himself. "Friend of yours?"

I frowned before following his gaze, seeing Erin and a teacher I'd never met before making their way over.

"This isn't over, don't go anywhere." I heard him chuckle.

When I turned back he was gone.

Fuck...

"Riley." Erin's voice sounded behind me, and he put his arm on my shoulder when I didn't respond, making me jump harshly.

He was looking at me in concern, and the teacher walked past us in the direction Finn went.

"That wasn't who I thought it was, was it?"

I was completely frozen, staring at him with shallow breath and wide eyes.

"Riley...?"

Fuck.

Fuck fuck fuck.

"It was wasn't it? I didn't think he'd come here. He doesn't know where you live though, right?"

Where I live...

'dont go anywhere.'

Surely...he still hasn't found out where I live... just my school and Erin's house.

That's why he risked coming here in the middle of the day, he doesn't know how else to get to me.

"Tell Clara." I eventually said.

"What?"

"Tell her..." I swallowed, before taking a deep breath and turning around.

"Riley? Riley!" Erin called out to me when I suddenly set off in the direction of home. "What are you doing!?"

I didn't respond, just kept on going.

I have no idea. What am I doing.

Am I just going to keep going.

If I go fast enough he wouldn't be able to get back from losing the teacher's trail in time enough to follow me.

I'm not thinking properly.

Fuck.

I'm just going to keep going.

---

By the time I got back to the house I was practically heaving and panting. The door was unlocked so I burst inside and slammed the door shut.

I spent a few moments just panting before gathering myself.

Fuck what am I doing. I'm going to be in so much trouble.

I'm inside now...

I swallowed, my throat feeling a bit dry before turning around and locking the door.

Is anyone home? I know for a fact that Aaron isn't.

Shit, it's the middle of a workday, it is probably pretty quiet here.

I didn't really have the energy to shout, but just walked around the rooms.

Eventually an irony smell hit my nose as I walked into a sitting room.

What the fuck?!

"What...what the hell happened?" My eyes widened as I stood there in shock.

"You're not supposed to be here." Chester commented while grimacing, leaning over and holding a bloody towel around his leg.

"What happened??!"

"Calm down, it was just a hunting trap."

"W... what??"

"I was with Chance taking Russel for a walk. It seems some illegal poachers are back in town." He huffed, seeming to be in a lot of pain.

"Where is Chance?"

"He's taking Russell to the vet surgery..."

"What happened to him?"

"Another trap. There were hundreds of them. Fucking insane."

Holy shit.

"Are you sure they were poachers?"

"What? Probably, we've had problems with them before." He didn't seem in the mood to be answering my questions, and I chewed on my lip.

"Do...you need anything?"

"Yes, please get me some more painkillers."

"More? How much have you had?"

"I don't care how much I just want more please!"

Yikes.

"Shouldn't you go to the hospital?"

"No." He huffed, glaring at his leg.

"...Okay?"

"Look it's not that bad, it just fucking hurts, ripped all my skin off and shit.

"Well, I mean, morphine's a more effective painkiller and that..."

"Riley, honey, sweetheart, I'm not going to the hospital."

"Got it, painkillers coming up." I made a face to myself as I turned around. Obviously has a few issues in that department.

I started heading towards the kitchen, then changed course and went to the back door instead.

I made sure it was locked before sighing and going to get the painkillers.

My hand was shaking as I went to grab them, and I bit down on my lip.

Calm down.

Just tell him, and call Chance or someone.

I sighed before returning to Chester with painkillers and water.

I placed them down silently, and he took a while to even notice me.

"Oh, thanks..." He immediately grabbed them and I frowned in concern.

"Don't take too many." I warned.

"Uh huh."

I waited a while without saying anything.

"What are you doing here anyway?" Chester eventually asked, seeming more relaxed.

"Um." I grit my teeth anxiously.

"Oh dear."

