Page 34 of Raptor

"Karma has come back around," Micah growls.

"I did nothing wrong," I cry out as he lunges toward me, his knife piercing through my stomach.

"Exactly," he hisses as he kicks at my legs, sending me crashing to the ground in pain. Blood seeps from my stomach wound, staining my clothes and the ground beneath me. "You did nothing, you fucking bitch. Not a damn thing." The pain is excruciating, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction of seeing me suffer.

He unleashes a relentless attack, each kick more powerful than the last. His blows land all over my body, leaving me unable to defend myself. He's like a force of nature, too strong for me to resist. "Please, stop," I plead, gasping for air.

"Never," he snarls, his voice dripping with malice. "This is only the beginning." He laughs maniacally as he grabs my arm and yanks it backwards. A sharp pain shoots through my body as something pops out of place. But he doesn't stop there. With a ferocious growl, he launches himself at me, raining his fists down on my face and chest. I try to fight back, to shake him off, but his strength is overwhelming. Every blow feels like a hammer striking against my skin.

Can this really be happening? Why am I being punished for something I didn't do? I close my eyes, my heart feeling like it's about to burst from my chest. There's no way out of this nightmare.

Micah's hands tighten around my neck, and my vision begins to blur as I struggle to stay conscious. I think he may just kill me this time.

As Micah releases my neck, I try to pull myself together, to find the strength to break free from his grip. But it's no use. He's way too powerful. I try to call out for help, but my voice is gone, silenced by his savage attack.

My body jolts as a rush of air hits me, and the crushing weight on my chest is lifted. I lift my head, watching him sprint toward the truck. My heart begins to race with fear as I wonder what his next move will be. I can’t stay here. What if he comes back?

My arm that he pulled is useless. I can't move it. If I try to, it radiates with pain. With my good hand, I scan around the floor, trying to locate my keys, my gaze firmly on Micah, who's watching me from his truck. My heart is beating so fast, I'm scared I'm going to pass out.

"Ah," I cry when my fingers curl around my keys. I've found them. God, I've found them.

It takes everything I have to lift myself from the ground and open the car door. I won't fail. I will not let that monster win. I throw myself into the car and lock the doors. The second I hear the lock engage, I begin to sob. Every inch of my body is in pain and I'm struggling to breathe, yet all I can do is sob. Tears fall thick and fast as I try to catch my breath, but it's no use. The pain I'm in is taking my breath from me. There's no escaping it.

I hear a heavy engine sound and see Micah reversing the truck from the car park. Relief hits me, but it's short-lived as the pain hits me. He's leaving. God, he's leaving. A rush of breath leaves me and once again my vision starts to blur. This time, I'm unable to fight the darkness. It pulls me under and I welcome it.

I wake to pain,and I blink harshly at the sunlight that's beaming through my window. Fuck. What time is it?

I try to reach for my cell but my arm protests. I have a feeling it's either dislocated or broken. I'm hoping for the former. Twisting slightly, I reach for my cell and see I have a fucking ton of missed calls, all from Ma. I also note that it's almost ten a.m. I've been unconscious for a long time. Shit.

I start the car, praying that I can drive. Right now, I need to get the hell out of here.

I call Ma's number and it connects to the car's Bluetooth. "Mallory," she cries. "Oh, Mallory, are you okay?"

"He found me again, Ma," I cry. "I'm going to get help. I need help, Ma."

"Baby," she breathes. "What do you want me to do? I'll come to you."

"No," I shout. "I need you and Shay to be safe. Please, Ma, please don't leave the house."

I hear her sobs. I hate that I'm hurting her. I wish there was something I could do, but everything is so fucked up right now. "Ma?—"

"I feel useless. You're my daughter, Mallory. I should be able to protect you."

"You're protecting Shay, Ma. That's all I want. Please. I'll call you when I can. I love you. Please let Shay know that I love him."

There's a sharp intake of breath. "No," she shouts. "No, you will come home to him. Do you understand, Mallory? You are coming home to him."

I can't stop the tears from falling. I don't think I can. The pain I'm in is too much. I feel weak. I'm not sure I have the energy for this anymore.

"You do not give up," she sobs. "Please, love, don't give up. Your baby needs you."

"I love you," I cry. "I won't give up."

"I love you too, Mallory. Call me when you need me or when you're safe."

"I will," I promise her and end the call. I know she hates that she can't be with me, but right now this is what has to happen. I'll never live with myself if something happens to Shay. I couldn't survive the guilt.

I grit my teeth, thankful Ma persuaded me to get an automatic car. I don't need to use my bad arm. I just need to get to Raptor. I know if I can make it to the clubhouse, I'll be fine.

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