"Well..." I couldn't exactly remember how much Chester knew.

"You know when there was someone following me in town and you had to pick me up?"

"Uh huh..."

"Well...the person who hired them...is here."

"What?"

"They confronted me at school."

"Shit..." He frowned. "Did you call the police?"

"For what? It's not like I have a restraining order or anything."

"Well...uh..."

"Besides, he has...things on me that makes involving the police... complicated."

"Jesus, you don't half have an intense bit of history don't you? Who is this guy..." He smirked and I gave him a flat look. "Anyway, you should call Chance, if he's not still driving..." He said, before grimacing.

"Yeah, I will." I sighed, feeling a little safer. "You just... stay there."

"Will do." He said through gritted teeth, and I walked out.

I paced for a little while before sighing and heading up the stairs.

The temporary phone only had Chance's and Aaron's numbers on. I knew Chance would be probably stressed about Russell, but I had to try.

I tapped my foot restlessly as I sat on the edge of my bed. The phone rang for several minutes, but no one picked up.

I sighed, before switching to Aaron's number. He has his phone on silent when he's at the sanctuary, but if I was lucky maybe he would be looking at the screen. For some reason, Aaron, who is practically a technophobe, will be looking at his phone.

Ugh.

No answer.

I'll go get Chester's phone, not taking any risks.

I chewed on my lip more as I walked down the stairs, almost dropping my phone when it vibrated.

Who would that be...

I unlocked the phone and froze at the notification.

Unknown number.

You've got to be fucking kidding me.

I sighed in irritation before opening the text.

Unknown: wow! Can't believe you ran off on me? You've gotten so rude.

Why is he so fixated on me, I hate this so much.

Unknown: where have you gone off to?

I glared down at the screen before walking into the kitchen.

Unknown: just kidding, I know where you are.

For fucks sake...is he messing with me or is he serious?

Unknown: always wondered about your peculiar choice in pet. Surely a peregrine falcon would eat you right up, my little Dove.

Why is he talking about that...

Unknown: she seems pretty friendly though.

: Fuck off. Stop trying to mess with me.

Unknown: dont you have to have a license for one of these?

: Are you seriously trying to threaten me with a bird license?

Unknown: what? No, haha.

What is his goal here...

Unknown: this might work though:

There was a picture attached and I sighed before opening it.

HOLY SHIT.

Anatara's face was staring back at me, she was perched on a low branch that I recognised to be just outside, his hand was in the corner with a stupid peace sign.

Fuck.

Fuckfuckfuck.

Unknown: she doesn't seem to remember me, maybe I should remind her?

I started to angrily type a reply before just cursing and running into one of the sitting rooms.

"Chester!" I called, annoyed to discover he was asleep.

Wow, he's obviously really concerned about this.

Well fuck that.

"CHESTER!!"

"Whoah, what, Jesus..." He jumped awake and blinked at me.

"Finn's outside. He, he is outside, the guy I'm talking about." I frowned at him when he just blinked at me drowsily.

"Huh..."

"Ugh, Chester this is important. Chance and Aaron aren't picking up so can you call Luca? But be quiet about it, he has a hostage."

He widened his eyes at me, seeming seriously confused.

"Okay, I just woke up, give me a fucking second to gather my bearings."

"Just do it!" I growled before running back into the kitchen. I called Aaron again but wasn't hoping for much.

Obviously Chester can't get up and come with me... fuck, did Finn plant those traps?

He knew where I lived this whole time. Fuck.

Of course, he was manipulating me.

I growled to myself before opening a draw and grabbing a sharp knife.

This bitch is going to regret touching my fucking bird.

I put it up my jumper sleeve before going into the hallway. I bit my lip as I walked out the backdoor and towards the pictures location.

Don't hesitate just go. Don't give your brain a chance to freak out.

I ended the call to Aaron as he obviously wasn't going to answer.

I'm making a bad choice right now aren't I...

No, fuck, do this for Anatara.

"Dove! What a pleasant surprise, I thought you'd be too scared to come out." Finn smiled as I approached and I glared at him.

I glanced at Ana and put my hand out.

Come on... understand me.

"Ah ah ah, none of that." He warned but she'd already taken off, perching on my arm happily.

He huffed, seeming annoyed before putting on a smile.

I nudged her off and she flew a few metres away and perched on a fence post.

I then turned to him with a glare.

"Oh well, you're here now anyway." He chuckled.

"I've called the police so you should probably leave."

"No you haven't. You wouldn't risk it." He smiled.

"Are you going to bet that?"

"Yes. Also because they can't really charge me with much yet."

I glared at him while chewing on the inside of my mouth.

"What is your goal here? What do you want? You know there's CCTV around here right? You've just turned up in the middle of the day in front of a full house."

"Oh dear, you don't think I know exactly how many people are in that house right now?" He chuckled. "And their... current situation. Why they're not at the hospital I don't know, but, no matter."

"So the traps were your doing?"

"Not me personally." He smiled. "Also I know exactly where the CCTV cameras point, and how busy all your housemates will be at this time. Were you able to call any of them?" He tilted his head at me and I clenched my fist.

"Had this planned out huh?"

"Not exactly, I was gathering the information already, but I'm only here myself because you've been so annoying about it."

"I'm so sorry." I gave fine a flat look and he chuckled.

"You've grown such an attitude, maybe it's time to put you down a notch?" He took a step forward and I tensed up.

"Don't you dare come near me."

"Near you? Well how exactly am I supposed to follow through with my punishment if I don't go near you?" He smiled as he slowly started walking towards me.

I took a few steps back as I clenched my hand around my sleeve.

"I'm warning you..."

"Oh dear. You know you're in trouble. And did I ever let you get away with doing bad things? Even once?"

I grabbed onto the handle of the knife as he came within reach.

"Don't make me hurt you."

"Dove, you couldn't hurt me if you tried. Especially after you're missing one or two of those beautiful blue gems of yours."

I grit my teeth before sliding the knife out of my sleeve and slashing at him.

He jumped back in surprise, reaching out to grab my arm, but I moved out of the way before going for his face.

He widened his eyes before his other arm came up and forced me off course. The knife sliced across his cheek before I lost its grip and it clattered to the floor.

He clenched his fist around my arm as I glared at him aggressively.

"That was dangerous." He growled, seeming a little flustered. I spat in his face as he pulled me towards him. He glared at me as he wiped with his sleeve.

"Now I need to think of an extra punishment. You should learn that all of your actions have consequences." He sighed while pulling something out of his pocket.

I widened my eyes as a pistol gleamed in the sunlight.

Fuck.

Of course he has a gun, this is America.

Fuck, what was I thinking.

"Both of these punishments hurt me too, such a shame." He sighed, and I tensed up as he pointed it at me.

He then extended his arm and fired, and I cried out as Anatara's wail hit my ears.

"FUCK YOU!!" I yelled as I tried to struggle free, and he grabbed me in a headlock before ramming the barrel against my temple. "Try anything else and you'll get the same treatment." He warned calmly, and I growled in frustration.

I looked over at her to see a lump on the floor. She was panting erratically, still alive.

Fuck.

Fuck fuck fuck fuck!!!!

"Now we have to get going. Don't worry, I know how to avoid the traps. Unfortunately your housemates do not, even if they do try to find you." He chuckled.

I closed my eyes before letting him drag me into the trees. My fear had now come back, the adrenaline I previously had driving me onwards was gone, and I felt paralysed.

What have I done...I took all the wrong turns.

If I just didn't let him manipulate me... but he knows how I think too well... through many months of torturing me.

I'm on my own.

And it's all my fault.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so so sorry

-

End

Of chapter, I mean lol
Just in case you're worried it's broken like usual.

You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net